SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING ABANDONED SUBSEA WELLS WITH WET CHRISTMAS TREE

Abstract

There is disclosed a system for monitoring abandoned subsea wells with a Wet Christmas Tree (WCT) comprising a Control Module to be installed on a modified abandonment cap and a Communication Module coupled beneath the ROV to perform the communication with the control system of the Control Module by way of an electric jumper and supply hydraulic power to the control system by way of an hydraulic jumper. The system is useful for wells with a VCM or three VCMs. In this case, the modified abandonment caps are used. The monitoring method of the abandoned subsea wells with WCT is also described.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring abandoned subsea wells with a Wet Christmas Tree (WCT), comprising: a) a Control Module and, on the top of said Control Module, a mechanical interface for coupling on the installation tool of the Control Module jointly with an abandonment cap; b) At least one hydraulic line connected to the abandonment cap for pressurizing and depressurizing control lines of, at least, the valves namely: Master Production and Annular, Crossover and Annulus Intervention; c) At least one line for pressurizing and depressurizing the at least one HCR line (High Collapse Resistance) and pressurizing the four cavities of the WCT; d) Pressure sensors for continuously monitoring the pressures in the control lines of at least the Master production and annular, Crossover and Annulus Intervention valves, in at least one HCR line and in the four cavities of the WCT; e) Position sensors of the valves of the WCT, to determine the partial or total opening and closing of the Master production and annular Crossover and Annulus Intervention valves; f) hydrocarbon detectors in the four cavities of the WCT by way of at least one pressurizing and depressurizing line; g) a compensating reservoir, recoverable by Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV), to alleviate the pressure of the four cavities of the WCT and to store hydrocarbons; h) an accumulator module to supply the hydraulic power to allow the pressurization and depressurization of the at least one hydraulic control line of the valves of the WCT, for opening and closing the Master Production and Master Annular, Crossover and Annulus Intervention valves; i) a flow meter for calculating the flow by way of the valves over time and recording the values measured for subsequent analysis; j) a control system for actuating the Master Production and Master Annular, Crossover and Annulus Intervention valves; and k) a Communication Module coupled beneath the ROV to perform the communication with the control system by way of an electric jumper and supply hydraulic power to the control system by way of an hydraulic jumper.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: the Control Module comprises a communication system for sending to the Control Module the record, over time, of pressure and flow in the various sensors of the WCT and the presence of hydrocarbons.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the Control Module comprises a data module, recoverable by ROV to obtain all the records on pressure, presence of hydrocarbons, flow by way of the valves at intervals set by the operator and position of the Master Production and Master Annular, Crossover and Annulus Intervention valves.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: the Control Module comprises at least one control line for actuation of the valves of the WCT and BAP.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the Control Module comprises a sensor module for detecting the position of the valves of the WCT by way of sensors installed in the position indication panel of the valves.

6. The system according to claim 1, the Control Module comprises a circulation module, endowed with a circulation valve for communication between the cavities in the WCT.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein, alternatively, the Control Module is installed in the WCT with a system of horizontal connection lines jointly with the horizontal abandonment cap of the FLH.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein alternatively comprising three modified abandonment caps, installed with the respective Module.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the Control Module: a) is installed jointly with the abandonment cap of the PUM; b) is endowed with an interface for hydraulic feed, by way of HCR production hose to the Production Pressure Register Module and an interface for hydraulic feed by way of annular HCR hose to the Annual Pressure Register Module; c) is endowed with a hydraulic line) for connection to the cavity; d) is endowed with a hydraulic line for connection to the cavity; and e) is endowed with an interface for connecting the hydraulic jumper to the WCT for controlling the four valves of the WCT.

10. A method of monitoring abandoned subsea wells with Wet Christmas Tree (WCT) with assistance from the system according to claim 1, said method comprising the following steps: a) Installing the Control Module jointly with the modified abandonment cap; b) With the assistance of said Control Module continuously record and store the data on pressures and presence of hydrocarbons and on the composition of the hydrocarbons; c) In the event of leakage by way of the valves over the limit or presence of hydrocarbons, or spurious opening of the valves, the warning module of the Control Module being detached and transmitting location signals of the well and the data on the abnormality to remedy same; d) Once the interval between periodic inspections has elapsed, sending an RSV of ROV to monitor the well; e) Descend the ROV with the communication module of the ROV coupled; f) With the assistance of the ROV, make the connection of the electric jumper of the communication module to the electric connector of the control Module; g) with the assistance of the ROV (703) connecting the hydraulic Jumper of the Communication Module to the hydraulic receptacle in the Control Module; h) Perform the integrity test of the Wing Production and master Production Valves with the assistance of the control system of the control module pressurizing the cavity between the Master Production and Wing Production Valves and noting whether there is a drop in pressure in this cavity and rise in pressure in the cavity and if so, calculate the flow; i) Alleviate the pressure in the cavity and open the Crossover valve and note actuation of the Crossover Valve with ROV or by way of the sensor module; j) Determine the integrity of the annular wing valve again pressurizing the same cavity already previously pressurized and noting the behavior of the cavity; k) Determine the integrity of the Master Annular valve towards WCT to the annular A; l) Alleviate the pressure of the block of the WCT, draining to the compensating reservoir and note whether there is a rise in pressure; m) Close Crossover valve; n) Open the Master Production valve; o) Note whether there is pressure above the DSSS and drain, if necessary, to the compensating reservoir; p) Measure the flow by way of the DSSS; q) Close the Master production valve; r) Drain the pressure; s) Open the Crossover Valve (305) and the Master annular Valve; t) Note the pressure on annular A; u) Drain, if necessary, the compensating reservoir; and v) Measure the flow.

11. The method according to claim 10, installing the Production Pressure Register Module on the modified cap and the Annual Pressure Register Module on the modified cap.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] FIG. 1 appended is an illustrative scheme of a subsea well as practiced in the art, with Wet Christmas Tree (WCT) to control the flow of fluids produced and injected into the formation and Production Adapter Base (PAB), which provides a suitable interface between the WCT and the Wellhead.

[0053] FIG. 2 appended is an illustrative scheme of a subsea well as practiced in the art similar to that of FIG. 1, but without PAB.

[0054] FIG. 3 appended is an illustrative scheme of a subsea well after the disconnection of the collection system and thus should be monitored according to the requirements of the Regulatory Agency or permanently abandoned.

[0055] FIG. 4 appended is an illustrative scheme of the well of FIG. 3 on which a conventional abandonment cap was installed.

[0056] FIG. 5 appended is an illustrative scheme of the well of FIG. 4 showing the modified abandonment cap and, thereon, the Control Module according to the invention.

[0057] FIG. 6 appended is an illustrative scheme of the operation of monitoring a subsea well using the system of the invention with the modified abandonment cap on which the Control Module and the ROV with Communication Module was installed.

[0058] FIG. 7 appended is an illustrative scheme of the operation of monitoring a subsea abandoned well with WCT, using a workover rig utilized in the state of the art to perform the opening and closing of valves necessary for monitoring wells that are abandoned or to be abandoned.

[0059] FIG. 8 appended is an illustrative scheme of the components of the Control Module of the invention, installed on the modified abandonment cap of the subsea well.

[0060] FIG. 9 appended is a schematic alternative configuration of the system of the invention, in which the Control Module is installed on WCT with a system of horizontal connection lines.

[0061] FIG. 10 appended is an illustrative scheme according to the state of the art of a collection system for wells with independent flowlines.

[0062] FIG. 11 appended is an illustrative scheme according to the state of the art of the subsea well of FIG. 10 after the removal of the collection system.

[0063] FIG. 12 appended is an illustrative scheme according to the state of the art of the subsea well of FIG. 10 with the abandonment cap of the PUM, the abandonment cap of the PFLM and the abandonment cap of the AFLM.

[0064] FIG. 13 appended is an illustrative scheme according to the invention for the Modified abandonment Cap of the PUM with the Control Module, the modified abandonment cap of the PFLM with the Production Pressure Register Module and the modified abandonment cap of the AFLM with the Annual Pressure Register Module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] The present invention will be described ahead with reference to the appended Drawings, which should not be considered limitative of the invention.

[0066] FIG. 1 illustrates a subsea well (200) equipped with production column (207) and other downhole completion equipment, Wet Christmas Tree (300) and Production Adapter Base (400). The well (200) is interconnected to a collection system (500).

[0067] The Wet Christmas Tree (300) is designed to operate on the seabed and its function is to control the flow of fluids produced and injected into the formation, through perforations (204) and provide the necessary safety barriers during the production or injection phase.

[0068] According to FIG. 1, in the WCT (300), (301) is the master production valve, (302) is the master annulus valve, (303) is the production wing valve, (304) is the annulus wing valve, (305) is the valve crossover, (306) is the production swab valve, (307) is the annulus swab valve, (308) is the Tree Cap, (309) are hydraulic lines for actuating the valves, (310) are HCR lines (High Collapse Resistance) for injecting chemical products, (311) is the hydraulic Connector of the WCT (300), (312) is the Cavity on the block of the WCT (300) between the Master Production Valve (301) and the Production Wing Valve (303), (313) is the Cavity on the block of the WCT (300) between the Master annulus Valve (302) and the Annulus Wing valve (304), (314) is the cavity on the line between the production wing valve (303) and the mandrel (401) of the flowlines, (315) is the cavity on the line between the annulus wing valve (304) and the mandrel (401) of the flowlines, (316) is the cavity between the Master Production Valve (301) and the SSSD (209); and (317) is the cavity between the Master annulus Valve (302) and the tubing neck (210).

[0069] The hydraulic connector (311) of the WCT (300) can be connected directly onto the head (201) of the well or on a PAB (Production Adapter Base) (400).

[0070] A Production Adapter Base PAB (400) is endowed with the following components: (401) Flowline Hub (FLH); (402) Interface for the Tubing neck (210); (403) Hydraulic Connector; (404) High Pressure Housing (High Pressure Housing); and (405) Annulus Intervention Valves (two valves). One of the functions of the PAB (400) is to make the interface between the WCT (300) and the collection system (500), by way of the mandrel (401) of the flowlines. The other basic functions of the PAB (400) are: to provide an interface (402) for the tubing neck (210), to provide a hydraulic connector (403) to lock onto the head (201) of the well (200), to provide a high pressure housing (404) to enable the connection of the hydraulic connector (311) of the WCT (300) and to provide, in some cases, Annulus Intervention valves (405).

[0071] According to FIGS. 1 and 2 in which the production line, annulus and control umbilical are launched simultaneously by the line-launching ship and connected to a single VCM—Vertical Connection Module (510), the collection system (500) is composed of: (501) Production or Injection Line (Production or injection Flowline), (502) Annulus Flowline, (503) umbilical Production Control, (504) Stationary Production Unit (SPU), (510) VCM—Vertical Connection Module and subcomponents thereof: (511) Hydraulic Connector of the VCM, (512) Connection Flanges of the VCM to the production lines, annulus and Umbilical, (513) Seal between VCM and production bore, (514) Seal between the VCM and the annulus bore, (515) seal of the hydraulic Lines and (516) seal of the HCR lines.

[0072] The connection of the production lines (501), annulus (502) and umbilical production control (503) is made by way of a single VCM (510), which connects onto the mandrel of the flowlines (401) by way of a hydraulic connector (511). The connection of the VCM to the production lines (501), annulus (502) and production control umbilical (503) is by way of flanges (512). The VCM (510) provides seal (513) in the accesses to the production bore, seal (514) in the access to the annulus and seal (515) to the hydraulic lines of the production control umbilical and seal (516) of the HCR lines of the production control umbilical (516).

[0073] In the present application, the typical case is considered as being that which includes the PAB (400), (FIG. 1), however the concept of the invention is not limited to this configuration, being equally applicable to wells without PAB (400) (FIG. 2). In wells without PAB (FIG. 2), the production lines, annulus and umbilical are connected to the WCT (300) itself, that is, the mandrel of the flowlines (401) is located in the WCT (300). In the case of wells without PAB, the hydraulic connector (311) of the WCT (300) is connected at the wellhead (201).

[0074] As already commented upon above in the present specification, the temporarily abandoned wells require the installation of a conventional abandonment cap (900) of the FLH (401) of the PAB (400), the function of which is to provide an additional static barrier which prevents the flow of hydrocarbons to the sea. Therefore, FIG. 4 shows, as practiced in the art, a subsea well with a conventional abandonment cap (900) of the FLH (401) of the PAB (400). The conventional cap (900) is endowed with a hydraulic connector (901) and an interface (904) on top of the cap for coupling on the installation tool of the cap (900). The cap (900) is basically a safety barrier which provides static metal-metal seals (902, 903, 905, 906) improved in relation to the valve seals or elastomer seals.

[0075] In relation to the conventional abandonment caps, (all of them) just have the function of acting as safety barrier, providing seal of the accesses to the WCT and PAB which are made through the production lines (501), annulus flowline (502) and HCR and hydraulic lines of the umbilical (503), when the VCM is installed. These accesses are exposed when the VCM (or the three VCM) is withdrawn (FIGS. 3 and 11). If there were no abandonment cap, the accesses to the WCT and PAB would be in direct contact with sea water, after the withdrawal of the VCM. The conventional abandonment cap enables the testing, during installation, of the seals only inwardly.

[0076] In order to adjust the conventional abandonment cap to the needs of the invention, changes were made to an abandonment cap.

[0077] It should be quite clear to specialists that the changes made on said abandonment cap are achievable by a person skilled in the art and do not constitute the object of the invention.

[0078] The modified abandonment cap, besides acting as safety barrier, like the conventional cap, has inner holes that enable, by way of the HCR lines (118), the connection in the cavities (312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317) to elements (102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107) of the Control Module (100), whereby enabling: measure the pressure of the WCT cavities, measure the flow by way of valves, detect the presence of hydrocarbons in the cavities (312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317) of the WCT, pressurizing and depressurizing said cavities. Additionally, it enables, by way of the hydraulic lines (117), the pressurization of the control lines (309) of the WCT valves (300), enabling said valves to be opened and closed. Additionally, the modified abandonment cap, allows periodic testing of the seals that act as safety barrier (601, 602, 603, 605, 606) in the case of a VCM and (612, 622, 632) in the event of three VCM. This test can be made in the two directions of the seal (inwardly and outwardly), making the test more reliable and applied in the read direction of a possible flow, that is, outwardly.

[0079] FIG. 5 shows a subsea well with the modified abandonment cap (600) of the FLH (401) according to the invention. The modified cap (600) also is endowed with a hydraulic connector (601) that enables the locking on the upper profile of the FLH (401) of the PAB (400). The modified cap (600) also has the function of safety barrier which provides static metal-metal seals (601, 602, 603, 605, 606) improved in relation to the valve seals or elastomer seals. The modified cap (600) is further endowed with an outer seal (607) which creates a cavity (608) around the static metal-metal seals (601, 602, 603, 605, 606), enabling the seals to be tested. Therefore, the modified cap (600) may be part of the secondary WSB, in the case of flow of one or more WCT valves (300).

[0080] Contrary to the conventional cap (900), the modified cap (600) provides access to the Control Module (100) for pressurizing/depressurizing the: i) cavity (312) on the block of the WCT (300) between the Master Production Valve (301) and the Production Wing Valve (303); ii) of the Cavity (313) on the block of the WCT (300) between the Master annulus Valve (302) and the Wing Annulus valve (304); iii) of the cavity (314) on the line between the production wing valve (303) and the mandrel (401) of the flowlines; iv) of the cavity (315) on the line between the annulus wing valve (304) and the mandrel (401) of the flowlines; v) of the cavity (316) between the Master Production Valve (301) and the SSSD (209); vi) of the cavity (317) between the Master annulus Valve (302) and the tubing neck (210); and of the cavity (608).

[0081] There is additionally provided an interface (604) on top of the modified cap (600) for coupling the Control Module (100) and hydraulic accesses by way of the seals metal-metal (605, 606) to allow pressurization of the hydraulic lines (309) of the WCT (300) and HCR lines (310).

[0082] Wells equipped with more modern WCTs (300) are endowed with independent flowline connectors and umbilical, thus requiring the installation of abandonment caps in the production, annulus and umbilical hubs. In this case, the launch of the flowlines and umbilical is made in individual maneuvers. The present application also envisages this case, which is explained in greater detail ahead in the present specification.

[0083] According to the invention and as can be seen in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8, the Control Module, generally designated by the number (100), is installed on the standardized interface (604), on top of the modified abandonment cap (600) furnished by the manufacturer of the WCT (300). The standardized interface (604) (selected from among an API flange, but not limited thereto) should allow the connection, on the surface, of the control module (100).

[0084] The Control Module (100) and its subcomponents are shown, merely schematically, not necessarily in the real position, in FIG. 8 appended.

[0085] The System of the invention is generally indicated by the number (2000), see FIG. 6.

[0086] According to the invention, the System of Monitoring Abandoned Subsea Wells with Wet Christmas Tree comprises:

[0087] a) A Control Module (100) and, on top of said Module (100), a mechanical interface (101) designed to couple onto the installation tool (not represented) of the Module (100), to be installed by a vessel (not represented) jointly with the abandonment cap (600). The mechanical interface (101) should be located on the axis of the center of gravity of the modified abandonment cap (600) to prevent misalignment, during coupling to the mandrel (401) of the flowlines of the PAB (400). The interface (101) should be sized to support all the strain generated during the installation of the abandonment cap (600) jointly with the Control Module (100);

[0088] b) At the base of said Module (100), an interface (116) for coupling the standardized interface (604) positioned on top of the modified abandonment cap (600);

[0089] c) At least one hydraulic line (117) connected to the modified abandonment cap (600) for pressurizing and depressurizing the control lines (309) of the valves: Master Production (301) and annulus (302), Crossover (305) and Annulus Intervention (405) (if such exist). The module (100) is further endowed with lines (118) for pressurizing and depressurizing the HCR lines (High Collapse Resistance) (310) (if such exist) and also pressurizing the cavities (312, 314, 313, 315) of the WCT (300);

[0090] d) Pressure sensors (102) for continuously monitoring the pressures in the control lines (309) of the Master production (301) and annulus (302), Crossover (305) and Annulus Intervention (405) valves (if such exist), on the HCR lines (310) and in the cavities (312, 314, 313, 315) of the WCT (300);

[0091] e) Position sensors (119) of the WCT valves (300), making it possible to determine the partial or total opening and closing of the Master production (301) and annulus (302), Crossover (305) and Annulus Intervention (405) valves (if such exist). During the abandonment phase, if there is a spurious opening of one of these valves, a warning signal is issued, selected from among sound, electromagnetic, laser or pressure pulse;

[0092] f) hydrocarbon detectors (103) in the cavities (312, 314, 313, 315) of the WCT (300) by way of the lines (118);

[0093] g) a compensating reservoir (104), recoverable by ROV (703), to alleviate the pressure of the cavities (312, 314, 313, 315) of the WCT (300) and store hydrocarbons, when necessary, with risk of polluting the sea. By analyzing the hydrocarbons collected, it will be possible to determine the composition of the hydrocarbons with a view to determining the point of origin of the flow;

[0094] h) an accumulator module (105) to supply the hydraulic power to allow the pressurization and depressurization of the hydraulic control lines (309) of the WCT valves (300), for opening and closing the Master Production (301) and Master Annulus (302), Crossover (305) and Annulus Intervention (405) valves (as applicable);

[0095] i) a flow meter (106) for calculating the flow by way of the valves over time and recording the values measured for subsequent analysis;

[0096] j) a control system (107) for actuating the Master Production (301) and Master Annulus (302), Crossover (305) and Annulus Intervention (405) valves (as applicable); and

[0097] k) A Communication Module (140) coupled beneath the ROV (703) to perform the communication with the control system (107), by way of an electric jumper (143) (see FIG. 6 appended) and supply hydraulic power to the control system (107) by way of um hydraulic jumper (141). The communication module (140) is also equipped with a system that allows the following types of communication with the control system (107): sound communication, laser, electromagnetic or pressure pulse, besides the electric jumper (143).

[0098] The Control Module is additionally endowed with:

[0099] a) a communication system (108) that allows the dispatch to the Module (140) coupled beneath the ROV (703).sub.7 using sound or laser or electromagnetic communication, or pressure pulse, or by way of an electric jumper (143), the record, over time, of pressure and flow in the various sensors of the WCT (300), besides the presence of hydrocarbons;

[0100] b) a data module (109), recoverable by ROV, which enables the obtainment of all the records on pressure, presence of hydrocarbons, flow by way of the valves at intervals set by the operator and position of the Master Production (301) and Master Annulus (302), Crossover (305) and Annulus Intervention (405) valves (if such exist). The data module (109) is endowed with batteries and allows the installation of another module similar (not represented), with assistance of ROV (703), after the withdrawal of the preceding one;

[0101] c) an anchoring point (110). for the ROV (703) with five-function arm;

[0102] d) a warning module (111) which detaches from the control module (100) should an event occur, preset by the operator such as flow by way of the valves greater than the limit or spurious opening of a valve. The warning module (111) is endowed with buoyance and emits radio or sound signals, upon reaching the surface, allowing the location thereof and identification of the well, as well as the type of problem detected and the respective records;

[0103] e) at least one control line (117) for actuation of the WCT valves (300) and PAB (400);

[0104] f) a battery module (113) to fee the entire electronics of the Module (100);

[0105] g) a sensor module (119) for detecting the position of the WCT valves (300) by way of sensors installed on the panel for indicating the position of the valves. If there is spurious movement of the valves, the sensor module warns as such; and

[0106] h) a circulation module (120), endowed with a circulation valve for communication between the cavities (314,315), enabling the circulation of fluids and cleaning of hydrocarbons by the workover rig (801), if there is need to withdraw the WCT (300) or modified cap (600), whereby preventing pollution of the sea. The circulation module (120) also makes it possible to dislocate the hydrocarbons in the cavities (314,315) towards the compensating reservoir (104). Alternatively, the control module (100) is installed in WCT (300) with a system (1000) of horizontal connection lines jointly with the horizontal abandonment cap (1100) of the FLH (401) (FIG. 9).

[0107] The main components of the system of installing (700) the Communication Module (140) are: (701)—RSV—ROV Support Vessel; (702) Umbilical of the ROV and (703)—ROV—Remote Operated Vehicle (FIG. 6), the communication between the control panel on board the RSV (701) and the Control Module is done, preferably, by way of the umbilical of the ROV, but can also be done without the assistance of the ROV, by way of sound or electromagnetic communication, pressure pulse, laser, directly with the control module (100).

[0108] Another embodiment of the invention envisages the application of the system (2000) and method of the invention for wells with independent flowline connectors. One scheme from the state of the art for this type of wells is illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0109] With the increase in the water depth, the total weight of the production lines, annulus and umbilical exceeds the capacity of the launch vessels, requiring the separate launch of each one of these lines and, consequently, the use of independent flowline connectors, as shown in FIG. 10. In this case, the collection system (500) comprises: (501)—Production or Injection Line (Production or injection Flowline); (502)—Annulus Flowline (Annulus Flowline); (503)—umbilical Production control; (504)—Stationary Production Unit (SPU), (520)—VCMU—Vertical Connection Module of the Umbilical (530)—PVCM—Vertical Connection Module of Production and (540)—AVCM—Annual Vertical Connection Module.

[0110] The VCMU—Vertical Connection Module of the Umbilical (520) comprises (521)—Hydraulic Connector of the VCMU; (522)—Connection Flange of the VCMU to the production umbilical; (523)—Seals between VCMU and HCR lines; (524)—Interface for hydraulic Lines; (525)—Interface for the HCR lines; (525)—hydraulic Jumper interface with the WCT (300).

[0111] The PVCM—Vertical Connection Module of Production (530) comprises (531) Hydraulic Connector of the PVCM; (532)—Connection Flange of the PVCM to the production line; (533)—Seals between PVCM and production bore.

[0112] The AVCM—Annual Vertical Connection Module (540) comprises (541)—Hydraulic Connector of the PVCM; (542)—Connection Flange of the PVCM to the production line and (543)—Seals between PVCM and production bore.

[0113] In this case, the PAB (400) is endowed with three mandrels: (410)—Production Flow Line Mandrel (PFLM); (420) —Annulus Flow Line Mandrel (AFLM) and (430)—Production Umbilical Mandrel (PUM).

[0114] FIG. 11 shows the subsea well of FIG. 10 after the removal of the collection system endowed with three VCMs.

[0115] FIG. 12 shows the subsea well after the installation of conventional abandonment caps according to the state of the art. In this case, there are three conventional abandonment caps: (910)—Abandonment Cap of the PFLM (410); (611)—hydraulic Connector of the abandonment cap of the PFLM (410); (612)—Seal of the production bore at the interface with the PFLM (410); (920)—Conventional Abandonment Cap of the AFLM (420); (621)—hydraulic Connector of the abandonment cap of the AFLM (420); (622)—Seal of the annulus bore on the interface with the AFLM (420); (930)—Conventional abandonment cap of the PUM (430); (631)—hydraulic Connector of the abandonment cap of the PUM (430); (632)—Seal of the HCR bores at the interface with the PUM (430);

[0116] The conventional abandonment cap (910) of the PFLM (410) has the function of sealing only the production bore (533) of the PFLM (410).

[0117] The conventional abandonment cap (920) of the AFLM (420) has the function of sealing only the annulus bore (543) of the AFLM (420).

[0118] The conventional abandonment cap (930) of the PUM (430) has the function of sealing only the bore (523) of the HCR lines (431).

[0119] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the system (2000) of the invention with a Modified abandonment Cap (660) of the PUM (430) with the Control Module (100), the modified abandonment cap (640) of the PFLM (410) with the Production Pressure Register Module (150) and the modified abandonment cap (650) of the AFLM (420) with the Annual Pressure Register Module (160).

[0120] For matters of clarity of the drawing, the Communication Module (140) is not represented in FIG. 13.

[0121] The modified abandonment cap (660) of the PUM (430) is endowed with a hydraulic connector (661) for locking onto the PUM (430), a standardized interface (663) on top for connecting onto the interface (116) of the control Module (100) and an outer seal (664) which forms a cavity (665) around the seals of the HCR lines (662).

[0122] The modified abandonment cap (640) of the PFLM (410) is endowed with um hydraulic connector (641) for locking onto the AFLM (420), a standardized interface (643) for connecting onto the Production Pressure Register Module (150) and an outer seal (644) which forms a cavity (645) around the seal (642) of the annulus bore.

[0123] The modified abandonment cap (650) of the AFLM (420) is endowed with a hydraulic connector (651) for locking onto the AFLM (420), a standardized interface (653) for connecting on the Annual Pressure Register Module (160) and an outer seal (654) which forms a cavity (655) around the seal (652) of the annulus bore.

[0124] Each modified abandonment cap (640,650,660) is installed jointly with its respective module (150,160,100), similarly to that described for WCT with only one VCM.

[0125] The function of the Production Pressure Register Module (150) is solely to provide hydraulic access of the Control Module (100) to the cavity (314) and to the cavity (645) for testing the seal (642). The function of the Annual Pressure Register Module (160) is solely to provide hydraulic access of the Control Module (100) to the cavity (315) and to the cavity (655) for testing the seal (652).

[0126] In this embodiment, the Control Module (100) presents the following differences in relation to the case described previously in the present specification, relating to a single VCM:

[0127] a) It is installed on top of the abandonment cap (660) of the PUM (430) instead of on top of the abandonment cap (630) of the FLH (401);

[0128] b) It is endowed with an interface (not represented) for hydraulic feed, by way of HCR production hose (121), to the Production Pressure Register Module (150) and an interface for hydraulic feed by way of annulus HCR hose (123), to the Annual Pressure Register Module (160). It is additionally endowed with a hydraulic line (122) for connection to the cavity (645) and a hydraulic line (124) for connection to the cavity (655);

[0129] c) It is endowed with an interface (not represented) for connecting the hydraulic jumper (526) to the WCT (300), for controlling the WCT valves (300). The hydraulic jumper (526) is represented in FIG. 13 as being connected to the WCT (300) at a specific point solely for ease of representation, since said jumper (526) is connected at the point of the WCT (300) most suited to each case.

[0130] Next there is described the monitoring method for subsea wells with Wet Christmas Tree according to the invention. As can be noted, the present method is applicable, with minor changes achievable by a person skilled in the art, both for the case of a well with a single VCM (510) (and a Modified Abandonment Cap (600) and for a well with up to three VCMs (520, 530 540) (and three modified caps (640,650,660).

[0131] Therefore, the embodiments for abandoned subsea wells with Wet Christmas Tree with a single VCM or with up to three VCMs fully fall within the scope of the present invention as described in the present specification and accompanying claims. [0132] Installing the Control Module (100) jointly with the modified abandonment cap (600), in the case of a VCM or on the modified cap (660), in the case of 3 VCM. In this case, the Production Pressure Register Module (150) on the modified cap (640) and the Annual Pressure Register Module (160) on the modified cap (650) would also be installed; [0133] After the installation of said Control Module (100), jointly with the Abandonment Cap (600), or, in the case of 3 VCM, also the Production Pressure Register Module (150) on the modified cap (640) and the Annual Pressure Register Module (160) on the modified cap (650), the WCT valves (300) are all closed and inside of the WCT (300) filled with hydrate inhibitor; [0134] The Control Module (100) continuously records and stores the data on pressures and presence of hydrocarbons, in addition to the composition of the hydrocarbons; if any abnormality is detected in the well, such as flow by way of the valves over the limit or presence of hydrocarbons, or spurious opening of the valves, the warning module (111) will be detached and its floats will make it emerge on the surface of the sea; the warning module (111) will then begin transmitting radio or sound signals such that the location of the well and the data on the abnormality be known, enabling immediate action to remedy the problem; a new warning module may be installed by ROV (703);

[0135] Once the interval between periodic inspections has elapsed, determined by the operator, an RSV—ROV Support Vessel (701) is sent to perform the monitoring of the well (see FIG. 6); —The RSV (701) launches the ROV (703) by way of a launch and control umbilical (702); [0136] the ROV (703) is sent down with the communication module (140) of the ROV coupled; —with assistance of the ROV, make the connection of the electric jumper (143) of the communication module (140) to the electric connector (114) of the control Module (100);

[0137] Also with the assistance of the ROV (703) make the connection of the hydraulic Jumper (141) of the Communication Module (140) to the hydraulic receptacle (115) in the Control Module (100); [0138] Perform the integrity test of the Wing Production (303) and master Production (301) Valves (with test in the counter direction of the flow). using the control system (107) of the control module (100); for such, pressurize the cavity (312) between the Master Production (301) and Wing Production (303) Valves and note whether there is a drop in pressure in this cavity and rise in pressure in the cavity (314) and if so, calculate the flow; obviously, there must be one delta P of pressure; [0139] Alleviate the pressure in the cavity (312) and open the Crossover valve (305) and note the actuation of the Crossover Valve (305) with ROV (703) or by way of the sensor module (119); [0140] Determine the integrity of the annulus wing valve (304) again pressurizing the same cavity (312) already previously pressurized (noting the behavior of the cavity (315); [0141] Equally determine the integrity of the Master Annulus valve (302) towards WCT to the annulus A (211); [0142] Alleviate the pressure of the block of the WCT, draining to the compensating reservoir (104) and note whether there is a rise in pressure. This test can check the integrity of the Master production (301) and master Annulus (302) valves in the correct direction;

[0143] Close Crossover valve (305); [0144] Open Master Production valve (301); [0145] Note whether there is pressure above the SSSD (209) and drain, if necessary, to the compensating reservoir (104); [0146] Measure the flow by way of the SSSD (209); [0147] Close Master production (301); [0148] Drain pressure; [0149] Open Crossover Valve (305) and Master annulus Valve (302); [0150] Note the pressure in the annulus (211); [0151] Drain, if necessary, to the compensating reservoir (104); and [0152] Measure the flow.