Difference between Well Head & Christmas (X-Mass) Tree?

 

Difference between Well Head & Christmas (X-Mass) Tree?

Terminology of the oil and gas industry is quite complex and, for that reason, the numerous pieces of equipment used in well drilling and production are no exception. The two key subassemblies of wells are the wellhead and the Christmas tree, referred to as the X-mas tree most of the time. These are very important in well operations but the primary functions may vary and are applied at different cycles of well operations. In this article, it will be discussed as to how these two indispensable components of an oilfield can be differentiated.

Wellhead

Wellhead can be defined as the opportunity of the connect of the surface equipment of a well with its subsurface equipment. It is usually run at the uppermost point of the casing string and acts as a support structure for the casing, and tubing, besides other downhole tools.

The main functions of a wellhead include:

Pressure Containment:

Another application of casing and tubing is well control which involves placement of the wellhead to contain pressure from the fluids through the well bore in a manner that will prevent blowouts.

Casing Suspension:

The wellhead bears the casing string and gives a method of hanging and sealing a given casing section as the casing is being run into the wellbore while drilling it.

Casing Sealing:

Close-ended by production equipment, seals and gaskets placed in the wellhead must effectively prevent migration of fluids between the casing and the wellhead parts in order to provide reliability and safety.

Christmas Tree (X-mas Tree):

The Christmas tree, or as it is called the X-mas tree, is the collection system of valves, fittings, and spools that sit atop the wellhead. It is also the only control point where the entry and exit of fluids into or out of the well during production, testing, and sometimes intervention is managed. The Main functions of a Christmas tree include: The Main functions of a Christmas tree include:

Flow Control:

Christmas tree hosts several types of valves such as the master valves, wing valves, and choke valves whereby the operators can manipulate the flow of the oil and gases from the wellbore to the surface facilities.