The revolutionary SLIC introduces improved safety, increased reliability, ease of maintenance and redundancy into the a riser connector. The unique design provides a ‘plug-and-play’ configurability for offshore operations where multiple options, reliable hardware and redundancy are the key to low cost operations and satisfied customers. The SLIC uniquely introduces the option to extend the lubricator of a Riserless Intervention System introducing the ability to recover dropped wireline toolstrings from the same vessel using the same Riserless Intervention System – a capability never previously possible.
The SLIC will interface with a variety of tooling including the STL Slickline Control Head (PCH), the STL E-Line PCH, the STL Test and Lift Tool and the unique full bore STL Riser Extension Tool.
The SLIC has all moving and hydraulic components protected from exposure to wellbore fluids and pressure. Uniquely, the engagement of control stabs is an independent function from the primary lock, minimizing any risk of damage to critical sealing surfaces.
Typical Applications
· Riserless Intervention pressure control head
· Riserless Intervention lubricator connector
· Light drilling riser connector
· TTRD riser connector
Benefits
· Highly robust design minimises deployment damage risks
· Suitable for deepwater guide-lineless deployment
· Direct hydraulic and electrohydraulic control compatible
· Commonality of components creates low cost back-up strategy
Features
· High bending load capacity for open water
· Controlled engagement and disengagement
· Optional elastomeric or metal-to-metal wellbore sealing methods
· Unique hydraulically actuated pressure balanced couplers allow use of multiple hydraulic, electric and optic lines
· Pre-loaded and nonpreloaded versions available depending on application
· Optional mechanical or hydraulic ROV overrides can be included
· No specialist tools required for maintenance
The SLIC is a connector which can be applied to a wide variety connection applications, whether in Riserless Subsea Well Intervention, riser well intervention, , rigid and flexible risers, drilling or abandonment, for example.
Key to the robust nature of the connector is the ability for it to be recovered to surface with one of the dogs disengaged, in the event of a piston failure. The piston can then be easily and simply replaced without affecting the pressure envelope, minimising system downtime.
The cartridge style design of the SLIC male connector allows flexibility in the configuration of the SLIC depending on the application and the task in hand. The cartridge design also allows third parties (under license) to develop their own cartridges for other purposes and applications.
STL can provide the SLIC as a bare connector for inclusion into a client’s systems, or STL can configure the SLIC with custom built functionality, external frameworks and complete integration into a larger bespoke turnkey product engineered by STL for the client’s specific application.
Protecting the seals when installing a mandrel
The SLIC geometry is specially designed to protect the mandrel seals from damaging contact with the female as the connector engages. The stepped profiles on the male and in the female complement each other to enable the male to engage with the female up to 5% off the vertical. As weight is slacked off on the male, it is gradually brought to the vertical within the female. The seals do not engage in the female until the male is fully vertical and centralised.
Protecting the seals when installing a wireline tool string
The SLIC is designed to provide optimum ease of engagement and maximum protection to the female sealing surfaces when running wireline and other tools through the female half, before engaging the male. The depth of the connector ensures that the sealing surface cannot receive a direct impact from a tool, and even a glancing contact is only momentary. Once past the sealing surfaces, the toolstring runs through the centre of the SLIC?, leaving a large clearance between the toolstring and the sealing surfaces.
Stackable Lightweight Intervention Connector – SLIC?
The SLIC is an extraordinarily robust connector, specifically designed for applications where it will be subject to constant engagement and disengagement. The SLIC features unique offshore replaceable locking dog assemblies, an offshore replaceable female seal surface and interchangeable male mandrels.
The SLIC is available as a pre-loaded or nonpreloaded version, dependent on the desired application, and features ROV secondary locking to prevent accidental unlock during deployment or when exposed to live well pressure.
The revolutionary SLIC ensures:
· Improved safety
· Increased reliability
· Ease of maintenance offshore
· Redundancy
· Minimised NPT in the event of damage or failure
The SLIC features a selection of optional cartridge inserts which enable it to operate in a variety of different configurations, including:
· Test / Lift Cartridge
· Riser Connector Cartridge
· Electric line / Braided Line Pressure Control
Head (Greasehead) Cartridge
· Slickline Pressure Control Head (Stuffing Box) Cartridge
· Lightweight Slickline Pressure Control Head Cartridge
The SLIC is a connector capable of being used in a wide variety of applications, including:
· Riserless Subsea Well Intervention
· Workover Riser Well Intervention
· Rigid and Flexible Risers
· Drilling
· Well Abandonment
In line with the robust nature of the connector’s design, it has the ability to be recovered to the surface with only four of its five locking dogs engaged, and still be capable of supporting its full rated load capacity.
The cartridge style design of the SLIC? male mandrel allows flexibility and adaptability in the configuration of the SLIC depending on the application. It also allows third parties (under license) to develop their own cartridges for other purposes.
STL can provide the SLIC as a bare connector for inclusion into a client’s system, or STL can configure the SLIC with custom built functionality, external framework and complete integration into a larger bespoke turnkey product, engineered by STL to the client’s specification.
The external frame can also be extensively modified to contain ROV panels, or it can be removed to allow complete integration into a client system.