FLOWHEAD

A Streamlined Organization dedicated to Technology and Excellence in Execution

 FLOWHEAD

Contents:

•Description

•Selection

•Safety

•Rig up

•References
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Lecture Objectives,
by the end of this lecture, YOU should be
able to:

- Explain the functions of the FH

- Explain the functions of the Swivel
- Select a FH
- List all safety aspects for rig up a FH
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Introduction:
•Used for temporary completion DST (Drill Stem Testing)
- Control the pressure
- Provide temporary Shut-In at surface.
- Control the fluid flow IN & OUT of the well.
•For permanent completion (production test) the FH is
replaced by a X-tree, with 2 Master valves (to operate
under Client authorization, the upper Master valve only).
 Riser or Lubricator
Typical
BOP Flowhead

(Kill (Flow
valve) valve)

(BOX)
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Principal functions:
•Control the pressure.
•Support the weight of the Test String.
•Allow up-and-down of Test String.
• Allow rotation movement of Test String if Swivel is used.
•Allow flow out of the well through a flow valve.
•Allow to pump fluid into the well through a kill valve.
•Allow tools to be introduced into the well through a swab or crown
valve.
Description:
•All standard Flowhead
are equipped with an
Hydraulic actuator on
the Flow valve.
Description:
•All standard Flowhead are equipped with a Swivel

Simplified New
swivel type :
There is a “leak
check”between
the two set of
packing
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Swivel’s main applications:

•Allow rotation of subsurface equipment.
•Support the weight of the Test String thanks to
roller bearings.
•Support the weight of the FH and the equipment
above the FH thanks to the ball bearings.
•Should not be rotated when pressurized.
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Criteria to select Flowhead:
•Working Pressure rating (1.2 x Max.Expected
WHP)
•Required service type H2S or not
•Fluid temperature
•Internal diameter of the flowhead
•ESD for actuator
•X-overs (Kill & Flow lines + Bottom FH + lifting sub)
•Swivel requirement (standard)
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Safety and Maintenance:
•Only Schlumberger employees are allowed to operate it.
•Count number of turns to open and close gate valves.
•Connections are marked with chalk or paint to know if a
connection is backing off.
•Check valve on the kill line to avoid flowing back to the
pump unit.
Note: the FH isn’t needed to set the packer.
 Selection:
IN 3”weco union Female
OUT 3”weco union Male
(or Graylock for 15k WP)
Bottom always BOX Acme
threads (size as swivel)
FLOWHEAD
To see all “data sheet”, with
different FH criteria such as:
•Pressure rating
•Temperature rating
•I.D. & connections
•Hydraulic actuator qty
•H2S (all are NACE
certified)
FH selection for our ST basic course:
-5k, 10k, 15k with 3” connections
-Temperature between –4 to 250 degF
Pick up
Flowhead
Torquing up the Flowhead Connections
Connecting Flowhead to Test String
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References:

. On Line Training
. Animation “FH Rig up”
. FOH for SWT (Rig up, chapter 3.1 & 6)
. InTouch: Technical Data Sheet
& Maintenance manual
 Tree cap & gauge
X-TREE
Swab valve
Kill valve

Choke

Upper master valve

(operational valve)
Flow valve

Lower master
valve (back up)
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The End