On land, a majority of wells begin with digging a cellar from three to fifteen feet in depth. The purpose of a cellar is to align the production Christmas tree at ground level, providing easier access to the valves, chokes, and other equipment.
An adapter flange, or drilling flange, is welded to the conductor pipe to connect a diverter system or a blowout preventer system to control wellhead pressure.
10
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
The Christmas tree is oriented properly, picked up, lowered over the neck of the tubing hanger, and connected to the tubing spool. The connections and seals are tested, and the well is now ready for production testing.
19