Slip spool and method of using same

An apparatus for selectively supporting a tubing string suspended in a wellbore comprising:

• a pressure containment spool adapted to be mounted to a wellhead, the spool having an axial passage to be aligned with the wellbore for permitting the tubing string to extend therethrough, and at least two radial passages extending through a side wall of the spool and communicating with the axial passage;
• an adapter pin adapted to be connected to the tubing string, the adapter pin providing a weight-bearing shoulder for supporting the tubing string;
• at least two slip blocks slidably supported within the respective radial passages;
• and
• means for moving the respective slip blocks between an extended position in which the slip blocks engage the weight-bearing shoulder of the adapter pin, and a retracted position in which the slip blocks clear the axial passage of the spool.

A method for setting and using an apparatus for selectively supporting or snubbing a tubing string suspended in a wellbore during a well operation, comprising steps of:

• mounting a slip spool to a top of a wellhead of a live well, the slip spool including:
• an axial passage to be aligned with a wellbore for permitting a tubing string to extend therethrough, and at least two radial passages extending through a side wall of the slip spool and communicating with the axial passage;
• at least two slip blocks slidably supported in the respective at least two axial passages;
• and
• means for moving the respective slip blocks between an extended position in which the slip blocks engage a component in the tubing string having a weight-bearing shoulder adapted to be engaged by the slip blocks, and a retracted position in which the slip blocks clear the axial passage of the spool;
• connecting to a top of the slip spool means for containing well pressure in the axial passage while permitting any one of a tubular, a downhole tool and a wellhead component to be inserted through the axial passage into the live well;
• and
• moving the slip blocks selectively between the extended and retracted positions, as required, during the live well operation.