LINER HANGER
A liner hanger can include a first set of slips; a second set of slips; a first actuation mechanism for actuation of the first set of slips; and a second actuation mechanism for actuation of the second set of slips where the first set of slips, in an unactuated state, prevent actuation of the second set of slips via the second actuation mechanism.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to a U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/247,888, filed 29 Oct. 2015, which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUNDA liner hanger can be utilized to attach or hang one or more liners from an internal wall of a casing.
SUMMARYA liner hanger can include a first set of slips; a second set of slips; a first actuation mechanism for actuation of the first set of slips; and a second actuation mechanism for actuation of the second set of slips where the first set of slips, in an unactuated state, prevent actuation of the second set of slips via the second actuation mechanism. A method can include axially translating a first set of slips of a liner hanger to transition a second set of slips of the liner hanger to an actuatable state; and actuating the second set of slips. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Features and advantages of the described implementations can be more readily understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The following description includes the best mode presently contemplated for practicing the described implementations. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but rather is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the implementations. The scope of the described implementations should be ascertained with reference to the issued claims.
A liner may be a string of casing in which the top does not extend to the surface but instead is suspended from inside another casing string. As an example, a liner hanger may be used to attach or hang one or more liners from an internal wall of another casing string.
As an example, a method may include operating one or more components of a liner hanger system. As an example, a lower completion may be a portion of a well that is at least in part in a production zone or an injection zone. As an example, a liner hanger system may be implemented to perform one or more operations associated with a lower completion, for example, including setting one or more components of a lower completion, etc. As an example, a liner hanger system may anchor one or more components of a lower completion to a production casing string.
In the example of
As mentioned, a liner may be a casing (e.g., a completion component). As mentioned, a liner may be installed via a liner hanger system. As an example, a liner hanger system may include various features such as, for example, one or more of the features of the assembly 150 and/or the assembly 250 of
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As an example, a method can include setting a liner hanger, releasing a running tool, cementing a liner and setting a liner top packer. As an example, a method can include pumping heavy fluid (e.g., cement) down an annulus from a point above a liner hanger and a liner top packer. In such an example, stress on a formation may be reduced when compared to a method that pumps heavy fluid (e.g., cement) up such an annulus. For example, stress may be reduced as back pressure developed during pumping may be contained in between a casing and a landing string.
As an example, a liner hanger can include a hold down slip that aims to prevent a liner from moving up during a cementing operation or, for example, when loading exists due to fluid pressure (e.g., well kicking) of a formation. For deep offshore wells, loading due to well kicking can be substantial.
As an example, a liner hanger can include multiple sets of hold down components. For example, a liner hanger can include two hold down assemblies with separate sets of slips and with a corresponding cone where use of the two hold down assemblies can help to handle loading due to fluid pressure.
As an example, a liner hanger can nest the functionality of liner hanging and hold down with a common cone. In operation, a sequential process can include actuating a first set of hold down slips followed by actuating a second set of hold down slips. In such an example, a liner hanger may be set by actuation of the first set of hold down slips and then further secured by actuating of the second hold down slips. A mechanism or mechanisms of a liner hanger can provide for adherence to such a sequence, for example, one or more mechanisms can provide for actuation of the second set of hold down slips once a first set of hold down slips sets the liner hanger, which may reduce risk of sticking (e.g., getting stuck) while running in a hole.
As shown in the example of
As to the second set of slips 800, axial translation of the first set of slips 600 allows the second set of slips 800 to be in an actuatable state. Actuation of the second set of slips 800 can occur via rotation of the pipe 400 with respect to an inner surface of a conduit (e.g., casing, etc.) where such rotation can shear one or more shear components. For example, each slip of the second set of slips 800 can be axially fixed via a shear screw (e.g., or shear bolt) where, after shearing, a biasing mechanism can apply a biasing force to each slip of the second set of slips 800 to cause translation thereof in a direction toward the third annular ring 540 where movement is also radially outwardly to effectively increase the outer diameter of the liner hanger 300 to further secure the liner hanger 300 against an inner surface of a conduit (e.g., casing, etc.).
As shown in
As to actuation of the first set of slips 600, the first annular ring 510 can be axially fixed to the pipe 400 and the annular component 520 can be releasable from the first annular ring 510 such that the annular component 520 can translate in a direction toward the axial face 414 of the pipe 400. In such an example, the second annular ring 530 and the annular component 535 as operatively coupled to the annular component 520 can translate axially and apply force to the first set of slips 600. In particular, the annular component 535 moves toward the annular ring 540, which is axially fixed to the pipe 400, to cause the first set of slips 600 to translate axially toward the axial face 414 of the pipe 400 while the slip seating sleeve 550 remains axially fixed between the axial face 414 and the axial face 542.
As an example, the first annular ring 510 may be a latching ring that provides an axial stop for positioning of the annular component 520, which is an axially translatable annular component. As an example, the first annular ring 510 and the annular component 520 may be latched with a particular force that is to be overcome via an actuation mechanism (e.g., hydraulic pressure). As an example, the first annular ring 510 can include a lip that is received by a recess of the annular component 520 where a force may be applied to move the annular component 520 to unlatch the lip from the recess.
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As shown, the slip seating sleeve 550 includes the recess 581 that seats the slip portion 810 of the slip 801, a channel 585 that extends from the recess 581 and that seats the stem portion 810 of the slip 801, a sloped surface 555 proximate to the axial end 554 of the slip seating sleeve 550, a recess end surface 584, biasing element seats 586-1 and 586-2 that seat biasing elements 892-1 and 892-2 (e.g., springs) at the recessed end surface 584 and guide channels 587.
The slip 801 includes an extension 812 with a radial dimension r3, a stem junction 814, an opening 851, an axial face 852, a tip 854, a series of ridges 855 and guide channels 857. As shown, the guide channels 857 can mate with the guide channels 587 such that upon release of the stem portion 810 and upon searing of the shear screw 426 as set in the opening 851, the slip 801 can translate axially and move radially outwardly due to applied force by the biasing elements 892-1 and 892-2 against the axial face 852. As an example, the extension 812 can include a sloped surface (e.g., beveled surface).
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In the example of
In the example of
Upon shearing of the shear screw 426, the slip 801 can move axially downwardly in the illustration as the spring 426 releases a portion of its potential energy as kinetic energy, increasing in its axial length to an extent to force the slip 801 against an inner surface of the 1010 casing. As mentioned, shearing of the shear screw 426 may occur via movement of the pipe 400 where the slip seating sleeve 550 is secured via deployment of the first set of slips 600 against the inner surface of the casing 1010.
As shown, the extension 812 at or proximate to the end 802 of the slip 801 can move via force applied by the spring 426 from being seated at least in part in the extension recess 583 of the slip seating sleeve 550 to being out of the extension recess 583 (e.g., unseated from the extension recess of the slip seating sleeve 550).
As an example, various components of a liner hanger can be made of metal or metal alloy, which may be referred to as metallic materials. As an example, one or more components may be made of hardened steel. As an example, biasing elements may be made of metallic materials. As an example, slips may be of a hard material that has a hardness that is greater than a hardness of casing (e.g., for the slips to grip into the casing). As an example, a casing can be made of plain carbon steel that is heat-treated or may be a specially fabricated stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, fiberglass and other material.
As an example, a liner hanger can include one or more components made of a metallic material such as a carbon steel material. As an example, a material utilized for a liner hanger component may be a chrome alloy (e.g., 9 Cr:1 Mo). As an example, a material utilized for a liner hanger component may be a nickel alloy. As an example, a material utilized for a liner hanger component may be MONEL™ alloy, an INCONEL™ alloy, (e.g., INCONEL™ 718, etc.), etc. For example, consider an age hardenable nickel-iron-chromium alloy.
As an example, an amount of axial movement of the first set of slips 600 may differ from an amount of axial movement of the second set of slips 800. As an example, a liner hanger can include two actuation mechanisms, one for a first set of slips and one for a second set of slips. In such an example, actuation of the mechanisms may be serially where the first actuation mechanism after actuation places the second actuation mechanism in an actuatable state.
As an example, the slip seating sleeve 500 may be referred to as a cone. As an example, a liner hanger can include a single cone which houses both the liner hanger slips as a first set of slips and hold down slips as a second set of slips.
As an example, an actuation mechanism may be hydraulic and/or mechanical. As an example, a liner hanger can include multiple actuation mechanisms where such mechanisms may be of a common principle or of differing principles (e.g., one hydraulic and one mechanical). As an example, one or more actuation mechanisms may be setting mechanisms that act to set a liner hanger.
As an example, as to a hydraulic actuation mechanism, pressure can be increased to the pipe 400 (e.g., a liner hanger body), thereby increasing the pressure in the annular component 520 that can act as a hydraulic cylinder, causing shear screws that constrain the annular component 520 to the first annular ring 510 (e.g., a gage ring) to shear, resulting in movement of the annular component 520 relative to the pipe 400. The relative movement causes the second annular ring 530 (e.g., a push ring) and the recessed surface 537 (e.g., a beveled surface) to apply force to the set of slips 600 (e.g., via each extension 620) such that the set of slips 600 move to bite the inner surface of the casing 1010.
As to a mechanical example of setting a liner hanger, such an approach may be implemented optionally without pressure build-up. For example, a liner hanger can be set using mechanical manipulation of a string.
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As an example, a cone can include two holes on a hold down side to seat two springs per hold down slip. Such holes may be spade drilled holes that can seat springs that store potential energy to set the hold down slips and keep the hold down slips engaged with an inner surface of conduit (e.g., casing). The hold down slips can be selectably fixed to the slip seating sleeve via shear screws which retain those slips in the run position until they are sheared in rotation, which is prevented without the hanger slips first being engaged with an inner surface of conduit (e.g., casing). As an example, a shear rating may be selected to be less than about 50 percent of a specified connection torque.
As an example, as to deployment, after a desired depth has been reached and the liner hanger setting process has been initiated, relative movement of an annular component with respect to a pipe causes a first set of slips to move axially with respect to a slip seating sleeve. The axial movement of the slips, along with their cross portions, exposes hold down locks of a second set of slips. Due to this movement, the first set of slips (liner hanger slips) are no longer constraining movement of the second set of slips (hold down slips).
After the first set of slips (liner hanger slips) are set and the weight has been slacked off, the pipe can be rotated with respect to the slip seating sleeve (e.g., cone). The applied torque may be gradually increased until shearing of screws occurs. This shearing event causes the stored spring energy to release, which causes the second set of slips (hold down slips) to move and engage (e.g., to bite) an inner surface of a conduit (e.g., casing). The slip seating sleeve can be constrained at an end via a “false” shoulder” (e.g., of a liner hanger body) as formed by the third annular ring 540. In such an example, the second set of slips (hold down slips) are set mechanically, which removes the possibility of using a hydraulic cylinder for the hold down slips and a set of elastomeric seals to prevent a leak path which could possibly induce a failure mode.
As an example, a slip may be a single piece or a multi-piece slip. For example, a liner hanger slip and a cross-member can be manufactured as a single part or can be made as at least two parts and be welded or fastened together. As an example, die springs may be utilized for hold down slip deployment, for example, to store potential energy with a relatively small size factor and relatively high loading capability.
As an example, a liner hanger can include a hold down setting mechanism that is mechanical and features that are nested in a way that hold down slips cannot prematurely set before the hanger slips have been set. In such an example, rotation shear features can help in setting the hold down slips, as may be desired depending on one or more factors. As an example, after setting a liner hanger via a first set of slips, if an operator senses some problem with a string, the operator may pull the string out of the hole because a second set of slips (hold down slips) do not set simultaneously with the first set of slips (hanger slips). If a hanger liner is set prematurely by a first set of slips (hanger slips), for example, due to pressure spikes, an operator can reverse pressure in an annulus and send the slips of the first set of slips back in to their pockets (e.g., recesses) and continue progressing in a downhole direction.
As an example, a liner hanger can include a single cone that houses liner hanger slips and hold down slips. In such an example, the cone can include features to house biasing elements (e.g., one or more springs per hold down slip) that store potential energy to set the hold down slips and keep them engaged. As an example, a liner hanger slip can include a cross shaped feature that functions as a lock to secure one or more hold down slips from setting before the liner hanger slips are set. As an example, a hold down slip can include a stem portion as a cantilever flexible arm that includes a lock feature (e.g., at an end) that locks the hold down slip to a cone (e.g., slip seating sleeve).
As an example, liner hanger slips can be arranged about the circumference of a cone (e.g., a slip seating sleeve) in such manner that terminal ends of adjacent cross features (e.g., members) abut one another. As an example, cross features can cover a portion of respective hold down slips.
As an example, a liner hanger slip can include a head portion, a tail portion, and a member that can cover at least a portion of a hold down slip. In such an example, the member may be a cross feature such as a cross-member.
A cross feature (e.g., a cross-member) may be disposed at a position along a head portion (e.g., slip portion) or a tail portion (e.g., stem portion) of a slip. A cross feature may be of a desired shape, including, but not limited to, a generally rectangular, ovoid, oval, or triangular shape.
As an example, a hold down slip can include a body portion, a hind portion, and a lock bevel at a distal end of the hind portion.
As an example, a unitized cone (e.g., unitized slip seating sleeve) can include channel where a tail portion of a hold down slip extends under cross features of liner hanger slips. As an example, a cone can include pockets and holes. As an example, a spring, as a biasing element, can be inserted at least in part into one of the holes.
As an example, cross features of liner hanger slips can be, in an unactuated state, locking features with respect to hold down slips as they can lock the hold down slips in place to prevent premature setting of the hold down slips.
As an example, a liner hanger can include a first set of slips; a second set of slips; a first actuation mechanism for actuation of the first set of slips; and a second actuation mechanism for actuation of the second set of slips where the first set of slips, in an unactuated state, prevent actuation of the second set of slips via the second actuation mechanism. In such an example, the first set of slips can be liner hanger slips and, for example, the second set of slips can be hold down slips.
As an example, in a liner hanger, each slip of a first set of slips can include a member and each slip of a second set of slips can include a stem portion where the members cover the stem portions to prevent actuation of the second set of slips. In such an example, the members can translate axially responsive to actuation of a first actuation mechanism.
As an example, a first actuation mechanism can include an annular component that is axially translatable to move (e.g., directly or indirectly) the first set of slips in an axial direction.
As an example, a second actuation mechanism can include biasing elements that release stored potential energy to move the second set of slips in an axial direction. In such an example, the biasing elements can be springs.
As an example, a first actuation mechanism can include an annular component that is axially translatable to move a first set of slips in a first axial direction and a second actuation mechanism can include biasing elements that release stored potential energy to move a second set of slips in a second axial direction. In such an example, the first and second axial directions can be opposite directions. For example, a liner hanger may be secured via a first set of slips that applies a force with a component directed axially in one direction and via a second set of slips that applies a force with a component directed axially in another, opposite direction. In such an example, the liner hanger may be secured from movement in either of the axial directions via such forces.
As an example, a second actuation mechanism can include shear screws (e.g., shear bolts) where each slip of a second set of slips includes an opening that receives at least a portion of a respective one of the shear screws.
As an example, a liner hanger can include a first actuation mechanism that is fluid pressure actuatable and/or a second actuation mechanism that is mechanically actuatable.
As an example, a liner hanger can include a second actuation mechanism that is not actuatable via fluid pressure and can include a first actuation mechanism that is actuatable via fluid pressure.
As an example, a liner hanger can include a slip seating sleeve where, for example, the slip seating sleeve seats a first set of slips and seats a second set of slips. As an example, a liner hanger can include a pipe where a slip seating sleeve is disposed on the pipe. As an example, such a pipe may be referred to as a liner hanger body. As an example, a pipe of a liner hanger can be rotatable with respect to a slip seating sleeve. In such an example, a second actuation mechanism can include the pipe and the slip seating sleeve where the second actuation mechanism is actuatable for an actuated state of a first set of slips that fixes the azimuthal position and axial position of the slip seating sleeve. In such an example, the second actuation mechanism can include one or more shear elements that shear responsive to rotation of the pipe with respect to the fixed azimuthal position and axial position of the slip seating sleeve. As an example, a first set of slips of a liner hanger may be actuated to engage an inner surface of a casing to secure a slip seating sleeve of the liner hanger. Once engaged, a liner hanger body or pipe of the liner hanger may be rotatable with respect to the slip seating sleeve. In such an example, the liner hanger body or pipe can include one or more shoulders where one or more of the shoulders may be integral shoulder and/or one or more of the shoulders may be false shoulders, for example, formed via an annular ring that is axially fixed to the liner hanger body or pipe. In such an example, the slip seating sleeve may be disposed axially between two shoulders such that when a first set of slips engage an inner surface of a casing, the liner hanger body or pipe is fixed axially, yet rotatable azimuthally, due to the slip seating sleeve being fixed axially and azimuthally by the first set of slips. In such an example, the first set of slips can be liner hanger slips where another set of slips can be hold down slips that can be actuated after the liner hanger slips to further secure the liner hanger with respect to the inner surface of the casing.
As an example, a liner hanger can include a cone; a liner hanger slip disposed on an exterior of the cone, the liner hanger slip having a head portion, a tail portion, and a cross feature; and a hold down slip having a body portion, and a hind portion, the hold down slip disposed on the exterior of the cone such that the body portion of the hold down slip is distal to the head portion of the liner hanger slip and such that at least a portion of the hind portion of the hold down slip is restrained under at least a portion of the cross feature of a liner hanger slip when the liner hanger slip is in an un-set position. In such an example, at least a portion of the hind portion of the hold down slip can extend through a channel disposed on an outer surface of the cone. As an example, at least a portion of the body portion of the hold down slip can be disposed within a pocket formed in the exterior of the cone. In such an example, the liner hanger can include at least one spring disposed within the pocket in such manner as to exert a force against the cone and the hold down slip.
As an example, when a liner hanger slip is in a set position, in an arrangement of components, no portion of a hind portion of a hold down slip is disposed under a cross feature (e.g., restricted by a cross feature or cross features of a liner hanger slip or liner hanger slips).
As an example, for a liner hanger, when a set of liner hanger slips is in a set position, an actuation mechanism can become actuatable to cause a set of hold down slips to be set. Such an approach can be a safety approach that prohibits pre-mature actuation of the hold down slips.
As an example, a method can include axially translating a first set of slips of a liner hanger to transition a second set of slips of the liner hanger to an actuatable state; and actuating the second set of slips. In such an example, actuating the second set of slips can include releasing stored potential energy of one or more biasing elements for axially translating the second set of slips. As an example, such actuating can include shearing at least one shear element (e.g., a shear screw, a shear bolt, etc.). As an example, each of the slips of the second set of slips can include an opening that receives at least a portion of a respective one of the at least one shear element.
As an example, actuating can include mechanically actuating a second set of slips. As an example, actuating of a second set of slips can be via a mechanism that does not include fluid pressure actuating of the second set of slips.
As an example, axially translating a first set of slips can occur responsive to actuating a fluid pressure actuation mechanism.
As an example, surface equipment may be utilized to initiate one or more actuation processes that occur via at least two different actuation mechanisms for two different sets of slips of a liner hanger. In such an example, surface equipment may be utilized to increase fluid pressure in a liner hanger and/or may be utilized to move one component of a liner hanger with respect to another component of a liner hanger. For example, surface equipment can include rotating a string to cause rotation of a pipe (e.g., liner hanger body) of a liner hanger.
CONCLUSIONAlthough only a few examples have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the examples. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words “means for” together with an associated function.
Claims
1. A liner hanger comprising:
- a first set of slips;
- a second set of slips;
- a first actuation mechanism for actuation of the first set of slips; and
- a second actuation mechanism for actuation of the second set of slips wherein the first set of slips, in an unactuated state, prevent actuation of the second set of slips via the second actuation mechanism.
2. The liner hanger of claim 1 wherein the first set of slips comprises liner hanger slips.
3. The liner hanger of claim 1 wherein the second set of slips comprises hold down slips.
4. The liner hanger of claim 1 wherein each slip of the first set of slips comprises a member and wherein each slip of the second set of slips comprises a stem portion wherein the members cover the stem portions to prevent actuation of the second set of slips.
5. The liner hanger of claim 1 wherein the first actuation mechanism comprises an annular component that is axially translatable to move the first set of slips in an axial direction.
6. The liner hanger of claim 1 wherein the second actuation mechanism comprises biasing elements that release stored potential energy to move the second set of slips in an axial direction.
7. The liner hanger of claim 1 wherein the first actuation mechanism comprises an annular component that is axially translatable to move the first set of slips in a first axial direction and wherein the second actuation mechanism comprises biasing elements that release stored potential energy to move the second set of slips in a second axial direction.
8. The liner hanger of claim 1 wherein the second actuation mechanism comprises shear screws wherein each slip of the second set of slips comprises an opening that receives at least a portion of a respective one of the shear screws.
9. The liner hanger of claim 1 wherein the first actuation mechanism is fluid pressure actuatable.
10. The liner hanger of claim 1 wherein the second actuation mechanism is mechanically actuatable.
11. The liner hanger of claim 1 wherein the first actuation mechanism is fluid pressure actuatable and wherein the second actuation mechanism is mechanically actuatable.
12. The liner hanger of claim 1 comprising a slip seating sleeve wherein the slip seating sleeve seats the first set of slips and seats the second set of slips.
13. The liner hanger of claim 12 comprising a pipe wherein the slip seating sleeve is disposed on the pipe.
14. The liner hanger of claim 13 wherein the pipe is rotatable with respect to the slip seating sleeve.
15. The liner hanger of claim 14 wherein the second actuation mechanism comprises the pipe and the slip seating sleeve and wherein the second actuation mechanism is actuatable for an actuated state of the first set of slips that fixes the azimuthal position and axial position of the slip seating sleeve.
16. The liner hanger of claim 15 wherein the second actuation mechanism comprises one or more shear elements that shear responsive to rotation of the pipe with respect to the fixed azimuthal position and axial position of the slip seating sleeve.
17. A method comprising:
- axially translating a first set of slips of a liner hanger to transition a second set of slips of the liner hanger to an actuatable state; and
- actuating the second set of slips.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein actuating the second set of slips comprises releasing stored potential energy of one or more biasing elements for axially translating the second set of slips.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein the actuating comprises shearing at least one shear element and wherein each of the slips of the second set of slips comprises an opening that receives at least a portion of a respective one of the at least one shear element.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein the actuating comprises mechanically actuating and wherein the axially translating occurs responsive to actuating a fluid pressure actuation mechanism.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 14, 2016
Publication Date: Nov 1, 2018
Inventors: Aravind KANDASWAMI (Humble, TX), Sebastian CALO (Conroe, TX), Prasanna SUBRAMANYA (Cypress, TX)
Application Number: 15/771,872