This paper describes the design features of a surface lateral tree and compares the design with a conventional Christmas tree. A lateral Christmas tree is defined as a tree which has no valves in the vertical bore of the tree, and flow through the tree is controlled by valves on the lateral or horizontal bore of the tree. Preliminary evaluations indicate that the use of a surface lateral tree can enhance well intervention procedures, reduce wellhead/tree height, reduce maintenance requirements, and reduce overall risks.

Keywords:
metal seal, downhole intervention, well intervention, surface lateral tree, wellhead, phillips petroleum company, hanger, valve, phillips petroleum co, conventional tree
Subjects:
Completion Selection and Design, Completion Installation and Operations, Well Intervention, Completion equipment
Copyright 1993, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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