Wellhead innovations for hot, high-pressure wells

Journal Article · Mon Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 1983 · J. Pet. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/10460-PA· OSTI ID:5880723

Coxe, B; Pyle, C L

Mobil Oil Indonesia's (MOI's) Arun wells produce gas at rates up to 150 MMscf/D (4.25 X 10/sup 6/ m/sup 3//d). The gas contains 14% CO/sub 2/, and up to 100 ppm H/sub 2/S. The flowing wellhead temperature is about 325/sup 0/F (163/sup 0/C). The original shut-in surface pressure was 5,800 psi (40 MPa). Failure of the resilient wellhead casing seals occurred in about 40% of the wells. This was attributed primarily to the effects of high flowing wellhead temperatures and to temperature cycling between flowing and shut-in conditions. MOI decided that a metal-to-metal seal, between the 9 5/8-in. (24.5-cm) casing long string and wellhead, was required to ensure a long-term effective wellhead seal for Arun producing conditions. Wellhead metal-to-metal seals of the size and type required for 9 5/8-in. (24.5-cm) casing did not exist anywhere in the industry. The authors worked with the manufacturers of the wellheads used in Arun who designed, tested, and manufactured metal-to-metal wellhead seals. Special tools were developed to field-machine the casing so that an effective metal-to-metal seal is obtained between the casing and the wellhead.

• Research Organization: Mobil Exploration and Producing Services Inc.
• OSTI ID: 5880723
• Journal Information: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Pet. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 35:2; ISSN JPTJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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