Communication Method and Apparatus for Insert Completions

Abstract

A method of providing a communication conduit for a down-hole tool includes the steps of: forming a communication port at an existing portion of the down-hole tool located below the valves of the Christmas tree; and extending the communication conduit through the formed port.

1 . A method of providing a communication conduit for a down-hole tool, the method comprising the steps of:
 forming a communication port at an existing portion of the down-hole tool located below the valves of the Christmas tree; and   extending the communication conduit through the formed port.   
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , including forming the communication port at the tubing hanger. 
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 2 , including forming the communication port at a bolt hole of the tubing hanger. 
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the step of forming the communication port comprises removing an existing bolt of the tubing hanger. 
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed in  claim 4 , including installing a replacement fitting for the removed bolt. 
     
     
         6 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , including forming a new aperture at the tubing hanger to form the communication port. 
     
     
         7 . A method as claimed in  claim 6 , including forming the new aperture using hot-tapping. 
     
     
         8 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , including the step of testing to ensure non-interference with an existing penetration. 
     
     
         9 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , including providing a conduit hanger within the down-hole tool. 
     
     
         10 . A method as claimed in  claim 9 , including mounting the conduit hanger at an internal profile of the down-hole tool. 
     
     
         11 . A method as claimed in  claim 2 , including mounting the conduit hanger at an internal profile of the tubing hanger. 
     
     
         12 . A method as claimed in  claim 11 , including mounting the conduit hanger at the tubing hanger plug profile of the tubing hanger. 
     
     
         13 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , including locking the conduit hanger in position using one or more keys. 
     
     
         14 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the conduit hanger includes a profile for receiving a tubing hanger plug. 
     
     
         15 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , including installing a communication sub within the down-hole tool. 
     
     
         16 . A method as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the communication sub is installed above the conduit hanger. 
     
     
         17 . A method as claimed in  claim 15 , including aligning the communication sub to the communication port. 
     
     
         18 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , including sealing the communication port using sealing means. 
     
     
         19 . A method as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein sealing means comprises a sleeve. 
     
     
         20 . A method as claimed in  claim 1 , including injecting fluid to the communication conduit. 
     
     
         21 . A method as claimed in  claim 20 , including preventing injected fluid from exiting via the communication port. 
     
     
         22 . A method as claimed in  claim 20 , including providing one or more flow ports at the communication sub to allow fluid to pass through the communication sub. 
     
     
         23 . A communication apparatus for a down-hole tool, the apparatus comprising:
 a communication port formed at an existing portion of the down-hole tool located below the valves of the Christmas tree; and   a communication conduit extending through the communication port.   
     
     
         24 . A communication apparatus as claimed in  claim 23 , wherein the communication port is formed at the tubing hanger. 
     
     
         25 . A communication apparatus as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein the communication port is formed at a bolt hole of the tubing hanger. 
     
     
         26 . A communication apparatus as claimed in  claim 25 , further comprising:
 a replacement fitting for a removed bolt of the tubing hanger.   
     
     
         27 . A communication apparatus as claimed in any of  claims 23  further comprising:
 a conduit hanger provided within the down-hole tool. 
 
     
     
         28 . A communication apparatus as claimed in  claim 27 , wherein the conduit hanger is adapted to be mounted at an internal profile of the down-hole tool. 
     
     
         29 . A communication apparatus as claimed in  claim 27 , wherein the conduit hanger is adapted to be mounted at an internal profile of the tubing hanger. 
     
     
         30 . A communication apparatus as claimed in  claim 23 , including at least one key for locking the conduit hanger in position. 
     
     
         31 . A communication apparatus as claimed in  claim 23 , including a communication sub locatable within the down-hole tool. 
     
     
         32 . A communication apparatus as claimed in  claim 31 , wherein the communication sub is installable above the conduit hanger. 
     
     
         33 . A communication apparatus as claimed in  claim 31 , wherein the communication sub includes alignment means for aligning the communication sub to the communication port. 
     
     
         34 . A communication apparatus as claimed in  claim 31 , further comprising:
 one or more sub ports to allow the injection of fluid to the communication conduit.   
     
     
         35 . A communication apparatus as claimed in  claim 34 , wherein a check valve is provided at one or more of the sub ports to prevent injected fluid from exiting via the communication port. 
     
     
         36 . A communication apparatus as claimed in  claim 32 , including one or more flow ports to allow fluid to pass through the communication sub.