Abstract: A wellhead housing a supports a string of casing in tension by using a load ring. The load ring mounts to the exterior of a casing hanger which secures to the upper end of the string of casing. The load ring is split, resilient and outwardly biased. The load ring is retained during the running of the casing. The running tool then releases the load ring to spring outward to support the load. The load ring has wickers on its exterior that mate with wickers in the interior of the bore.

Abstract: A mechanism mounts to a casing hanger for supporting the casing in tension. The mechanism includes a plurality of dogs mounted around the exterior of the casing hanger. Each of the dogs has wickers on its exterior which engage wickers formed in the bore of a wellhead housing. The dogs are carried within a recess. The recess has upper and lower parallel conical shoulders. A sleeve retains the dogs in a retracted position until tension has been applied. The sleeve releases the dogs by rotational movement of the running tool which runs the casing hanger.