Parts Defined

The two lower valves are called the master valves (upper and lower respectively) because they lie in the
flow path, which well fluids must take to get to surface.
The lower master valve will normally be manually operated, while the upper master valve is often
hydraulically actuated.
Hydraulic tree wing valves are usually built to be fail safe closed, meaning they require active hydraulic
pressure to stay open.
The right hand valve is often called the flow wing valve or the production wing valve, because it is in the
flow path the hydrocarbons take to production facilities.
The left hand valve is often called the kill wing valve. It is primarily used for injection of fluids such as
corrosion inhibitors or methanol to prevent hydrateformation.
The valve at the top is called the swab valve and lies in the path used for well interventions
like wireline and coiled tubing.
A Choke is a device, either stationary or adjustable, used to:
control the gas flow, also known as volume
or create downstream pressure, also known as back pressure
We hope this has helped you understand the difference between wellhead and christmas trees better;
however, if you have any questions feel free to contact us with any questions.

Tree (xmas tree) Design

Best Practices / Checklists

o

Pre-spud

26 inch

16 inch

12.25 inch

8.5 inch

6 inch

Completion

Miscellaneous

Casing types

Preliminary Design

Load Cases

Load Calculation

Corrosion Wear Fatigue

Buckling

Connections

Special Design

Operations

Miscellaneous

Planning

Casing

Liner

Casing wear

Miscellaneous

Planning

Casing

Liner

Cement Plugs

Remedial

Evaluation

Miscellaneous

Casing Design

Casing Operations

Cementing

Completion
o

Design

ESP

Operations

Wellhead

Miscellaneous

Planning

Rig Move

Pre-spud

Abandonment

Equipment

Managed Pressure

Hole Problems

HPHT

Offshore

Shallow Water

Sidetrack

ERD

Mechanics

Miscellaneous

Planning

Mud types

Solids Control

Contamination

QA QC

Losses

Testing

Miscellaneous

Coring

Logging

Mud/ Data Logging

FST

Miscellaneous

Well Testing

Drilling

Drilling Fluids

Evaluation

Planning
Reporting

New Venture

Job Descriptions

Miscellaneous

Testing

Workover

Sand Control

Miscellaneous

Planning

Quality

Safety

Health

Environment

Security

Causes

Prevention

Freeing

Back-off

Fishing

Milling

Miscellaneous

Planning

Magnetic Survey

Gyro Survey

Inclination Only

MWD

Miscellaneous

Production

QHSE

Stuck Pipe

Slim Hole Drilling

Surveying

Well Control

---------------------

Oil and Gas Jobs

Oil Companies

Oilfield Services

---------------------

Drilling Softwares

Planning

Equipment

Primary Control

Secondary Control

Tertiary Control

Relief Well - Homing-In

Well Control

Hydraulics

Drilling Optimization

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Amount:

Christmas Tree (xmas tree) Design

The Christmas tree is the cross-over between the wellhead casing and the flowline. The wellhead
is the cross-over between the Christmas tree and the various casings.

controls the wellhead pressure and the flow of hydrocarbon

enables the well to be shut off in an emergency

provides access into the well for well intervention activities.

Wellhead/christmas tree interface

The selection of the wellhead is normally by the Drilling Engineer in conjunction with the well
structure design.
Both drilling and production requirements need to be addressed in the wellhead design, as it
provides the crossover between the BOP and the various casings during the drilling phase of the
well life cycle and as mentioned above controls the wellhead pressure and hydrocarbon flow
during the production phase. The design should be in accordance with API specification 6A.
There are basically two types of wellhead, the individual spool type and the compact wellhead.
The compact wellhead is a technically superior design which offers enhanced safety and rig time
savings without incurring a direct cost penalty.

Christmas tree bottom connection

The Christmas tree connection to the wellhead or the tubing head spool should be rated to the
maximum closed-in wellhead pressure. The connection should be designed to accept the shear
loads, the loads imposed during wireline, coiled tubing and snubbing operations, such as bending
moments of the lubricator, vibration, etc. It must be demonstrated by calculation that the
tree/wellhead connection is adequate to meet these demands during its working life.
A suitable connection between Christmas tree and wellhead is the multi-segmented clamp. This
device is quicker and safer to install than the more traditional flange and allows the drilling

function to line up the Christmas tree accurately with the flowline. In principle it is
recommended that dual seals are used, generally this is accomplished by way of extended neck
tubing hangers.

Tubing hangers
During wellhead maintenance and other operations a back pressure valve is normally installed in
the tubing hanger. To accommodate this, a profile should be machined into the tubing hanger to
receive the valve and/or running tool. This should preferably be a wireline profile, which allows
setting and retrieving the back pressure valve to be performed under lubricator control.
It is recommended not to use threaded profiles. They may become corroded or eroded by well
fluids and wireline passing across.
The tubing hanger must withstand the forces exerted during well completion, such as setting the
well conduit in tension or compression, and subsequent forces during well production, well
stimulation etc.

Control lines
The tubing hanger also houses the termination or passage of the control line for the SCSSV and
any other devices fitted downhole. The line should be a continuous path from the valve nipple to
the surface. The wellhead body should not incorporate a fluid path for any control line (SCSSV
or other downhole devices).

Wellhead ports
The wellhead design will incorporate a minimum number of outlets, including testing ports, tie
down screws etc. Each annulus should have two outlets oriented at 180 to each other. The
orientation of each annulus outlet should be the same, with the "A" annulus (production tubing to
casing annulus) uppermost. The "B" should be the next lowest with subsequent casing outlets in
line below each other.
During the producing phase of the well life cycle the annuli ports provide access to each casing
for: pressure monitoring; pressure bleed off; fluid levels and samples; passage of fluids for
artificial lift gas lift/hydraulic lift) usually only A annulus; passage of fluids for well

killing/circulation; injection of corrosion inhibitors; access for pressuring the annulus to operate
downhole tools such as SCSSVs.
"A" annulus should have two flanged gate valves, with the same pressure rating as the

tree on each outlet (in some instances, a single gate valve and a comparison flange is installed).
The outlet used for sampling or gas lift should have a profile to insert a back pressure valve. The
other side may be terminated with a flange, needle valve, and pressure gauge.
"B" annulus: One outlet should have a single gate valve with a sampling/bleed down

arrangement. The other side may be terminated with a flange, needle valve and pressure gauge.
"C" annulus: One outlet should have a single gate valve with a sampling/bleed down

arrangement. The other side may be terminated with a flange, needle valve and pressure gauge.
When there are more than three annuli on the wellhead these should be treated in the same way
as the "C" annulus.
In general the "A" annulus ports are specified 2" nominal for well killing and gas injection
purposes. The minimum diameter ports for the "B" and "C" annulus should be 1" nominal to
avoid plugging. The specification of port sizes should take into consideration the life cycle
requirements such as artificial lift requirements but also corrosion monitoring and remedial work
requirements.

Christmas tree types

Subsea trees need to be designed to allow ease of tie-in to the tubing spool/wellhead, umbilical
connections (hydraulic/electric), etc. and connection of tie-backs, flowlines, etc. in underwater
conditions. The control and safety valves need to be operated via the umbilical lines.
Surface trees on the other hand are "simpler" in design since there is no need for running/guide
bases, tie-in of umbilicals, etc.
There are two basic types of tree: solid, and composite. Solid trees are machined from single
blocks of material. Composite trees consist of standard valves bolted together about a central
body.

Solid type tree

The advantages of using trees constructed from a single block of material is the reduction in
potential leak paths, and their higher pressure rating. It is also used for dual completions.

Composite trees
This type of tree should only be used for low pressure and low risk applications. Selection should
ensure that the valves used have been designed for this type of application, and that gaskets do
not project into the core of the tree and thereby obstruct the flow and wireline tool strings. All
other features should apply equally to both types of tree.

Tree configurations
Dual trees
Dual completions are widely used, although problems in optimised gas lifting of both strings
tend to favour single completions where gas lifting will be employed.

Splitter system
This allows two wells to be drilled, cased and completed from a single wellbore. Each well is
independent, permitting concurrent operations

Operating requirements

regulations governing the provision of one or two master valves;

statutory requirements on the maintenance of the tree and other related pressure
equipment;

required maintenance frequency: what, where, when, and how.

Space requirements
The limits of the available space for the wellhead equipment should be defined at the initial
stages of a project, not before detailed design commences.

Repressurisation
An important consideration in designing surface equipment is repressurisation after a shutdown,
a SCSSV leak-off test, and tree maintenance. For example, in the case of the well being shut in

and depressurised with full pressure below the closed SCSSV, there has to be some means of
equalising the pressure across the sub-surface valve before it can be opened.
There are several scenarios possible for the repressurisation of a Christmas tree:
1.

Using the equalisation feature of the sub-surface valve (if fitted).

2.

Repressurisation of the string above the SCSSV from another well via the Production
Manifold (or the Kill Manifold, bearing in mind the directions on kill systems and the kill
philosophy, as discussed in Section 3.1.3).

3.

Pumping into the string above the SCSSV a fluid which is compatible with the produced
hydrocarbons (e.g. diesel) and pressurising this fluid until the flapper opens.

4.

Using a supply of inert gas at sufficient pressure for same.

5.

Using a combination of the methods described under b. and d.; if the other well cannot
supply sufficient pressure this deficiency can be made up by an additional supply of inert gas.

Inter-well connection features

Minimum line diameter of 2" (50 mm).

For low pressure, normal temperature (non-gas) applications, any quick connecting rigid
piped system or flexible hoses are acceptable.

For high pressure, high/low temperature gas and H2S applications any suitable metal-tometal seal system may be used.

In all cases where jointed or flexible hoses are used there should be a documented and
auditable means of determining whether the system is certified for use, i.e. pressure test
certificates or insuring authority approval for use.

In all cases where either jointed rigid line or flexible hoses are used suitable anchoring
devices should be used to restrain the line in the event of a failure. This is a mandatory safety
requirement.

Chemical injection
Injection lines should be designed in compliance with the general safety principles where
required. Chemicals should be injected into the main body of the tree where the fluid flow is
most turbulent and injection points should be large enough to withstand shear forces. The
diameter of the injection line should be as large as possible and the connection to the tree
flanged. For example 21/16" (50 mm) diameter is adequate to withstand most shear loads and

vibration. Ring joint flanges can be used but cognisance should be taken of the comments on BX
joints.

Sampling
No sampling points should be provided on the body of the tree. When a sample has to be taken
close to the Christmas tree the sample point should be downstream of the choke, at the lowest
pressure and at a point of high turbulence, to ensure that a representative sample is obtained.

Measurement
The preferred approach for obtaining wellhead pressures is to install an instrument flange, with
ports for the sensors, between the Flowline Wing Valve (FWV) and the choke. The flange can
also be used for chemical injection. The flow measurement is normally taken on a straight
section of the flowline.

Safety criteria
Christmas trees and ancillaries must be designed to meet the minimum safety criteria and the
installation should be suitable for its intended purpose. The design should comply with
internationally recognised standards such as API 6A, ISO 9000, ISO 10423.
Well control intervention operations need to be a consideration during the well and facility
design.
The safety logic of the process or platform installation should be taken into account during the
design. For example, does the plant have emergency shut-down (ESD) and operational shutdown (OSD) systems? If so, what is the operating philosophy during these types of shut-downs?
What effect will this have on the design of the tree?
All trees should have a (lower) master gate valve (LMG). This is the ultimate safety barrier and
is one of the most important safety devices on the tree. In all wells the principle of operating a
valve "one away" from the LMG must be incorporated in the design. The LMG should only be
closed in an emergency situation.
When positioning casing outlets, valves, instruments, etc. consideration should be given to the
space restrictions for normal operation and maintenance of the equipment. See ASTMS F-116688 (Recommended Installation of Valves) or similar.

Valve sequencing
Closure of the actuated valves on a Christmas tree is normally automatically sequenced through a
dedicated well shutdown system. Before the design of a well is undertaken, the sequencing of the
SCSSV, SSV and choke must be defined as it will have an influence on the control systems of the
tree.
Typical examples of the sequential valve operations in an integrated production system are:

Emergency Shutdown [ESD]

1.

Choke closes under automatic actuation

2.

Flow wing (or injection wing) valve closes (SSV)

3.

Upper master gate valve closes (SSV)

4.

SCSSV closes.

Operational Shutdown (Unit Shutdown) [OSD/USD]

1.

Choke closes under automatic actuation

2.

Flow wing (or injection wing) valve closes (SSV)

Planned Shutdown
1.

Choke is closed under automatic actuation, by the operator

2.

Flow wing (or injection wing) valve closes

3.

Upper master gate valve closes

4.

SCSSV closes (depending on the work to be done).

Lubricator connection
Lubricators are tubulars temporary fitted into the Xmas tree to enable well intervention activities
on a well under pressure.

a. Single completions
With a flanged tree-to-cap connection (composite trees) and studded connection (solid block
trees), due regard should be taken to seal selection. For similar reasons to the Christmas tree
bottom connection, this uppermost connection or joint should be strong enough to withstand all
the forces that will be imposed on it.

b. Dual completions
With this configuration the tree connection (each flange for each string) can be 'D' shaped. These
are acceptable for low pressure, sweet applications. Their disadvantage is the uneven loading on
the bolts of the 'D' shaped flanges. This type of connection should not be used in sour service.
An acceptable alternative for sour service is the figure of eight or oval shaped one piece
connection that covers both top outlets. The bolts are more evenly tensioned and the flange less
susceptible to differential movement.

c. Seals
The seal most predominantly used for lubricators is an 'O' seal, with the load being taken by an
ACME thread. Provided the 'O' seal is regularly replaced, and pressure tested prior to well entry,
this type of joint is wholly adequate.
In very high pressure applications, metal-to-metal seals have been used and are becoming more
widespread. However, a change from 'O' seals to metal-to-metal seals will mean a change of
lubricators and this should be carefully considered against the advantages of this state-of-the-art
seal.

Wellhead/Christmas tree seals

Acceptance criteria
Selecting seals is an important aspect of wellhead design as a wellhead relies heavily on seals for
its pressure integrity. 700 kPa (100 psi)/3 minutes is a common standard for leakage rate.
For tubular premium connections a limit of 0.001 cm3/second is normally accepted

Types of seals
Tt is recommended to use metal-to-metal seals; metal encapsulated polymer seals should only be
used for pressures below 28,000 kPa (4000 psi). Pure elastomeric and/or plastomeric seals
should be confined to wellhead/Xmas tree running tools and testing tools.
Xmas tree parameters
BOP/Christmas tree connections

The main consideration is the selection of a matched strength connection, e.g. the properties of
the connector should meet the capability of the casing assembly to which the connection is to be
made. Most of the subsea connectors and modern multi-segmented clamps are good examples of
this design philosophy.
Surface wellheads
BOP/Christmas tree connections can be either clamped with two-piece clamps and hubs or
flanged with raised face flanges. Both of these design features have their advantages and
disadvantages, however a major objective is to have a low profile wellhead.
Raised face flanges were used in older connections and over the years these have evolved into R
type connections with ring gasket and grooves. The grooves are shallow for R seals and deep for
RX seals. The seal flank of the RX seal is identical to that of the R seal but the load flank is
sometimes omitted. Some valve bonnet seals employ a similar design feature. See API
Specification 16A. The major suppliers have manufactured various types of connectors for
surface wellheads.
Conventional two piece clamps have the following advantages:

The reduction in time of the high risk operation of nippling up and down, during which
time the protection offered by the pressure tight vessel is not provided.
The nippling is best done by means of torque wrenches, as accidents can occur while using
flogging spanners.

They can act as better heat sinks. With API seal technology clamps without expandable
washers have better fire resistance acting as a better heat sink.
Conventional two piece clamps have the following disadvantages:

A higher profile and therefore extra head room is needed.

They are heavy and very difficult to energise. In particular for medium to high pressures
(more than 34,474 kPa/5,000 psi) and medium to large sizes (more than 346 mm/135/8").

Faulty castings and forgings can and have contributed to low and unacceptable
performance. See DEN 65189.

Stresses in clamps and hubs exceed those in flanges and bolts.

The lack of proper alignment. This is a problem with AX style gaskets. For example
while machining new heads two features are often faulty; the API ring groove and the API bolt
holes, despite the generous tolerances. When bolt holes require repairing, threaded bushings are
recommended over welding.

Aligning bolts is difficult. Firefighters prefer flanges instead of clamps because they can
align flanges easier by using bolts of different lengths. For the same reason conventional spools
are also better than unitized wellheads, if not splittable. Similarly studded connections are
preferred over flanges. This apparent conflict highlights the vulnerability of sealing within the
plastic limits of the steel. Therefore in these applications it is recommended to use of elastic
seals, such as AX, Grayloc, and similar.

Heavy clamps are difficult to handle.

Subsea wellheads
In subsea applications multi-segment clamps and riser connections are used. BX style seals are
excluded because either they are not vented or, if they are, venting of the ring gaskets is not
reliable as the vent becomes plugged. Both situations create hydraulic lock on the groove.
The major suppliers have manufactured various types of connectors for wet applications. Among
these are:

The Vetco H4. The H4 Multiple Load Shoulder features a slimmer profile which can
withstand bending moments better due to a deeper swallow and is also easier to stab-in.

Cameron's modified Collet connectors. Cameron uses the standard Hub with Single Load
shoulder for its collet connector thereby providing a larger OD.
Male/female profiles are inconvenient as they prevent bi-directional installation. API double box
profiles are a good alternative provided that the ring gasket belt acts as the matching double pin.
The modified/recessed Grayloc has been used in such profiles.
In the design of marine hubs, male/female profiles must be incorporated, to allow the easy
alignment of the mating members, thereby freeing the gasket from such a duty.

Selection criteria

The ideal connection should maintain the maximum equivalent pressure rating of the assembly,
require little stud tensioning (to avoid over-torque), resist external loads (bending, shear,
vibration, temperature expansion), allow easier seat rework and have reusable seals
Face to face contact is vital for fatigue resistance, bending, shear and axial alignment. Ideally the
bolt circle should be inside the contact area to have all fasteners working together. This also
helps while the BOP is in the following state:

tension: during testing;

in compression: by hanging off;

in shear: during slant drilling.

Subsea "spool" tree

The "spool" tree system does not currently fulfil the necessary two barrier reservoir isolation
criteria under all conditions. This stems primarily from the barriers available during operations
necessary to install or remove the wireline plugs in the tubing hanger/tree. With the current
design there is heavy reliance on the shear rams of the Drilling BOP to provide not only the
disconnect facility, but in some instances, the only barrier between the reservoir and the
environment.

Seal testing
External testing of the upper seals checks these seals the wrong way around, as the test pressure
in this case comes from below, while the actual well bore pressure comes from above. The
reverse situation applies to the lower seal.
Also the auxiliary seals, which are used to facilitate the pressure testing of the assembly, should
have the same integrity as the main metal-to-metal seals. This means that metal-to-metal seals
should not have elastomers to test against.
Some pressure energised purpose-designed seals, such as elastomeric or metallic cup testers,
suffer as they are undirectional. Although they are good at sealing pressures from the wellbore
they do not seal from the well test port side. Therefore they are sometimes not considered for
selection for the wrong reasons.
For spool type wellheads the situation is even more complex. There are:

Primary seals. A misnomer for the first/low pressure seal to be installed;

Secondary seals. A misnomer for second, critical or crossover seals.

The mechanical part of the assembly must be designed with tight tolerances in accordance with
the practical rule of thumb:

Gap (mm) Pressure rating (kPa) = 13,000; or

Gap (0.001") Pressure rating (thousands psi) = 75.

For example, for 100,000 kPa (15,000 psi) systems, 0.13 mm tolerances (0.005") should not be
exceeded.
As a corollary each pressure rating requires a different geometry and/or different machining
tolerances.