6 WHCP Components

WHCP is situated close to the wellhead, however the control system, PLC or SCADA, is installed in a secure zone. All logic signals transmitted to the WHCP come from the Control System (PLC or SCADA). The WHCP close to the wellhead will perform the control action in a direct manner. The most important component of the Wellhead Control Panels includes its Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) comprising an reservoir, hydraulic pump and an accumulator. The parts that comprise the WHCP are explained in the following sections:

6 Parts of WHCP consist of 

1 Hydraulic Pump

Hydraulic pumps pump liquid hydraulics at required level to headliners. The required pressure is what determines the size and capacity of the pump in relation to the wellhead, as well as the distance from your panel towards the source and the time of delivery. The control system for the process that is either an PLC or SCADA manages the motor.

2 Oil Reservoir

Oil tanks supply the needed oil to pumps. Strainers are installed at the exit in the tank, to make sure that clean oil gets into the pump. A return line from the valves are attached directly to the roof of the tank.

3 Cumulator

A accumulator is an energy saving device that is used to meet the pressure requirements of SCSSV (Surface Controlled Subsea Safety Valves) or SSV (Surface Safety Valves). The accumulator is located in the downstream direction from the pump. It must be sized to accommodate the pressure requirements.

The accumulator is divided into two parts that are the gas section and that of hydraulics. This section, the gas one is typically filled with dry nitrogen gas and is then filled. The hydraulic oil is then put into the accumulator which compresses the gas section. If there is a need for hydraulic power, the accumulator lets out the oil and allows for the expansion of the gas chamber. This will enable the quick release the hydraulic oil.

4 Regulators

Each supply head downstream headers for oil are employed and regulators provide them with controlled pressure. High-pressure ranges are controlled by regulators. They are joined by valves for relief.

5 Hydraulic Circuit

The hydraulic circuit is made up of controls valves (SCSSV and SSV) as well as hydraulic tubing and the hydraulic supply headers. The hydraulic tubing is chosen based on the requirements for pressure, i.e., high medium, low pressure, or high needs. The circuits are comprised of check valves as well as an isolation valve. tubesand tube fittings and so on.

A fuse plug is used for the hydraulic lines to ensure security against fire. If there is an incident of fire, the plug will melt and stop the hydraulic pressure and close the valves at the head of the well. The well will close.

6 Instrumentation Interface 

Instruments for measuring are crucial when it comes to regulating and securing the activities of the wellhead. For the hydraulic headers, pressure transmitters are used to monitor the operation of valves and live status is transmitted to PLC controllers. In addition, level gauges are employed to monitor the level of the reservoir on a regular basis. The WHCP is connected to the SCADA/PLC system to provide Central monitoring and controlling of the wellhead. To facilitate maintenance designing, troubleshooting, or redesigning the wellhead, a separate junction box is required.

WHCP controls the oil and gas wells in oil & gas engineering company