Hydrocarbon well completion system and method of completing a hydrocarbon well

摘要

The present apparatus and method of use allows a blow out preventer to be installed as a unit with a section of casing, and does not require the blow out preventer to be removed as subsequent strings of casing are installed, thus efficiently utilizing drilling rig time. The present invention further allows a casing string to be landed and cemented in place, and then the drilling rig may move off the location, without a permanent wellhead housing attached to the well. The primary apparatus utilized in the invention is a tubular connector which suspends a string of casing during cementing, and which receives a casing plug for sealing the well when drilling operations have been completed. When completion operations commence, a permanent wellhead housing is attached to the tubular connector utilizing a unique metal to metal seal.

主权项

1. A method of drilling a hydrocarbon well in a prepared drilling location comprising the following steps:
installing a conductor casing in the prepared drilling location; drilling a first openhole section of well below the conductor casing; setting a first casing string within the first openhole section, the first casing string comprising a plurality of individual joints of casing including a top joint of casing; installing a temporary wellhead housing to the top joint of the first casing string; drilling a second openhole section of well below the first casing string; setting a second casing string within the first casing string and the second openhole section, the second casing string comprising a plurality of individual joints of casing including a top joint of casing, the top joint of casing depending from a tubular connector member, wherein the tubular connector member is adapted for attachment and sealing of a permanent wellhead housing, the tubular connector member comprising an internal plug receiving section having an internal seal bore for receiving a plug having a pump-through valve; setting a plug within the internal seal bore; and removing the temporary wellhead housing, leaving the plug in place pending well completion operations.