Patent ID: 8151892
Filing Date: 2012-04-10
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method of aligning a Christmas tree with a tubing hanger, comprising: providing a wellhead with an orientation key on an outer surface and an opening on an inner surface; providing the Christmas tree attached to a guide tube having an orientation profile configured to engage the orientation key and guide the Christmas tree into a desired radial orientation relative to the wellhead; providing a lockdown sleeve with a first mating profile on an inner surface, and a protuberance on an outer surface configured to engage the opening on the inner surface of the wellhead when the lockdown sleeve is in a desired orientation relative to the wellhead; providing the tubing hanger with a second mating profile on an outer surface configured to engage the first mating profile and guide the tubing hanger into a desired orientation relative to the lockdown sleeve; moving the lockdown sleeve into engagement with the wellhead; after the lockdown sleeve is in engagement with the wellhead, moving the tubing hanger into engagement with the lockdown sleeve; and after the tubing hanger is in engagement with the lockdown sleeve, moving the Christmas tree into engagement with the wellhead and the tubing hanger; wherein the Christmas tree is radially aligned with the tubing hanger once the Christmas tree is moved into engagement with the wellhead and the tubing hanger.