Page 132 - Well Control for Completions and Interventions

124 Well Control for Completions and Interventions

Orienting
sleeves

Upper
swage
integral
with body

Pocket

∅E

∅F

Oval
body

Upper
∅D swage
integral
with body

C
B
View - XX
Figure 3.31 Side pocket mandrel.

Common applications for side pocket mandrels are:
• Circulation device. The mandrel can be run with a dummy valve
straddling the ports in the side pocket. This can be pulled to provide a
circulation path between the annulus and tubing. The blanking valve
can be replaced once the circulation is completed.
• Chemical injection. A chemical injection valve can be located in the
side pocket. Chemical inhibitors are pumped through a control line to
the valve.
• Gas lift. By far the most common use for a side pocket mandrel. Gas
injected into the annulus passes through a sized orifice in a gas lift