Processes and devices for installing a retrievable pipeline plug

Abstract

A method for isolating a tie-in pipeline of an inactive hydrocarbon-producing well from a main pipeline to prevent flow of hydrocarbons into the tie-in pipeline. The method includes the steps of: deploying coil tubing into the tie-in line to transport a retrievable plug to the junction where the tie-in line joins the main pipeline, wherein the plug is provided with a remotely actuated sealing element; remotely activating the sealing element to prevent the flow of hydrocarbons between the tie-in line and the main pipeline; detaching the plug from the coil tubing; and withdrawing the coil tubing from the tie-in line.

1 . A method for isolating a tie-in pipeline of an inactive hydrocarbon-producing well from a main pipeline to prevent flow of hydrocarbons into the tie-in pipeline, the method comprising:
 a) deploying coil tubing into the tie-in line to transport a retrievable plug to the junction where the tie-in line joins the main pipeline, wherein the plug is provided with a remotely actuated sealing element;   b) remotely activating the sealing element to prevent the flow of hydrocarbons between the tie-in line and the main pipeline;   c) detaching the plug from the coil tubing; and   d) withdrawing the coil tubing from the tie-in line.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of pumping fluid and/or gas out of the tie-in line and pumping preservative fluid or gas into the tie-in line. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plug comprises a junction-sensing element. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the junction-sensing element is an elongated probe extending outward from the forward end of the plug. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the probe is coupled to a mechanism for releasing pressure inside the coil tubing to indicate that the junction has been reached by the plug and that the plug is at or near its intended point for actuation of the sealing element. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the probe is formed of a material which is dissolvable in hydrocarbons. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plug comprises at least two sealing elements. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the plug includes an articulating joint between at least two of the sealing elements. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of e) retrieving the plug at a point in time when it is desired to reactivate the well. 
     
     
         10 . A plug device for isolating a tie-in line of an inactive hydrocarbon-producing well from a main pipeline to prevent flow of hydrocarbons into the tie-in line, the plug device comprising a generally cylindrical body comprising:
 a) a pipeline junction-sensing element; and   b) a remotely activatable sealing element.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the junction-sensing element is an elongated probe extending outward from the forward end of the plug. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the probe is coupled to a mechanism for releasing pressure inside the coil tubing to indicate that the junction has been reached by the plug and that the plug is at or near its intended point for actuation of the sealing element. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the probe is formed of material which is dissolvable in hydrocarbons. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 10 , comprising at least two sealing elements. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , comprising an articulating joint between at least two of the sealing elements. 
     
     
         16 . A pipeline junction locating and cleaning device configured for connection to coil tubing for conveyance of the device into a tie-in line for cleaning the tie-in line and locating a junction where the tie-in line joins a main pipeline, the device comprising:
 a) a pipeline junction-sensing component;   b) a pipeline cleaning component connected to the pipeline junction sensing component; and   c) a locator connected to the pipeline cleaning component.   
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the pipeline junction-sensing element comprises an outwardly extending probe for sensing contact with the inner sidewall of the main pipeline. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the probe is operatively connected to a valve which, when open, relieves pressure in the locating and cleaning assembly as an indicator of that the junction is located. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the pipeline junction-sensing component is defined by one or more ports adjacent to the probe. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the pipeline junction-sensing component is connected to the pipeline cleaning component with a first swiveling connector and the pipeline cleaning component is connected to the coil tubing with a second swiveling connector.