Tubular Orientation Services offer optimal completion string alignment and integrity in less time
Oil and gas extraction is becoming increasingly complex, with strings getting longer, deeper underground and offshore. Deviated wells — which have become more common in recent decades — often have long laterals that further complicate installation. Proper alignment of a string’s completion assemblies thus becomes a long and potentially dangerous process. Vallourec’s Tubular Orientation Services, provided by VAM® Field Service, offers a solution to these challenges, ensuring precise alignment and enhancing operational safety.
As oil and gas extraction companies drill both farther afield and further down to get at new hydrocarbon sources, they are faced with increasingly complex projects that demand precision and knowhow.
“It’s not much of an exaggeration to say that companies used to just put down the tubing and casing into a hole, and the oil would flow,” says Daniel Khoda Rahmi, VAM® Field Service Director at Vallourec. “But today, you’re drilling deeper, under more difficult conditions, and it’s not just straight down. To ensure success, today’s strings might be comprised of upwards of 40 accessories as opposed to maybe two in the old days.”
At certain points along the string—particularly at sub-assemblies or at the production tubing hanger—the pipes and completion equipment need to be precisely aligned. For example, at the tubing hanger, alignment helps avoid risky string rotation. Operators either choose to purchase cost-prohibitive swivel joints for this or attempt to line up accessories themselves on the rig in a trial-and-error method. This can lead to their workers spending hours trying to get it just right.
Tubular Orientation Services: a simple but impactful alignment solution
“Our Tubular Orientation Services combine premium VAM® connections with our expert VAM® Field Service (VFS) technicians to provide a complete and effective alternative solution,” Daniel says. The service relies on a timed VAM® coupling system using the same connection as the rest of the completion string. Employing a specific process on our CNC lathe machine, the timed couplings are identical to Vallourec’s trusted line of VAM® connections and precisely calibrated to different angles.
Once at the customer’s site, VFS technicians use a calibrated setting block device combined with Vallourec’s proprietary digital tool to measure and define the precise angle required for optimal assembly alignment. This mastery of the process from manufacture through installation enables the VFS technicians to perform alignment on the rig in the most cost-efficient manner possible. Once they have installed the oriented connection at the correct angle onsite, technicians can also assist in the make-up operation to ensure perfect make-up with full alignment and connection performance.
“Besides providing a time-saving and cost-efficient solution, the added benefit of our service is that the customer doesn’t have to incorporate another external tool into their production string,” Daniel explains. “Instead, they benefit from a full string with the same tried-and-trusted VAM® connection quality.”
VFS technicians are also equipped with an internally developed, bespoke calculation app that is essential for quickly determining the needed angle for each coupling and rotational direction. “Backed by this app, we’re able to do the job faster, with less human error,” Daniel says.
“Having our VFS technicians on the rig or at a customer workshop is also a real game-changer,” Daniel says. “They bring expertise and efficiency, getting the alignment done right the first time and therefore ensuring string integrity.” VFS technicians undergo intense training specifically to support customers with alignment. No matter where a customer’s drilling site is located, there will be a VFS technician nearby to provide expertise.
“And their expertise isn’t limited to the technical aspects of alignment,” Daniel adds. “They have a deep understanding of the running challenges faced by oil and gas companies, so they can provide tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each project.”
Case study: Success in the Middle East
On a recent project in the Middle East, a major operator needed to align subassemblies. It was crucial to get the alignment right to avoid rotating the string during wellhead completion. Of particular concern was the risk of entangling the fiber optic cables used for well monitoring. “Using swivel joints, the customer was taking between six and nine hours to align the pup joints,” Daniel says. “With their timed couplings, our team was able to get the job done for them in only 30 minutes.”
Benefits beyond the rig
“When it comes right down to it, we’re making our customers’ lives easier with this ready solution,” Daniel says. “Our Tubular Orientation Services guarantee reduced downtimes, streamline installation, and ensure product expertise.” Learn more about Tubular Orientation Services:
