Abstract: A system for relieving pressure in a wellbore annulus of a hydrocarbon recovery well includes a wellhead, a production line extending from the wellhead, and an annulus relief line extending between the wellhead and the production line. A first pressure gauge measures fluid pressure in the wellbore annulus, a second pressure gauge measures fluid pressure in the production line. A well control system is in communication with the first pressure gauge, second pressure gauge and a check valve disposed in the annulus relief line. The well control system opens and closes the check valve in response to a determined difference between fluid pressure measured by the first pressure gauge and fluid pressure measured by the second pressure gauge. A related method includes measuring the fluid pressure in the wellbore annulus and in the production line, and opening and closing the check valve in response to the determined pressure difference.

Abstract: A system for relieving pressure in a wellbore annulus of a hydrocarbon recovery well includes a wellhead, a production line extending from the wellhead, and an annulus relief line extending between the wellhead and the production line. A first pressure gauge measures fluid pressure in the wellbore annulus, a second pressure gauge measures fluid pressure in the production line. A well control system is in communication with the first pressure gauge, second pressure gauge and a check valve disposed in the annulus relief line. The well control system opens and closes the check valve in response to a determined difference between fluid pressure measured by the first pressure gauge and fluid pressure measured by the second pressure gauge. A related method includes measuring the fluid pressure in the wellbore annulus and in the production line, and opening and closing the check valve in response to the determined pressure difference.