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Oil and gas production handbook - Process Control and ...

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components: the casing head, the tubing head, <strong>and</strong> the 'Christmas tree'Photo: Vetco<br />

international<br />

A typical Christmas tree<br />

composed of a master gate<br />

valve, a pressure gauge, a wing<br />

valve, a swab valve <strong>and</strong> a<br />

choke is shown here. The<br />

Christmas tree may also have a<br />

number of check valves. The<br />

functions of these devices are<br />

explained in the following<br />

paragraphs. Ill: Vetco international<br />

At the bottom we find the<br />

Casing Head <strong>and</strong> casing<br />

Hangers. The casing will be<br />

screwed, bolted or welded to<br />

the hanger. Several valves <strong>and</strong><br />

plugs will normally be fitted to<br />

give access to the casing. This<br />

will permit the casing to be<br />

opened, closed, bled down,<br />

<strong>and</strong>, in some cases, allow the<br />

flowing well to be produced<br />

through the casing as well as<br />

the tubing. The valve can be<br />

used to determine leaks in<br />

casing, tubing or the packer,<br />

<strong>and</strong> will also be used for lift<br />

<strong>gas</strong> injection into the casing.<br />

The tubing hanger (also called donut) is used to position the tubing correctly in the<br />

well. Sealing also allows Christmas tree removal with pressure in the casing.<br />

Master gate valve. The master gate valve is a high quality valve. It will provide full<br />

opening, which means that it opens to the same inside diameter as the tubing so that<br />

specialized tools may be run through it. It must be capable of holding the full<br />

pressure of the well safely for all anticipated purposes. This valve is usually left fully<br />

open <strong>and</strong> is not used to control flow.<br />

28

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