SG-5 / SG-5XP

Subsea Wellhead System

SG-5

ABB Vetco Gray

ABB Oil, Gas & Petrochemicals

SG-5XP

Section I
SG-5/SG-5XP Wellhead System
Overview

TM

TM

SG-5 / 5XP Wellhead Systems

The ABB Vetco Gray SG-5/SG-5XP is the most widely
used subsea wellhead system in the world today. The
complete SG-5 system includes guidance equipment, highpressure wellhead housing, casing hangers, bore protectors,
and running, retrieving, and testing tools.
An SG-5 wellhead system supports the casing strings
inside the subsea wellhead. The high-pressure metal-tometal SG-LTR packoff seals between the casing hanger
and the wellhead housing to isolate the casing bore from
the annulus for well control. The ABB Vetco Gray H-4
hydraulic wellhead connector latches to the mandrel profile
on the SG-5 high-pressure wellhead housing. The H-4
connector acts as the foundation for the BOP stack
throughout the drilling operations.

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v
v

Use in guideline and guidelineless drilling, artificial

island, and Caisson applications
10,000 psi pressure-containing capability
13-5/8", 16-3/4", and 18-3/4" systems available
Compatible with
subsea satellite trees
multiwell subsea template production systems
special deep water subsea production systems
tieback systems to a fixed platform or TLP

SG-5 Wellhead System Stackup

1-1

A value-conscious operator in todays competitive market

appreciates the many advantages and the reliability of the
SG-5 subsea well system:

v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v

Working pressure up to 10,000 psi in combination

with high casing loads
Simple tools and procedures inherent in a
torque-set system provide maximum reliability
and serviceability
Minimum number of running, retrieving, and
testing tools
Field-proven single trip system
Run and land casing hanger, energize, and
test annulus seal all in one trip
Metal-to-metal casing annulus seals
Casing program flexibility
Optional full bore casing hanger running tools
Test with wear bushings in place
All SG-5 casing hangers have the same
external dimensions
Will land in any of the three hanger profiles
No costly hanger adapters needed

Use one packoff -- the SG-LTR -- throughout

the system
Metal-to-metal seal
Reliable
Retrievable

v
v

Field-proven with more SG casing hangers

and packoffs installed worldwide than all other
systems combined
Clear passage for cuttings and mud while running
the hanger, circulating, and cementing
Deep, wide slots for increased flowby in the
casing hanger and packoff nut
Qualified to API 17D requirements

Although the SG-5 is an established and field-proven

subsea wellhead system, ABB Vetco Gray continues an
ongoing program of system refinements. Using field data
from worldwide offshore operations, SG-5 components
undergo testing, analyzing, and improving to enhance their
reliability and value to our customers.

SG-5 Wellhead Housing and Casing Hangers

1-2

SG-5XP Subsea Wellhead System

The SG-5XP is a 4-casing hanger system. It has all the
standard SG-5 system features plus the added ability to
support the additional casing hanger and seal within the
high-pressure wellhead housing.
The SG-5XP uses a load ring on the 13-3/8" casing hanger
to divert casing and test pressure loads directly into the
high-pressure wellhead housing instead of the 16" casing
hanger. When the 16" casing hanger is not used, an
adapter attaches to the bottom of the 13-3/8" casing
hanger and is run with the hanger in a single trip.

v
v
v
v

Positive landing shoulder in the wellhead housing for

the 16" hanger
Protected seal area for 16" packoff
Run, cement, and test the 16" hanger and packoff
in a single trip
Uses standard SG-5 tools with the addition of
the 16" casing hanger running tool, and 4-hanger
test plug

SG-5XP Wellhead Housing and Casing Hangers

1-3

Section II
System Characteristics

SG-5/SG-5XP Subsea Wellhead System Components

Used a Typical Guideline Drilling Program

SG-5 (18-3/4" System)

Temporary Guide Base and Running Tool
Retrievable Drilling Structure and Retrieving Tool
Remote Guideline Latch
30" Conductor Wellhead Housing
30" Cam-Actuated Running Tool
18-3/4" SG-5 Wellhead Housing
18-3/4" Wellhead Housing Cam-Actuated Running Tool
18-3/4" LHT Wellhead Housing Running Tool
13-3/8", 9-5/8", and 7" Casing Hangers
SG-LTR Packoff
Universal Casing Hanger Running Tool
13-3/8", 9-5/8", and 7" Full Bore Running Tools
Packoff Running and Retrieving Tool
Standard Plug-Type Test Tool
18-3/4" Nominal Seat Protector
13-3/8", 9-5/8", and 7" Wear Bushings
18-3/4" Seat Protector and Wear Bushing Running and Retrieving Tool
18-3/4" Wellhead Corrosion Cap

SG-5XP (Alternative/Additional Equipment)

18-3/4" SG-5XP Wellhead Housing
16" Casing Hanger and Running Tool
16" SG Packoff
16" Full Bore Running Tool
16" Wear Bushing
13-3/8" SG-5XP Casing Hanger
Plug-Type Test Tool
2-1

Temporary Guide Base

The ABB Vetco Gray temporary guide base (TGB) is the
first piece of equipment run when spudding a subsea well.
It anchors the guidelines and serves as a foundation
structure throughout the drilling phase. Run with the
temporary guide base running tool, the TGB is used as a
template to drill the 36" hole. It may not be necessary to
use a TGB if the conductor pipe is jetted into place.
100 sq. ft. bearing area
Four guideline attachment points on 6-ft. radius
Four removable anchor spikes penetrate into the sea
floor to prevent rotation
46" I.D. center with J-slot preparation
Conical landing ring for landing gimbal base of drilling
guide structure
Compartmented construction and octagon in shape
with eight open cavities for holding weight material
Can be reworked
Stack Up: 33" above mudline
Weight: 5,000 lb. empty
Misalignment: Funnel allows for compensation of
bottom slope up to 5

136"

33 "

46"

2-2

Temporary Guide Base Running Tool

Runs the temporary guide base to the mudline on drill pipe.
Gimballed stem accommodates minor sloping on the
ocean floor
Four J-lugs engage mating J-slots in the temporary
guide base
Can be reworked
Weight: 1,835 lb.
Top Connection: 4-1/2" I.F. box
Maximum Misalignment: 10 from level in
any direction
Tension Capacity: 150,000 lb. on gimbal bolts

167-3/4"

45-1/2"
47-1/8"

2-3

Retrievable Drilling Guide Structure

The ABB Vetco Gray retrievable drilling guide structure is
a guide base fitted with a landing profile for, and run with,
the 30" wellhead housing. The guide structure provides
structural support for the 30" housing during cementing
and is the primary guidance system for the BOP stack
during drilling. The guide structure has a diverless latch for
retrieval with the guide structure retrieving tool. A latch
ring, attached to four collet-type pin mechanisms, releases
from the 30" support plate which can be either a solid
gimbal, split gimbal, or a split flat plate. The collets secure
the 30" support plate and the guide structure together as
an assembly. When a temporary guide base is not used,
the gimble can be replaced with the split plate. This plate
is secured to the base with chains and retrieved with the
base.

ROV releasable guide posts on standard 6-ft. radius

Guide post tops accept the remote guideline latch
30" housing locks into center ring and gimbal
assembly with snap ring
Integral anti-rotation device
Guide structure parts are retrievable
Retrieved from the wellhead assembly with the
retrieving tool or by divers/ROV
Can be retrieved with corrosion cap in place
Optional level indicator
Can be reworked
Weight: 9,340 lb.

94-1/4"

131-3/4"

34-1/2"

2-4

Retrievable Drilling Guide Structure

2-5

Retrievable Drilling Guide Structure Retrieving Tool

Latches onto the retrievable drilling guide structure remote
release ring to unlock the guide structure from the 30"
housing and recover to the surface. Circular in shape with
detachable centralizing fins. Tool can retrieve drilling
guide structure with corrosion cap installed on the wellhead.
Uses spring-loaded latch with J release.

70"

Can be reworked
Weight: Approximately 4,000 lb.
Top Connection: NC50 (4-1/2" I.F.) box
Bottom Connection: NC50 (4-1/2" I.F.) pin
Tension Capacity: 100,000 lb.

102-7/8"

39-3/4"

2-6

Remote Guideline Latch - GL4

Connects a guideline to a post top and provides diverless
release/establish ability. Using a remote release connector,
it can be run with guideline remote replacement tool or
ROV.
If a guideline parts, the guideline cutting tool shears
the parted line allowing the remote guide line latch to
be established on the post top
Automatically latches when mated to a remote guide
post
Lowering a weight (go-devil) down the guideline
releases the latch

If a post top equipped with a remote guideline latch

suffers a parted guideline, the running tool is jetted
into position (after cutting parted line) and the latch
recovered without the use of divers.
Can be reworked
Stack Up: 6" on post top
Weight: 197 lb.
Top Connection: Socket to suit guide wire size
(3/4" to 1-1/4")
Tension Capacity: 50,000 lb.

2-1/2"

21-1/4"

8-5/8"

2-7

30" Conductor Wellhead Housing

Lands in and run with the retrievable drilling guide structure,
and supports the conductor string. Run with 30" camactuated housing running tool.
Internal profile accepts the ABB Vetco Gray highpressure wellhead housing
External profile accepts drilling/production guide base
External slot prohibits rotation of guide base
Cements ports allow exit of surface casing cement
returns
Lower end has butt-weld prep for welding to
conductor housing extension
Elevator shoulder
Can be reworked
Weight: 1,989 lb.
Bending Capacity: Limited by 30" casing

35-3/4"

29-3/8"

28"

26-1/2"

2-8

30" Cam-Actuated Running Tool

Runs the 30" housing, drilling guide structure, and
30" casing.
Visual Lock and Unlock indication stamped
into stem
With left-hand rotation of stem, eight rams, with dual
45 profiles, engage internal wellhead profile
Rams retract with right-hand rotation of stem and
overpull of tool
Six removable 3" bull plugs allow conductor string
filling or accommodate returns when jetting
Can be reworked
Weight: 3,000 lb.
Top Connection: 6-5/8" reg. box or 4-1/2" I.F. box
Bottom Connection: 4-1/2" I.F. pin (NC 50)
Tension Capacity: Limited by drill pipe

49"

3-1/2"
29-1/4"

2-9

18-3/4" High-Pressure Wellhead Housing

The 18-3/4" high-pressure wellhead housing lands in the
30" conductor housing on the ocean floor, and suspends
the 20" casing string. The internal preparations accept up
to three casing hangers and packoff assemblies. The
housing has an external profile to receive the H-4
connector on the BOP stack.
Internal profile in upper housing body available
for either cam-actuated or left-hand threaded
running tool
Internal lockdown groove accepts a 10,000 psi
tubing hanger in the 7" casing hanger position.
External profile mates with H-4 connector on
BOP stack
Stainless steel prep for H-4 wellhead connector
VX ring gasket.
Incorporated secondary VT seal gasket preparation

Lower housing body has butt-weld for heavy-walled

housing extension
Housing extension equipped with Squnch Joint or
RL-4S connector for quick, easy makeup to the
casing string
Locks into the 30" conductor housing
Pre-loaded 18-3/4" to 30" connection
system available
Lower reaction ring reduces bending stresses in
20" casing by transferring bending loads to the
30" housing.
Can be reworked
Stack Up: 35-1/4" from top of 30" housing
Weight: 5,350 lb. without extension
Maximum Internal Working Pressure: 10,000 psi

27"
18-5/8"

35-1/4"

67-1/2"

20-7/8"

17-9/16"

2-10

18-3/4" High-Pressure Wellhead Housing Cam-Actuated Running Tool

Runs the 18-3/4" high-pressure wellhead housing and
20" casing.
Seals in high-pressure housing for cementing
operations
Visual Lock and Unlock indication stamped
into stem
With left-hand rotation of stem, eight rams, with dual
45 profiles, engage internal wellhead profile
Tool disengages with right-hand rotation of stem and
overpull of tool

Removable plugs facilitate filling the casing string

Check valve available to allow the casing bore to adjust
for ambient pressure changes
Can be reworked
Weight: 1,369 lb.
Top Connection: 6-5/8" reg. box or 4-1/2" I.F. box
Bottom Connection: 4-1/2" I.F. (NC 50) pin
Tension Capacity: Limited by drill pipe

60"

3"
18-11/16"

2-11

18-3/4" LHT High-Pressure Wellhead Housing Running Tool

Runs the 18-3/4" wellhead housing and 20" casing string.

Can be reworked
Weight: 1,350 lb.
Top Connection: 4-1/2" I.F. (NC50) box
(6-5/8" box up available)
Bottom Connection: 4-1/2" I.F. (NC 50) pin
Maximum Internal Working Pressure: 3,000 psi
Tension Capacity: Limited by drill pipe

Blunt start, modified square thread for high strength and

easy makeup
Removable plugs to facilitate filling the casing string
Check valve available to allow the casing bore to adjust
for ambient pressure changes
Simple one-piece tool provides operational reliability

3"

5"

81-1/2"

22"

2-12

SG-5 13-3/8", 9-5/8", and 7" Casing Hangers

The ABB Vetco Gray SG-5 casing hanger assemblies
consist of a casing hanger body and lockdown ring. To
reduce trip time, the packoff assembly is run with the casing
hanger, set, and tested once cementing operations are
completed. SG-5 casing hangers are available in a wide
variety of casing thread sizes and threadforms.

Removable lock ring on casing hanger body provides

optional lockdown
Internal left-hand running threads allow right-hand
release of the casing hanger running tool
Accepts torque-actuated packoff
Flowby provision integral to casing hanger body
Hanger assembly can be run separately, if desired

18-3/4" x 13-3/8" Casing Hanger

Suspends the 13-3/8" casing string and provides internal
left-hand thread running profile and sealing area.
Can be reworked
Weight: 555 lb.
Bottom Connection: 13-3/8" customer specified
Internal Working Pressure: 10,000 psi
Flowby Area, landed: 13 sq. in.

12-3/8"

18-1/2"

18-19/32"

2-13

18-3/4" x 9-5/8" Casing Hanger

18-3/4" x 7" Casing Hanger

Suspends the 9-5/8" (or 10-3/4") casing string and provides

internal left-hand thread running profile and sealing area.

Suspends the 7" (or 7-5/8") casing string and provides

internal left-hand thread running profile and sealing area.

Can be reworked
Weight: 570 lb.
Bottom Connection: Customer specified
Internal Working Pressure: 10,000 psi
Flowby Area, landed: 13 sq. in.

Can be reworked
Weight: 660 lb.
Bottom Connection: Customer specified
Internal Working Pressure: 10,000 psi
Flowby Area, landed: 13 sq. in.

8-13/16"

6-3/8"

19-1/8"

19-1/8"

18-19/32"

18-19/32"

2-14

SG-LTR Packoff Assembly

The annular seal is made up on an SG casing hanger and the
assembly is run in a single trip. After cementing, the packoff
is energized and tested prior to retrieving the casing hanger
running tool.
Used for all casing hangers within a system,
except for the 16" SG-5XP hanger
Integral flowby slots
Maximum seal over extended periods, even in
high-pressure holes
Low torque-set packoff actuation

Positive metal-to-metal seal backed up by

pre-energized elastomer seal
W-shaped slotted metal insert enhances lower lip
retrievability up to 100,000 axial overpull
Damage tolerant: successful testing to 15,000 psi
with scored housings and damaged seals
Limited rework
Weight: 186 lb.
Maximum Working Pressure: 15,000 psi

16-13/32"

14-27/32"

18-19/32"

2-15

Universal Casing Hanger Running Tool

Runs all sizes of SG-5 casing hangers and casing strings,
13-3/8" and smaller, seals during cementing, sets packoff
and allows testing of the packoff assembly and BOP stack.
Single trip to run, land, and cement the casing string,
actuate and test the packoff
Centralizer sleeve helps position the casing hanger/
packoff assembly and running tool concentrically in the
wellhead housing
Simple tool provides reliable operation and easy
maintenance

No shear pins or sliding sleeves to set or reset

the packoff
Can be reworked
Weight: 1,862 lb.
Top Connection: 4-1/2" I.F. (or 6-5/8" reg.
threads available)
Bottom Connection: 4-1/2" non-upset eight round
box for subsea cement launching assembly
Maximum Load Rating: Limited by drill pipe

18-9/16"
3"

66-1/2"

2-16

Full Bore Casing Hanger Running Tools

The full bore casing hanger running tool uses a casing string
instead of drill pipe, and can support heavier casing strings
below the hanger because of higher axial load capacity.
Provides full bore access between running string and casing
string in the well.

Surface release plugs offer the possibility of using

multiple stage cementing techniques
Full bore casing hanger running tool uses the
same casing hanger and packoff assemblies as
the universal casing hanger running tool
Removable torque keys
Can be reworked

18-3/4" x 13-3/8"
Full Bore Running Tool
Runs the 13-3/8" casing hanger/packoff assembly
and casing string, and provides through-bore access for
cement plugs.

Weight: 1,389 lb.

Top Connection: 13-3/8" customer specified

18-9/16"

63-1/8"

12-3/8"

2-17

18-3/4" x 9-5/8"
Full Bore Running Tool

18-3/4" x 7"
Full Bore Running Tool

Runs the 9-5/8" casing hanger/packoff assembly

and casing string, and provides through-bore access for
cement plugs.

Runs the 7" casing hanger/packoff assembly and

casing and string, and provides through-bore access for
cement plugs.

Weight: 1,363 lb.

Top Connection: 9-5/8" customer specified

Weight: 1,610 lb.

Top Connection: 7" customer specified

18-9/16"

18-9/16"

56-11/16"

58-3/8"

8-13/16"

6-3/8"

2-18

Packoff Running and Retrieving Tool

Runs, retrieves, and tests all SG packoff assemblies. Selfcontained hydraulic tool. By changing balance sleeve,
functions with SG-5XP 16" hanger and packoff.

18-9/16"

Spring-loaded drive keys torque/un-torque packoff

Can be reworked
Weight: 2,230 lb.
Top Connection: 6-5/8" regular threads
Bottom connection: 3-1/2" API I.F. (NC 38) pin
Maximum Internal Working Pressure: 1,200 psi
Tension Capacity: 120,000 lb. (lock pins)

67-3/8"

2-19

Plug-Type Test Tool

Allows periodic testing of the wellhead housing, BOP, and
the packoff seals. The tool initially seals in the bottom of the
wellhead housing and subsequently on an internal seal
surface of each casing hanger.

18-9/16"

Tests 18-3/4" high-pressure wellhead housing with

no hangers installed
Tests 13-3/8" through 7" hangers
Weight: 1,350 lb.
Top Connection: 4-1/2" (NC 50) API I.F. box
Bottom Connection: 4-1/2" (NC 50) API I.F. box

49-1/2"

3"
3"

2-20

Seat Protector and Wear Bushings

The 18-3/4" seat protector and wear bushings protect the
internal bore sealing surfaces of the wellhead and casing

hangers. Run with the seat protector and wear bushing

running and retrieving tool.. Can be reworked.

18-3/4" Nominal Seat Protector

13-3/8" Wear Bushing

Bore: 17-9/16"

Weight: 375 lb.

Bore: 12-3/8"

Weight: 1,460 lb.

18-9/16"

18-5/8"

47"

42-5/16"

17-9/16"

12-3/8"

9-5/8" Wear Bushing

Bore: 8-13/16"

Weight: 449 lb.

7" Wear Bushing

Weight: 700 lb.

Bore: 6-3/8"

18-9/16"

18-9/16"

26-1/2"

23-3/8"

8-13/16"

6-3/8"

2-21

Seat Protector and Wear Bushing Running and Retrieving Tool

Runs and retrieves the subsea wellhead wear bushings,
seat protector, and corrosion cap.
Self-contained hydraulic tool
Collapsing lock ring and spring-loaded torque pins
Dart-actuated available where washing wear bushing
and wellhead is desired

Weight: 915 lb.

Top Connection: 4-1/2" (NC 50) API I.F. box
Bottom Connection: 4-1/2" (NC 50) API I.F. pin
Internal Working Pressure: 1,000 psi
Tension Capacity: 80,000 lb. on torque pins

18-9/16"

50 "

2-22

18-3/4" Wellhead Corrosion Cap

Protects the interior seal surfaces and exterior profile of the
wellhead during period of temporary abandonment. Once in
place, a corrosion inhibitor can be pumped into the wellhead
to displace seawater or drilling fluid and provide a corrosionresistant bath for seal areas. The retrievable drilling guide
structure can be retrieved after cap is set.

20 "
16-1/16"

Weight-set and retrieve with 3,000 lb. overpull

Stack Up: 31" above top of wellhead
Weight: 1,770 lb.

66"

32-1/2"

2-23

SG-5XP Subsea Wellhead System Components

The SG-5XP wellhead system has all the standard SG-5
system features plus the added ability to support four casing
hangers within the SG-5XP 18-3/4" high-pressure wellhead
housing. The system uses the 16" casing hanger, 16" SG
seal, 16" wear bushing, and a specifically-designed 13-3/8"
casing hanger that transfers casing and test pressure loads
directly into the high-pressure wellhead housing, instead of
the 16" casing hanger. If the 16" hanger is not used, an

adapter is attached to the bottom of the 13-3/8" casing

hanger and the two are run together in a single trip.
Run, cement, and test the 16" hanger in a single trip
Runs on standard SG-5 tools with the addition of the
16" casing hanger running tool

18-3/4" SG-5XP Wellhead Housing

Configured like the standard SG-5 housing except for
dimensions and the internal preparation for the 16" casing
hanger below the 13-3/8" position.

2 7"

Weight: 7,239 lb.

Maximum Internal Working Pressure: 10,000 psi

4 0"

92-3/8"

80-7/8"

17-9/16"

2-24

18-3/4" x 16" SG-5XP Casing Hanger

16" Casing Hanger Running Tool

Suspends the 16" casing string and provides internal

left-hang thread running profile and sealing area.

Runs the 16" SG-5XP hanger, cements, sets the 16" SG

packoff, and pressure tests the assembly in one trip.

Weight: 390 lb.

Bottom Connection: 16" customer specified
Maximum Working Pressure: 5,000 psi
Flowby Area, landed: 6.6 sq. in.

Weight: 1,870 lb.

Top Connection: 4-1/2" I.F.
Bottom Connection: 4-1/2" non-upset eight round box
for subsea cement launching assembly
Maximum Load Rating: Limited by drill pipe

18-9/16"

15-1/4"

6-3/8"

21"

65-1/2"

18-19/32"

2-25

16" SG-5XP Full Bore Running Tool

16" SG-5XP Wear Bushing

Runs the 16" casing hanger/packoff assembly and casing

string, with though bore access for cement plugs.

Protects the internal bore sealing surfaces of the SG-5XP

wellhead housing and the 16" SG-5XP casing hanger.

Weight: 1,100 lb.

Top Connection: 16" customer specified
Maximum Working Pressure: 5,000 psi
Tension Capacity: Limited by drill pipe

Weight: 1,400 lb.

Can be reworked

15-1/4"
18-9/16"

67-1/8"

57-13/16"

18-19/32"
14-3/4"

2-26

13-3/8" SG-5XP Casing Hanger

Same features as the standard SG-5 casing hangers except
an expanding load ring is incorporated to divert the casing
and pressure end loads to the housing.

12-3/8"

Suspends the 13-3/8" casing string and provides

internal left-hand thread running profile and
sealing area
Run and test with standard SG running and
testing tool
Can be reworked
Weight: 600 lb.

25-3/4"
Unset
25"
Set

18-19/32"

2-27

SG-5XP Plug-Type Test Tool

Used to periodically test the wellhead housing, BOP, and
16" through 7" packoff seals.

18-9/16"

63-1/2"

3"

2-28

Section III
Abreviated Running Procedure for a
Typical SG-5
Guideline Drilling Program

Abbreviated Running Procedure for a Typical SG-5

Guideline Drilling Program
(Consult your ABB Vetco Gray Service Representative for specific instructions for your particular equipment.)

Install the Temporary Guide Base

If the conductor pipe, conductor housing, and permanent
guide base structure are jetted into place, it may not be
necessary to use a temporary guide base.
1.

Set the temporary guide on the spider beams.

2.

Fill the compartments with the appropriate

weight material.

3.

Install the running tool into the J-slots of the guide

base by left-hand rotation.

4.

Install guidelines into the four pad eyes of the

temporary guide base.

5. Run and land the temporary guide base on the

ocean floor.

Temporary Guide Base and Running Tool

3-1

Install the Retrievable Drilling Guide Structure and 30" Wellhead Housing
After the temporary guide base has been landed and the guidelines tensioned, the 36" hole is drilled to accommodate
the 30" conductor pipe. The 30" wellhead housing, conductor string, and retrievable drilling guide structure are run as
an assembled unit in either pre-drilled or jetting operations.

Run 30" Conductor in Pre-Drilled Hole

1. Assemble the guide structure if necessary and
install the guide posts with the lock pins provided.
2. Move the guide structure into the moon pool
area and install the guidelines. Make up and run
the conductor pipe through the guide structure.
Running large O.D. conductor pipe is faster
when equipped with Squnch Joint or RapidLockTM
RL-4 connectors.
3. Attach the 30" wellhead housing joint to the last
intermediate joint of conductor pipe and make up
the 30" cam-actuated running tool.
4. Land the 30" wellhead housing in the guide and
remove the cam-actuated running tool.

Jet the 30" Conductor

Where the bottom conditions permit, the 30" conductor
can be jetted into place. The temporary guide base is not
usually used and the 30 wellhead housing, 30" conductor,
retrievable guide structure, and guide lines are run in one
operation.
1.

Attach the 30" wellhead housing to the last joint of

conductor pipe and make up the 30" cam-actuated
running tool. (Remove the bull plugs on the 30"
cam-actuated tool for jetting returns.)

2.

Land the 30" wellhead in the guide structure and

remove the cam-actuated running tool.

3.

A special jetting tool or bit is spaced out in the 30"

conductor so that it is 6" outside to 12" inside the
bottom of the open-ended conductor. Make up the
last joint of the jetting string to the bottom of the
cam-actuated running tool.

4.

Lower the running tool through the rotary and make

up in the 30" wellhead housing.

5.

Lower the 30" conductor to the mudline and begin

the jetting operation.

6.

Continue jetting until the conductor reaches the

desired depth.

5. Run a drill pipe stringer into the conductor string

and make up to the bottom of the running tool.
6. Lower the running tool through the rotary and make
up into the conductor wellhead housing.
7. Fill the conductor with seawater through the ports
on the running tool. (Replace the bull plugs prior to
lowering the housing to the ocean floor.)
8. Run and land the entire assembly (retrievable
drilling guide structure, 30" wellhead housing, and
running tool) in the temporary guide base on the
ocean floor.
9. Circulate the hole and cement the conductor
in place.
10. Release the running tool with right-hand rotation
and retrieve to the surface.

3-2

Running the retrievable drilling guide structure, 30" wellhead housing, and
30" conductor string into the temporary guide base and pre-drilled hole.

3-3

Jetting the 30" Conductor

3-4

Drill the 26" Hole with Marine Riser and Hydraulic Latch
After the 30" conductor is run, shallow formations or local
government regulations may require drilling the 26" hole
with returns to the drilling vessel. When these conditions
occur, an ABB Vetco Gray Marine Riser System and
Hydraulic Latch are used.
1. Install the hydraulic latch and Flex Joint on the
marine riser.

3.

At the surface, install an ABB Vetco Gray KFDSTM

diverter in the Marine Riser System to exhaust any
flow encountered.

4.

Drill out and condition the 26" hole.

5. When it has been determined there is no abnormal

pressure in the well bore, retrieve the hydraulic
latch to the surface.

2. Run, stab, and lock the hydraulic latch into the

30" wellhead housing on the ocean floor. (The latch
locks into the internal 30" cam-actuated running
tool profile.)

Hydraulic Latch

3-5

Install the High-Pressure Wellhead Housing

1. Install the running tool (cam-actuated or threaded)
in the high-pressure wellhead housing.
2. Make up and run the 20" casing using RL-4S
casing connectors.
3. With the last joint of 20" casing in the rotary table,
make up the high-pressure wellhead housing
equipped with a 20" Squnch Joint or RL-4S
casing connector.
4. Lower the assembly and land in the 30" wellhead
housing using the motion compensator.

5.

Pick up approximately 30,000 lb. over the string

weight to verify that the high-pressure wellhead is
locked to the 30" wellhead housing.

6.

Circulate and cement the casing as required.

Returns are ported through the 30" wellhead
housing and guide structure.

7.

Release the running tool from the high-pressure

housing with right-hand rotation, and retrieve the
running tool to the surface.

High-pressure wellhead housing landed in the 30" wellhead housing.

3-6

Run the BOP Stack with the H-4 Wellhead Connector

The remotely-operated hydraulic H-4 wellhead connector
connects the BOP stack to the high-pressure wellhead
housing.

After a successful BOP stack test, pull the test plug, re-run
the seat protector in the wellhead housing using the seat
protector/wear busing running and retrieving tool.

Pull the seat protector, if run in the wellhead, before testing

the BOP stack with the universal plug-type BOP test tool.

BOP stack, landed on the high-pressure wellhead housing, with plug-type test tool installed.

3-7

Prepare the Casing Hanger and Packoff for Installation

Prior to running the next casing string, assemble the casing
hanger, universal casing hanger running tool, and the
packoff along with the subsea-released cementing plugs.
1. Place the casing hanger in a vertical position, and
rotate the packoff onto the casing hanger until the
packoff stops. (Remove the lock ring if the hanger
will not be locked down.)
2. Back the packoff off until the bottom of the packoff
is 2-5/8" from the packoff landing shoulder on the
casing hanger. This space is known as the initial
standoff.
3. Make up the subsea cementing plugs to the
universal casing hanger running tool.
4. Stab the casing hanger running tool into the casing
hanger, aligning the tool torque keys with the milled
slots on the packoff.
NOTE: Measure from the bottom of the centralizer
sleeve to the packoff landing shoulder and record
the dimension. After make up, check this dimension. With full tool/hanger engagement, this
dimension should be 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 less.
5. Make up with chain tongs until snug (approximately
3 to 4 turns to the left).
NOTE: As the tool makes up with the casing
hanger, it simultaneously backs off the packoff, with
the ideal final standoff being 4-1/8" to 4-1/4". This
measurement is critical to assure sufficient flowby
during circulating and cementing operations.
6. Install a protector on the packoff and set the
assembly aside.

Universal Casing Hanger Running Tool,

Packoff, and Casing Hanger

3-8

Run the Casing Hanger and Packoff

1. Prior to running each casing string, remove the
nominal seal protector or wear bushing with the
seat protector/wear bushing running/retrieving tool.
2. Run the casing and make up the casing hanger
assembly to the last joint of casing.
3. Run and land the casing hanger assembly with
motion compensator set to compensate the running
string upon landing in the housing.
4. Circulate and cement according to the drilling
program.
5. Rotate the running tool to the right approximately
four turns to disengage the running tool from the
casing hanger running threads.
6. Continue to rotate approximately 4-1/4 turns to the
right until a torque build-up is experienced and the
SG-LTR metal-to-metal seal is actuated.
7. With the universal casing hanger running tool
still in place in the hanger, test the seal and the
BOP stack.
8. After a successful test, retrieve the running tool to
the surface.

Step 1
Install the casing hanger tool in the hanger/packoff
assembly.

3-9

Step 2
Rotate to the left, fully seating the tool in the hanger and the
packoff is in running position.

Step 3
Run and land the hanger in the wellhead.

3-10

Step 4
Hanger and tool landed. Cement returns flowby.

Step 5
Hanger landed, packoff set and tested.

3-11

Run and Retrieve Seat Protector and Wear Bushings

Before drilling out, a wear bushing must be installed in the
high-pressure wellhead housing to protect the casing
hanger and the remaining seal profiles in the wellhead.
Wear bushings are run with the same tool as the nominal
seat protector.

Install the Wear Bushing

1. Stab the running tool into the wear bushing.
2. Carefully lower the wear bushing and land on
the packoff.
3. Rotate the running string slowly to the right until the
pins of the wear bushing drop into the vertical slots
of the packoff.
4. Continue rotating to J the wear bushing into the
packoff until a torque build up occurs. This action
also un-Js the wear bushing from the tool.
5. Maintain this slight right-hand torque and pick up
on the string, using the motion compensator to
confirm that the wear bushing J-pins are locked
into the packoff.
6. Let up on the string and pressure the running string
to 800 psi maximum to release the lock ring of the
tool from the lock ring groove in the wear bushing.
7. Retrieve the tool back to the surface. All sizes are
run in the same manner.

Retrieve the Wear Bushing

1. Lower the running tool into the hole and stab into
the wear bushing.
2. Adjust the heave compensator to support the
running string weight less 2,000 lb.
3. Rotate the running string to the left to engage the
torque pins of the tool with the J-slots of the wear
bushing and release the wear bushing pins from
the packoff J-slots.
4. Retrieve the tool and wear bushing to the surface.

One tool runs and retrieves the nominal

seat protector and wear bushings.

3-12

Retrieve and Reinstall a Packoff

Retrieve
1. Lower the packoff retrieval and reinstallation tool
into the wellhead and land on top of the packoff
using the motion compensator.
2. Rotate the tool to the right to drop the J-pins into
the vertical slots of the packoff. Turn an additional
1/8 to engage the spring-loaded torque keys in the
packoff vertical slots.
3. Rotate the tool to the left approximately 12 turns
to remove the packoff assembly.
4. Retrieve the tool and packoff to the surface.
5. Run the mill and flush tool to clean the seal area.

Reinstall
6. Install a new packoff on the running tool and run
into the wellhead.
7. Land the packoff on the casing hanger and rotate
the tool two turns to the right.
8. Pull up on the running string to verify that the
packoff made up to the casing hanger, slack off and
continue rotating 10 turns to the right.
9. When the packoff is torqued to requirements,
pressure test.
10. After a successful test, bleed off the test pressure
and apply approximately 800 psi to the tool to
retract the torque keys.
11. Rotate 1/8 turn to the left until a slight torque build
up is noticed and retrieve the tool to the surface.

Packoff Retrieval and Reinstallation Tool

3-13

Corrosion Cap
If a well proves to be of commercial significance, it can be
capped until the operator wishes to complete it. The ABB
Vetco Gray diverless corrosion cap temporarily protects
suspended wells.
Run on the seat protector/wear bushing running and
retrieving tool, the corrosion cap simply stabs over the
wellhead, and automatically locks to the outer H-4 profile on
the wellhead housing.

A diver-assist corrosion cap can be run on a tugger line and

secures to the wellhead by manually installing three bolts.
With either corrosion cap in place, a bio-degradable corrosion
inhibitor can be pumped into the wellhead displacing
seawater and drilling fluid and providing a protective bath
for the critical sealing areas of the wellhead.
The retrievable drilling guide structure can be retrieved with
the corrosion cap in place.

Retrievable drillling guide structure retrieved and corrosion cap installed on a suspended well.

3-14

Section IV
Additional Equipment for use with the
SG-5/SG-5XP Systems

Additional Equipment for Use With the SG-5/5XP Systems

Hydraulic Latch Assembly

H-4 Wellhead Connector

O-ring on lower body assembly provides a seal

between the latch and the 30" wellhead housing.

Hydraulic cylinders have separate primary and

secondary hydraulic ports.

Four hydraulic cylinders move the actuator sleeve

downward, radially forcing eight locking dogs out into
the 30" cam-actuated running tool profile.
Available with either two- or four-arm guide frame
fitted with guide cones.

Locking dogs encompass 356 contact resulting in

uniform distribution of bending and tensile loads over
a large area of the wellhead.
Indicator rod for visual indication of cam ring position.

Stainless steel-lined VX gasket ring groove assures

a pressure-type seal.

Available with clamp, studded, or flange top

connection, in a variety of sizes and pressure ratings.

Optional flange or mandrel top profile.

4-1

30" Wellhead Housing Running

and Drill-Ahead Tool
Used to run the 30" wellhead housing and drill pipe in
conditions where the conductor can be jetted in, the tool
makes up to the internal cam profile of the 30" wellhead
housing.

18-3/4" BOP Isolation Test Tool

Tests the BOP stack while it is landed in the high-pressure
wellhead housing. The tool lands on a wear bushing or
casing hanger and seals in the housing bore, isolating the
casing hanger packoff assemblies from test pressure.

The jetting string extends below the drill-ahead tool and

carries the 26" BHA. Once the conductor reaches total
depth, the stem of the tool is released by right-hand
rotation of the drill pipe. The body of the tool unlocks from
the stem and remains in place, centralizing the drill string.
The drill pipe continues downward and drilling for the 26"
hole can begin. Once the 26" hole reaches TD, the drill pipe
is picked up and the stem of the tool rises, retrieving the
body of the tool from the 30" wellhead housing to the
surface.

4-2

Utility Guide Frame

Guides equipment between the drilling vessel and

the temporary guide base or retrievable drilling guide
structure before the marine riser is installed.

Side door center section available with spacers,

accommodates both drill collars and drill pipe.

Universal Mill and Flush Tool

Removes junk, cement, formation cuttings or gumbo from
the area between the casing hanger and wellhead housing.
Internal fluid slots run between the running string bore and
the cutting teeth on the bottom of the tool providing a
flushing action to remove loosened materials.

4-3

Reinstallable Guide Base

Run and installed subsea on an existing wellhead for reentry or guidance of production/completion equipment.

Guide Base retrievable

Posts retrievable

Hydraulic running tool latches the guide base to the

external profile of the 30" wellhead housing.

Safety lock key on the running tool prevents the tool

stem from accidentally becoming unjayed during
handling.

4-4

Emergency Equipment
The SG-5/5XP emergency sealing system consists of an emergency packoff, a 13-3/8" emergency seal assembly,
and a 9-5/8" emergency seal assembly.

Emergency Packoff
Used to seal the casing annulus in the event the primary
seal area is unusable. Lands on a casing hanger shoulder
above the normal seating position, seats against this
shoulder with O-rings and against the wellhead housing
with a special SG-type seal. Shorter than the standard
packoff assembly, the emergency packoff will not interfere
with subsequent casing hangers. Run with the packoff
running and retrieving tool.

Emergency Seal Assemblies

If the emergency packoff does not seal or cannot be run, then an emergency seal is used. Threads on the lower O.D.
profile engage the casing hanger and the elastomer seals seat between the seal assembly and casing hanger as well
as the I.D. of the wellhead housing. Run with the running and retrieving tool.

13-3/8" Emergency Seal Assembly

9-5/8" Emergency Seal Assembly

4-5

Section V
Tieback Systems

Tieback Systems
The SG-5/5XP wellhead system is easily adapted for use
with a fixed platform or TLP tieback completion system. By
using the SG-5/5XP 9-5/8" tieback hanger, the production
strings can be tied back to the platform. The standard ABB
Vetco Gray tieback system locks and seals the 20",
13-3/8", and 9-5/8" casing strings into the SG-5/5XP
wellhead system. The 9-5/8" production string has a full
metal-to-metal seal. The initial tieback riser lands on the
SG-5/5XP wellhead, makes up without rotation while the
funnel adapter of the tieback system accommodates angular

misalignment and lateral offset. The wellhead equipment

used for tieback systems is standard, except for the last
casing hanger installed. This casing hanger contains an
internal profile for the SG seal preparation and special
tieback threads. The last casing string is threaded into the
casing hanger by the internal lockdown sub on the adapter,
so the casing strings are not rotated. A modified wear
bushing on threaded insert protects the sealing and locking
areas.

Surface Wellhead

Wellhead Cellar Deck

20" Ti ebac k
13- 3/ 8" Ti ebac k

9-5/8" Tieback

Subsea Wellhead

5-1

20" Internal-lock Tieback Connector

20" External-lock Tieback Connector

5-2

13-3/8" Tieback Adapter

9-5/8" Tieback Torque Tool

5-3

9-5/8" Tieback Adapter with

Metal-to-Metal Seal

9-5/8" Tieback Casing Hanger

5-4

9-5/8" Tieback Wear Bushing

5-5