Surface Test Tree - Flowhead

Flowhead - surface test tree consists of four gate valves: a master valve, two wing valves, and a swab valve. The
outlet wing valve is opened and closed using an hydraulic actuator. Above the swab valve is a lifting subassembly
(sub) with a threaded connection. The threaded connection is often called a quick union. The quick union is used to
connect auxiliary pressure equipment which is needed if tools are to be run downhole. Some flowheads have a
protection frame bolted to the main block to prevent damage to the valves during handling. Beneath the optional
swivel are the master valve assembly and the bottom sub. In order to raise and lower a drill stem test (DST) string,
elevators (clamps) are attached to the flowhead.

Basic to the operation of the flowhead is the opening and closing of valves in a particular sequence or order
depending on what operation needs to be done. The following list describes several common operations and provides
figures that show the typical status of the valves for these operations. The valve settings may change depending on
whether other operations must be performed simultaneously.
The handling sub also provides an interface to the surface wireline or coiled tubing equipment. A dynamic swivel is
located between the main valve block and the lower master valve, allowing rotation of the string without rotating the
flowhead, and preventing any rig movement from transferring torque into the riser or landing string.

Swivel
The flowhead swivel is inserted between the master valve and the main valve block. It allows the subsurface
equipment to be rotated with respect to the main flowhead block. Using a swivel, it is possible to rotate the
subsurface equipment without disconnecting the flow line or the kill line. An example of this is using the swivel to set
the drill stem test (DST) packer downhole. Another example is to re-latch the subsurface connection used with
floating rigs.
The swivel is designed to allow rotation of the subsurface string while supporting the weight of the whole subsurface
string. Roller bearings are used to support the significant weight of the test string and the downhole tools. Ball
bearings are used to support the lighter weight of the flowhead and the equipment above the flowhead.
The swivel should not be rotated under pressure which means that it is not designed to hold the pressure when
submitted to a continuous rotating movement like in drilling operations. The most common applications (as mentioned
earlier) are done with the pressure close or equal to zero at a very low rotating speed . During a well test, the

pressure can be close to the swivel working pressure but the swivel either does not move (onshore) or oscillates a
little due to the heave (offshore).

Choke Manifold - Well Testing Choke Manifold

Choke manifold is a system of valves and chokes for controlling the flow from the well usually has two flow paths,
one adjustable choke used primarily for cleaning the well up and facilities to install and change choke of fixed sizes
for a more accurate flow control during main well flow periods.

Each flow path has two closing gate valves which are used to direct the flow through either of the chokes or the
chokes or the bypass and to provide isolation from pressure when changing the fixed choke. A dual isolation, double
block and bleed valve arrangement is recommended for high pressure, sour gas and sand frac clean ups.

Choke manifold is used during well testing,. The positive choke has a fixed diameter and the size of the orifice on
the adjustable choke can be varied. In addition the adjustable choke allows fixed chokes to be switched out as
needed without stopping the well, increasing the flexibility of the overall system.

Choke Manifold has these principle functions:

It allows wellhead pressure to be controlled, improving safety.
It maintains a certain flow rate, as required for testing. A test can require different flow rates over several time
periods, requiring the use of different choke sizes.

 It prevents formation sand from entering the well by limiting the flow rate. Limiting the flow rate reduces the speed
of the fluid, which in turn, minimizes the amount of sand entering the well.
It also prevents water and gas coning by limiting the flow rate.
It is also used to ensure that the flow is critical, meaning that the pressure fluctuations downstream of the choke
manifold do not affect downhole pressure and flow rate of the well.
Our Choke manifolds are available in 5,000; 10,000; and 15,000 psi, all bore sizes.