Case Study 2
Flange Separation
| Job: | Separation of XMT from Tubing Spool |
| Job Location: | North Sea |
| Time Taken to Complete Removal: | 12 hours |
Project Description
The client’s drill string had inadequate pull to separate a 13 5/8” 10M flange between the bottom of the XMT and the tubing spool.
The Solution
■ API 6A 13 5/8” 10M ThinJacks, Technicians and ThinJack inflation equipment mobilised.
■ ThinJack technicians selected the best combination and locations of ThinJacks and associated shims to maximise force available and to prevent unwanted tilting of the flange.
The Result
■ Initial gap of 4mm increased to 29mm using 16 ThinJacks.
■ Maximum pushing force was 268 tonnes this was generated with 17,000 psi of hydraulics pressure.
■ Once at 29mm friction was sufficiently reduced to allow the drill string to release the flanges with a pull of 70 tonnes.
■ ThinJack reduced the likelihood of damage to tubing hanger by keeping flange vertical.
