SG-5 / SG-5XP

Subsea Wellhead System

SG-5 SG-5XP

ABB Vetco Gray

ABB Oil, Gas & Petrochemicals
 Section I

SG-5/SG-5XP Wellhead System

Overview
 TM TM
SG-5 / 5XP Wellhead Systems
The ABB Vetco Gray SG-5/SG-5XP is the most widely v Use in guideline and guidelineless drilling, artificial
used subsea wellhead system in the world today. The island, and Caisson applications
complete SG-5 system includes guidance equipment, high- v 10,000 psi pressure-containing capability
pressure wellhead housing, casing hangers, bore protectors,
and running, retrieving, and testing tools.
v 13-5/8", 16-3/4", and 18-3/4" systems available
v Compatible with
An SG-5 wellhead system supports the casing strings — subsea satellite trees
inside the subsea wellhead. The high-pressure metal-to- — multiwell subsea template production systems
metal SG-LTR packoff seals between the casing hanger
— special deep water subsea production systems
and the wellhead housing to isolate the casing bore from
the annulus for well control. The ABB Vetco Gray H-4® — tieback systems to a fixed platform or TLP
hydraulic wellhead connector latches to the mandrel profile
on the SG-5 high-pressure wellhead housing. The H-4
connector acts as the foundation for the BOP stack
throughout the drilling operations.

SG-5 Wellhead System Stackup

1-1
A value-conscious operator in today’s competitive market
appreciates the many advantages and the reliability of the
SG-5 subsea well system:

v Working pressure up to 10,000 psi in combination

with high casing loads
v Simple tools and procedures inherent in a
torque-set system provide maximum reliability
and serviceability
v Minimum number of running, retrieving, and
testing tools
v Field-proven single trip system
— Run and land casing hanger, energize, and
test annulus seal — all in one trip
v Metal-to-metal casing annulus seals
v Casing program flexibility
v Optional full bore casing hanger running tools
v Test with wear bushings in place
v All SG-5 casing hangers have the same
external dimensions
— Will land in any of the three hanger profiles
— No costly hanger adapters needed
v Use one packoff -- the SG-LTR -- throughout
the system
— Metal-to-metal seal
— Reliable
— Retrievable
v Field-proven with more SG casing hangers
and packoffs installed worldwide than all other
systems combined
v Clear passage for cuttings and mud while running
the hanger, circulating, and cementing
— Deep, wide slots for increased flowby in the
casing hanger and packoff nut
v Qualified to API 17D requirements

Although the SG-5 is an established and field-proven

subsea wellhead system, ABB Vetco Gray continues an
ongoing program of system refinements. Using field data
from worldwide offshore operations, SG-5 components
undergo testing, analyzing, and improving to enhance their
reliability and value to our customers.

SG-5 Wellhead Housing and Casing Hangers

1-2
 SG-5XP Subsea Wellhead System
The SG-5XP is a 4-casing hanger system. It has all the
standard SG-5 system features plus the added ability to
support the additional casing hanger and seal within the
high-pressure wellhead housing.

The SG-5XP uses a load ring on the 13-3/8" casing hanger

to divert casing and test pressure loads directly into the
high-pressure wellhead housing instead of the 16" casing
hanger. When the 16" casing hanger is not used, an
adapter attaches to the bottom of the 13-3/8" casing
hanger and is run with the hanger in a single trip.

v Positive landing shoulder in the wellhead housing for

the 16" hanger
v Protected seal area for 16" packoff
v Run, cement, and test the 16" hanger and packoff
in a single trip
v Uses standard SG-5 tools with the addition of
the 16" casing hanger running tool, and 4-hanger
test plug

SG-5XP Wellhead Housing and Casing Hangers

1-3
 Section II

System Characteristics
 SG-5/SG-5XP Subsea Wellhead System Components
Used a Typical Guideline Drilling Program

SG-5 (18-3/4" System)

Temporary Guide Base and Running Tool

Retrievable Drilling Structure and Retrieving Tool
Remote Guideline Latch
30" Conductor Wellhead Housing
30" Cam-Actuated Running Tool
18-3/4" SG-5 Wellhead Housing
18-3/4" Wellhead Housing Cam-Actuated Running Tool
18-3/4" LHT Wellhead Housing Running Tool
13-3/8", 9-5/8", and 7" Casing Hangers
SG-LTR Packoff
Universal Casing Hanger Running Tool
13-3/8", 9-5/8", and 7" Full Bore Running Tools
Packoff Running and Retrieving Tool
Standard Plug-Type Test Tool
18-3/4" Nominal Seat Protector
13-3/8", 9-5/8", and 7" Wear Bushings
18-3/4" Seat Protector and Wear Bushing Running and Retrieving Tool
18-3/4" Wellhead Corrosion Cap

SG-5XP (Alternative/Additional Equipment)

18-3/4" SG-5XP Wellhead Housing

16" Casing Hanger and Running Tool
16" SG Packoff
16" Full Bore Running Tool
16" Wear Bushing
13-3/8" SG-5XP Casing Hanger
Plug-Type Test Tool
2-1
 Temporary Guide Base

The ABB Vetco Gray temporary guide base (TGB) is the

first piece of equipment run when spudding a subsea well.
It anchors the guidelines and serves as a foundation
structure throughout the drilling phase. Run with the
temporary guide base running tool, the TGB is used as a
template to drill the 36" hole. It may not be necessary to 136"
use a TGB if the conductor pipe is jetted into place.

❖ 100 sq. ft. bearing area 33 "

❖ Four guideline attachment points on 6-ft. radius
❖ Four removable anchor spikes penetrate into the sea
floor to prevent rotation
❖ 46" I.D. center with J-slot preparation 46"
❖ Conical landing ring for landing gimbal base of drilling
guide structure
❖ Compartmented construction and octagon in shape
with eight open cavities for holding weight material
❖ Can be reworked
❖ Stack Up: 33" above mudline
❖ Weight: 5,000 lb. empty
❖ Misalignment: Funnel allows for compensation of
bottom slope up to 5˚

2-2
 Temporary Guide Base Running Tool

Runs the temporary guide base to the mudline on drill pipe.

❖ Gimballed stem accommodates minor sloping on the

ocean floor
❖ Four J-lugs engage mating J-slots in the temporary
guide base
167-3/4"
❖ Can be reworked
❖ Weight: 1,835 lb.
❖ Top Connection: 4-1/2" I.F. box
❖ Maximum Misalignment: 10˚ from level in
any direction
❖ Tension Capacity: 150,000 lb. on gimbal bolts
45-1/2"

47-1/8"

2-3
 Retrievable Drilling Guide Structure

The ABB Vetco Gray retrievable drilling guide structure is
a guide base fitted with a landing profile for, and run with,
the 30" wellhead housing. The guide structure provides
structural support for the 30" housing during cementing
and is the primary guidance system for the BOP stack
during drilling. The guide structure has a diverless latch for
retrieval with the guide structure retrieving tool. A latch
ring, attached to four collet-type pin mechanisms, releases
from the 30" support plate which can be either a solid
gimbal, split gimbal, or a split flat plate. The collets secure
the 30" support plate and the guide structure together as
an assembly. When a temporary guide base is not used,
the gimble can be replaced with the split plate. This plate
is secured to the base with chains and retrieved with the
base.
❖ ROV releasable guide posts on standard 6-ft. radius
❖ Guide post tops accept the remote guideline latch
❖ 30" housing locks into center ring and gimbal
assembly with snap ring
❖ Integral anti-rotation device
❖ Guide structure parts are retrievable
❖ Retrieved from the wellhead assembly with the
retrieving tool or by divers/ROV
❖ Can be retrieved with corrosion cap in place
❖ Optional level indicator
❖ Can be reworked
❖ Weight: 9,340 lb.

94-1/4"

131-3/4"

34-1/2"

2-4
Retrievable Drilling Guide Structure

2-5
 Retrievable Drilling Guide Structure Retrieving Tool

Latches onto the retrievable drilling guide structure remote

release ring to unlock the guide structure from the 30" 70"
housing and recover to the surface. Circular in shape with
detachable centralizing fins. Tool can retrieve drilling
guide structure with corrosion cap installed on the wellhead.
Uses spring-loaded latch with J release.

❖ Can be reworked
❖ Weight: Approximately 4,000 lb.
❖ Top Connection: NC50 (4-1/2" I.F.) box
❖ Bottom Connection: NC50 (4-1/2" I.F.) pin
❖ Tension Capacity: 100,000 lb.

102-7/8"

39-3/4"

2-6
 Remote Guideline Latch - GL4

Connects a guideline to a post top and provides diverless
release/establish ability. Using a remote release connector,
it can be run with guideline remote replacement tool or
ROV.
❖ If a guideline parts, the guideline cutting tool shears
the parted line allowing the remote guide line latch to
be established on the post top
❖ Automatically latches when mated to a remote guide
post
❖ Lowering a weight (go-devil) down the guideline
releases the latch
❖ If a post top equipped with a remote guideline latch
suffers a parted guideline, the running tool is jetted
into position (after cutting parted line) and the latch
recovered without the use of divers.
❖ Can be reworked
❖ Stack Up: 6" on post top
❖ Weight: 197 lb.
❖ Top Connection: Socket to suit guide wire size
(3/4" to 1-1/4")
❖ Tension Capacity: 50,000 lb.

2-1/2"

21-1/4"

8-5/8"

2-7
 30" Conductor Wellhead Housing

Lands in and run with the retrievable drilling guide structure,

and supports the conductor string. Run with 30" cam-
actuated housing running tool.

35-3/4"
❖ Internal profile accepts the ABB Vetco Gray high-
pressure wellhead housing 29-3/8"
❖ External profile accepts drilling/production guide base
❖ External slot prohibits rotation of guide base
❖ Cements ports allow exit of surface casing cement
returns
❖ Lower end has butt-weld prep for welding to
conductor housing extension
❖ Elevator shoulder
❖ Can be reworked
28"
❖ Weight: 1,989 lb.
❖ Bending Capacity: Limited by 30" casing

26-1/2"

2-8
 30" Cam-Actuated Running Tool

Runs the 30" housing, drilling guide structure, and

30" casing.

❖ Visual “Lock” and “Unlock” indication stamped

into stem
❖ With left-hand rotation of stem, eight rams, with dual
45˚ profiles, engage internal wellhead profile
❖ Rams retract with right-hand rotation of stem and
overpull of tool
❖ Six removable 3" bull plugs allow conductor string
filling or accommodate returns when jetting
❖ Can be reworked
❖ Weight: 3,000 lb.
❖ Top Connection: 6-5/8" reg. box or 4-1/2" I.F. box
❖ Bottom Connection: 4-1/2" I.F. pin (NC 50) 49"
❖ Tension Capacity: Limited by drill pipe

3-1/2"
29-1/4"

2-9
 18-3/4" High-Pressure Wellhead Housing

The 18-3/4" high-pressure wellhead housing lands in the
30" conductor housing on the ocean floor, and suspends
the 20" casing string. The internal preparations accept up
to three casing hangers and packoff assemblies. The
housing has an external profile to receive the H-4®
connector on the BOP stack.
❖ Internal profile in upper housing body available
for either cam-actuated or left-hand threaded
running tool
❖ Internal lockdown groove accepts a 10,000 psi
tubing hanger in the 7" casing hanger position.
❖ External profile mates with H-4 connector on
BOP stack
❖ Lower housing body has butt-weld for heavy-walled
housing extension
❖ Housing extension equipped with Squnch Joint® or
RL-4S connector for quick, easy makeup to the
casing string
❖ Locks into the 30" conductor housing
❖ Pre-loaded 18-3/4" to 30" connection
system available
❖ Lower reaction ring reduces bending stresses in
20" casing by transferring bending loads to the
30" housing.
❖ Can be reworked
❖ Stack Up: 35-1/4" from top of 30" housing

❖ Stainless steel prep for H-4 wellhead connector ❖ Weight: 5,350 lb. without extension
VX ring gasket. ❖ Maximum Internal Working Pressure: 10,000 psi
❖ Incorporated secondary VT seal gasket preparation

27"

18-5/8"

35-1/4"

67-1/2"

20-7/8"

17-9/16"

2-10
 18-3/4" High-Pressure Wellhead Housing Cam-Actuated Running Tool

Runs the 18-3/4" high-pressure wellhead housing and
20" casing.
❖ Seals in high-pressure housing for cementing
operations
❖ Visual “Lock” and “Unlock” indication stamped
into stem
❖ With left-hand rotation of stem, eight rams, with dual
45˚ profiles, engage internal wellhead profile
❖ Removable plugs facilitate filling the casing string
❖ Check valve available to allow the casing bore to adjust
for ambient pressure changes
❖ Can be reworked
❖ Weight: 1,369 lb.
❖ Top Connection: 6-5/8" reg. box or 4-1/2" I.F. box
❖ Bottom Connection: 4-1/2" I.F. (NC 50) pin
❖ Tension Capacity: Limited by drill pipe

❖ Tool disengages with right-hand rotation of stem and

overpull of tool

60"

3"
18-11/16"

2-11
 18-3/4" LHT High-Pressure Wellhead Housing Running Tool

Runs the 18-3/4" wellhead housing and 20" casing string.
❖ Blunt start, modified square thread for high strength and
easy makeup
❖ Removable plugs to facilitate filling the casing string
❖ Check valve available to allow the casing bore to adjust
for ambient pressure changes
❖ Simple one-piece tool provides operational reliability
❖ Can be reworked
❖ Weight: 1,350 lb.
❖ Top Connection: 4-1/2" I.F. (NC50) box
(6-5/8" box up available)
❖ Bottom Connection: 4-1/2" I.F. (NC 50) pin
❖ Maximum Internal Working Pressure: 3,000 psi
❖ Tension Capacity: Limited by drill pipe

3"

5"

81-1/2"

22"

2-12
 SG-5 13-3/8", 9-5/8", and 7" Casing Hangers

The ABB Vetco Gray SG-5 casing hanger assemblies
consist of a casing hanger body and lockdown ring. To
reduce trip time, the packoff assembly is run with the casing
hanger, set, and tested once cementing operations are
completed. SG-5 casing hangers are available in a wide
variety of casing thread sizes and threadforms.
❖ Removable lock ring on casing hanger body provides
optional lockdown
❖ Internal left-hand running threads allow right-hand
release of the casing hanger running tool
❖ Accepts torque-actuated packoff
❖ Flowby provision integral to casing hanger body
❖ Hanger assembly can be run separately, if desired

18-3/4" x 13-3/8" Casing Hanger

Suspends the 13-3/8" casing string and provides internal

left-hand thread running profile and sealing area.

❖ Can be reworked
❖ Weight: 555 lb. 12-3/8"
❖ Bottom Connection: 13-3/8" customer specified
❖ Internal Working Pressure: 10,000 psi
❖ Flowby Area, landed: 13 sq. in.

18-1/2"

18-19/32"

2-13
 18-3/4" x 9-5/8" Casing Hanger 18-3/4" x 7" Casing Hanger

Suspends the 9-5/8" (or 10-3/4") casing string and provides Suspends the 7" (or 7-5/8") casing string and provides
internal left-hand thread running profile and sealing area. internal left-hand thread running profile and sealing area.

❖ Can be reworked ❖ Can be reworked

❖ Weight: 570 lb. ❖ Weight: 660 lb.
❖ Bottom Connection: Customer specified ❖ Bottom Connection: Customer specified
❖ Internal Working Pressure: 10,000 psi ❖ Internal Working Pressure: 10,000 psi
❖ Flowby Area, landed: 13 sq. in. ❖ Flowby Area, landed: 13 sq. in.

8-13/16" 6-3/8"

19-1/8" 19-1/8"

18-19/32" 18-19/32"

2-14
 SG-LTR Packoff Assembly

The annular seal is made up on an SG casing hanger and the
assembly is run in a single trip. After cementing, the packoff
is energized and tested prior to retrieving the casing hanger
running tool.
❖ Used for all casing hangers within a system,
except for the 16" SG-5XP hanger
❖ Integral flowby slots
❖ Maximum seal over extended periods, even in
high-pressure holes
❖ Low torque-set packoff actuation
❖ Positive metal-to-metal seal backed up by
pre-energized elastomer seal
❖ W-shaped slotted metal insert enhances lower lip
retrievability up to 100,000 axial overpull
❖ Damage tolerant: successful testing to 15,000 psi
with scored housings and damaged seals
❖ Limited rework
❖ Weight: 186 lb.
❖ Maximum Working Pressure: 15,000 psi

16-13/32"

14-27/32"

18-19/32"

2-15
 Universal Casing Hanger Running Tool

Runs all sizes of SG-5 casing hangers and casing strings, ❖ No shear pins or sliding sleeves to set or reset
13-3/8" and smaller, seals during cementing, sets packoff the packoff
and allows testing of the packoff assembly and BOP stack. ❖ Can be reworked
❖ Weight: 1,862 lb.
❖ Single trip to run, land, and cement the casing string,
❖ Top Connection: 4-1/2" I.F. (or 6-5/8" reg.
actuate and test the packoff
threads available)
❖ Centralizer sleeve helps position the casing hanger/
❖ Bottom Connection: 4-1/2" non-upset eight round
packoff assembly and running tool concentrically in the
box for subsea cement launching assembly
wellhead housing
❖ Maximum Load Rating: Limited by drill pipe
❖ Simple tool provides reliable operation and easy
maintenance

18-9/16"

3"

66-1/2"

2-16
 Full Bore Casing Hanger Running Tools

The full bore casing hanger running tool uses a casing string
instead of drill pipe, and can support heavier casing strings
below the hanger because of higher axial load capacity.
Provides full bore access between running string and casing
string in the well.
❖ Surface release plugs offer the possibility of using
multiple stage cementing techniques
❖ Full bore casing hanger running tool uses the
same casing hanger and packoff assemblies as
the universal casing hanger running tool
❖ Removable torque keys
❖ Can be reworked

18-3/4" x 13-3/8"
Full Bore Running Tool

Runs the 13-3/8" casing hanger/packoff assembly ❖ Weight: 1,389 lb.

and casing string, and provides through-bore access for ❖ Top Connection: 13-3/8" customer specified
cement plugs.

18-9/16"

63-1/8"

12-3/8"

2-17
 18-3/4" x 9-5/8" 18-3/4" x 7"
Full Bore Running Tool Full Bore Running Tool

Runs the 9-5/8" casing hanger/packoff assembly Runs the 7" casing hanger/packoff assembly and
and casing string, and provides through-bore access for casing and string, and provides through-bore access for
cement plugs. cement plugs.

❖ Weight: 1,363 lb. ❖ Weight: 1,610 lb.

❖ Top Connection: 9-5/8" customer specified ❖ Top Connection: 7" customer specified

18-9/16" 18-9/16"

56-11/16"
58-3/8"

8-13/16"
6-3/8"

2-18
 Packoff Running and Retrieving Tool

Runs, retrieves, and tests all SG packoff assemblies. Self-

contained hydraulic tool. By changing balance sleeve,
18-9/16"
functions with SG-5XP 16" hanger and packoff.

❖ Spring-loaded drive keys torque/un-torque packoff

❖ Can be reworked
❖ Weight: 2,230 lb.
❖ Top Connection: 6-5/8" regular threads
❖ Bottom connection: 3-1/2" API I.F. (NC 38) pin
❖ Maximum Internal Working Pressure: 1,200 psi
❖ Tension Capacity: 120,000 lb. (lock pins)

67-3/8"

2-19
 Plug-Type Test Tool

Allows periodic testing of the wellhead housing, BOP, and 18-9/16"

the packoff seals. The tool initially seals in the bottom of the
wellhead housing and subsequently on an internal seal
surface of each casing hanger.

❖ Tests 18-3/4" high-pressure wellhead housing with

no hangers installed
❖ Tests 13-3/8" through 7" hangers
❖ Weight: 1,350 lb.
❖ Top Connection: 4-1/2" (NC 50) API I.F. box
❖ Bottom Connection: 4-1/2" (NC 50) API I.F. box

49-1/2"

3"
3"

2-20
 Seat Protector and Wear Bushings

The 18-3/4" seat protector and wear bushings protect the hangers. Run with the seat protector and wear bushing
internal bore sealing surfaces of the wellhead and casing running and retrieving tool.. Can be reworked.

18-3/4" Nominal Seat Protector 13-3/8" Wear Bushing

• Bore: 17-9/16" • Weight: 375 lb. • Bore: 12-3/8" • Weight: 1,460 lb.

18-5/8" 18-9/16"

47" 42-5/16"

17-9/16" 12-3/8"

9-5/8" Wear Bushing 7" Wear Bushing

• Bore: 8-13/16" • Weight: 449 lb. • Bore: 6-3/8" • Weight: 700 lb.

18-9/16" 18-9/16"

23-3/8" 26-1/2"

6-3/8"
8-13/16"

2-21
 Seat Protector and Wear Bushing Running and Retrieving Tool

Runs and retrieves the subsea wellhead wear bushings, ❖ Weight: 915 lb.
seat protector, and corrosion cap. ❖ Top Connection: 4-1/2" (NC 50) API I.F. box
❖ Bottom Connection: 4-1/2" (NC 50) API I.F. pin
❖ Self-contained hydraulic tool
❖ Internal Working Pressure: 1,000 psi
❖ Collapsing lock ring and spring-loaded torque pins
❖ Tension Capacity: 80,000 lb. on torque pins
❖ Dart-actuated available where washing wear bushing
and wellhead is desired

18-9/16"

50 "

2-22
 18-3/4" Wellhead Corrosion Cap

Protects the interior seal surfaces and exterior profile of the

wellhead during period of temporary abandonment. Once in
place, a corrosion inhibitor can be pumped into the wellhead 20 "
to displace seawater or drilling fluid and provide a corrosion-
resistant bath for seal areas. The retrievable drilling guide
structure can be retrieved after cap is set. 16-1/16"

❖ Weight-set and retrieve with 3,000 lb. overpull

❖ Stack Up: 31" above top of wellhead
❖ Weight: 1,770 lb.

66"

32-1/2"

2-23
 SG-5XP Subsea Wellhead System Components

The SG-5XP wellhead system has all the standard SG-5 adapter is attached to the bottom of the 13-3/8" casing
system features plus the added ability to support four casing hanger and the two are run together in a single trip.
hangers within the SG-5XP 18-3/4" high-pressure wellhead
housing. The system uses the 16" casing hanger, 16" SG ❖ Run, cement, and test the 16" hanger in a single trip
seal, 16" wear bushing, and a specifically-designed 13-3/8"
❖ Runs on standard SG-5 tools with the addition of the
casing hanger that transfers casing and test pressure loads
16" casing hanger running tool
directly into the high-pressure wellhead housing, instead of
the 16" casing hanger. If the 16" hanger is not used, an

18-3/4" SG-5XP Wellhead Housing

Configured like the standard SG-5 housing except for

dimensions and the internal preparation for the 16" casing 2 7"
hanger below the 13-3/8" position.

❖ Weight: 7,239 lb.

❖ Maximum Internal Working Pressure: 10,000 psi

4 0"

92-3/8"

80-7/8"

17-9/16"

2-24
 18-3/4" x 16" SG-5XP Casing Hanger 16" Casing Hanger Running Tool

Suspends the 16" casing string and provides internal Runs the 16" SG-5XP hanger, cements, sets the 16" SG
left-hang thread running profile and sealing area. packoff, and pressure tests the assembly in one trip.

❖ Weight: 390 lb. ❖ Weight: 1,870 lb.

❖ Bottom Connection: 16" customer specified ❖ Top Connection: 4-1/2" I.F.
❖ Maximum Working Pressure: 5,000 psi ❖ Bottom Connection: 4-1/2" non-upset eight round box
❖ Flowby Area, landed: 6.6 sq. in. for subsea cement launching assembly
❖ Maximum Load Rating: Limited by drill pipe

15-1/4" 18-9/16"
6-3/8"

21"

65-1/2"

18-19/32"

2-25
 16" SG-5XP Full Bore Running Tool 16" SG-5XP Wear Bushing

Runs the 16" casing hanger/packoff assembly and casing Protects the internal bore sealing surfaces of the SG-5XP
string, with though bore access for cement plugs. wellhead housing and the 16" SG-5XP casing hanger.

❖ Weight: 1,100 lb. ❖ Weight: 1,400 lb.

❖ Top Connection: 16" customer specified ❖ Can be reworked
❖ Maximum Working Pressure: 5,000 psi
❖ Tension Capacity: Limited by drill pipe

15-1/4"

18-9/16"

67-1/8"

57-13/16"

18-19/32"

14-3/4"

2-26
 13-3/8" SG-5XP Casing Hanger

Same features as the standard SG-5 casing hangers except

an expanding load ring is incorporated to divert the casing
and pressure end loads to the housing.
12-3/8"
❖ Suspends the 13-3/8" casing string and provides
internal left-hand thread running profile and
sealing area
❖ Run and test with standard SG running and
testing tool
❖ Can be reworked
❖ Weight: 600 lb.

25-3/4"
Unset
25"
Set

18-19/32"

2-27
 SG-5XP Plug-Type Test Tool

Used to periodically test the wellhead housing, BOP, and

16" through 7" packoff seals.

18-9/16"

63-1/2"

3"

2-28
 Section III

Abreviated Running Procedure for a

Typical SG-5
Guideline Drilling Program
 Abbreviated Running Procedure for a Typical SG-5
Guideline Drilling Program
(Consult your ABB Vetco Gray Service Representative for specific instructions for your particular equipment.)

Install the Temporary Guide Base

If the conductor pipe, conductor housing, and permanent 3. Install the running tool into the J-slots of the guide
guide base structure are jetted into place, it may not be base by left-hand rotation.
necessary to use a temporary guide base. 4. Install guidelines into the four pad eyes of the
1. Set the temporary guide on the spider beams. temporary guide base.

2. Fill the compartments with the appropriate 5. Run and land the temporary guide base on the
weight material. ocean floor.

Temporary Guide Base and Running Tool

3-1
 Install the Retrievable Drilling Guide Structure and 30" Wellhead Housing
After the temporary guide base has been landed and the guidelines tensioned, the 36" hole is drilled to accommodate
the 30" conductor pipe. The 30" wellhead housing, conductor string, and retrievable drilling guide structure are run as
an assembled unit in either pre-drilled or jetting operations.
Run 30" Conductor in Pre-Drilled Hole
1. Assemble the guide structure if necessary and
install the guide posts with the lock pins provided.
2. Move the guide structure into the moon pool
area and install the guidelines. Make up and run
the conductor pipe through the guide structure.
Running large O.D. conductor pipe is faster
when equipped with Squnch Joint or RapidLockTM
RL-4 connectors.
3. Attach the 30" wellhead housing joint to the last
intermediate joint of conductor pipe and make up
the 30" cam-actuated running tool.
4. Land the 30" wellhead housing in the guide and
remove the cam-actuated running tool.
5. Run a drill pipe stringer into the conductor string
and make up to the bottom of the running tool.
6. Lower the running tool through the rotary and make
up into the conductor wellhead housing.
7. Fill the conductor with seawater through the ports
on the running tool. (Replace the bull plugs prior to
lowering the housing to the ocean floor.)
8. Run and land the entire assembly (retrievable
drilling guide structure, 30" wellhead housing, and
running tool) in the temporary guide base on the
ocean floor.
9. Circulate the hole and cement the conductor
in place.
10. Release the running tool with right-hand rotation
and retrieve to the surface.
Jet the 30" Conductor
Where the bottom conditions permit, the 30" conductor
can be jetted into place. The temporary guide base is not
usually used and the 30 wellhead housing, 30" conductor,
retrievable guide structure, and guide lines are run in one
operation.
1. Attach the 30" wellhead housing to the last joint of
conductor pipe and make up the 30" cam-actuated
running tool. (Remove the bull plugs on the 30"
cam-actuated tool for jetting returns.)
2. Land the 30" wellhead in the guide structure and
remove the cam-actuated running tool.
3. A special jetting tool or bit is spaced out in the 30"
conductor so that it is 6" outside to 12" inside the
bottom of the open-ended conductor. Make up the
last joint of the jetting string to the bottom of the
cam-actuated running tool.
4. Lower the running tool through the rotary and make
up in the 30" wellhead housing.
5. Lower the 30" conductor to the mudline and begin
the jetting operation.
6. Continue jetting until the conductor reaches the
desired depth.
3-2
Running the retrievable drilling guide structure, 30" wellhead housing, and
30" conductor string into the temporary guide base and pre-drilled hole.

3-3
Jetting the 30" Conductor

3-4
 Drill the 26" Hole with Marine Riser and Hydraulic Latch

After the 30" conductor is run, shallow formations or local 3. At the surface, install an ABB Vetco Gray KFDSTM
government regulations may require drilling the 26" hole diverter in the Marine Riser System to exhaust any
with returns to the drilling vessel. When these conditions flow encountered.
occur, an ABB Vetco Gray Marine Riser System and 4. Drill out and condition the 26" hole.
Hydraulic Latch are used.
5. When it has been determined there is no abnormal
1. Install the hydraulic latch and Flex Joint on the pressure in the well bore, retrieve the hydraulic
marine riser. latch to the surface.
2. Run, stab, and lock the hydraulic latch into the
30" wellhead housing on the ocean floor. (The latch
locks into the internal 30" cam-actuated running
tool profile.)

Hydraulic Latch

3-5
 Install the High-Pressure Wellhead Housing

1. Install the running tool (cam-actuated or threaded)
in the high-pressure wellhead housing.
2. Make up and run the 20" casing using RL-4S
casing connectors.
3. With the last joint of 20" casing in the rotary table,
make up the high-pressure wellhead housing
equipped with a 20" Squnch Joint® or RL-4S
casing connector.
4. Lower the assembly and land in the 30" wellhead
housing using the motion compensator.
5. Pick up approximately 30,000 lb. over the string
weight to verify that the high-pressure wellhead is
locked to the 30" wellhead housing.
6. Circulate and cement the casing as required.
Returns are ported through the 30" wellhead
housing and guide structure.
7. Release the running tool from the high-pressure
housing with right-hand rotation, and retrieve the
running tool to the surface.

High-pressure wellhead housing landed in the 30" wellhead housing.

3-6
 Run the BOP Stack with the H-4® Wellhead Connector

The remotely-operated hydraulic H-4 wellhead connector
connects the BOP stack to the high-pressure wellhead
housing.
Pull the seat protector, if run in the wellhead, before testing
the BOP stack with the universal plug-type BOP test tool.
After a successful BOP stack test, pull the test plug, re-run
the seat protector in the wellhead housing using the seat
protector/wear busing running and retrieving tool.

BOP stack, landed on the high-pressure wellhead housing, with plug-type test tool installed. 3-7
 Prepare the Casing Hanger and Packoff for Installation

Prior to running the next casing string, assemble the casing

hanger, universal casing hanger running tool, and the
packoff along with the subsea-released cementing plugs.
1. Place the casing hanger in a vertical position, and
rotate the packoff onto the casing hanger until the
packoff stops. (Remove the lock ring if the hanger
will not be locked down.)
2. Back the packoff off until the bottom of the packoff
is 2-5/8" from the packoff landing shoulder on the
casing hanger. This space is known as the “initial
standoff”.
3. Make up the subsea cementing plugs to the
universal casing hanger running tool.
4. Stab the casing hanger running tool into the casing
hanger, aligning the tool torque keys with the milled
slots on the packoff.
NOTE: Measure from the bottom of the centralizer
sleeve to the packoff landing shoulder and record
the dimension. After make up, check this dimen-
sion. With full tool/hanger engagement, this
dimension should be 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 less.
5. Make up with chain tongs until snug (approximately
3 to 4 turns to the left).
NOTE: As the tool makes up with the casing
hanger, it simultaneously backs off the packoff, with
the ideal final standoff being 4-1/8" to 4-1/4". This
measurement is critical to assure sufficient flowby
during circulating and cementing operations.
6. Install a protector on the packoff and set the
assembly aside.

Universal Casing Hanger Running Tool,

Packoff, and Casing Hanger

3-8
 Run the Casing Hanger and Packoff

1. Prior to running each casing string, remove the

nominal seal protector or wear bushing with the
seat protector/wear bushing running/retrieving tool.
2. Run the casing and make up the casing hanger
assembly to the last joint of casing.
3. Run and land the casing hanger assembly with
motion compensator set to compensate the running
string upon landing in the housing.
4. Circulate and cement according to the drilling
program.
5. Rotate the running tool to the right approximately
four turns to disengage the running tool from the
casing hanger running threads.
6. Continue to rotate approximately 4-1/4 turns to the
right until a torque build-up is experienced and the
SG-LTR metal-to-metal seal is actuated.
7. With the universal casing hanger running tool
still in place in the hanger, test the seal and the
BOP stack.
8. After a successful test, retrieve the running tool to
the surface.

Step 1
Install the casing hanger tool in the hanger/packoff
assembly.

3-9
 Step 2 Step 3
Rotate to the left, fully seating the tool in the hanger and the Run and land the hanger in the wellhead.
packoff is in running position.

3-10
 Step 4 Step 5
Hanger and tool landed. Cement returns flowby. Hanger landed, packoff set and tested.

3-11
 Run and Retrieve Seat Protector and Wear Bushings

Before drilling out, a wear bushing must be installed in the

high-pressure wellhead housing to protect the casing
hanger and the remaining seal profiles in the wellhead.
Wear bushings are run with the same tool as the nominal
seat protector.

Install the Wear Bushing

1. Stab the running tool into the wear bushing.

2. Carefully lower the wear bushing and land on
the packoff.
3. Rotate the running string slowly to the right until the
pins of the wear bushing drop into the vertical slots
of the packoff.
4. Continue rotating to “J” the wear bushing into the
packoff until a torque build up occurs. This action
also un-J’s the wear bushing from the tool.
5. Maintain this slight right-hand torque and pick up
on the string, using the motion compensator to
confirm that the wear bushing J-pins are locked
into the packoff.
6. Let up on the string and pressure the running string
to 800 psi maximum to release the lock ring of the
tool from the lock ring groove in the wear bushing.
7. Retrieve the tool back to the surface. All sizes are
run in the same manner.

Retrieve the Wear Bushing

1. Lower the running tool into the hole and stab into
the wear bushing.
2. Adjust the heave compensator to support the
running string weight less 2,000 lb.
3. Rotate the running string to the left to engage the
torque pins of the tool with the J-slots of the wear
bushing and release the wear bushing pins from
the packoff J-slots.
4. Retrieve the tool and wear bushing to the surface.

One tool runs and retrieves the nominal

seat protector and wear bushings.

3-12
 Retrieve and Reinstall a Packoff

Retrieve

1. Lower the packoff retrieval and reinstallation tool

into the wellhead and land on top of the packoff
using the motion compensator.
2. Rotate the tool to the right to drop the J-pins into
the vertical slots of the packoff. Turn an additional
1/8 to engage the spring-loaded torque keys in the
packoff vertical slots.
3. Rotate the tool to the left approximately 12 turns
to remove the packoff assembly.
4. Retrieve the tool and packoff to the surface.
5. Run the mill and flush tool to clean the seal area.

Reinstall

6. Install a new packoff on the running tool and run

into the wellhead.
7. Land the packoff on the casing hanger and rotate
the tool two turns to the right.
8. Pull up on the running string to verify that the
packoff made up to the casing hanger, slack off and
continue rotating 10 turns to the right.
9. When the packoff is torqued to requirements,
pressure test.
10. After a successful test, bleed off the test pressure
and apply approximately 800 psi to the tool to
retract the torque keys.
11. Rotate 1/8 turn to the left until a slight torque build
up is noticed and retrieve the tool to the surface.

Packoff Retrieval and Reinstallation Tool

3-13
 Corrosion Cap

If a well proves to be of commercial significance, it can be
capped until the operator wishes to complete it. The ABB
Vetco Gray diverless corrosion cap temporarily protects
suspended wells.
Run on the seat protector/wear bushing running and
retrieving tool, the corrosion cap simply stabs over the
wellhead, and automatically locks to the outer H-4 profile on
the wellhead housing.
A diver-assist corrosion cap can be run on a tugger line and
secures to the wellhead by manually installing three bolts.
With either corrosion cap in place, a bio-degradable corrosion
inhibitor can be pumped into the wellhead displacing
seawater and drilling fluid and providing a protective bath
for the critical sealing areas of the wellhead.
The retrievable drilling guide structure can be retrieved with
the corrosion cap in place.

Retrievable drillling guide structure retrieved and corrosion cap installed on a suspended well.

3-14
 Section IV

Additional Equipment for use with the

SG-5/SG-5XP Systems
 Additional Equipment for Use With the SG-5/5XP Systems
Hydraulic Latch Assembly
❖ O-ring on lower body assembly provides a seal
between the latch and the 30" wellhead housing.
❖ Four hydraulic cylinders move the actuator sleeve
downward, radially forcing eight locking dogs out into
the 30" cam-actuated running tool profile.
❖ Available with either two- or four-arm guide frame
fitted with guide cones.
❖ Optional flange or mandrel top profile.
H-4® Wellhead Connector
❖ Hydraulic cylinders have separate primary and
secondary hydraulic ports.
❖ Locking dogs encompass 356˚ contact resulting in
uniform distribution of bending and tensile loads over
a large area of the wellhead.
❖ Indicator rod for visual indication of cam ring position.
❖ Stainless steel-lined VX gasket ring groove assures
a pressure-type seal.
❖ Available with clamp, studded, or flange top
connection, in a variety of sizes and pressure ratings.
4-1
 30" Wellhead Housing Running 18-3/4" BOP Isolation Test Tool
and Drill-Ahead Tool
Tests the BOP stack while it is landed in the high-pressure
Used to run the 30" wellhead housing and drill pipe in wellhead housing. The tool lands on a wear bushing or
conditions where the conductor can be jetted in, the tool casing hanger and seals in the housing bore, isolating the
makes up to the internal cam profile of the 30" wellhead casing hanger packoff assemblies from test pressure.
housing.
The jetting string extends below the drill-ahead tool and
carries the 26" BHA. Once the conductor reaches total
depth, the stem of the tool is released by right-hand
rotation of the drill pipe. The body of the tool unlocks from
the stem and remains in place, centralizing the drill string.
The drill pipe continues downward and drilling for the 26"
hole can begin. Once the 26" hole reaches TD, the drill pipe
is picked up and the stem of the tool rises, retrieving the
body of the tool from the 30" wellhead housing to the
surface.

4-2
 Utility Guide Frame

❖ Guides equipment between the drilling vessel and ❖ Side door center section available with spacers,
the temporary guide base or retrievable drilling guide accommodates both drill collars and drill pipe.
structure before the marine riser is installed.

Universal Mill and Flush Tool

Removes junk, cement, formation cuttings or gumbo from

the area between the casing hanger and wellhead housing.
Internal fluid slots run between the running string bore and
the cutting teeth on the bottom of the tool providing a
flushing action to remove loosened materials.

4-3
 Reinstallable Guide Base

Run and installed subsea on an existing wellhead for re-
entry or guidance of production/completion equipment.
❖ Guide Base retrievable
❖ Posts retrievable
❖ Hydraulic running tool latches the guide base to the
external profile of the 30" wellhead housing.
❖ Safety lock key on the running tool prevents the tool
stem from accidentally becoming unjayed during
handling.

4-4
 Emergency Equipment
The SG-5/5XP emergency sealing system consists of an emergency packoff, a 13-3/8" emergency seal assembly,
and a 9-5/8" emergency seal assembly.

Emergency Packoff

Used to seal the casing annulus in the event the primary

seal area is unusable. Lands on a casing hanger shoulder
above the normal seating position, seats against this
shoulder with O-rings and against the wellhead housing
with a special SG-type seal. Shorter than the standard
packoff assembly, the emergency packoff will not interfere
with subsequent casing hangers. Run with the packoff
running and retrieving tool.

Emergency Seal Assemblies

If the emergency packoff does not seal or cannot be run, then an emergency seal is used. Threads on the lower O.D.
profile engage the casing hanger and the elastomer seals seat between the seal assembly and casing hanger as well
as the I.D. of the wellhead housing. Run with the running and retrieving tool.

13-3/8" Emergency Seal Assembly 9-5/8" Emergency Seal Assembly

4-5
 Section V

Tieback Systems
 Tieback Systems
The SG-5/5XP wellhead system is easily adapted for use
with a fixed platform or TLP tieback completion system. By
using the SG-5/5XP 9-5/8" tieback hanger, the production
strings can be tied back to the platform. The standard ABB
Vetco Gray tieback system locks and seals the 20",
13-3/8", and 9-5/8" casing strings into the SG-5/5XP
wellhead system. The 9-5/8" production string has a full
metal-to-metal seal. The initial tieback riser lands on the
SG-5/5XP wellhead, makes up without rotation while the
funnel adapter of the tieback system accommodates angular
Surface Wellhead
Subsea Wellhead
misalignment and lateral offset. The wellhead equipment
used for tieback systems is standard, except for the last
casing hanger installed. This casing hanger contains an
internal profile for the SG seal preparation and special
tieback threads. The last casing string is threaded into the
casing hanger by the internal lockdown sub on the adapter,
so the casing strings are not rotated. A modified wear
bushing on threaded insert protects the sealing and locking
areas.
Wellhead Cellar Deck
20" Ti ebac k
13- 3/ 8" Ti ebac k
9-5/8" Tieback
5-1
20" Internal-lock Tieback Connector 20" External-lock Tieback Connector

5-2
13-3/8" Tieback Adapter 9-5/8" Tieback Torque Tool

5-3
9-5/8" Tieback Adapter with
Metal-to-Metal Seal 9-5/8" Tieback Casing Hanger

5-4
9-5/8" Tieback Wear Bushing

5-5