Non-expandable liner hanger

Abstract

Method and apparatus for positioning a non-expandable liner hanger in a wellbore. A liner is coupled to the liner hanger, wherein the liner hanger includes: a conduit body; and a reactive metal sealing element disposed on the conduit body, wherein the reactive metal sealing element includes a reactive metal having a first volume. An example method includes: contacting the reactive metal with a fluid that reacts with the reactive metal to produce a reaction product having a second volume greater than the first volume; and contacting a surface adjacent to the reactive metal sealing element with the reaction product to form a seal against the surface and anchor the liner hanger from the surface, wherein anchoring the liner hanger to the surface suspends the liner in the wellbore.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the use of a non-expandable liner hanger, and more particularly to the use of a non-expandable liner hanger having a reactive metal sealing element for sealing and anchoring the non-expandable liner hanger in a wellbore application. Background Art

[0002] In some wellbore operations, the liner may be suspended from a casing string or cement layer with a liner hanger. The liner hanger is anchored to the interior of the casing string or cement layer and suspends the liner below the casing string or cement layer. The suspended liner and liner hanger do not extend to the surface like the casing string or cement layer. The liner hanger forms a seal with the casing string or cement layer to prevent fluid therein from flowing to the outside of the suspended liner. Fluid flow may alternatively be directed through the liner.

[0003] Sealing elements can be used in various wellbore applications, including forming annular seals in and around a liner hanger and anchoring the liner hanger to suspend the liner. The annular seal can restrict all or a portion of fluid and / or pressure communication at the sealing interface. These sealing elements can seal and anchor the liner hanger to an adjacent surface, such as a casing string or a cement layer. Some types of sealing elements include swellable materials that swell when in contact with a specific swelling-inducing fluid.

[0004] Many types of the aforementioned swellable materials include elastomers. Elastomers such as rubber swell when in contact with a swelling inducing fluid. The swelling inducing fluid can diffuse into the elastomer, wherein a portion of the fluid can be retained within the internal structure of the elastomer. Swellable materials such as elastomers can be limited to use in specific wellbore environments (e.g., environments that do not have high salinity and / or high temperatures). The present disclosure provides improved apparatus and methods for sealing around and anchoring a liner hanger in a wellbore application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Illustrative examples of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference, and in which:

[0006] Figure 1 A cross section illustrating an example liner hanger system for a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation according to examples disclosed herein;

[0007] Figure 2 To illustrate the examples disclosed herein Figure 1 An enlarged cross-section of a portion of an example liner hanger system;

[0008] Figure 3 is a perspective illustration of a liner hanger according to examples disclosed herein;

[0009] Figure 4is a perspective illustration of a liner hanger according to examples disclosed herein;

[0010] Figure 5 To illustrate a cross section of an example liner hanger according to examples disclosed herein;

[0011] Figure 6 To further illustrate the examples disclosed herein Figure 5 Example of a cross section of a liner hanger system;

[0012] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional illustration of a liner hanger with an accelerator according to an example disclosed herein;

[0013] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional illustration of a liner hanger with an accelerator according to an example disclosed herein;

[0014] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional illustration of a liner hanger with an accelerator and an installation string according to examples disclosed herein;

[0015] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional illustration of a liner hanger system having an accelerator actuated by a wiper plug according to an example disclosed herein;

[0016] Fig.11 To further illustrate the examples disclosed herein Fig.10 Example of a cross section of a liner hanger system;

[0017] Fig.12 To further illustrate the examples disclosed herein Fig.11 Example of a cross section of a liner hanger system;

[0018] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional illustration of a liner hanger system having a reactive metal sealing element disposed on a liner according to examples disclosed herein;

[0019] Fig.14 To further illustrate the examples disclosed herein Fig.13 Example of a cross section of a liner hanger system;

[0020] Fig.15 To further illustrate the examples disclosed herein Fig.14 Example of a cross section of a liner hanger system;

[0021] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional illustration of a liner hanger system having a cable positioned proximate a reactive metal sealing element according to examples disclosed herein;

[0022] Fig.17 To further illustrate the examples disclosed herein Fig.16 A cross section of an example liner hanger system; and

[0023] Fig.18 To further illustrate the examples disclosed herein Fig.17 Example of a liner hanger system cross section.

[0024] The illustrated drawings are merely exemplary and are not intended to assert or imply any limitation with regard to the environment, architecture, design, or process in which different examples may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present disclosure relates to the use of a non-expandable liner hanger, and more particularly to the use of a non-expandable liner hanger having a reactive metal sealing element for sealing and anchoring the non-expandable liner hanger in a wellbore application.

[0026] In the following detailed description of several illustrative examples, reference is made to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, and therein are shown by means of illustrative examples that can be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice them, and it is understood that other examples may be utilized, and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed examples. In order to avoid details that are not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the examples described herein, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be understood in a limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrative examples is defined solely by the appended claims.

[0027] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers used in this specification and the associated claims to represent the amount of components, properties (such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, etc.) should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and the attached claims are approximate values, which may vary depending on the desired properties that the examples of the present disclosure attempt to obtain. At least, and not attempting to limit the application of the principle of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be interpreted according to the number of reported significant figures and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. It should be noted that when "about" is at the beginning of a numerical list, "about" modifies each number of the numerical list. In addition, in some numerical lists of a range, some lower limits listed may be greater than some upper limits listed. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a selected subset will need to select an upper limit that exceeds a selected lower limit.

[0028] Unless otherwise specified, the use of the terms "connect," "engage," "couple," "attach," or any other terms describing interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to direct interaction between elements and may also include indirect interaction between the described elements. In addition, any use of any form of the terms "connect," "engage," "couple," "attach," or any other terms describing interaction between elements includes items that are integrally formed together without the assistance of additional fasteners or coupling devices. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "comprises" and "includes" are used in an open-ended manner and should therefore be interpreted as meaning "including but not limited to." Unless otherwise specified, as used throughout this document, "or" does not require mutual exclusivity.

[0029] The terms uphole and downhole can be used to refer to the location of various components relative to the bottom or end of the well. For example, a first component described as being uphole from a second component can be farther away from the end of the well than the second component. Similarly, a first component described as being downhole from a second component can be positioned closer to the end of the well than the second component.

[0030] Examples of the methods and systems described herein relate to the use of a non-expandable liner hanger including a reactive metal sealing element for annular sealing and anchoring. As used herein, a "sealing element" refers to any element used to form a seal. A "seal" is a barrier to the passage of liquids and / or gases. In some examples, the reactive metal sealing element described herein can form a seal that complies with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14310:2001 / API Specification 11D1 Edition 1 V5 Level Verification Standard: Liquid Test. The reactive metal forms a seal by contacting a specific reaction-inducing fluid such as brine, wherein the reactive metal and the specific reaction-inducing fluid then dissolve to produce a reaction product having a larger volume than the base-reactive metal reactant. As the reaction product proceeds to solidification at the interface, the increase in the metal volume of the reaction product produces a seal at the interface of the reactive metal sealing element and any adjacent surface. The formation of the reaction product produces a volume expansion of the reactive metal sealing element. The solidified reaction product also anchors the liner hanger to the adjacent surface, securing it in the wellbore and allowing the liner to be suspended. Advantageously, reactive metal sealing elements can be used in various wellbore applications that require irreversible sealing. Another advantage is that reactive metal sealing elements can swell in high salinity and / or high temperature environments that may not be suitable for some other types of sealing elements. An additional advantage is that reactive metal sealing elements include a wide variety of metals and metal alloys, and can react after contact with reaction-inducing fluids containing various wellbore fluids. Reactive metal sealing elements can be used as a substitute for other types of sealing elements (e.g., elastomeric sealing elements), or they can be used as backups for other types of sealing elements. One other advantage is that reactive metal sealing elements can be placed on existing liner hangers without affecting or adjusting the outer diameter or outer profile of the liner hanger. Another advantage is that reactive metal sealing elements are used on non-expandable liner hangers and can seal and anchor the liner hanger without expanding the liner hanger. Therefore, there is no need to continue with expansion operations that can increase the complexity of wellbore operations and increase operating time, such as using expansion cones. In addition, in some instances, reactive metal sealing elements do not include elastic materials and can be used in wellbore environments where elastic materials can be easily damaged.

[0031] Reactive metals expand by reacting in the presence of a reaction inducing fluid (e.g., brine) to form reaction products (e.g., metal hydroxides). The resulting reaction products occupy more volume space relative to the base reactive metal reactant. This volume difference allows the reactive metal sealing element to form a seal at the interface of the reactive metal sealing element with any adjacent surface. Magnesium can be used to illustrate the volume expansion of reactive metals when they undergo a reaction with a reaction inducing fluid. Molar magnesium has a molar mass of 24 g / mol and a mass of 1.74 g / cm 3density, resulting in a 13.8cm 3 / mol volume. Magnesium hydroxide, the reaction product of magnesium and an aqueous reaction inducing fluid, has a molar mass of 60 g / mol and a volume of 2.34 g / cm 3 density, resulting in 25.6cm 3 / mol volume. 25.6cm 3 / mol of magnesium hydroxide volume compared to 13.8 cm 3 / mol of molar magnesium increases in volume by 85%. As another example, a molar calcium has a molar mass of 40 g / mol and a mass of 1.54 g / cm 3 density, thus producing 26.0cm 3 Calcium hydroxide, the reaction product of calcium and an aqueous reaction inducing fluid, has a molar mass of 76 g / mol and a volume of 2.21 g / cm 3 density, resulting in a 34.4cm 3 / mol volume. 34.4cm 3 / mol of calcium hydroxide volume compared to 26.0 cm 3 / mol of molar calcium increases in volume by 32%. As a further example, molar aluminum has a molar mass of 27 g / mol and a mass of 2.7 g / cm 3 density, thus producing 10.0cm 3 Aluminum hydroxide, the reaction product of aluminum and an aqueous reaction inducing fluid, has a molar mass of 63 g / mol and a volume of 2.42 g / cm 3 density, resulting in 26cm 3 / mol volume. 26cm 3 / mol of aluminum hydroxide volume compared to 10cm 3 / mol of molar aluminum increases in volume by 160%. The reactive metal may include any metal or metal alloy that undergoes a reaction to form a reaction product having a greater volume than the base reactive metal or alloy reactant.

[0032] The reactive metal undergoes a chemical transformation whereby the metal chemically reacts with the reaction inducing fluid and after the reaction forms a metal hydroxide which is the main component of the seal and anchor. The solidified metal hydroxide is larger in volume than the base reactive metal, thereby allowing sealing of the annular space around the reactive metal.

[0033] Examples of suitable metals for the reactive metal include, but are not limited to, magnesium, calcium, aluminum, tin, zinc, beryllium, barium, manganese, or any combination thereof. Preferred metals include magnesium, calcium, and aluminum.

[0034] Examples of suitable metal alloys of reactive metals include, but are not limited to, alloys of magnesium, calcium, aluminum, tin, zinc, beryllium, barium, manganese, or any combination thereof. Preferred metal alloys include alloys of magnesium-zinc, magnesium-aluminum, calcium-magnesium, or aluminum-copper. In some examples, the metal alloy may include alloying elements that are not metals. Examples of such non-metallic elements include, but are not limited to, graphite, carbon, silicon, boron nitride, and the like. In some examples, the metal is alloyed to increase reactivity and / or control the formation of oxides.

[0035] In some examples, the metal alloy is also alloyed with a dopant metal that promotes corrosion or inhibits passivation and thus increases hydroxide formation. Examples of dopant metals include, but are not limited to, nickel, iron, copper, carbon, titanium, gallium, mercury, cobalt, iridium, gold, palladium, or any combination thereof.

[0036] In some examples, the reactive metal comprises an oxide. As an example, calcium oxide reacts with water in a high energy reaction to produce calcium hydroxide. One mole of calcium oxide occupies 9.5 cm 3 , and one mole of calcium hydroxide occupies 34.4 cm 3 This is a 260% volume expansion of moles of calcium oxide relative to moles of calcium hydroxide. Examples of metal oxides suitable for reactive metals may include, but are not limited to, any metal disclosed herein, including oxides of magnesium, calcium, aluminum, iron, nickel, copper, chromium, tin, zinc, lead, beryllium, barium, gallium, indium, bismuth, titanium, manganese, cobalt, or any combination thereof.

[0037] It should be understood that the selected reactive metal is selected so that the reactive metal sealing element formed is not dissolved or otherwise degraded in the reaction-induced fluid. Therefore, the use of metals or metal alloys of reactive metals that form relatively insoluble reaction products in the reaction-induced fluid may be preferred. As an example, the reaction products of magnesium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide have extremely low solubility in water. As an alternative or additional solution, the reactive metal sealing element can be positioned and configured in a manner that constrains the degradation of the geometry of the area in which the reactive metal sealing element is placed in the reaction-induced fluid. This can result in reduced exposure of the reactive metal sealing element to the reaction-induced fluid, but can also reduce the degradation of the reaction products of the reactive metal sealing element, thereby extending the life of the formed seal. As an example, the volume of the area in which the sealing element is placed may be less than the potential volume expansion of the volume of the reactive metal placed in the area. In some examples, the volume of this area may be less than up to 50% of the expansion volume of the reactive metal. Alternatively, the volume of this area may be less than 90% of the expansion volume of the reactive metal. As another alternative, the volume of this region may be less than 80% of the expanded volume of the reactive metal. As another alternative, the volume of this region may be less than 70% of the expanded volume of the reactive metal. As another alternative, the volume of this region may be less than 60% of the expanded volume of the reactive metal. In a particular example, a portion of the reactive metal sealing element may be disposed in a groove within the conduit body of the liner hanger to limit the exposed area to only the surface portion of the reactive metal sealing element not disposed in the groove.

[0038] In some examples, the formed reaction products of the reactive metal reaction can dehydrate under sufficient pressure. For example, if the metal hydroxide is under sufficient contact pressure and resists further movement induced by the formation of additional hydroxide, then the high pressure can induce the metal hydroxide to dehydrate to form a metal oxide. As an example, magnesium hydroxide can dehydrate under sufficient pressure to form magnesium oxide and water. As another example, calcium hydroxide can dehydrate under sufficient pressure to form calcium oxide and water. As yet another example, aluminum hydroxide can dehydrate under sufficient pressure to form aluminum oxide and water.

[0039] The reactive metal sealing element may be formed in a solid solution process, a powder metallurgy process, or formed by any other method that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Regardless of the manufacturing method, the reactive metal sealing element may slide on the liner hanger mandrel and be held in place by any sufficient method. The reactive metal sealing element may be placed above the mandrel as a solid piece or in a plurality of discrete pieces. Once in place, the reactive metal sealing element is held in place using an end ring, a stamping ring, a retaining ring, a fastener, an adhesive, a set screw, or any other such method for holding the reactive metal sealing element in place. In some alternative examples, the reactive metal sealing element may not be held in place and may slide freely on the outside of the pipe. As discussed above, the reactive metal sealing element may be formed and shaped to fit over an existing liner hanger, and in some examples, modification of the outer diameter or profile of the liner hanger may not be required. Alternatively, the liner hanger may be manufactured to include a groove in which the reactive metal sealing element may be placed. The groove may have sufficient size and geometry to retain the reactive metal sealing element in the groove. In alternative examples, the reactive metal sealing element may be cast onto the conduit body of the liner hanger. In some alternative examples, the diameter of the reactive metal sealing element may be reduced (e.g., by swaging) when disposed on the conduit body of the liner hanger.

[0040] In some optional examples, the reactive metal sealing element may include a removable barrier coating. The removable barrier coating can be used to cover the external surface of the reactive metal sealing element and prevent the reactive metal from contacting the reaction-inducing fluid. The removable barrier coating can be removed when the sealing operation is about to begin. The removable barrier coating can be used to delay sealing and / or prevent premature sealing with the reactive metal sealing element. Examples of removable barrier coatings include, but are not limited to: any kind of plastic shell, organic shell, coating, soluble coating (e.g., solid magnesium compound or aliphatic polyester) fusible material (e.g., melting temperature less than 550F) or any combination thereof. When necessary, the removable barrier coating can be removed from the sealing element by any sufficient method. For example, the removable barrier coating can be removed by dissolution, phase change induced by changing temperature, corrosion, hydrolysis, melting, or the removable barrier coating can be delayed and degraded after a desired time under specific wellbore conditions.

[0041] In some optional examples, the reactive metal sealing element may include additives that may be added to the reactive metal sealing element as part of the composition during manufacture, or the additives may be applied to the reactive metal sealing element after manufacture. The additives may alter one or more properties of the reactive metal sealing element. For example, the additives may improve sealing, add texturing, improve bonding, improve grip, etc. Examples of additives include, but are not limited to, any type of ceramic, elastomer, glass, non-reactive metal, etc., or any combination.

[0042] The reactive metal sealing element can be used to form a seal between any adjacent surface close to the reactive metal sealing element. Without limitation, the reactive metal sealing element can be used to form a seal on a casing, a formation surface, a cement ring or layer, etc. For example, the reactive metal sealing element can be used to form a seal between the outer diameter of the liner hanger and the surface of the adjacent casing. Alternatively, the reactive metal sealing element can be used to form a seal between the outer diameter of the liner hanger and the surface of the adjacent cement layer. As another example, the reactive metal sealing element can be used to form a seal between the liner hanger and the outer diameter of the tieback liner. In addition, multiple reactive metal sealing elements can be used to form multiple seals between adjacent surfaces. Because many reactive metal sealing elements can be provided as needed to form the desired seal and anchoring of the liner hanger.

[0043] As described above, the reactive metal sealing element includes a reactive metal, and therefore, the reactive metal sealing element is a non-elastomeric material. As a non-elastomeric material, the reactive metal sealing element does not have elasticity, and therefore, when in contact with a reaction-inducing fluid, it may expand irreversibly. Even after the reaction-inducing fluid is removed from contact, the reactive metal sealing element may not return to its original size or shape.

[0044] In general, the reaction-inducing fluid induces a reaction in the reactive metal to form a reaction product that occupies more space than the unreacted reactive metal. Examples of reaction-inducing fluids include, but are not limited to, brine (e.g., water containing one or more salts dissolved therein), brine (e.g., saturated brine that can be produced by a formation), seawater, or any combination thereof. In general, the reaction-inducing fluid can come from any source, provided that the fluid does not contain excess compounds that may undesirably affect other components in the sealing element. In the case of brine, brine, and seawater, the reaction-inducing fluid can include a monovalent salt or a divalent salt. Suitable monovalent salts can include, for example, sodium chloride salts, sodium bromide salts, potassium chloride salts, potassium bromide salts, and the like. Suitable divalent salts can include, for example, magnesium chloride salts, calcium chloride salts, calcium bromide salts, and the like. In some examples, the salinity of the reaction-inducing fluid can exceed 10%. Advantageously, the reactive metal sealing element of the present disclosure may not be affected by contact with a high-salinity fluid. Those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure should be easily able to select a reaction-inducing fluid for inducing a reaction with the reactive metal sealing element.

[0045] The reactive metal sealing element may be used in high temperature formations (e.g., in formations with zones having temperatures equal to or exceeding 350°F). Advantageously, the use of the reactive metal sealing element of the present disclosure may not be affected in high temperature formations. In some examples, the reactive metal sealing element may be used in both high temperature formations and high salinity fluids. In a particular example, the reactive metal sealing element may be positioned on a liner hanger and used to form a seal after contact with brine having a salinity of 10% or more while also being disposed in a wellbore zone having a temperature equal to or exceeding 350°F.

[0046] Figure 1 1 is a cross-section of an example tubing system (generally 5) for a wellbore 10 penetrating a formation 15. The tubing system 5 includes a surface casing 20 and a surface cement annulus 25 descending from the surface 30. The tubing system 5 further includes an intermediate casing 35 and an intermediate cement annulus 40 concentrically deployed and nested within the surface casing 20. Although only one layer of the intermediate casing 35 is illustrated, it should be understood that more than one layer of the intermediate casing 35 may be deployed in any example. A liner hanger 45 is deployed within the intermediate casing 35. The liner hanger 45 may be used to suspend a liner 55 from within the intermediate casing 35. The liner 55 may be any conduit suitable for being suspended within the wellbore 10. The liner hanger 45 includes a conduit body 60. The liner 55 is a conduit that does not extend to the surface 30. The liner hanger 45 is sealed within the intermediate casing 35, thereby allowing the liner 55 to functionally act as an extension of the intermediate casing 35 without having to extend to the surface 30 like a separate casing string.

[0047] Figure 2 for Figure 1An enlarged cross section of a portion of an example piping system 5. The intermediate sleeve 35 is provided from the surface (ie, as Figure 1 30) and may be held in place by an intermediate cement ring 40. Although only one layer of intermediate casing 35 is illustrated, it should be understood that as many layers of intermediate casing 35 may be used as desired. Any subsequent layers of intermediate casing 35 may be nested concentrically with one another within the illustrated intermediate casing 35. A liner hanger 45 is deployed within the intermediate casing 35. The liner hanger 45 may be any type of non-expandable liner hanger. By non-expandable, it should be understood that the diameter and circumference of the conduit body 60 are not increased via an expansion operation such as the operation of an expansion cone or other expansion member. The liner hanger 45 enables the liner (i.e., Figure 1 55) is suspended. After the reactive metal sealing element 50 has reacted and expanded, the liner hanger 45 is anchored to the intermediate casing 35 with the reactive metal sealing element 50. The reactive metal sealing element 50 is placed on and around the conduit body 60 of the liner hanger 45. After the reactive metal sealing element 50 has reacted and expanded, the reactive metal sealing element 50 forms an external seal with the adjacent inner surface of the intermediate casing 35. The reactive metal sealing element 50 expands after being exposed to the reaction-inducing fluid. The reactive metal sealing element 50 reacts to produce the expanded metal reaction product described above. Since the expanded metal reaction product has a volume greater than that of the unreacted alkali-reactive metal, the reactive metal sealing element 50 is able to expand and form an annular seal at the interface of the adjacent surface of the intermediate casing 35 as described above. The reactive metal sealing element 50 can continue to expand until contact is made with the adjacent surface. The formed seal prevents wellbore fluid from bypassing the liner 55 and the liner hanger 45.

[0048] It should be clearly understood that Figure 1 to Figure 2 The examples described are merely general applications of the principles of the present disclosure in practice, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not in any way limited to the details of any one of the drawings described herein.

[0049] Figure 31 is an isometric illustration of a liner hanger, generally 100. The liner hanger 100 is coupled to a casing at a coupling end 105 and forms a seal inside the casing. The liner hanger 100 includes a conduit body 110. A reactive metal sealing element 115 forms an external seal to seal against the surface of the casing and anchor the liner hanger 100 to the casing. A liner (not shown) may be coupled to and suspended from a suspension end 120. A spacer element 125 may be positioned on the conduit body 110. The spacer element 125 may be a polymer-based material or a metal, such as steel. The spacer element 125 may provide additional anchoring support to the liner hanger 100 in a fixed position, or may space other conduit body 110 components, such as a plurality of reactive metal sealing elements 115.

[0050] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated example, the reactive metal sealing elements 115 and the spacing elements 125 are alternated in series. It should be understood that the reactive metal sealing elements 115 can be placed in any pattern or configuration by themselves or in combination with other components such as other types of spacing elements 125. As an example, a single reactive metal sealing element 115 can be used. As another example, a plurality of reactive metal sealing elements 115 can be used adjacent to each other in series with individual other types of sealing elements 125 placed at the end of the series. In some examples, a plurality of other types of spacing elements 125 can be placed at the end of the series. As another example, a plurality of reactive metal sealing elements 115 can be alternated in series with other types of spacing elements 125. In some additional examples, the spacing elements 125 can be placed on the catheter body 110 in a position that is not close to the reactive metal sealing element 115. For example, the spacer element 125 may be placed on opposite sides of a retaining element or a pair of retaining elements, such as a cup seal, an end stamping ring, etc., which may have a reactive metal sealing element 115 or a series of reactive metal sealing elements 115 disposed on the other side or therebetween.

[0051] It should be clearly understood that Figure 3 The examples described are in fact merely general applications of the principles of the present disclosure, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not in any way limited to the details of any one of the drawings described herein.

[0052] Figure 42 is an isometric illustration of a liner hanger (generally 200). The liner hanger 200 is coupled to the casing at a coupling end 205 and forms a seal inside the casing. The liner hanger 200 includes a conduit body 210. A reactive metal sealing element 215 forms an external seal to seal against the surface of the casing and anchor the liner hanger 200 to the casing. The liner (not shown) may be coupled to and suspended from the suspension end 220. An elastic sealing element 225 may be positioned on and between the ends of the reactive metal sealing element 215 to prevent the applied pressure from squeezing the seal formed by the reactive metal sealing element 215 in the direction of the applied pressure, and also supplement the seal of the reactive metal sealing element 215. In some alternative examples, the elastic sealing element 225 may be replaced by other types of sealing elements, such as non-reactive metal sealing elements. In some other alternative examples, the elastic sealing element 225 may be replaced by a retaining ring as discussed above.

[0053] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated example, the reactive metal sealing element 215 and the elastic sealing element 225 are alternated in series. It should be understood that the reactive metal sealing element 215 can be placed in any pattern or configuration by itself or in combination with other components such as other types of sealing elements (e.g., elastic sealing elements 225 or non-reactive metal sealing elements) or retaining elements. As an example, a single reactive metal sealing element 215 can be used. As another example, a plurality of reactive metal sealing elements 215 can be used adjacent to each other in series with individual other types of sealing elements or retaining elements placed at the end of the series. In addition, for this example, a plurality of other types of sealing elements or retaining elements can be placed at the end of the series. As another example, a plurality of reactive metal sealing elements 215 can be alternated in series with other types of sealing elements or retaining elements. In some additional examples, other types of sealing or retaining elements can be placed on the catheter body 110 in a position not close to the reactive metal sealing element 215. For example, other types of elastomeric sealing elements 225 may be placed on opposite sides of a retaining element or a pair of retaining elements, such as a cup seal, an end ring, a stamping ring, etc., which may have a reactive metal sealing element 215 or a series of reactive metal sealing elements 215 disposed on the other side or therebetween.

[0054] The elastic sealing element 225 can be any kind of polymer. In one example, the elastic sealing element 225 is a swellable elastomer and can include any combination of oil swellable, water swellable and / or swellable non-metallic materials as will occur to those skilled in the art. The swellable elastic sealing element 225 can swell when exposed to a swelling inducing fluid (e.g., an oily or aqueous fluid). In general, the elastic sealing element 225 can swell by diffusion, whereby the swelling inducing fluid is absorbed into the structure of the elastic sealing element 225, wherein a portion of the swelling inducing fluid can be retained. The swelling inducing fluid can continue to diffuse into the elastic sealing element 225, thereby causing the elastic sealing element 225 to swell until it contacts an adjacent surface. The elastic sealing element 225 can work in conjunction with the reactive metal sealing element 215 to form a differential annular seal around the liner hanger 200.

[0055] It should be clearly understood that Figure 4 The examples described are in fact merely general applications of the principles of the present disclosure, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not in any way limited to the details of any one of the drawings described herein.

[0056] Figure 53 is a cross-sectional illustration of an example liner hanger 300. The liner hanger 300 includes a reactive metal sealing element 310 disposed on a conduit body 315. The reactive metal sealing element 310 may be held in place on the conduit body 315 with an end ring 320. The end ring 320 is optional and may be replaced by other elements sufficient to maintain the reactive metal sealing element 310 in place when the liner hanger 300 is introduced downhole. For example, the reactive metal sealing element 310 may be held in place with a set screw or may be disposed in a groove, thereby eliminating the need for any kind of retaining ring or other retaining element. In an alternative example, a retaining member may not be provided, and the reactive metal sealing element 310 may be freely movable on the conduit body 315. The reactive metal sealing element 310 may seal against a surface 325, which is illustrated as a surface of an intermediate casing, but may also be a surface of a cement layer. The surface 325 is close to the reactive metal sealing element 310. The retaining element 330 is located downstream of the reactive metal sealing element 310. In the illustrated example, the retaining element 330 is positioned on both sides of the reactive metal sealing element 310. When bidirectional flow is expected, the retaining element 330 can be positioned on both sides of the reactive metal sealing element 310. Therefore, when flow occurs in the uphole or downhole direction, the retaining element 30 is present downstream of the reactive metal sealing element 310. A restraint 335 can be positioned on or around the retaining element 330 to restrain the retaining element 330 when the liner hanger 300 is running in the hole. The restraint 335 can be a band, a clamp, a band, etc. including a degradable material. The degradable material can include, but is not limited to, soluble salts, soluble metals, meltable materials, degradable polymers, and any combination of materials. The restraint 335 can also take other forms, including threaded or bolted connections, as long as the removal of the connection does not affect the ability of the retaining element 330 to retain the reaction products generated by the reaction of the reactive metal sealing element 310. The restraint 335 may degrade over time in the wellbore environment, or may be actively chemically degraded by wellbore fluids, acids, or solvents. In some examples, the restraint 335 may include a reactive metal different from the reactive metal sealing element 310, and specifically may include a reactive metal that reacts at a faster rate than the reactive metal of the reactive metal sealing element 310. The restraint 335 may be configured to include a degradable material that is removed faster than the reaction rate of the reactive metal sealing element 310. Thus, the restraint 335 is removed at a sufficiently fast rate to allow the retaining element 330 to be actuated in place to prevent flushing of reaction products.

[0057] Figure 6 for Figure 5330 after the actuation of the retaining element 330. After the removal of the restraining member 335 through degradation, the retaining element 330 can be actuated to expand outward. As described, the retaining element 330 includes a cup seal, but other types of retaining elements 330 may be included in other examples. The retaining element 330 may be biased to self-pop out, which may be spring-powered or it may be fluid-powered. In the spring-powered example, the retaining element 330 may be actuated by the spring force of an internal spring released after the removal of the restraining member 335. In the fluid-powered example, the retaining element 330 may be powered by the fluid flowing into the retaining element 330 to force it to open. Once actuated, the retaining element 330 may prevent the flushing of the reaction products formed by the reaction of the reactive metal sealing element 310 with the reaction-inducing fluid. A seal may be formed by the retaining element 330 to capture and retain the reaction products so that they do not flow downward through the retaining element 330 to prevent flushing. In some optional examples, the retaining element 330 may be porous and may allow fluid to flow through it while still retaining the reaction product. In some other optional examples, the retaining element 330 may not be porous. The reaction product may then polymerize and seal against the adjacent surface 325. The retaining element 330 may be degraded as needed. In other examples, the retaining element 330 may be permanent.

[0058] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the illustrated example of the reactive metal sealing element 310, the reactive metal sealing element 310 is illustrated as being disposed between a pair of retaining elements 330. It should be understood that the reactive metal sealing element 310 may be placed in any pattern or configuration with the retaining elements 330. As an example, a plurality of reactive metal sealing elements 310 may be alternated in series with the retaining elements 330. In some additional examples, the retaining elements 330 may be placed on the conduit body 315 in a location that is not proximate to the reactive metal sealing element 310. For example, the retaining element 330 may be placed on the opposite side of another type of retaining element or a pair of retaining elements, such as an end ring, a stamping ring, etc., which may have a reactive metal sealing element 310 or a series of reactive metal sealing elements 310 disposed on the other side or therebetween. In an alternative example, a retaining element 330, such as a cup seal, may be disposed within a series of reactive metal sealing elements 310 disposed on the conduit body 315 of the liner hanger 300.

[0059] It should be clearly understood that Figure 5 and Figure 6 The examples described are merely general applications of the principles of the present disclosure in practice, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not in any way limited to the details of any one of the drawings described herein.

[0060] Figure 74 is a cross-sectional illustration of an example liner hanger 400. The liner hanger 400 includes two reactive metal sealing elements 405 disposed on a conduit body 410. In some optional examples, the reactive metal sealing elements 405 may be held in place on the conduit body 410 by a retaining element, such as an end ring or cup seal as discussed above, before and / or after reaction. The reactive metal sealing elements 405 may seal against a surface 415, which is illustrated as a surface of an intermediate casing, but may also be a surface of a cement layer. The surface 415 is proximate to the reactive metal sealing elements 405. An accelerator 420 is located between the reactive metal sealing elements 405. At Figure 7 In the illustrated example of , the accelerator 420 is a heating element that provides heat to the reactive metal sealing element 405 to accelerate the sealing and anchoring process. The heating element of the accelerator 420 can be chemically activated or electrically activated. For example, the wellbore fluid can react with the material within the heating element to produce an exothermic reaction that generates sufficient heat to accelerate the sealing and anchoring process of the reactive metal sealing element 405. Alternatively, the heating element can be a heater powered by a power source such as a battery or a power cable. In all examples, the accelerator 420 can be remotely activated, time-delayed, or wirelessly activated as desired.

[0061] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated example of , the reactive metal sealing elements 405 are illustrated as being disposed on either side of the accelerator 420. It should be understood that the reactive metal sealing elements 405 may be placed in any pattern or configuration with the accelerator 420 and any additional elements that may be present, such as retaining elements, spacing elements, etc. As an example, multiple reactive metal sealing elements 405 may be alternated in series with one accelerator 420 or multiple accelerators 420.

[0062] It should be clearly understood that Figure 7 The examples described are in fact merely general applications of the principles of the present disclosure, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not in any way limited to the details of any one of the drawings described herein.

[0063] Figure 85 is a cross-sectional illustration of an example liner hanger 500. The liner hanger 500 includes a reactive metal sealing element 505 disposed on a conduit body 510. In some optional examples, the reactive metal sealing element 505 may be held in place on the conduit body 510 by a retaining element such as an end ring or cup seal discussed above before and / or after reaction. The reactive metal sealing element 505 may seal against a surface 515, which is illustrated as a surface of an intermediate casing, but may also be a surface of a cement layer. The surface 515 is proximate to the reactive metal sealing element 505. An accelerator 520 is proximate to the reactive metal sealing element 505. At Figure 8 In the illustrated example of , the accelerator 520 is a voltage element that provides an electric current to the reactive metal sealing element 505 to accelerate the sealing and anchoring process. The voltage element of the accelerator 520 can be electrically activated by a power source such as a battery or a power cable. In all examples, the accelerator 520 can be activated remotely, with a time delay, or wirelessly as desired.

[0064] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated example of , the reactive metal sealing element 505 is illustrated as being disposed on one side of the accelerator 520. It should be understood that the reactive metal sealing element 505 may be placed in any pattern or configuration with the accelerator 520 and any additional elements that may be present, such as retaining elements, spacing elements, etc. As an example, multiple reactive metal sealing elements 505 may be alternating in series with one accelerator 420 or multiple accelerators 420.

[0065] It should be clearly understood that Figure 8 The examples described are in fact merely general applications of the principles of the present disclosure, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not in any way limited to the details of any one of the drawings described herein.

[0066] Fig. 9600 is a cross-sectional illustration of an example wellbore system including a liner hanger 605. The liner hanger 605 includes a reactive metal sealing element 610. The reactive metal sealing element 610 seals against a surface 615, which is illustrated as the surface of an intermediate casing, but may also be the surface of a cement layer. The surface 615 is proximate to the reactive metal sealing element 610. An accelerator 620 has been deployed on an installation string 625. The accelerator 620 is positioned proximate to the reactive metal sealing element 610 to accelerate the sealing and anchoring process of the reactive metal sealing element 610. The accelerator 620 may be a heating or voltage element as described above, and may be remotely activated, time-delayed, or wirelessly activated as desired. The liner hanger 605 has a liner 630 suspended downhole. The installation string 625 is coupled to the liner hanger 605 having the liner 630 suspended therefrom and installs the liner hanger 605. After activation of the accelerator 620, the sealing and anchoring process of the reactive metal sealing element 610 proceeds to seal and anchor the liner hanger 605 to the surface 615. Upon completion, the installation string 625 is towed by pulling from the surface 615. Towing the installation string 625 can test whether the liner hanger 605 is successfully anchored to the surface 615. If the liner hanger 605 is verified to be successfully installed, the liner hanger 605 is decoupled from the installation string 625. The installation string 625 and the accelerator 620 disposed thereon are then pulled uphole and removed from the wellbore.

[0067] It should be clearly understood that Fig. 9 The examples described are in fact merely general applications of the principles of the present disclosure, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not in any way limited to the details of any one of the drawings described herein.

[0068] Fig.10 A cross-sectional illustration of an example wellbore system generally 700 including a liner hanger 705. The liner hanger 705 includes a reactive metal sealing element 710. The reactive metal sealing element 710 seals against a surface 715, which is illustrated as the surface of an intermediate casing, but may also be the surface of a cement layer. The surface 715 is proximate to the reactive metal sealing element 710. An accelerator 720 has been deployed on an installation string 725. The accelerator 720 is positioned proximate to the reactive metal sealing element 710 to accelerate the sealing and anchoring process of the reactive metal sealing element 710. The accelerator 720 may be a heating or voltage element as described above. The liner hanger 705 has a liner 730 suspended downhole. The installation string 725 is coupled to the liner hanger 705 having the liner 730 suspended therefrom and installs the liner hanger 705. In Fig.10, activation of the accelerator 720 occurs when a plug 735 or the aforementioned cement slurry 740 passes through the accelerator 720. For example, the plug 735 or the aforementioned cement slurry 740 may trigger activation of the accelerator 720 by actuating a switch on the accelerator 720, chemical activation of a component within the accelerator 720, triggering a sensor within the accelerator 720, etc. In alternative examples, the plug may replace any of a wide variety of tools similarly conveyed along the interior of the tubing string, including javelins, cementing plugs, balls, and wireline tools.

[0069] Fig.11 A cross section of an example wellbore system 700 is shown to illustrate the passage of the plug 735 and the aforementioned cement slurry 740. The sealing and anchoring process of the reactive metal sealing element 710 has been carried out to seal and anchor the liner hanger 705 to the surface 715. The cement slurry 740 has also been positioned and may be in the process of setting and then sealing and anchoring the liner 730 in place. Upon completion, the installation string 725 is towed by pulling from the surface. Towing the installation string 725 can test whether the liner hanger 705 is successfully anchored to the surface 715.

[0070] Fig.12 For illustration Fig.11 700 is a cross-section of an example wellbore system in which a liner hanger 705 has been verified as successfully installed and decoupled from an installation string 725. The installation string 725 and the accelerator 720 disposed thereon are pulled uphole and removed from the wellbore, as by Fig.12 The illustration does not exist.

[0071] It should be clearly understood that Figures 10 to 12 The examples described are in fact merely general applications of the principles of the present disclosure, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not in any way limited to the details of any one of the drawings described herein.

[0072] Fig.13 A cross-sectional illustration of an example wellbore system generally 800 including a liner hanger 805. The liner hanger 805 includes a reactive metal sealing element 810. The reactive metal sealing element 810 seals against a surface 815, which is illustrated as the surface of an intermediate casing, but may also be the surface of a cement layer. The surface 815 is proximate to the reactive metal sealing element 810. An accelerator 820 has been deployed on an installation string 825. The accelerator 820 is positioned proximate to the reactive metal sealing element 810 to accelerate the sealing and anchoring process of the reactive metal sealing element 810. The accelerator 820 may be a heating or voltage element as described above. The liner hanger 805 has a liner 830 suspended downhole. The installation string 825 is coupled to the liner hanger 805 having the liner 830 suspended therefrom and installs the liner hanger 805. In Fig.13 In the illustration of FIG, the activation of the accelerator 820 can be remotely activated, time-delayed, or wirelessly activated as needed. It should also be understood that the use of the accelerator 820 in Fig.13 The example of is optional and is presented here to describe one potential method of installing the liner hanger 805. The liner 830 includes a liner reactive metal sealing element 835 and a reservoir screen 840. In some alternative examples, the liner reactive metal sealing element 835 can be accelerated via the accelerator 820 or an alternative accelerator positioned on the liner 830. Fig.13 In the illustrated example, the liner reactive metal sealing element 835 is not accelerated.

[0073] Fig.14 To illustrate the sealing and anchoring process of the reactive metal sealing element 810 after the liner hanger 805 has been sealed and anchored to the surface 815, Fig.13 800 is a cross section of an example wellbore system. Upon completion, the installation string 825 is towed by pulling from the surface 815. Towing the installation string 825 can test whether the liner hanger 805 is successfully anchored to the surface 815. Because the liner reactive metal sealing element 835 is not accelerated, it may not complete the sealing and anchoring process as quickly as the reactive metal sealing element 810. In some examples, different types of reactive metals can be selected for the reactive metal sealing element 810 and the liner reactive metal sealing element 835 so that the rate of the sealing process can be customized as needed.

[0074] Fig.15 For illustration Fig.14 800 is a cross-section of an example wellbore system, in which a liner reactive metal sealing element 835 has completed the sealing and anchoring process of a liner 830. Production can be carried out through a reservoir screen 840. Although only one reservoir screen 840 and two liner reactive metal sealing elements 835 are illustrated, it should be understood that multiple of both elements may be used as desired. In addition, Fig.15 The example illustrates production through a liner 830 and sealing and anchoring the liner 830 using a reactive metal sealing element 835 instead of cement.

[0075] It should be clearly understood that Figures 13 to 15 The examples described are in fact merely general applications of the principles of the present disclosure, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not in any way limited to the details of any one of the drawings described herein.

[0076] Fig.16A cross-sectional illustration of an example wellbore system generally 900 including a liner hanger 905. The liner hanger 905 includes a reactive metal sealing element 910. The reactive metal sealing element 910 seals against a surface 915, which is illustrated as the surface of an intermediate casing, but may also be the surface of a cement layer. The surface 915 is proximate to the reactive metal sealing element 910. An accelerator 920 has been deployed on an installation string 925. The accelerator 920 is positioned proximate to the reactive metal sealing element 910 to accelerate the sealing and anchoring process of the reactive metal sealing element 910. The accelerator 920 may be a heating or voltage element as described above. The liner hanger 905 has a liner 930 suspended downhole. The installation string 925 is coupled to the liner hanger 905 having the liner 930 suspended therefrom and installs the liner hanger 905. In Fig.16 , activation of the accelerator 920 occurs when the plug 935 or the aforementioned cement slurry 940 passes through the accelerator 920. For example, the plug 935 or the aforementioned cement slurry 940 may trigger activation of the accelerator 920 by actuating a switch on the accelerator 920, chemical activation of a component within the accelerator 920, triggering a sensor within the accelerator 920, etc. It should be understood that activation of the accelerator 920 via the plug 935 or the aforementioned cement slurry 940 is optional and the accelerator may be activated by other mechanisms as described above. A cable 950 is disposed in the annular region between the surface 915 and the liner hanger 905. The cable 950 may be a power cable, a fiber optic cable, a control line, a hydraulic line, a gas lift, or a combination of cables.

[0077] Fig.17 A cross section of an example wellbore system 900 is provided to illustrate the passage of the plug 935 and the aforementioned cement slurry 940. The sealing and anchoring process of the reactive metal sealing element 910 has been carried out to seal and anchor the liner hanger 905 to the surface 915. The cement slurry 940 has also been positioned and may be in the process of setting and then sealing and anchoring the liner 930 in place. Upon completion, the installation string 925 is pulled by pulling from the surface 915. Pulling the installation string 925 can test whether the liner hanger 905 is successfully anchored to the surface 915. The reactive metal sealing element 910 also seals around the cable 950, thereby allowing the cable 950 to bypass the seal and anchor formed by the cured reactive metal sealing element 910. Therefore, the cable 950 can transmit power, pressure, data, etc. across the formed seal as needed, without the need to perform a separate bypass or installation operation and without affecting the integrity of the seal and anchor.

[0078] Fig.18 For illustration Fig.17900 is a cross section of an example wellbore system in which a liner hanger 905 has been verified as successfully installed and decoupled from an installation string 925. The installation string 925 and the accelerator 920 disposed thereon are pulled uphole and removed from the wellbore, as by Fig.18 The absence of the illustration of . The cable 950 remains in place after removal from the mounting column 925 .

[0079] It should be clearly understood that Figures 16 to 18 The examples described are in fact merely general applications of the principles of the present disclosure, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not in any way limited to the details of any one of the drawings described herein.

[0080] It should also be appreciated that the disclosed non-expandable liner hanger and reactive metallic sealing element may also directly or indirectly affect various downhole equipment and tools that may come into contact with the non-expandable liner hanger and reactive metallic sealing element during operation. Such equipment and tools may include, but are not limited to, wellbore casing, wellbore liner, completion string, insertion string, drill string, coiled tubing, slide line, logging cable, drill pipe, drill collar, mud motor, downhole motor and / or pump, surface mounted motor and / or pump, stabilizer, turbodrill, scraper, float (e.g., die seat, drill collar, valve, etc.), logging tools and related telemetry equipment, actuators (e.g., electromechanical devices, hydraulic mechanical devices, etc.), sliding sleeves, production sleeves, plugs, screens, filters, flow control devices (e.g., inflow control devices, autonomous inflow control devices, outflow control devices, etc.), couplings (e.g., electro-hydraulic wet connections, dry connections, inductive couplers, etc.), control pipelines (e.g., electrical, optical fiber, hydraulic, etc.), monitoring pipelines, drill bits and reamers, sensors or distributed sensors, downhole heat exchangers, valves and corresponding actuators, tool seals, packers, cement plugs, bridge plugs, and other wellbore isolation devices or components, etc. Any of these components may be included in the system generally described above and depicted in any of the drawings.

[0081] A method for suspending a liner is provided according to the present disclosure and the illustrated figures. An example method includes positioning a non-expandable liner hanger in a wellbore, wherein the liner is coupled to the liner hanger, wherein the liner hanger includes: a conduit body; and a reactive metal sealing element disposed on the conduit body, wherein the reactive metal sealing element includes a reactive metal having a first volume. The method further includes contacting the reactive metal with a fluid that reacts with the reactive metal to produce a reaction product having a second volume greater than the first volume; and contacting a surface adjacent to the reactive metal sealing element with the reaction product to form a seal against the surface and anchor the liner hanger from the surface, wherein anchoring the liner hanger to the surface suspends the liner in the wellbore.

[0082] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include one or more of the following features individually or in combination. The reactive metal may include a metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, aluminum, tin, zinc, beryllium, barium, manganese, and any combination thereof. The reactive metal may include a metal alloy selected from the group consisting of magnesium-zinc, magnesium-aluminum, calcium-magnesium, aluminum-copper, and any combination thereof. The liner hanger may include a spacing element. The method may further include placing a cup seal proximate the reactive metal sealing element. The method may further include using an accelerator to accelerate the reaction of the reactive metal with the fluid. The accelerator may be a heating element. The accelerator may be a voltage element. The accelerator may be actuated by a scraper plug, a dart, a cementing plug, a ball, or a logging cable tool transmitted through the interior of the conduit body. The liner hanger may include an accelerator. The accelerator may be coupled to a mounting string for positioning the liner hanger in the wellbore. The cable may traverse the seal.

[0083] A non-expandable liner hanger for suspending a liner is provided in accordance with the present disclosure and illustrated figures. An example non-expandable liner hanger includes: a conduit body; and a reactive metal sealing element disposed on the conduit body.

[0084] Additionally or alternatively, the non-expandable liner hanger may include one or more of the following features individually or in combination. The reactive metal may include a metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, aluminum, tin, zinc, beryllium, barium, manganese, and any combination thereof. The reactive metal may include a metal alloy selected from the group consisting of magnesium-zinc, magnesium-aluminum, calcium-magnesium, aluminum-copper, and any combination thereof. The liner hanger may include a spacing element. The liner hanger may further include a cup seal placed proximate the reactive metal sealing element. An accelerator may be used to accelerate the reaction of the reactive metal with the fluid. The accelerator may be a heating element. The accelerator may be a voltage element. The accelerator may be actuated by a scraper plug, a dart, a cementing plug, a ball, or a logging cable tool transmitted through the interior of the conduit body. The liner hanger may include an accelerator. The accelerator may be coupled to a mounting string for positioning the liner hanger in the wellbore. The cable may traverse the seal.

[0085] According to the present disclosure and the illustrated drawings, a system for suspending a liner in a wellbore is provided. An example system includes a non-expandable liner hanger, the non-expandable liner hanger including: a conduit body; and a reactive metal sealing element disposed on the conduit body. The system further includes: a liner suspended from the liner hanger; and a mounting string coupled to the liner hanger.

[0086] Additionally or alternatively, the system may include one or more of the following features individually or in combination. The reactive metal may include a metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, aluminum, tin, zinc, beryllium, barium, manganese, and any combination thereof. The reactive metal may include a metal alloy selected from the group consisting of magnesium-zinc, magnesium-aluminum, calcium-magnesium, aluminum-copper, and any combination thereof. The liner hanger may include a spacing element. The liner hanger may further include a cup seal placed proximate the reactive metal sealing element. An accelerator may be used to accelerate the reaction of the reactive metal with the fluid. The accelerator may be a heating element. The accelerator may be a voltage element. The accelerator may be actuated by a scraper plug, a dart, a cementing plug, a ball, or a logging cable tool transmitted through the interior of the conduit body. The accelerator may be placed on the liner hanger or the installation string. The accelerator may be coupled to the installation string for positioning the liner hanger in the wellbore. The cable may traverse the seal.

[0087] The foregoing description provides various examples of the devices, systems, and methods of use disclosed herein, which may contain alternative combinations of different method steps and components. It should be understood that although individual examples may be discussed herein, the present disclosure covers all combinations of the disclosed examples, including but not limited to different component combinations, method step combinations, and properties of the system. It should be understood that compositions and methods are described in terms of "including," "containing," or "comprising" various components or steps. Systems and methods may also be "essentially composed of" or "consisting of" various components and steps. In addition, the indefinite article "a / an" used in the claims is defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements it introduces.

[0088] For the sake of brevity, only certain ranges are explicitly disclosed herein. However, the range from any lower limit can be combined with any upper limit to narrate the range that is not explicitly described, and the range from any lower limit can be combined with any other lower limit to narrate the range that is not explicitly described. In the same way, the range from any upper limit can be combined with any other upper limit to narrate the range that is not explicitly described. In addition, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. Specifically, even if not explicitly listed, each value range disclosed herein (in the form of "about a to about b" or equivalently "about a to b" or equivalently "about ab") should also be understood to be elaborating each number and range covered in a wider range of values. Therefore, each point or individual value can serve as its own lower limit or upper limit or any other lower limit or upper limit combined with any other point or individual value, so as to list the range that is not explicitly listed.

[0089] One or more illustrative examples of the examples disclosed herein are presented and there are. For clarity, not all features of the actual implementation are described or shown in this application. Therefore, the disclosed system and method are well suited for obtaining the objects and advantages mentioned, as well as the objects and advantages inherent therein. The specific examples disclosed above are merely illustrative, because the teachings of the present disclosure can be modified and practiced in different but equivalent ways, which is obvious to those skilled in the art who benefit from the teachings herein. In addition, except for what is described in the appended claims, it is not intended to limit the details of the construction or design shown herein. Therefore, it is obvious that the specific illustrative examples disclosed above can be changed, combined or modified, and all such changes are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. The system and method disclosed illustratively herein can be appropriately practiced in the absence of any element not specifically disclosed herein and / or any optional element disclosed herein.

[0090] Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A non-expandable liner hanger comprising: a catheter body; and a reactive metal sealing element disposed on the catheter body, wherein the reactive metal sealing element includes a reactive metal having a first volume, the reactive metal being configured to contact a fluid and react to produce a reaction product having a second volume greater than the first volume to form a seal against an adjacent surface and anchor the non-expandable liner hanger from the surface; An accelerator configured to accelerate the reaction of the reactive metal with the fluid, the accelerator being a voltage element that provides current to the reactive metal sealing element to accelerate a sealing and anchoring process.

2. The non-expandable liner hanger of claim 1, wherein the reactive metal comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, aluminum, tin, zinc, beryllium, barium, manganese, and any combination thereof.

3. The non-expandable liner hanger of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the reactive metal comprises a metal alloy selected from the group consisting of magnesium-zinc, magnesium-aluminum, calcium-magnesium, aluminum-copper, and any combination thereof.

4. The non-expandable liner hanger of claim 1, wherein the liner hanger comprises a spacer element.

5. The non-expandable liner hanger of claim 1, further comprising a cup seal proximate the reactive metal sealing element.

6. The non-expandable liner hanger of claim 1, wherein the accelerator is coupled to a mounting string for positioning the liner hanger in a wellbore.

7. The non-expandable liner hanger of claim 1, wherein a cable spans the seal formed by the reactive metal sealing element.

8. A method for suspending a liner using a non-expandable liner hanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising: positioning the non-expandable liner hanger in a wellbore, wherein a liner is coupled to the liner hanger, wherein the reactive metal sealing element includes a reactive metal having a first volume; contacting the reactive metal with a fluid that reacts with the reactive metal to produce a reaction product having a second volume greater than the first volume; accelerating the reaction of the reactive metal with the fluid using an accelerator, the accelerator being a voltage element that provides an electric current to the reactive metal sealing element to accelerate the sealing and anchoring process; as well as A surface adjacent to the reactive metallic sealing element is contacted with the reaction product to form a seal against the surface and anchor the liner hanger from the surface, wherein anchoring the liner hanger to the surface suspends the liner in the wellbore.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the accelerator is actuated by a scraper plug, a javelin, a cementing plug, a ball, or a wireline tool passed through the interior of the catheter body.

10. A system for suspending a liner in a wellbore using a non-expandable liner hanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the system comprising: said non-expandable liner hanger; the liner suspended from the liner hanger; and A tubing string is installed, which is coupled to the liner hanger.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the accelerator is disposed on the liner hanger or the mounting string.

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