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Revision Record
This table shall be completed for each revision / amendment
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CONTENT
1.0 Policy to Safely Produce or Utilize a Well
2.0 Basic SCSSV design concepts and operations
3.0 Maintenance of SCSSV
4.0 Matrix of SCSSV Issues and Recommended Actions
5.0 Trouble-Shooting SCSSV Flowchart
6.0 Trouble-shooting SCSSV Control Line Flowchart
7.0 Preventive / Maintenance / Trouble-Shooting & Diagnostic Procedures
7.1 Maintenance Cycling
7.2 SCSSV leaking > API Criteria
7.3 Surface Control Line Leak
7.4 Excessive Control Line Returns
7.5 Jammed Close SCSSV
7.6 SCSSV Slam Test
7.7 Christmas Tree Cavity Test
8.0 SCSSV Control Line Diagnostic Procedures
9.0 Control Line Hydraulic Fluid
10.0 Control Line Hydraulic Fluid Return Volume Estimates
11.0 Maximum Flow rate Guidelines For Slam Testing
12.0 Distribution List
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It is a standard practice on offshore wells to have a fail-safe Surface Controlled Subsurface Safety
Valve (SCSSV) and a fail-safe Upper Master Valve or Surface Safety Valve (UMV/SSV) installed.
These valves are singled out as having a critical role to play in well safety. The primary purpose of
the SCSSV is to protect the environment in a major disaster situation e.g. collapsed of jacket, and is
therefore installed below seabed.
The primary purpose of the SSV is to shut-in the well during facility emergency situation. In order to
ensure the continuing integrity of these valves, regular closure tests have to be performed.
To produce or utilize a well, the SCSSV and SSV MUST hold pressure (have integrity). These
valves MUST pass a leak test.
This document is to assist on-site personnel to trouble-shoot/ maintain SCSSV related issues prior
to downhole intervention repairs.
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The Sub-Surface Safety Valve (SSSV), pronounce as “Triple SV”, is a critical safety device installed
in the tubing string of a well. It is designed to prohibit flow of hydrocarbon from the wellbore in the
event of an emergency. Specifically, its purpose is to prevent an uncontrolled flow of hydrocarbons
to the surface (i.e. blow-out) due to a catastrophic event, the wellhead is rendered inoperable. In
other words, the SSSV is the first line of defense against well blow-out.
Example : Due to a violent storm, a production platform is ripped from its legs and toppled over into
the sea. In the process, several wellheads are torn off. A properly operating SSSV will shut-in the
well, below the ocean floor, and prevent hydrocarbon from blowing uncontrollably to the surface.
The SSSV was originally designed for this purpose, and it is therefore sometimes referred to as a
Storm Choke or Valve.
Requirement
Industry expectations for offshore operations and domestically as required by PPGUA (section 7.4),
installation of Surface Controlled Subsurface Safety Valve (SCSSV) is a requirement for all wells
exposed to hydrocarbon sand. Per PPGUA, they are to be installed in the tubing string and located
at least 30m below the seafloor.
To ensure compliance that SCSSVs are functioning per expectations, SCSSV must be tested
before it is put into operation at every six months interval.
1) Tubing Retrievable SCSSV (TR-SCSSV), in which the SCSSV is installed/retrieved with the
tubing string, and
2) Wireline Retrievable (WR-SCSSV), whereby the principal safety-valve components can be run
and retrieved on slickline.
The TR-SCSSV is a more robust and offers a larger internal flow diameter. This helps eliminate
turbulence and increases production capabilities. It also allows full-bore access to the tubing string
below the valve. One disadvantage, in some instances, is its large OD. This may limit the size of
tubing that can be run into certain casing sizes. To service the TR-SCSSV, the tubing string must be
retrieved. To avoid this and extend the life of the completion, it is possible to disable the valve
permanently by locking it open and install an “Insert WR-SCSSV”. When the valve is locked open,
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the inherent TR-SCSSV design will expose a port which allows hydraulic CL pressure to
communicate with the tubing. The Insert Valve can then be inserted into the seal bore set across the
locked open TR-SCSSV. This enables the well to continue production without interruption.
WR-SCSSV can be retrieved and serviced without pulling the tubing string out of the hole. Because
of the design and the use of elastomeric seals, they are somewhat less reliable than the tubing-
retrievable version. WR-SCSSV has smaller ID, and reduces flow area for production to pass
through. The reduction in ID can create a pressure drop across the valve and turbulence in the
tubing above it. In high-flow-rate wells, turbulence can lead to erosion of the valve or tubing string.
Access to the tubing string below the valve is restricted when the WR-SCSSV is installed. The valve
must be removed before performing any through-tubing workover or wireline operations below the
valve. One of the major disadvantages of WR-SCSSV is, if the valve is not set properly in its profile,
it could unintentionally release causing potential well control situation.
1) Insert Valve (IV) is installed when the TR-SCSSV is unable to function normally. The TR-
SCSSV has to be Lock-Open and the IV is installed at the nipple profile built-in the TR-SCSSV.
The IV is controlled at surface via the same CL from the TR-SCSSV. Well with IV installed
would require more CL hydraulic fluid volume.
2) Storm Choke (SC) is installed when the TR-SCSSV CL is not accessible due to failure of the
TR-SCSSV such as broken flapper, broken CL, plugged CL etc. In this case a Storm Choke is
installed at any nipple profile & it is controlled downhole/subsurface via the change in flow-rate,
pressure & temperature of the well. In other word, it is not controlled at surface using WHCP as
in the case for IV. Use of Storm Choke requires prior approval from Petronas.
The SCSSV valve sealing mechanism design can either be the flapper type or ball type valve
assembly. Only the flapper type is used in Repsol’s well. This design allows fluid to be pumped
through the SCSSV in a case of emergency.
SCSSV Operation
All SCSSVs operate in a ‘fail-safe’ mode with hydraulic pressure applied to the CL to hold open the
valve. The valve will close if the hydraulic pressure is released/ lost.
In general, to open any valve, the pressure across the valve must be equalized prior to opening the
valve i.e. zero pressure differential across the valve to be opened.
Similarly, the pressure across the SCSSV must be equalized prior to opening. When a well is
closed, the pressure above and below the SCSSV may or may not be the same or equalized.
To open the self-equalizing valve, the pressure across the SCSSV need not be equalized for
opening. The valve has a feature where a port provides automatic equalization at certain pressure.
However, sufficient time will be given to allow equalization to take place.
The non-self-equalizing valve, on the other hand, requires the well to be equalized above (using
external pressure source) and below the safety valve.
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The valve is controlled or operated by hydraulic pressure through a continuous capillary line or
Control Line (CL) strapped to the OD of the production tubing. The OD of the CL is typically 0.25”
with thickness of 0.049”. At the surface, the CL is connected from the Wellhead CL Exit Block to the
surface control facilities or the Wellhead Control Panel (WHCP). Most SCSSV operates using one
nd
CL. However, there are also SCSSVs that use two CLs to operate or manipulate (the 2 is mainly to
lock and unlock the valve).
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Refer to the schematic below for basic operation of Surface Controlled TR-SCSSV or Insert Valve:
Caution : Failure to equalize the SCSSV prior to opening it could result in damaging the SCSSV
mechanism beyond repair.
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The SCSSV is normally closed, fail-safe-close valve. This means that with no hydraulic pressure
applied to the control line, the SCSSV will remain closed.
When sufficient hydraulic pressure is applied in the SCSSV control line, the valve opens. When the
hydraulic pressure is bled-off, the valve closes.
All SCSSV are similar in their basic operations. The valve is held close by and internal power spring,
which acts on the main cylinder. To open the valve, sufficient hydraulic pressure must be exerted on
the cylinder to overcome the spring force, as well as any internal friction forces.
Please refer to manufacturer’s SCSSV operating manual for proper operating procedures, including
the required pressure to hold open the SCSSV.
As a rule of thumb,
Where,
P(ho) = Pressure required to hold open SCSSV
Valve Opening Pressure = As specified by the vendor’s design datasheet. Please consult Well Integrity Engineer for detail.
SITHP = Shut-in Tubing Head Pressure
ITHP = Injecting Tubing Head Pressure
The Flapper Mechanism of the SCSSV holds pressure in only one direction i.e. from below. It
prevents any flow from the reservoir to the surface.
By design, it will not hold pressure from above. Thus, it is possible to pump through a closed SCSSV
from above the valve. While this is possible, it is very damaging to the valve, and should never be
attempted, except with an approved program from the Wells Dept.
Care should be taken while equalizing any well, as there is tendency to pump through the SCSSV
during the operations.
In order to open a closed SCSSV, the tubing pressure across the SCSSV must be equalized.
It is not possible to open a closed SCSSV unless the tubing pressure above the closed valve is
equal to or greater than the tubing pressure below the valve.
As mentioned earlier, the SCSSV holds pressure from below only. Therefore, once the pressure
above the SCSSV exceeds the pressure below the SCSSV, the valve will crack open and allow flow
from below. At this point, the valve is equalized.
Once the valve is equalized, the appropriate amount of hydraulic pressure will open the valve. The
amount of hydraulic pressure to open a closed SCSSV is the same pressure required to hold the
SCSSV open, as long as the SCSSV is equalized.
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On a self-equalizing valve, the equalization is done automatically via a port integral to the
SCSSV. Other steps to open SCSSV are similar.
Due to the size of the 5-1.2” tubing and the setting depth of the SCSSV, it may requires a big
volume of gas to equalize a valve. Thus, longer time may be required during the equalization
process.
REMEMBER! It is very important that the SCSSV must be equalized, before it can be
opened. If the SCSSV has not been equalized, excessive hydraulic pressure will not
open the valve. Continued application of hydraulic pressure on SCSSV, which is not
equalized can reduce the life of the valve.
Please refer to manufacturer’s SCSSV operating manual, for proper operating procedures.
The SCSSV will close when the hydraulic pressure is bled to zero.
The SCSSV is tied in to the platform Emergency Shutdown (ESD) system via the hydraulic control
line panel. Upon activation of the ESD, the panel will bleed off the SCSSV hydraulic control line
pressure to zero, causing the SCSSV to close. The SSV is also tied-in to the same system. Refer to
“Well Shutdown Logic” for the closing sequence of various valves.
The SCSSV will also close whenever the hydraulic control line pressure is lower than the pressure
required to hold open the SCSSV.
When the SCSSV is bled to zero, the amount of hydraulic fluid returned to surface should be
approximately the same as the amount going in during opening, i.e. approximately 160-250ml.
However, in a lot of cases, the return amount can be either less or more. If less hydraulic fluid is
returned, it may indicate that the SCSSV is jammed in open position. Pressure test of the SCSSV
can confirm if the SCSSV is closed.
Quite often during cycling of the SCSSV, the returned fluid is more than the theoretical volume or
even gas blowing back continuously or intermittently. This may be due to hydraulic fluid expansion
inside the control line, or may be an indication of well fluid entering the hydraulic control line system.
In this case, it takes longer time to take the full fluid return at the surface
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Other Information
To overcome a complete SCSSV system failure, especially when it involves concerns with CL (e.g.,
due to unrepairable CL leaks/communication or debris plugged) an negate expensive pull tubing
repairs, some operators elected to install a completely redundant safety-valve landing nipple (SVLN)
as back-up. This is installed as part of the completion string during initial well completion. When the
primary TR-SCSSV system failed, it will be locked open and a WR-SCSSV installed in the back-up
SVLN system. The SVLN system is similar or the same as the WR-SCSSV system.
In the absence of the SVLN, the Subsurface Controlled Subsurface Safety Valve (SSCSSV), e.g.,
Storm Choke, which is less reliable, will be installed but subject to prior regulatory (PPGUA)
approval. Unlike the SCSSV, the SSCSV requires frequent testing to determine it is still functioning,
especially if there is changing well condition/ parameters.
The surface-control system shall include the elements necessary to sense abnormal conditions that
may contribute to uncontrolled well flow and shall transmit the necessary signal to close the SCSSV.
A high/low level sensor may also be placed on the supply tank of hydraulic systems to warn of
abnormal operating conditions, e.g. well flowing through control line or a leaking control line. A low-
pressure pilot can also be installed on the pump discharge.
All elements of the integrated system are analyzed for potential hazards that may render the system
vulnerable to failure or may preclude safe use (example, automatic resets shall not be incorporated
in the control system since this feature may cause the SCSSV to reopen when it should remain
closed).
The SCSSV surface-control system is integrated with the surface safety system to avoid duplication.
The integrated system includes features whereby routine production upsets do not result in closure
of the SCSSV(s).
Per API, closure of the SCSSV under full well-flow conditions (i.e., slam shut) should be avoided.
This is to prevent unnecessary damage to the SCSSV system. A delay is incorporated between
closure of the tree valves controlled by the ESD and the SCSSV. The opening sequence is reversed
when returning well back to normal operation.
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Back Pressure Manifold (BPM) or Back Pressure Relieve Valve is to Maintain SCSSV Control Line
Pressure in case of ‘1-way seal failure’. The BPM allows a certain pressure to be trapped in the
control line. This trapped pressure is low enough to allow the SCSSV to be closed at all flowing
conditions, but at the same time high enough to give a positive pressure differential across the seal.
The check valve ensures hydraulic fluid can only flow from the panel towards the well. Reverse flow
is forced to go through the relief valve. The relief valve can be set to any pressure.
When the panel pressure gets bled off (due to ESD or other event), the relief valve will only bleed to
the set pressure – thereby trapping the predefined setting pressure in the control line.
After the installation, the BPM will be tested and determine to be in good condition at anytime during
well shut in. As a routine check, BPM testing will be part of PMR task and the test result will be
recorded in PMR test report.
Note:
As BPM is not part of the original SCSSV design/ installation, an approved MOC is required for its
use. To track the cumulative risk to the asset/ platform site, each well must have its own
independent MOC (vs generic).
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3 Maintenance of SCSSV
3.1 General
Due to the simplicity of the SCSSV, it requires minimal maintenance. There are, however, several
things that can be done to extend the life of the valve reliability and ensure technical integrity.
The table below summarizes the SCSSV maintenance requirement and roles and responsibilities:
Newly Integrity Test Once a month for the first 3 Prod. Operator
Installed months. Bi-annual thereafter.
SCSSV
Storm Integrity Test/ CDFT (MANDATORY) Every 3 months as required Prod. Operator
Choke by Regulator
Note:
All Maintenance and test results must be forwarded to the Well Integrity Engineers for review.
(*) It is recommended to perform cycling one every 2 months or whenever there is any opportunity during
unplanned well Shut-In time. This is to prevent seizing of the valve.
Month
Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Cycl e Every 2 months Every 2 months Every 2 months Every 2 months Every 2 months Every 2 months
CDFT i mmedi a tel y a fter i ns ta l l a ti on Monthly Monthly Monthly
Routi ne CDFT 6-monthly 6 monthly
Hyd Fl ui d Moni tori ng Regularly
Hydra ul i c Fl ui d Cha nge-out Every two years
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The SCSSV hydraulic fluid shall be compatible as specified during the well handover by Drilling &
Completion Dept. The fluid shall be kept clean at all times. The reservoir containing the fluid shall be
monitored regularly. Any water, oil, sand or debris found in the hydraulic fluid should be cleaned out
immediately.
Due to the tight clearance inside the CL and inside the piston chamber, any debris in the hydraulic
fluid can clog these areas and prevent the required pressure from reaching the valve mechanism.
This can result in jamming the SCSSV and renders it inoperable.
No sealant or any other foreign substances should be pumped into the hydraulic CL system unless
authorized by the Wells Department.
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Note:
1) Assume no compatibility issues between the Control Line metallurgy and fluids in the operating environment (GL gas, packer fluid, and produced fluid).
2) Use of SSCSSV (eg Storm Choke) is subject to PETRONAS’ approval and is temporary (with MOC approval or Dispensation).
3) Refer to Section 4.0 & 5.0 for Trouble-Shooting Guide Flowchart for SCSSV & Control Line.
4) Use a Hand-Pump during any SCSSV/CL diagnostic work. Refer to Page 8 Wellhead Exit Block Schematic for the location to hook-up the Hand-Pump.
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Is Valve CYCLE CL
Functioning? 10-100X
NO YES
NO
Pass Leak
YES Rate Criteria?
IF NO SUCCESS & SLICKLINE AT PLATFORM
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TR
Isolate Needle
YES Full number NO Potential WR-
Valve at WH Exit
Block turns SCSSV dislodged
observed?
YES
Trouble Shoot at
WHCP System
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When a problem related to SCSSV is encountered, Production Operation shall make attempt to
identify & rectify the problem as best as they can. At the same time, report the problem to the Well
Integrity Engineer via email or telephone.
The following sections provide the guidance for Production Operation & Well Integrity/Intervention
Supervisor to perform the diagnostic work:
All SCSSV SHALL be exercised by on-site Operations Personnel by cycling or "stroking" the
valve at least once in every two (2) months at any convenient time especially when the well
experience unplanned Shut-in. By regulation, the SCSSV cycling of once every six months is
required for all wells, regardless of whether or not the well is active or idle & this is typically done
during the six-monthly PMR. Any SCSSV from a well that have been recently completed but not
utilized yet due to waiting on flowlines tie-in or other reasons, shall also be cycled regularly until it is
fully brought into service.
Under normal operating conditions, the SCSSV stays open. Only in the case of a shutdown or other
special operation does the valve close. Since the SCSSV is required to be tested once every six
months, theoretically it could be that long between utilization. Wells which are known to produce
sand, scale, and/or wax should be cycled more frequently. For key producers and injectors, it is
recommended that Production Operations personnel schedule a bi-monthly (every 2 monthly)
preventive pressure cycling of the CL of these wells, or whenever opportunity exist, as a prevention
of a SCSSV failure.
The benefit of cycling the SCSSV is that it keeps wellbore debris from forming in the area where the
piston must move up in order for the valve to close. This is especially true for wells which have a
tendency to produce sand, scale, and/or wax. A build-up of one or more of these materials in the
piston-stroking area will prohibit the valve from closing. Cycling of the SCSSV will keep this critical
area "scraped" clean, and help to keep the valve functioning properly.
Additionally, the cycling of the SCSSV helps keep the valve from "seizing" due to non-use. It also
helps to keep the elastomers in the valve from becoming permanently deformed by remaining in the
same position for too long.
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Observe if there are any excessive returns to bleed off CL and whether CL pressure will remain
at zero.
End of Procedure
NOTE:
Cycling the SCSSV is not leak testing the valve, it is merely a "stroking" or "exercising" of
the valve, designed to help keep the SCSSV in good operating condition.
Note that if the SITHP is not allowed to stabilize, it may be necessary to EQUALIZE the
pressure across the SCSSV in order to re-open the SCSSV.
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Surface leak is any leak from the CL connection at the WH to the WHCP, Hydraulic Fluid
reservoir/tank and the pump.
# Steps Remarks
1 Close CL needle valve at WH
2 Pressure test CL from WHCP to 5000 psi & Observe for external leaks and pump
monitor for 15mins to test it against CL stroke that will indicate a surface leak.
needle valve at WH.
3 Production Operations is to repair any
discovered surface CL leaks (e.g., pump,
WHCP, surface connections, etc.).
# Steps Remarks
1 Perform SCSSV cycling per Section 7.1.
2 Perform surface check on CL per Section
7.3.
3 Bleed off CL pressure to close SCSSV. Record CL fluid (gas/Hyd Oil/ Crude/
Monitor and record A-Annulus pressure Water) and time taken to bleed down CLP.
(PCP), THP and CLP as the CLP is being If CL pressure is able to be bled zero,
bled down. there is no downhole surface
communication via CL.
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# Steps Remarks
1 Perform SCSSV cycling per Section 7.1. If attempts to cycle SCSSV failed (i.e., no
piston movement improvement observed),
well to be intervened to mechanically
exercise valve with WL exercise tool.
NOTE:
Slam testing under full well flow is disallowed. Slam testing is to be carried out under
controlled and limited flow. (See Guidance for allowable flowrate for SCSSV slam testing).
# Steps Remarks
1 Cycle and function TR-SCSSV using a hand Observe and record hydraulic fluid
pump. returns that will indicate whether
SCSSV is functioning normally.
Determine whether SCSSV flow-tube/
piston movement is observable based
on hydraulic fluid pressure change while
pressuring up CL.
2 With SCSSV flapper closed, bleed off THP Determine whether SCSSV leak rate is
and monitor THP build-up for 60 minutes. acceptable.
3 If SCSSV is still leaking, repeat step 1 & 2. If SCSSV leak rate is still unacceptable,
proceed to leak test per the following
steps. Otherwise, return well to normal
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operations.
4 Open SCSSV. Ensure pressure across SCSSV is
equalized before opening SCSSV.
5 Adjust production choke size to obtain the Recommended flowrate for slam testing is
desired flowrate for the slam test. Section 9.0.
6 Once the desired flowrate has been verified, The CL Hydraulic Pressure bleed-off must
immediately bleed off CL hydraulic pressure. be a “sudden” release without hesitation.
7 Repeat the check on SCSSV leak rate per If SCSSV leak rate is acceptable, repeat
step 2. steps 1 and 2. Return well to
Operations.
If vale failed leak test, repeat procedure
from step 4. If after 3 full slam test is
performed the SCSSV still fail leak test,
shut-in well and report to Well Integrity
Engineer.
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NOTE:
# Steps Remarks
1 Record SITHP
2 Inspect the test port fitting Stop the work if the port is found not
operatable. Report to town.
3 Install high pressure bleeder tool on to test port Record the pressure reading (if any).
fitting, sting-in for any pressure and record
4 Bleed off any pressure through the high If the pressure is not able to be bled off
pressure bleeder tool to zero after 10 minutes, unseat the stinger and
secure the port. Report to town.
5 Install high pressure bleeder tool onto SBMS If the pressure is not able to be bled off
seal monitor port, sting-in for any pressure and after 10 minutes, unseat the stinger and
record. Bleed off any pressure to zero and leave secure the port. Report to town.
high pressure tool as it is.
6 Hook up test pump on to the cavity test port and Ensure the test pump is connected to
fill up the cavity. Report cavity volume filled by “Cavity Test Port” not “Monitor Port”.
hydraulic fluid. Failure to do so will damage the Metal to
Continue pumping to pressure test to 3,000 psi Metal seal on the Tubing Hanger Neck.
for 10 minutes. Monitor any pressure coming
out through high pressure bleeder tool on SBMS
seal monitor port (document it and report if any).
7 Upon completion of the pressure test, remove Visually inspect the test port check-ball
test pump, bleed off pressure completely to zero is properly seated on its profile.
using the high pressure bleeder tool.
8 Apply grease on test port fitting and install cap. Ensure all test port is properly secured
to the wellhead and Christmas tree.
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1) Surface between the Wellhead Control Panel (WHCP) and the Exit Block at the Tubing Head, or
2) Inside the Wellhead and Xmas Tree cavity (lose fitting inside the Exit Block), or
3) Communication to the annulus via Control Line fitting, or
4) Communication to the tubing inside the TR-SCSSV, or
5) This is rare but possibly at above and below the tubing hanger. TR-SCSSV control line is a one
continuous line from the Exit Block to the TR-SCSSV. This line is fed through the tubing hanger
body and secured above and below the body by Swagelock fittings. Improper make up or
fatigue could lead to over-stressing the control line causing it to leak; or
6) Any combination of the above.
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General Guidelines:
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DETAIL PROCEDURES
A. To Check Integrity of TR-SCSSV Hydraulic Control Line From WHCP to Exit Block.
1) Bleed off Control Line Pressure (CLP) to 0 psi.
2) Isolate the CL at the needle valve (upstream of Pressure Gauge) of the Exit Block at the A-
Section Wellhead (Tubing Head).
3) Pressure up CL from the WHCP to 500/5,000 psi and monitor for 5/30mins. This is to test he
integrity of the control line to the Exit Block. Record Pressure as follows :
Time (min) Pressure at Exit Block (psi) Pressure at WHCP (psi)
0 0 Pressure up to 5,000 psi
5
15
30
NOTE:
a. If pressure hold, proceed to Section B.
b. If pressure unable to hold, inform Production to troubleshoot problem at the WHCP or at the
CL.
c. If well requires higher pressure to hold open TR-SCSSV, increase the CL test pressure
accordingly.
8) Bleed down CL pressure to 0 psi. Repeat and perform this step a total of 3 times.
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Note:
a) CL integrity is good when it can hold the required pressure & after bleeding off pressure to
zero, no gas or HC is coming back to surface.
b) While pressuring up CL, note and record the TR-SCSSV opening pressure. Plot the graph
for each cycle to ensure consistency of valve opening pressure.
c) If leak off is observed, report the CLP when it starts to leak off.
d) Inform Well Integrity Engineer (WIE). WIE may request to hold CLP at different pressure.
9) If CL bleed back gas/HC to surface, proceed to cycle the CL as per Halliburton Procedures.
10) If NO further diagnostic is required i.e. CL integrity is good, then :
a) Cycle the CL for 10 times as per Halliburton Procedures (if not done yet). Record and
plot the CL pressure.
b) Record the volume of fluid return and describe the condition of the fluid.
c) Once completed, ensure to bleed off pressure to 0 psi and maintain 0 psi for 15 mins.
Ensure to have double barriers before breaking off any pressure containment.
11) Restore all equipment/tool back to the original state. Pressure test as required before
handing over to normal service.
12) Head of Well Integrity to advise Production whether to bring well back online or to remain
shut-in.
NOTE:
At this stage, any potential leak in the CLP at surface is either eliminated or identified :
a) If the leak is into the cavity, proceed to repair the fittings inside the Exit Block as per OEM’s
procedures.
CAUTION: The control line is wrapped around the tubing hanger neck and fed to the Exit
Block. Remove the Exit Block carefully to avoid the control line coiling back inside the
wellhead. If this happened, removal of the XT is required to reach the end of control line.
b) If the leak is downhole (Failure Mode 3 or 4 or may be 5), then it may require :
1) Pumping a sealant, or
2) Exercise the TR-SCSSV using Slickline method.
3) All the above. To be confirmed by WIE.
c) If it is necessary to establish any communication to the PCP or A-Annulus (Failure Mode 3),
proceed to Section C.
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1) Ensure to have some positive pressure inside the annulus (approximately 500 psi or existing
GL source pressure). This can be achieved either using the gas lift source or using external
or auxillary pump.
2) After reaching the desired pressure in the annulus, pressure up CL to 500/5,000 psi using
the hand pump and monitor for 1 hour. Monitor and record as follows:
CLP at Hand SITHP PCP Cavity
Time Remarks
Pump (psi) (psi) (psi) (psi)
0
5
10
15
30
60
Longer if
needed
NOTE:
a) For any well without gas lift source or line, an auxiallary fluid pump will be needed to
pressure test the A-Annulus. The pump shall be rigged up to the well ensuring the required
two (2) barriers to be in place.
b) A change in CLP and/or annulus may indicate a leak at the CL connection to the TR-
SCSSV.
c) At this stage, conclusion can be made whether there is any leak to the tubing inside the TR-
SCSSV.
4) Once all the diagnostic is completed, bleed down all pressures to 0 psi. Annulus pressure
may be maintained to allow well to be on gas lift.
5) Restore all equipment/tool back to the original state. Pressure test as required before
handing over to normal service.
6) Report all findings to the Well Integrity Engineer. Further action may be required as
instructed by Well Integrity Engineer.
7) Head of Well Integrity to advise Production whether to bring well back online or to remain
shut-in.
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The control line fluid selected must be stable under all well conditions including temperature and
pressure changes; and compatible with the elastomers and metal with which the control line fluid will
be in contact. The use of water-based or water-diluted hydraulic fluids is not generally
recommended, the exception being for deep well requirements.
The following fluid characteristics require specific consideration when selecting a hydraulic fluid for
SCSSV operation:
fluid viscosity
corrosion inhibiting characteristic
biological growth inhibiting characteristic
long-term fluid stability
fluid-seal compatibility
fluid filterability and cleanliness
1. Fluid viscosity: Viscosity is an important parameter since it influences the pressure loss in the
conduits and consequently also the system response, it also, to a certain extent, affects the
lubricating properties of the fluid required for the moving parts in the valves and actuators.
Especially in deep wells, a highly viscous fluid could slow down the response time to an
unacceptable level.
2. Corrosion inhibiting characteristics: Corrosion can occur internally in the hydraulic system due to
the presence of oxygen in the hydraulic fluid and in the air on top of the fluid in the storage tank.
To combat internal corrosion, inhibitors are normally added to the hydraulic fluids; the
effectiveness of these additives in the long term will depend on conditions and precautionary
measures such as:
fluid de-aeration
surface wetting characteristics
material compatibility with the corrosion inhibitor
3. Biological growth inhibiting characteristics: Mineral oils and the water-soluble fluids may
deteriorate due to biological growth. To prevent this, bactericide dopes are added to these
fluids. These bactericides will generally be selected for types or growth that may be expected in
the application for the hydraulic fluids.
4. Long-term fluid stability: Subsea systems may operate over extended time periods with little or
no flushing of the hydraulic fluid taking place. Consequently the fluid stability is of paramount
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importance. To obtain the required stability the hydraulic fluid will contain additives like anti-
oxidants and emulsifiers.
5. Seal material compatibility: In the hydraulic components, elastomer seals (static and dynamic)
are exposed to the hydraulic fluid in the system. Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon, Fluor), Fluor
elastomer (Viton) and silicon rubber seal materials are not affected by the fluids irrespective of
temperature and fluid type.
6. Fluid filterability and cleanliness: To meet the fluid cleanliness requirements, fluid filters are
used in the system. Components in the hydraulic system that will generate contamination (or
particles) include the hydraulic pump unit, the final control element and the fluid storage vessel.
By fitting filters at the pump suction, as well as the pump discharge, at the system fluid return line
and at the storage vessel aeration opening, the fluid cleanliness can be maintained. The filter size
must be adapted to the fluid flow rate, the allowable number of particles in the fluid and the expected
interval between filter element changes
When filters with fine mesh sizes are required to meet the fluid cleanliness the selected fluid should
not contain additives that will be filtered out. Synthetic or mineral fluid filterability may change
considerably when contaminated with water or sea water.
Fluid cleanliness is expressed by the particle size distribution of a fluid sample (typically 100 ml).
The distribution is determined either by optical means (counting particles on a standardised filter
using a microscope) or by an automatic particle counter. A convenient method is to count the
number of particles greater than e.g. 5 microns in 100 of fluid.
System flushing
To be able to obtain the fluid cleanliness with the fluid in the system, generally the system tubing
and all hydraulic components in the system have to be flushed clean using a flushing fluid. Care
should be taken that this fluid is compatible with the materials applied in the system and with the
fluid that will ultimately be used in the system. When filling the system with hydraulic fluid, filters
must be used on the filling connections to make sure that the fluid is of the correct cleanliness. It is
recommended that detailed flushing and filling procedures are incorporated at the system design
phase.
Containers for hydraulic fluid should be kept sealed until required for use, especially in very humid
conditions, as some fluids are hydroscopic by nature and will absorb moisture from the atmosphere.
The presence of even small quantities of water can initiate corrosion. In a dusty/sandy environment
the fluid should be filtered into the equipment tank and every precaution taken to preclude entry of
dirt into the tank.
System response
For the hydraulic system specification, the actuation speed is an important parameter, this speed
determined by:
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Of these, only the viscosity is relevant when selecting the fluid; the other parameters are either fixed
by the field lay-out or relevant to the selection of other system parts.
When deep setting hydraulically operated SCSSV, the use of synthetic or mineral oils may not be
practical due to their relatively high viscosity when compared to water-based fluids, resulting in an
excessively long response time.
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12 Distribution List
Name Title Company Type