Using a digital position sensing solution, an operator in the Middle East improved personnel safety and saved rig time when installing internal wellhead components offshore. Through real-time monitoring and analysis, the system provided the operator with confidence that the wellhead equipment had been correctly installed.

Wellhead installation is crucial to the drilling process and critical to ensuring the future productivity of a well. Manual methods are typically used to verify the correct placement of each component during installation of a wellhead system. These methods draw inferences by using space-outs and weight indications and by opening valve outlets to check scribe marks made on internal components. However, these practices are hard to execute accurately in the field and can lead to errors that result in costly unplanned downtime.

SLB recommended using the wellhead installation digital position sensing solution to mitigate risks such as the misalignment of components and stuck casing. This, in turn, would decrease the likelihood of errors occurring that would impact hanger and packer installation during well construction.

SLB recommended using the wellhead installation digital position sensing solution to mitigate risks such as the misalignment of components and stuck casing. This, in turn, would decrease the likelihood of errors occurring that would impact hanger and packer installation during well construction.

The operator implemented the solution to install a casing hanger in an offshore well. The digital position sensors, which monitor the positioning of the internal wellhead components, were mounted onto the exterior of the wellhead housing.

As the hanger was being installed, the sensors reported the real-time position to the solution’s automated workflow software, which is run from a tablet. Data analysis returned a binary signal of green, indicating a correct landing. A red signal would have indicated that the hanger was not properly landed.

The successful use of the wellhead installation digital position sensing solution during this installation eliminated the need to drain the BOP stack and open the side outlet valves to visually confirm the hanger was locked.

The solution saved 2 hours of rig time and further enhanced the reliability of the wellhead equipment. The use of the digital position sensing solution also decreased the HSE risk to personnel by eliminating the need for them to work in confined spaces near the wellhead area.