REVERSE FLOW SELECTOR SYSTEM IN UMBILICAL

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Brazilian Patent Application No. 10 2024 024544 0, filed Nov. 26, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This invention is applied to subsea operations in oil well interventions (maintenance and abandonment), and more specifically, relates to a reverse flow selector system in umbilical that directs the flow of fluids circulating through the umbilical used to communicate with the well annulus. The system is capable of alternating the flow direction, allowing a direct circulation path and another path through a bypass where accessories and sensors can be installed to prevent the entry of solid particles from the well annulus, preventing umbilical clogging and mechanical damage (erosion, abrasion, or corrosion).

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

A typical Rig-Linked Completion System (SCVS) consists of a set of equipment that allows the intervention rig to be connected to a Wet Christmas Tree (WCT) installed in the well. For this purpose, subsea tools (such as the quick disconnect tool (FDR), the first ANM installation tool (FIANM), and the second ANM installation tool (TRT)) are lowered through a drill pipe riser (DPR). The subsea tools are actuated by a hydraulic power unit (HPU) on the surface and connected to the tools via the electro-hydraulic umbilical (EHU). The umbilical spools are positioned on the deck of the intervention rigs and are lowered strapped (secured with clamps) onto the DPR string.

In addition to the electro-hydraulic umbilical, the high collapse resistant (HCR) umbilical is also widely used in subsea operations due to its ability to withstand hydrostatic water pressure (LDA). The HCR umbilical connects the surface facilities of a floating unit (rig) to the subsea intervention tools connected to the well. Furthermore, the HCR umbilical provides access to the well annulus, the space between the production column and the well casing. Access to this space is necessary to displace fluids, vent potential hydrocarbon (hydrate) obstructions, and perform cleaning through the circulation of several fluids. The HCR umbilical is composed primarily of an internal metal structure (metal casing), which provides collapse resistance, overlaid by several adjacent layers that provide tensile strength (aramid layer), insulation (polymeric layer), and external protection (elastomeric layer).

It should be noted that the utility of the present invention is applicable to the HCR umbilical and any other type of umbilical used for the annulment function, such as umbilicals with other compositions (e.g., composites—TCP). Therefore, regardless of the design or composition of the umbilical, the invention maintains its functions, requiring only adaptation of the interface connections.

For ease of description, the information shown will use the HCR umbilical as a reference. Although the HCR umbilical is a resistant element to expected stresses, the structural design and technical specifications of an HCR umbilical did not consider reverse fluid circulation (reverse flow direction: well>>umbilical>>rig). The need for reverse circulation is closely linked to the scope of maintenance intervention (workover) and/or abandonment, which require this type of operation every day to ensure greater well cleaning efficiency.

However, it is observed that reverse-circulated fluids pose risks to the integrity of the HCR umbilical due to the possibility of carrying solid particles into the annular space. In addition to the risks of erosion/abrasion/corrosion, there is the risk of clogging if these particles settle inside the umbilical. These mapped risks have come to represent a threat to umbilical manufacturers and service providers, subjecting the approval of this type of circulation to a risk analysis that exempts them from the responsibility of guaranteeing the integrity of the umbilical.

Since the fluids pumped from the surface to the well (direct circulation) are free of solids (completion fluid, seawater, N², diesel, etc.), the most plausible hypothesis is that these particles are in the well annulus fluid or are extracted from the walls of the metal elements (production string/casing), being transported/carried into the HCR umbilical by reverse circulation (casing scale, precipitation, scale, sand, etc.).

Qualifying an umbilical, whether HCR or any other, capable of withstanding the degradation caused by the friction of solid particles would involve analyzing the particle pattern (shape, concentration, composition, and particle size). Since these are difficult variables to control (each well has its own particle characteristics), an alternative would be to collect samples and assume worst-case scenarios to design an umbilical to withstand such stresses. This premise of having a reinforced umbilical could make the project unfeasible, as oversizing it entails other detrimental consequences, such as: high costs, operational limitations (handling), larger umbilical diameter, greater number of extra layers, greater linear weight, larger spool dimensions, greater assembly weight (umbilical+spool), crane limitations, and the need to increase the load capacity on the rig deck.

Therefore, there is a need in the state of the art for the development of a system capable of mitigating the entry of solid particles carried by the reverse circulation fluid into the umbilical, as well as maintaining an independent circulation path for direct circulation.

Thus, the present invention shows a reverse flow selector system in an umbilical that reduces the risks associated with the possibility of solid particle carryover by the fluids circulated by the umbilical: clogging, abrasion, erosion, cavitation, or reduction of the minimum radius of curvature caused by the deposition of particles in the annulus between the metal housing and the polymer layer in the case of HCR umbilicals.

Furthermore, the system of the present invention allows direct circulation (direct flow direction: surface>>well) to be performed without imposing pressure losses on the system, and reverse circulation (reverse flow direction: well>>surface) passes through a path that has filter elements capable of retaining these particles.

STATE OF THE ART

The state of the art includes some documents that disclose subject matters within the technological field of the present invention.

The document CN 220360770 U pertains to the technical field of material filtration, and relates, in particular, to a multi-stage filtration device for material filtration, comprising: a transmission assembly comprising a plurality of pipelines and a connecting assembly; a filter assembly comprising a plurality of screens; the densities of the filter screens are different, thereby realizing multi-stage filtration. The multi-stage filter structure is adopted, the filter effect is good, subsequent maintenance is convenient, and the multi-stage filter structure is formed by a plurality of pipeline sections and a plurality of filter screens, and the filter effect is optimized by sequentially passing through the plurality of filter screens. Meanwhile, the sizes and densities of the filter holes in the filter screen are inconsistent, thereby further optimizing the filter effect. The piping adopts a wrap-around connection method, with the filter screen arranged in the middle. Connection methods such as flange connections, clamp connections, and the like, which are convenient for detachment, are selected. The filter screen can be replaced with detachment screws, and the maintenance cost of the filter device is reduced.

Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,896 A discloses a filtration apparatus positionable along the intermediate water line between the water well and the surface pump that draws water from the well to the final destination. The apparatus includes a filter, a primary filter housing attachable at its ends along the water line, having an outlet and an outflow, the housing containing a primary filter element that includes an external filter support screen and an internal filter element so that water flowing into the housing flows to the outside of the filter and is filtered through the filter element to the internal portion of the filter and out of the inlet line. Any sand or similar material that collects on the outside of the filter element, being heavier than the water flow, flows downward to an outlet nozzle containing a collection chamber connected thereto, so that the sand or similar material falls into the collection chamber and is not retained on the outside of the filter element.

Furthermore, document US 20180238150 A1 discloses a method for non-line-of-sight coating of a sand screen for use in wells during the production of hydrocarbon fluids from underground formations. Also disclosed is a system comprising a sand screen with one or more components that have uniformly coated internal and external surfaces.

However, none of the documents from the state of the art is capable of disclosing or suggesting a reverse flow selector system in umbilical that uses valves to direct the fluid flow (forward and reverse paths) and, furthermore, that is capable of allowing the installation of devices/accessories in the reverse path to control fluid variables.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The solution of the present invention to the aforementioned technical problem consists of developing an umbilical flow direction selection system consisting of a tubular manifold (reverse flow selector) with connections compatible with the umbilical end (not limited to the HCR type) and compatible with the subsea tool interface (Stress Joint, FDR, etc.). Therefore, the solution of the present invention consists of a system installed between the end of an umbilical (such as an HCR umbilical, for example) and the connection point with the subsea tool, capable of diverting and directing the flow selectively with respect to the flow direction.

The umbilical reverse flow selection system (SFRU) comprises two independent paths: a forward path (downward flow) and a reverse path (upward flow). These paths are isolated by valves so that when circulation is occurring through one path, the other path is isolated. Thus, the direct path allows full communication between the umbilical and the annular space, while the reverse path is only used for reverse circulation, preventing direct flow to the umbilical. Accessories (sensors, filters, fluid injection points, restriction chokes, etc.) will be installed in this reverse path.

The objective of the present invention is to allow direct access to the umbilical with the annulus, imposing the least possible restrictions to avoid pressure loss effects, and to ensure an exclusive path for reverse circulation with the possibility of: measuring bottom pressure (manometer), imposing flow restriction (choke), injecting fluids with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), and retaining solid particles (filter) to prevent damage to the umbilical (erosion, corrosion, abrasion, and clogging). Some models of subsea tools do not have shut-off valves (FDR), therefore, a hydrate breakdown operation cannot be performed without exposing the umbilical to rapid depressurization cycles. Therefore, as a consequence, the fact that the proposed device has shut-off valves in both paths makes it possible to use such valves to isolate the umbilical and preserve its service life.

The selectivity of the flow circulation paths is ensured through physical barriers installed in the system. These are also used in the present invention. Pressure sensors (manometers), either for reading background information or for inferring clogging of the filter elements.

In general terms, therefore, the objective of the system of the present invention is to ensure that all fluid returned from the well (reverse circulation) is directed to a path capable of retaining particles, preventing damage to the umbilical or deposition within it (clogging).

Therefore, the objectives and advantages of the present invention are achieved by providing a reverse flow selector system in umbilical comprising: an upper tubular portion, having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion; a lower tubular portion, having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion; a C-shaped intermediate tubular portion connected to the horizontal portion of the upper tubular portion and to the horizontal portion of the lower tubular portion; a filter element connected to a lower end of the vertical portion of the upper tubular portion and to an upper end of the vertical portion of the lower tubular portion; a first valve connected to the vertical portion of the upper tubular portion upstream of the element filter; and a second valve connected to the intermediate tubular portion; each valve configured to open and close to define at least one fluid flow path in the system.

It should be noted that, in embodiments of the present invention, the designs of the paths and bends can be changed without interfering with the objective of the invention (e.g., a “T”-shaped branch for a “Y”-shaped branch).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instruments shown.

Therefore, the present invention will be described below with reference to its typical embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a typical completion system connected to the probe, according to the state of the art.

FIG. 2A shows a front view of a reverse flow selector system in umbilical containing shut-off valves, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B shows a front view of a reverse flow selector system in umbilical containing shut-off valves with fluid flow following a direct circulation path, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C shows a front view of a reverse flow selector system in umbilical containing shut-off valves with fluid flow following a reverse circulation path, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A shows a front view of a reverse flow selector system in umbilical containing check valves, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B shows a front view of a reverse flow selector system in umbilical containing check valves with fluid flow following a direct circulation path, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3C shows a front view of a reverse flow selector system in umbilical containing check valves with fluid flow following a reverse circulation path, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A shows an enlarged front view of an open check valve, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B shows an enlarged front view of a closed check valve, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4C shows an enlarged front view of the system containing a first open check valve and a second closed check valve, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a front cross-sectional view of the housing of a filter element with filter discs and a spacer disc, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a front cross-sectional view of the filter discs and the spacer disc of the filter element, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A shows a front view of a fourth filter disc of the filter element, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B shows a front cross-sectional view of a fourth filter disc of the filter element, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7C shows a top view of a fourth filter disc of the filter element, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A shows a schematic front view of a reversed fluid flow from the well annulus before entering the filter element, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B shows a schematic front view of a reversed fluid flow from the well annulus after passing through the filter discs of the filter element, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8C shows a schematic front view of a reversed fluid flow from the well annulus after passing through the filter discs of the filter element and proceeding toward the probe, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9A shows a schematic front view of a reverse fluid flow from the well annulus to the annulus formed between the inner wall of the housing and the filter element protection tube, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9B shows a schematic front view of the fluid flow entering the protection tube and screens of the filter element, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9C shows a schematic front view of the fluid flow after passing through the protection tube, screens, and base tube of the filter element, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9D shows a front cross-sectional view of the fluid flow after passing through the protection tube, screens, and base tube of the filter element, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A shows a front view of a filter element base tube, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10B shows a side view of a filter element base tube, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11A shows a front view of a fine screen lining the filter element base tube, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11B shows a side view of a fine screen lining the filter element base tube, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12A shows a front view of a medium screen covering the fine screen of the filter element, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12B shows a side view of a medium screen covering the fine screen of the filter element, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13A shows a front view of a coarse screen covering the medium screen of the filter element, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13B shows a side view of a coarse screen covering the medium screen of the filter element, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14A shows a front view of a protection tube covering the coarse screen of the filter element, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14B shows a side view of a protection tube covering the coarse screen of the filter element, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15A shows a schematic view of the base tube containing bypass holes in its initial portion, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15B shows a schematic view of the base tube containing bypass holes in its initial portion with arrows indicating the direction of fluid flow through them, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows a schematic view of an umbilical connected directly to the flange of a reinforcement joint, according to the state of the art.

FIG. 17A shows an enlarged schematic view of an umbilical connected directly to the flange of a reinforcement joint, according to the state of the art.

FIG. 17B shows an enlarged schematic view of an umbilical connected to the system installed on a FDR, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18A shows an enlarged schematic view of two umbilicals connected directly to the flange of a reinforcement joint via a Y-shaped connection, according to the state of the art.

FIG. 18B shows an enlarged schematic view of two umbilicals connected to the system attached to the reinforcement joint via clamps, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18C shows a side view of two umbilicals connected to the system attached to the reinforcement joint via clamps, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18D shows a front view of the system containing an anchor grate, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Below, reference is made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same or similar reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar features. It should be noted that the drawings are in simplified form and are not represented to precise scale, so slight variations are anticipated.

The present invention relates to a reverse flow system in umbilical that directs the flow of fluids circulating through the umbilical. The system is capable of alternating the flow direction, allowing a direct circulation path and another reverse circulation path through a bypass, where accessories and sensors can be installed to prevent the entry of solid particles from a well annulus, preventing umbilical clogging and mechanical damage (erosion, abrasion, or corrosion).

Furthermore, the present invention can be applied, for example, to a typical rig-linked completion system (SCVS), as shown in FIG. 1. This system basically consists of: a DPR column—which descends to the bottom of the water (LDA) from a floating unit, umbilicals (of the HCR and UEH types)—which connect to the subsea tools and are attached to the DPR column by means of clamps, and subsea tools—which include a maintenance assembly (workover assembly—CWO), wet Christmas tree (ANM), production adapter base (BAP), among others.

Thus, reference is made to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, and 3C, which show a reverse flow selector system in umbilical 10 according to embodiments of the present invention. The reverse flow selector system in umbilical 10 comprises: an upper tubular portion 11, having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion; a lower tubular portion 12, having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion; and a C-shaped intermediate tubular portion 13 connected to the horizontal portion of the upper tubular portion 11 and to the horizontal portion of the lower tubular portion 12. It is worth noting that both the upper tubular portion 11 and the lower tubular portion 12 may have a “T” shape, a “Y” shape, a circular shape, a quadrangular shape, a hexagonal shape, a diamond shape, among others. The intended purpose of the upper and lower tubular portions 11, 12 is to provide a bypass from one-way to two-way, both at the inlet and outlet of the system.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the upper tubular portion 11 and the lower tubular portion 12 has a circular cross-section, wherein the upper tubular portion 11 is a lying “T” connection and the lower tubular connection 12 is a lying “T” connection. Furthermore, the intermediate tubular portion 13 connects the horizontal portion of the upper tubular portion 11 to the horizontal portion of the lower tubular portion 12, so that the sequential path formed by the upper tubular portion 11, the intermediate tubular portion 13, and the lower tubular portion 12 is a direct flow circulation path. Thus, the direct flow circulation path represents the downward flow direction (rig>>umbilical>>reverse flow selector system in umbilical>>subsea tool annulus>>well annulus). This path is represented by the direction of the arrows inside the tubular portions 11, 12, and 13 in FIGS. 1B and 2B.

Furthermore, the tubular portions 11, 12, and 13 are made of rigid lines with a diameter of approximately 0.0508 m (two inches) in SCr13 metallurgy. However, the present invention is not limited to this diameter, so the diameter of the tubular portions 11, 12, and 13 will vary according to compatibility with the other components (such as connections to the umbilical, valves, bends, sleeves, crossovers, etc.).

Furthermore, the system 10 further comprises a filter element 14 connected to a lower end of the vertical portion of the upper tubular portion 11 and to an upper end of the vertical portion of the lower tubular portion 12. Thus, the filter element 14 connects the vertical portion of the upper tubular portion 11 to the vertical portion of the lower tubular portion 12, so that the sequential path formed by the lower tubular portion 12, filter element 14, and upper tubular portion 11 is a reverse flow circulation path. Thus, the reverse flow circulation path represents the upward flow direction (well annulus>>subsea tools annulus>>umbilical reverse flow selector system>>umbilical>>rig). This path is represented by the direction of the arrows inside the tubular portions 11, 12, and filter element 14 in FIGS. 2C and 3C.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the system 10 further comprises a first valve 15 connected to the vertical portion of the upper tubular portion 11 upstream of the filter element 14 and a second valve 16 connected to the intermediate tubular portion 13, wherein each valve 15, 16 is configured to open and close to define at least one fluid flow circulation path in the system 10. Thus, when the first valve 15 is closed and the second valve 16 is opened, the fluid flow in a downward path (from the probe towards the well annulus) follows the direct circulation path, being prevented from following the reverse circulation path, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B. In this way, the system 10, in its direct circulation path, imposes minimal restrictions on fluid flow to avoid head loss effects.

Conversely, when the first valve 15 is opened and the second valve 16 is closed, the upward fluid flow (from the well annulus toward the rig) follows the reverse circulation path, being prevented from following the direct circulation path. Thus, the fluid flow from the well annulus passes through the filter element 14 to retain solid particles and continues toward the rig.

In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, valves 15, 16 are low-torque (or high-torque) shut-off valves that can be operated by an ROV to manually define the flow direction (selective). In this embodiment, the first and second valves 15, 16 are used to segregate the paths. Under normal conditions, the fluid flow path through the direct path isolates the reverse path, and vice versa. However, in this embodiment, it is possible to open both valves 15, 16, leaving the direct and reverse paths connected (to minimize pressure drop effects), even knowing that one of the paths (the reverse circulation path) will have the filter element 14. This facility provides the operator with the ability to clean the filter element 14 through recirculation.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the valves 15, 16 are flapper-type check valves. In this embodiment, each valve 15, 16 has a membrane (flapper) 15a, 16a for automatically defining the flow direction, as shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C. Thus, the selectivity of the circulation path, whether direct or reverse, is automatic: when the fluid flow follows the downward path (direct circulation path), the first valve 15 will close and the second valve 16 will open. When the fluid flow follows the upward path (reverse circulation path), the second valve 16 will close and the first valve 15 will open.

Furthermore, the system 10 comprises a first pressure gauge 17 installed downstream of the first valve 15 and a second pressure gauge 18 installed downstream of the second valve 16. Each pressure gauge 17, 18 is used to measure the pressure of the fluid flow circulating through the circulation paths. Furthermore, the reading scale of each pressure gauge 17, 18 is 5% of the nominal pressure, according to the umbilical pressure class (which may be 5 or 10 ksi). In addition, a ⅜″ rigid line bypass (access point) with a ⅜″ ball valve can be used to isolate (on the surface) the access points to the paths.

Furthermore, the system 10 of the present invention further comprises a fixing plate 19 to which the tubular portions 11, 12, 13 are fixed. Furthermore, the system of the present invention, in one of its embodiments, comprises at least one choker installed in one of the tubular portions 11, 12, 13 to restrict fluid flow. Furthermore, the system 10 of the present invention may also comprise at least one hot stab receptacle installed in one of the tubular portions 11, 12, 13 for fluid injection by an ROV.

Reference is made below to FIGS. 5, 6, 7A, 7B, and 7C, which show a filter element 14 containing its main components according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The filter element 14 includes a housing 20 (or filter holder) in a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter of approximately 0.1016 m (4 inches) and an inner diameter of approximately 0.0762 m (3 inches). The housing 20 includes an upper projection 20a, in a generally cylindrical shape, for connection with a tubular portion 11, 12, 13. Preferably, the upper projection 20a is connected to the lower end of the vertical portion of the upper tubular portion 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, so that the upper projection 20a can be connected to any other portion of the tubular portion 11, 12, 13, depending on the arrangement of the tubular portions to be used to divert fluid flows.

Furthermore, the housing 20 comprises a lid 20b having a lower projection 20c, in a generally cylindrical shape, for connection with a tubular portion 11, 12, 13. Preferably, the lower projection 20c is connected to the upper end of the vertical portion of the lower tubular portion 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, so that the lower projection 20c can be connected to any other portion of the tubular portion 11, 12, 13, depending on the arrangement of the tubular portions to be used to divert fluid flows. It is important to note that the lid 20b is fixed to the housing 20 by means of screws. Furthermore, an O-ring sealing ring 20d is arranged between the lid 20b and the housing 20 to prevent fluid leakage.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the housing 20 further comprises at least four filter discs 21, 22, 23, 24, wherein each filter disc comprises a corresponding filter screen 21a, 22a, 23a, 24a. Each filter screen 21a, 22a, 23a, 24a is attached to the corresponding filter disc 21, 22, 23, 24 by means of screws, as shown in FIG. 6. The housing 20 further comprises a spacer disc 25 arranged closer to the lid 20b. If a wider range of particle size is required, the spacer disc 25 can be replaced by an extra filter disc (not shown).

Thus, the first filter disc 21 with its corresponding filter screen 21a is disposed immediately above the spacer disc 25; the second filter disc 22 with its corresponding filter screen 22a is disposed immediately above the first filter disc 21; the third filter disc 23 with its corresponding filter screen 23a is disposed immediately above the second filter disc 22; and the fourth filter disc 24 with its corresponding filter screen 24a is disposed immediately above the third filter disc 23. It is notable that each filter screen 21a, 22a, 23a, 24a has a plurality of openings that define an opening mesh, related to the size of the openings that make up the plurality of openings (granulometry). Thus, the first filter screen 21a comprises openings of size a1; the second filter screen 22a comprises openings of size a2, the third filter screen 23a comprises openings of size a3; and the fourth filter screen 24a comprises openings of size a4; wherein a1>a2 >a3>a4.

Additionally, each filter disc 21, 22, 23, 24 and spacer disc 25 has a corresponding groove 21b, 22b, 23b, 24b, 25b in the outer wall for fitting a sealing ring (such as an O-ring). In this way, each sealing ring of the filter disc 21, 22, 23, 24 and spacer disc 25 seals the space between the inner wall of the housing 20 and the outer wall of the filter disc 21, 22, 23, 24 and corresponding spacer disc 25, preventing fluid leakage.

Furthermore, the internal diameter of each filter disc 21, 22, 23, 24 and spacer disc 25 is approximately 0.0508 m (two inches).

The downward flow path through the umbilical (surface/probe>umbilical>well annulus) does not carry particles because the pumped fluids are free of solids. On the other hand, when the upward flow path is in the reverse direction of circulation (well annulus>umbilical>surface/probe) as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C, the position of the filter element 14 must be oriented so that larger diameter particles are retained in the first filter discs (larger opening) and smaller particles pass through the corresponding filter screen, being retained in the next filter disc, with a smaller screen opening.

Some advantages associated with the use of a filter element 14 with filter discs 21, 22, 23, 24, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, are:—possibility of alternating different ranges of filter screen opening sizes; simplicity of design; the cross-sectional area of each filter disc is larger than the cross-sectional area of the umbilical; possibility of cleaning/unclogging the filter screens by means of fluid flow recirculation through direct pumping (downward flow path: from the umbilical towards the well); among others.

FIGS. 9A to 9D, 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B, 15A and 15B show a filter element 14 containing its main components according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The filter element 14 of this second embodiment comprises a housing (filter holder) 20 like the housing of the first embodiment of the present invention; therefore, the characteristics associated with it will not be described again here, since they have already been duly described previously.

Thus, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the filter element 14 comprises: a base tube 30 internally connected to the upper projection 20a and the lower projection 20c of the housing 20, a fine screen 31 covering the base tube 30, a medium screen 32 covering the fine screen 31, a coarse screen 33 covering the medium screen 32 and a protection tube 34 covering the coarse screen 33. The base tube 30 has a metal housing responsible for providing resistance to the filter element 14. In addition, the base tube 30 has a plurality of holes that allow the passage of fluid flow through them. The protection tube 34 has the function of protecting the screens 31, 32, 33 against collisions arising from the fluid flow.

It should be noted that the screens 31, 32, and 33 that make up the linings of the base tube 30 have varying openings (mesh), with the smallest openings located in the fine screen 31 (which retains the finest particles) and the largest openings located in the coarse screen 33 (which retains the coarsest particles). In other words, the size of the screen openings increases from the inside to the outside, starting from the base tube 30. Thus, the fine screen 31 has a plurality of openings of size b1, the medium screen 32 has a plurality of openings of size b2, and the coarse screen 33 has a plurality of openings of size b3, where b1<b2<b3.

It is also worth noting that both the base tube 30 and the protection tube 34 may be provided with perforated or slit metal tubes (slotted liner).

FIGS. 9A to 9D, 15A and 15B exemplify the path taken by the fluid flow inside the housing 20, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In general, the fluid flow coming from the well (or annulus of the well) enters the housing 20 and passes through diversion holes 30a (flow-by holes) in an initial portion of the base tube 30, being diverted towards the annulus formed between the internal wall of the housing 20 and the protection tube 34 by a cover 30b connected to the base tube 30. Thus, the cover 30b prevents the fluid flow from longitudinally entering the base tube 30 and directs the fluid flow towards the internal walls of the housing 20, acting as a diverter.

Thus, the fluid flow passes through the protection tube 34 and the coarse screen 33 toward the interior of the base tube 30, passing through the medium screen 32 and the fine screen 31 first. This cross-flow through the layers of screens 31, 32, 33 will keep the particles in the annulus formed between the inner wall of the housing 20 and the protection tube 34, while the fluid flow free of solid particles continues toward the surface/probe.

Some advantages associated with the use of a filter element 14 with tubes 30, 34 and screens 31, 32, 33 (screened tubes or cartridge), according to the second embodiment of the present invention, are:—no requirement for the filter to have large diameters to compensate the pressure drop caused by the screens (these losses are compensated by increasing the length of the system);—because the flow is cross-flow, the risk of direct damage to the screens caused by particle collision is minimized; among others.

In general, in a rig-linked completion system (SCVS), the umbilical 41 is lowered vertically below a rotary table (MR), and its end is connected to the flange of the reinforcement joint 40 (stress joint), as shown in FIG. 16. The workover assembly (CWO), where the reinforcement joint 40 and the umbilical 41 are connected, consists of several subsea tools. The first tool is a quick disconnect tool (FDR), through which emergency disconnection can be performed. Below this tool are a first wet Christmas tree installation tool (FIANM) and a second ANM installation tool—Tree Running Tool, TRT.

In some configurations, the system 10 of the present invention is installed supported directly on the FDR structure, with the umbilical 41 being connected to the upper end of the vertical portion of the upper tubular portion 11. Furthermore, by means of a connecting tube 42 (HCR jumper or rigid lines) fitted to the lower end of the vertical portion of the lower tubular portion 12, the system 10 is connected to the flange of the reinforcement joint 40, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B.

In other configurations, the system 10 of the present invention is attached to the reinforcement joint 40 by means of clamps 43 sized for the load (weight, vibrations, etc.), as shown in FIGS. 18A to 18D. In these configurations, the system 10 comprises an anchoring grid 44 for ROV handling. It is important to note that, if two umbilicals 41 are lowered, both connect to a “Y” connector 45 to interconnect the umbilicals 41 and connect them to system 10.

Based on the above, the reverse flow selector system in umbilical 10 of the present invention is capable of preventing solid particles from penetrating the umbilical and causing clogging and/or structural damage to the umbilical due to effects not foreseen in the design (abrasion, erosion, etc.). It should also be noted that, although the present invention was described considering a vertical position of the system, the concept of the present invention is not limited to this configuration and can be used in any other position or even in other SCVS equipment. In addition to the point of use that guided the development (subsea), it is possible to use the system of the present invention in surface facilities, upstream of the umbilical, but in this case for the purpose of protecting the surface facilities (plant).

Thus, the development of the system of the present invention is capable of providing a “shielding” of the umbilical (especially an HCR umbilical) against solid particles.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the knowledge being shown and will be able to reproduce the invention in the indicated embodiments and in other variants, covered by the scope of the attached claims.