Mechanical support for expandable liner hanger

Abstract

The invention relates to an expansion cone and a method for using the expansion cone in cooperation with an expandable drilling liner hanger. An example expansion cone includes a removable support coupled to a mandrel. The detachable support is configured to contact an inner surface of the drilling liner hanger during expansion of the expandable drilling liner hanger. The detachable support is further configured to be detached after the drilling liner hanger is expanded, thereby forming a detached support. After the expandable drilling liner hanger is expanded and the mandrel is removed, the detached support remains in contact with the inner surface of the expandable drilling liner hanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to wellbore operations, and more specifically to the use of an expansion cone that expands a liner hanger and provides mechanical support to the expanded liner hanger. Background Technology

[0002] In some wellbore operations, the liner can be suspended from the casing string or cemented layer using a liner hanger. The liner hanger is anchored inside the casing string or cemented layer and suspends the liner below it. Unlike the casing string or cemented layer, the suspended liner and liner hanger do not extend to the surface. The liner hanger can expand to form a seal with the casing string or cemented layer, preventing fluid flow from outside the suspended liner. Instead, fluid flow is directed through the suspended liner.

[0003] Once expanded, the liner hanger can form an annular seal with the casing string or solidified cement layer. The seal formed by the liner hanger may withstand high pressure from the annular fluid and compressive loads from the surrounding casing string or solidified cement layer. Expanding the liner hanger is an important part of wellbore operations. This invention provides an improved apparatus and method for expanding and mechanically supporting the liner hanger. Attached Figure Description

[0004] The following describes illustrative examples of this disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference, and wherein: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary expansion cone for use with a tailpipe hanger, according to one or more examples described herein; Figure 2 For the continuation of one or more instances described in this article Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the use of an expansion cone; Figure 3 For one or more instances described in this document Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the protrusion on the expansion cone; Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary tailpipe hanger according to one or more instances described herein; Figure 5A Example of an exemplary expansion cone based on one or more instances described herein and Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the use of the tailpipe hanger; Figure 5B Example of an exemplary expansion cone based on one or more instances described herein and Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the connection and use of the tailpipe suspension; Figure 5C Example of an exemplary expansion cone based on one or more instances described herein and Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the connection and use of the tailpipe suspension; Figure 5D Example of an exemplary expansion cone based on one or more instances described herein and Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the connection and use of the tailpipe suspension; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an exemplary expansion cone for use with a tailpipe hanger, according to one or more examples described herein; Figure 7A A schematic diagram of another exemplary expansion cone for use with a tailpipe hanger, according to one or more examples described herein; Figure 7B For example, based on one or more instances described in this article Figure 7A A schematic diagram with additional details of an exemplary expansion cone; Figure 8A A schematic diagram of yet another exemplary expansion cone for use with a tailpipe hanger, according to one or more examples described herein; Figure 8B For example, based on one or more instances described in this article Figure 8A A schematic diagram with additional details of an exemplary expansion cone; Figure 9A A schematic diagram of another exemplary expansion cone for use with a tailpipe hanger, according to one or more examples described herein; Figure 9B For example, based on one or more instances described in this article Figure 9A A schematic diagram with additional details of an exemplary expansion cone; and Figure 9C For example, based on one or more instances described in this article Figure 9A A schematic diagram with additional details of an exemplary expansion cone.

[0005] The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and are not intended to impose or imply any limitations on the environments, architectures, designs, or processes that may be implemented in different instances. Detailed Implementation

[0006] This disclosure relates generally to wellbore operations, and more specifically to the use of an expansion cone that expands a liner hanger and provides mechanical support to the expanded liner hanger.

[0007] In the following detailed description of several illustrative examples, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this document, illustrating specific examples that can be implemented by way of example. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to implement them, and it should be understood that other examples may be employed, and changes at the logical, mechanical, electrical, and chemical levels may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed examples. To avoid unnecessary detail that would affect those skilled in the art's ability to implement the examples described herein, certain information known to those skilled in the art may be omitted from the description. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting, and the scope of the illustrative examples is defined only by the appended claims.

[0008] Unless otherwise stated, all numerical values ​​used in this specification and related claims to represent performance parameters such as the quantity of components, molecular weight, and reaction conditions should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in all cases. Therefore, unless stated to the contrary, the numerical parameters listed in the following specification and appended claims are approximate values, which may vary depending on the performance desired according to examples of the invention. At least, and without attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be interpreted at least according to the number of significant figures reported and using conventional rounding. It should be noted that when "about" is at the beginning of a list of numerical values, "about" modifies each value in the list. Furthermore, in some lists of numerical ranges, some lower limits may be greater than some upper limits. Those skilled in the art will recognize that selecting a subset will require choosing an upper limit value greater than the selected lower limit.

[0009] In the following discussion and claims, the terms “comprising” and “including” are used in an open-ended manner and should therefore be construed as meaning “including but not limited to”. Unless otherwise stated, the word “or” as used throughout this document does not require mutual exclusivity.

[0010] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" can be used to refer to the positions of components relative to the bottom or end of the well. For example, a first component described as being upstream of a second component may be located further from the end of the well than the second component. Similarly, a first component described as being downstream of a second component may be located closer to the end of the well than the second component.

[0011] The terms upstream and downstream can be used to refer to the direction of sample flow through the components, indicating the position of each component relative to each other. For example, a first component described as upstream of a second component will encounter the sample before the second component downstream encounters it. Similarly, a first component described as downstream of a second component will encounter the sample after the second component upstream encounters it.

[0012] This disclosure generally relates to wellbore operations, and more specifically, to the use of an expansion cone that expands a liner hanger and provides mechanical support for the expanded liner hanger. Advantageously, the expansion cone can be used to expand the liner hanger to form a seal between the liner hanger and the surrounding casing string or cemented layer. This seal can be formed by a protrusion (e.g., rib, spike, sealing element, etc.) on the exterior of the liner hanger that contacts, deforms, and clamps the surrounding casing string or cemented layer. As another advantage, the expansion cone includes a removable support that detaches from the rest of the expansion cone and remains in place to provide mechanical support for the expanded liner hanger. The removable support is configured to always be detached from the rest of the expansion cone. As an additional advantage, the installed removable support can reinforce the seal provided by the liner hanger. This reinforcement helps mitigate the increased pressure on the seal and / or the increased compressive load on the keel hanger from the surrounding casing or solidified cement layer. Furthermore, the removable support is configured to always be detached and subsequently remain as a permanent reinforcement of the keel hanger. Another advantage is that the reduced diameter of the remaining portion of the expansion cone facilitates easier removal of the remaining portion of the expansion cone and the mandrel. Another advantage is that the installation process is a single-pass drilling system, and the removable support is installed after the keel hanger has expanded. Another advantage is that the removable support does not expand during the expansion operation and is therefore unaffected by the Bauschinger effect. The expansion cone can also be used with existing tool designs and may not require modification to existing equipment. The removable support can be used to reinforce the contact pressure of protrusions such as spikes, ribs, sealing elements, etc. Furthermore, multiple removable supports can be used to reinforce the contact pressure of multiple protrusions, or a single removable support can span and reinforce multiple protrusions.

[0013] The expansion cone disclosed herein can be used with any type of expandable liner hanger. The expansion cone can be used in various wellbores, including but not limited to horizontal wellbores, vertical wellbores, and inclined wellbores.

[0014] Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary expansion cone 5 used in an example of the invention is shown. The expansion cone (generally designated 5) is introduced into the wellbore to expand the tailpipe hanger 10 such that the expanded tailpipe hanger 10 contacts the adjacent casing 15. The expansion cone 5 applies a radial force to the tailpipe hanger 10, causing the body of the tailpipe hanger 10 to expand radially outward. This radial expansion of the tailpipe hanger 10 forces a protrusion 20 on the exterior of the tailpipe hanger 10 into contact with the adjacent casing 15. This protrusion can deform at the contact location, clamping and applying pressure to the contact surface 25 of the casing 15, thereby forming a seal between the tailpipe hanger 10 and the casing 15. Examples of the protrusion 20 may include, but are not limited to, ribs, spikes, sealing elements, or combinations of protrusions.

[0015] The expansion cone 5 is connected to the mandrel 30. In the illustrated example, the removable support 40 is located on the exterior of the release member 45. The removable support 40 is detachable from the release member 45. The removable support 40 is configured to always be detached from the rest of the expansion cone 5 and remain on the tailpipe hanger as a permanent reinforcement. The release member 45 is withdrawn from the wellbore together with the mandrel 30. The release member 45 may be disposed in a groove, cavity, or other type of slotted structure within the body of the mandrel 30. Alternatively, the release member 45 may be disposed on the exterior of the mandrel 30. The release member 45 may be wedged onto the mandrel 30, manufactured around the mandrel, forged into the mandrel, or otherwise fitted to the mandrel, and may be disposed within or on the mandrel. The removable support 40 may be coupled to the release member 45 by any adequate means, such as by shear pins, adhesives, chucks, soluble materials, snap rings, friction fits, or any combination thereof. The release component 45 itself can be a brittle material, such as a shearable material, a soluble material, a fractureable material (e.g., a broken threaded joint), a shearable adhesive material (e.g., shearing achieved with glue, epoxy resin, solder, brazing filler metal, etc.), or a combination of the above. The release component 45 is optional, and in some instances, the detachable support 40 can be coupled so that it can be released directly from the mandrel or other working tool. The detachable support 40 is bent and tapered at its contact surface, allowing it to engage with the inner surface of the liner hanger 10 and provide a transition surface to force radial expansion of the liner hanger 10. During expansion, the expansion cone 5 is forced downhole by the forced movement of the mandrel 30, and as the expansion cone 5 moves downhole, it applies force along its contact surface to the liner hanger 10, causing the liner hanger 10 to expand radially outward toward the adjacent casing 15 or solidified cement layer.

[0016] The detachable support 40 can be used to provide mechanical support for the expanding tailpipe hanger 10. This additional reinforcement can alleviate some of the pressure exerted by the adjacent casing 15 and some of the pressure exerted from downhole by wellbore fluid in the annulus between the tailpipe hanger 10 and the casing 15.

[0017] Figure 2 For example, after the expansion cone 5 has expanded the tailpipe suspension 10 and is being retracted... Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary expansion cone 5. In the illustrated example, the expansion cone 5 has been moved downhole to inflate a portion of the liner hanger 10. When the removable support 40 is in a desired position adjacent to the target protrusion 20, a force is applied to the mandrel 30 to pull it uphole. The compressive load on the removable support 40 is large enough to clamp it such that it can be detached from the release member 45, which can then be retracted along with the remainder of the expansion cone 5. In some instances, the inner diameter of the removable support 40 is the same as the inner diameter of the uninflated portion of the liner hanger 10. In some instances, the inner diameter of the removable support 40 is larger than the inner diameter of the uninflated portion of the liner hanger 10. In other instances, the removable support 40 may have an inner diameter of a different length than the uninflated portion of the liner hanger 10. The detachable support 40 remains in the well as a permanent component of the keel hanger 10. The detachable support 40 provides reinforcement to the keel hanger 10 and prevents the keel hanger 10 from elastically retracting after expansion. Figure 2 Only one detachable support member 40 is provided, but multiple detachable support members 40 can be arranged in series, such that each detachable support member 40 can be positioned below different protrusions 20 to provide reinforcement to each protrusion 20. These detachable support members 40 may have a uniform inner diameter or a stepped inner diameter, which may increase or decrease along the series direction. Alternatively or additionally, a single detachable support member 40 may span multiple protrusions 20, such that a single detachable support member 40 can simultaneously provide reinforcement to multiple protrusions 20. In some embodiments, the contact surface of the detachable support member 40 may be reduced to decrease sliding friction on the detachable support member 40 when the mandrel 30 is retracted.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the detachable support member 40 is shown. Figure 3As shown, an optional protrusion 50 has been added to the contact surface of the removable support 40 to assist in its removal. The optional protrusion 50 can be used to adjust the load required to remove the removable support 40. Furthermore, if the springback effect of the tailpipe hanger 10 is considered insufficient to apply sufficient clamping force to the removable support 40 when the spindle 30 is retracted, the protrusion 50 can be added to reduce the force required to separate the removable support 40. The protrusion 50 can be of any shape, and its height and length can be set as needed. In some instances, multiple protrusions 50 can be used along the contact surface of the removable support 40.

[0019] In some alternative embodiments, the contact surface 55 between the removable support 40 and the tailpipe suspension 10 may be coated with an expandable metal. The expandable metal can expand to fill any gaps between the tailpipe suspension 10 and the removable support 40. The expanded metal can improve support performance and provide a tighter contact between the tailpipe suspension 10 and the removable support 40.

[0020] Expandable metals react in the presence of a reaction-inducing fluid (e.g., brine) to form reaction products (e.g., metal hydroxides). The resulting reaction products occupy a larger volumetric space relative to the base metal reactants. This volume difference allows the expandable metal to fill gaps and form a seal at the interface between the expanded metal and any adjacent surfaces. Magnesium can be used to illustrate the volume expansion of reactive metals when reacting with a reaction-inducing fluid. One mole of magnesium has a molar mass of 24 g / mol and a density of 1.74 g / cm³. 3 This results in a 13.8 cm... 3 The volume of magnesium hydroxide is 60 g / mol. Magnesium hydroxide is a reaction product formed by the induction of a fluid reaction between magnesium and water; its molar mass is 60 g / mol, and its density is 2.34 g / cm³. 3 This results in a length of 25.6cm. 3 Volume per mol. Magnesium hydroxide 25.6 cm³ 3 The volume of / mol is equivalent to 13.8 cm³ of one mole of magnesium. 3 The volume increases by 85% per mol. As another example, one mole of calcium has a molar mass of 40 g / mol and a density of 1.54 g / cm³. 3 It produces 26.0cm 3 The volume of calcium hydroxide is 76 g / mol. Calcium hydroxide is a reaction product of calcium reacting with water to induce a fluid reaction, with a molar mass of 76 g / mol and a density of 2.21 g / cm³. 3 This results in a diameter of 34.4 cm. 3 Volume per mol. Calcium hydroxide 34.4 cm³ 3The volume of / mol is equivalent to 26.0 cm³ of one mole of calcium. 3 The volume increases by 32% per mol. As another example, one mole of aluminum has a molar mass of 27 g / mol and a density of 2.7 g / cm³. 3 It produces 10.0 cm 3 The volume of aluminum hydroxide (63 g / mol) is the product of an aluminum-inducible fluid reaction with water. Its molar mass is 63 g / mol, and its density is 2.42 g / cm³. 3 This results in a 26 cm 3 Volume per mol. Aluminum hydroxide 26 cm³ 3 / mol of volume compared to one mole of aluminum 10 cm³ 3 The volume increases by 160% per mol. The expandable metal may include any metal or metal alloy that can react to form reaction products with a volume greater than that of the base metal or alloy reactant.

[0021] Examples of metals suitable for use with this expandable 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.

[0022] Examples of suitable metal alloys for this expandable metal include, but are not limited to, alloys of magnesium, calcium, aluminum, tin, zinc, beryllium, barium, manganese, or any combination thereof. Preferred metal alloys include magnesium-zinc alloys, magnesium-aluminum alloys, calcium-magnesium alloys, or aluminum-copper alloys. In some instances, the metal alloy may include non-metallic alloying elements. Examples of such non-metallic elements include, but are not limited to, graphite, carbon, silicon, boron nitride, etc. In some instances, the metal is alloyed to improve reactivity and / or control oxide formation.

[0023] In some instances, the metal alloy may be further alloyed by incorporating a dopant metal that promotes corrosion or inhibits passivation, thereby increasing 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.

[0024] In some instances, the expandable metal includes oxides. As an example, calcium oxide reacts violently with water to form calcium hydroxide. One mole of calcium oxide occupies 9.5 cm³. 3 One mole of calcium hydroxide occupies 34.4 cm³. 3 This represents a 260% volume expansion of calcium oxide relative to the molar volume of calcium hydroxide. Examples of suitable metal oxides for reactive metals may include, but are not limited to, oxides of any metal disclosed herein, including magnesium, calcium, aluminum, iron, nickel, copper, chromium, tin, zinc, lead, beryllium, barium, gallium, indium, bismuth, titanium, manganese, cobalt, or any combination thereof.

[0025] It should be understood that the selected expandable metal should prevent the formed expandable metal from dissolving or undergoing other forms of degradation in the reaction-inducing fluid. Therefore, the use of a metal or metal alloy that forms relatively insoluble reaction products in the reaction-inducing fluid as the expandable metal is preferred. For example, the reaction products of magnesium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide have very low solubility in water. As an alternative or additional option, the expandable metal can be arranged and configured in a manner that limits its degradation in the reaction-inducing fluid, due to the geometry of the region where the expandable metal is located. This can result in reduced exposure of the expandable metal to the reaction-inducing fluid, but also reduced degradation of the expandable metal reaction products, thereby extending the service life of the expandable metal. For example, the volume of the area where the expandable metal is located can be smaller than the potential expansion volume of the expandable metal located in said area. In some instances, the volume of this area can be less than 50% of the expansion volume of the expandable metal. Alternatively, the volume of this area can be less than 90% of the expansion volume of the expandable metal. As another alternative, the volume of this area can be less than 80% of the expansion volume of the expandable metal. As yet another alternative, the volume of this area can be less than 70% of the expansion volume of the expandable metal. As an alternative, the volume of this area can be less than 60% of the expansion volume of the expandable metal. In a specific example, a portion of the expandable metal can be disposed in a groove within the wellbore casing or the body of the downhole tool.

[0026] The expandable metal can be prepared by solution treatment, powder metallurgy, or any other method readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Regardless of the preparation method, the expandable metal can be fitted onto the body of a wellbore or downhole tool. Once in place, the expandable metal can be secured in place by end rings, stamped rings, retaining rings, set screws, or any other such method for holding the expandable metal in situ. The expandable metal can be fabricated and shaped to fit over the removable support 40, thus potentially without requiring modification to the outer diameter or profile of the removable support 40. In alternative embodiments, the expandable metal can be cast onto the removable support 40. In some alternative embodiments, when the expandable metal is placed on the removable support 40, the diameter of the expandable metal can be reduced (e.g., by rotary forging).

[0027] In some optional instances, the expandable metal may include a removable barrier coating. This removable barrier coating can be used to cover the outer surface to prevent the expandable metal from contacting the reaction-inducing fluid. The removable barrier coating can be removed when necessary. The removable barrier coating can be used to delay and / or prevent premature expansion of the expandable metal. Examples of the removable barrier coating include, but are not limited to, any kind of plastic housing, organic housing, coating, soluble coating (e.g., solid magnesium compounds), eutectic materials, or any combination thereof. When necessary, the removable barrier coating can be removed from the expandable metal using any sufficient method. For example, the removable barrier coating can be removed by dissolution, temperature-induced phase transition, corrosion, hydrolysis, or the removable barrier coating can be time-delayed, degrading after a desired time under specific wellbore conditions. In some instances, a portion of the expandable metal reactively supports the removable barrier coating, and the removable barrier coating can collapse as the underlying reactive metal chemically reacts with the reaction-inducing fluid.

[0028] It should be clearly understood that Figures 1 to 3 The exemplary system shown is merely a general application of the principles of this disclosure in practice, and many other instances may exist. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not in any way limited by the description herein. Figures 1 to 3 Detailed limitations.

[0029] Figure 4 This is an external schematic diagram of a tailpipe hanger 110 with a protrusion 115. A portion 140 of the tailpipe hanger 110 is designed to remain uninflated by the expansion cone.

[0030] Figures 5A to 5D This is a schematic diagram of another example of an expansion cone 100 disposed on the outer surface of the mandrel 105. Figure 5A In the process, the expansion cone 100 is pushed downhole by the movement of the mandrel 105. The expansion cone 100 contacts the adjacent tailpipe hanger 110 (i.e., Figure 4The inner surface of the liner hanger 110. When the expansion cone 100 is pushed downhole, it applies a radial force to the liner hanger 110, causing the body of the liner hanger 110 to expand radially outward. This radial expansion of the liner hanger 110 forces a protrusion 115 on the outside of the liner hanger 110 to contact the adjacent casing 120, and then the protrusion deforms, clamps, and applies pressure to the contact surface 125 of the casing 120. The liner hanger 110 can then form a seal between itself and the casing 120. The protrusion 115 may include, but is not limited to, ribs, spikes, sealing elements, or combinations of protrusions. The mandrel 105 further includes a deployment mechanism 130 on its outer surface 150, which engages with a corresponding attachment point 135 on the inner surface 145 of the liner hanger 110. The deployment mechanism 130 may be a chuck, a snap ring, or any such mechanism capable of engaging with the corresponding attachment point 135 on the inner surface 145 of the liner hanger 110. The attachment point 135 is any contour variation on the inner surface 145 of the tailpipe hanger 110, such as a slot, groove, cut, or similar variation. In the example shown in Figure 5, the attachment point 135 is present on the unexpanded portion 140 of the tailpipe hanger 110.

[0031] exist Figure 5B In the process, the mandrel 105 has moved downhole, so the expansion cone 100 attached to its outer surface 150 has forced a portion of the adjacent tailpipe hanger 110 to expand radially. The deployment mechanism 130 is locked into the attachment point 135 on the tailpipe hanger 110.

[0032] exist Figure 5C In this operation, the deployment mechanism 130 has been detached from the attachment point 135 of the tailpipe hanger 110, and the mandrel 105 is being retracted. As the mandrel 105 is retracted, the detachable support 160 of the expansion cone (i.e., the expansion cone 100 in operation A) has separated from the release member 165. The detachable support 160 can be attached to the release member 165 by a shear pin, adhesive, chuck, soluble material, retaining ring, friction fit, or any combination thereof.

[0033] exist Figure 5D In this configuration, the removable support 160 has been installed and is now located adjacent to the protrusion 115 on the exterior of the tailpipe suspension 110. The installed removable support 160 will now remain in this position as a permanent reinforcing support for the tailpipe suspension 110.

[0034] It should be clearly understood that Figures 4 to 5D The exemplary system shown is merely a general application of the principles of this disclosure in practice, and many other instances may exist. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not in any way limited by the description herein. Figures 4 to 5D Detailed limitations.

[0035] Figure 6 This illustration shows the expansion cone 200 attached to the working tool 205. In the illustrated example, the entire expansion cone 200 serves as a detachable support. The expansion cone 200 is attached to the working tool 205, which is used to hold the expansion cone in place as it moves downhole with the mandrel. The expansion cone 200 can be attached to the working tool 205 using any suitable connection mechanism, including but not limited to shear pins, adhesives, chucks, soluble materials, snap rings, friction fits, or any combination thereof. When the expansion cone 200 is detached from the working tool 205, it remains in place to provide reinforcement to the adjacent liner hanger. Once the expansion cone 200 has been detached, the working tool 205 can be retracted along with the mandrel.

[0036] It should be clearly understood that Figure 6 The exemplary systems illustrated are merely general applications of the principles of this disclosure in practice, and many other instances may exist. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not in any way limited by the description herein. Figure 6 Detailed limitations.

[0037] Figures 7A to 7B This illustration shows another expansion cone 300 connected to the working tool 205. In the illustrated example, the expansion cone 300 includes a detachable support 305 and a release member 310. The release member 310 is connected to the working tool 205, and the detachable support 305 is connected to the release member 310. The working tool 205 is used to hold the detachable support 305 in place as it moves downhole with the mandrel. The release member 310 can be connected to the detachable support 305 using any suitable connection mechanism, including but not limited to shear pins, adhesives, chucks, soluble materials, snap rings, friction fits, or any combination thereof. When the detachable support 305 is detached from the release member 310, the detachable support remains in place to provide reinforcement to the adjacent liner hanger. Once the detachable support 305 has been detached, the working tool 205 can be retracted along with the mandrel. The release member 310 is retracted along with the working tool 205. In the illustrated example, the interface between the detachable support 305 and the release member 310 is a stepped interface. In this specific example, a friction fit along the stepped interface can be used to connect the detachable support 305 and the release member 310. Although only one step on the interface is shown, it should be understood that multiple steps may be present in some alternative embodiments.

[0038] It should be clearly understood that Figures 7A to 7B The exemplary system shown is merely a general application of the principles of this disclosure in practice, and many other instances may exist. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not in any way limited by the description herein. Figures 7A to 7B Detailed limitations.

[0039] Figures 8A to 8B This is a schematic diagram of another expansion cone 400 connected to the working tool 205. In the illustrated example, the expansion cone 400 includes a detachable support 405 and a release component 410. The release component 410 is connected to the working tool 205, and the detachable support 405 is connected to the release component 410. The detachable support 405 can be secured in place as the working tool 205 moves downhole with the mandrel. The release component 410 can be connected to the detachable support 405 using any suitable connection mechanism, including but not limited to shear pins, adhesives, chucks, soluble materials, snap rings, friction fits, or any combination thereof. When the detachable support 405 is detached from the release component 410, the detachable support remains in place to provide reinforcement to the adjacent liner hanger. Once the detachable support 405 has been detached, the working tool 205 can be retracted along with the mandrel. The release component 410 is retracted along with the working tool 205. In the example shown, the interface between the detachable support 405 and the release member 410 is a vertical interface that extends vertically along the height direction of the expansion cone 400.

[0040] It should be clearly understood that Figures 8A to 8B The exemplary system shown is merely a general application of the principles of this disclosure in practice, and many other instances may exist. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not in any way limited by the description herein. Figures 8A to 8B Detailed limitations.

[0041] Figures 9A to 9C This is a schematic diagram of another expansion cone 500 connected to the working tool 205. In the illustrated example, the expansion cone 500 includes a detachable support 505 and a release component 510. The release component 510 is connected to the working tool 205, and the detachable support 505 is connected to the release component 510. The detachable support 505 can be secured in place as the working tool 205 moves downhole with the mandrel. When the detachable support 505 is detached from the release component 510, the detachable support remains in place to provide reinforcement to the adjacent liner hanger. Once the detachable support 505 has been detached, the working tool 205 can be retracted along with the mandrel. The release component 510 is retracted along with the working tool 205. In the illustrated example, the detachable support 505 is connected to the release component 510 via a retaining ring 515. Figure 9A In this configuration, the retaining ring 515 is set so that the detachable support 505 is not released during the expansion of the liner hanger as the expansion cone 500 is lowered into the wellbore. Figure 9B In the process, the applied force has reversed, pulling the working tool 205 in the uphole direction (i.e., to the left in the figure), and this reversal of the force has caused a change in the orientation of the retaining ring 515. Figure 9CSince the snap ring 515 has been modified, when the release component 510 is pulled along the surface direction along with the working tool 205 and the mandrel, the detachable support 505 can be detached from the release component 510.

[0042] It should be clearly understood that Figures 9A to 9C The exemplary system shown is merely a general application of the principles of this disclosure in practice, and many other instances may exist. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not in any way limited by the description herein. Figures 9A to 9C Detailed limitations.

[0043] The system disclosed herein can directly or indirectly affect one or more components or devices associated with or in contact with the expansion cone disclosed herein, including but not limited to well casing, well tailpipe, completion string, insertion string, drill string, coiled tubing, wireline, wire rope, drill pipe, drill collar, mud motor, downhole motor and / or pump, cement pump, surface-mounted motor and / or pump, centralizer, turbine, scraper, floating components (e.g., casing shoe, float collar, valve, etc.), logging tools and related telemetry equipment, actuators (e.g., electromechanical devices, hydraulic mechanical devices). (etc.), sliding sleeves, production sleeves, packers, screens, filters, flow control devices (e.g., inflow control devices, autonomous inflow control devices, outflow control devices, etc.), connectors (e.g., electro-hydraulic wet connections, dry connections, inductive connectors, etc.), control lines (e.g., electrical lines, fiber optic lines, hydraulic lines, etc.), monitoring lines, 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.

[0044] According to this disclosure and the accompanying drawings, an expansion cone for an expandable tailpipe suspension is provided. An exemplary expansion cone includes a detachable support member coupled to a mandrel. The detachable support member is configured to contact the inner surface of the tailpipe suspension during expansion of the expandable tailpipe suspension. The detachable support member is further configured to detach after the tailpipe suspension has expanded, thereby forming a detached support member. After the expandable tailpipe suspension has expanded and the mandrel has been removed, the detached support member remains in contact with the inner surface of the expandable tailpipe suspension.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively, the expansion cone may include, individually or in combination, one or more of the following features: The tailpipe hanger may include a protrusion, and the detachable support is positioned adjacent to the protrusion. The tailpipe hanger may include two protrusions, and the detachable support is positioned adjacent to the two protrusions. The expansion cone may include a plurality of detachable supports. Each detachable support may include a contact surface that contacts the inner surface of the expandable tailpipe hanger after the expandable tailpipe hanger has expanded and the mandrel has been removed, and the detachable support may further include a protrusion on the contact surface. The detachable support may include expandable metal on the contact surface, which remains in contact with the inner surface of the expandable tailpipe hanger after the expandable tailpipe hanger has expanded and the mandrel has been removed. The expansion cone may further include a release member coupled to the detachable support. The detachable support may be configured to detach from the release member. The detachable support can be detachably connected to the release component using at least one of the following: shear pins, adhesives, clamps, soluble materials, retaining rings, friction fits, or any combination thereof. The release component can be disposed in a groove within the mandrel. Alternatively, the release component can be disposed on the outside of the mandrel. The detachable support and the release component can contact each other via a stepped interface.

[0046] According to this disclosure and the accompanying drawings, a method for an expandable tailpipe hanger is provided. An exemplary method includes providing an expansion cone including a detachable support member coupled to a mandrel. The method further includes applying pressure with the expansion cone to an inner surface of the tailpipe hanger to cause the tailpipe hanger to expand; and after the tailpipe hanger has expanded, detaching the detachable support member from the expansion cone to form a detached support member that remains in contact with the inner surface of the expandable tailpipe hanger after expansion.

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, the method may include, individually or in combination, one or more of the following features. The method may further include removing the mandrel after the removable support has been removed. The tailpipe hanger may include a protrusion, and the removable support is positioned adjacent to the protrusion. The tailpipe hanger may include two protrusions, and the removable support is positioned adjacent to the two protrusions. The expansion cone may include a plurality of removable supports. The removable support may include a contact surface that contacts the inner surface of the expandable tailpipe hanger after the expandable tailpipe hanger has expanded and the mandrel has been removed, and the removable support may further include a protrusion on the contact surface. The removable support may include expandable metal on the contact surface, which remains in contact with the inner surface of the expandable tailpipe hanger after the expandable tailpipe hanger has expanded and the mandrel has been removed. The expansion cone may further include a release member coupled to the removable support. The removable support may be configured to detach from the release member. The detachable support can be detachably connected to the release component using at least one of the following: shear pins, adhesives, clamps, soluble materials, retaining rings, friction fits, or any combination thereof. The release component can be disposed in a groove within the mandrel. Alternatively, the release component can be disposed on the outside of the mandrel. The detachable support and the release component can contact each other via a stepped interface.

[0048] According to this disclosure and the accompanying drawings, a system is provided for inflating a tailpipe suspension using an expansion cone. An exemplary system includes a tailpipe suspension having an inner surface and an expansion cone. The expansion cone includes a detachable support coupled to a mandrel. The detachable support is configured to contact the inner surface of the inflatable tailpipe suspension during expansion. The detachable support is further configured to detach after the tailpipe suspension has expanded, thus forming a detached support. After the inflatable tailpipe suspension has expanded and the mandrel has been removed, the detached support remains in contact with the inner surface of the inflatable tailpipe suspension.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, the system may include, individually or in combination, one or more of the following features: The tailpipe hanger may include a protrusion, and the detachable support is positioned adjacent to the protrusion. The tailpipe hanger may include two protrusions, and the detachable support is positioned adjacent to the two protrusions. The expansion cone may include a plurality of detachable supports. The detachable supports may include a contact surface that contacts the inner surface of the expandable tailpipe hanger after the expandable tailpipe hanger has expanded and the mandrel has been removed, and the detachable support may further include a protrusion on the contact surface. The detachable support may include expandable metal on the contact surface, which remains in contact with the inner surface of the expandable tailpipe hanger after the expandable tailpipe hanger has expanded and the mandrel has been removed. The expansion cone may further include a release member coupled to the detachable support. The detachable support may be configured to detach from the release member. The detachable support can be detachably connected to the release component using at least one of the following: shear pins, adhesives, clamps, soluble materials, retaining rings, friction fits, or any combination thereof. The release component can be disposed in a groove within the mandrel. Alternatively, the release component can be disposed on the outside of the mandrel. The detachable support and the release component can contact each other via a stepped interface.

[0050] The foregoing description provides various examples of the systems and methods of use disclosed herein, and these examples may include different combinations of method steps and components. It should be understood that although individual examples are discussed herein, this disclosure covers all combinations of the disclosed examples, including but not limited to different combinations of components, combinations of method steps, and various characteristics of the system. It should be understood that the descriptions of compositions and methods herein use expressions such as "comprising," "containing," or "including" various components or steps. The system and method may also be described as "substantially composed of various components and steps" or "composed of various components and steps." Furthermore, the indefinite articles "a" or "an" used in the claims are defined herein as indicating one or more of the elements introduced therein.

[0051] For the sake of brevity, only certain ranges are explicitly disclosed herein. However, a range from any lower limit can be combined with any upper limit to describe a range not explicitly stated, and a range from any lower limit can be combined with any other lower limit to describe a range not explicitly stated. In the same manner, a range from any upper limit can be combined with any other upper limit to describe a range not explicitly stated. Furthermore, whenever a range of values ​​with lower and upper limits is disclosed, any values ​​within that range and any ranges included therein are specifically disclosed. Specifically, even if not explicitly enumerated, each range of values ​​disclosed herein (in the form of “about a to about b,” or equivalently “approximately a to b,” or equivalently “approximately a to b”) should be understood to describe every value and range covered within a broader range of values. Thus, each point or individual value can be used as its own lower or upper limit, combined with any other point or individual value or any other lower or upper limit to enumerate ranges not explicitly enumerated.

[0052] This document provides one or more illustrative examples in conjunction with the disclosed examples. For clarity, not all features of actual implementations are described or shown in this application. Therefore, the disclosed systems and methods well achieve the aforementioned objects and advantages, as well as those inherent therein. The specific examples described above are merely illustrative, and modifications and practices of the teachings of this disclosure may be made in different but equivalent ways, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the teachings herein. Furthermore, this document is not intended to impose any limitation on the structural or design details shown except as described in the following claims. Therefore, it is apparent that the specific illustrative examples disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified, and all such changes are considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure. The systems and methods illustratively disclosed herein may be practiced appropriately without any elements not specifically disclosed herein and / or any optional elements disclosed herein.

[0053] Although this disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An expansion cone for an expandable tailpipe suspension, the expansion cone comprising: A detachable support member is coupled to a mandrel; wherein the detachable support member is configured to contact the inner surface of the stern tube suspension during the expansion of the stern tube suspension; wherein the detachable support member is further configured to detach after the stern tube suspension has expanded, thereby forming a detached support member; wherein after the stern tube suspension has expanded and the mandrel has been removed, the detached support member remains in contact with the inner surface of the stern tube suspension.

2. The expansion cone of claim 1, wherein the tailpipe hanger includes a protrusion, and the detached support is positioned adjacent to the protrusion.

3. The expansion cone of claim 1, wherein the tailpipe hanger includes two protrusions, and the detached support is positioned adjacent to the two protrusions.

4. The expansion cone according to claim 1, wherein the expansion cone comprises a plurality of detachable supports.

5. The expansion cone of claim 1, wherein the detachable support includes a contact surface that contacts the inner surface of the expansion tailpipe suspension after the expansion tailpipe suspension has expanded and the mandrel has been removed; wherein the detachable support further includes a protrusion located on the contact surface.

6. The expansion cone of claim 1, wherein the detachable support comprises an expandable metal on a contact surface, the contact surface remaining in contact with the inner surface of the expandable tailpipe hanger after the expandable tailpipe hanger has expanded and the mandrel has been removed.

7. The expansion cone of claim 1, wherein the expansion cone further comprises a release component coupled to the detachable support.

8. The expansion cone of claim 7, wherein the detachable support is configured to detach from the release member.

9. The expansion cone of claim 8, wherein the detachable support is detachably connected to the release member by at least one of a shear pin, adhesive, clamp, soluble material, retaining ring, friction fit, or any combination thereof.

10. The expansion cone according to claim 9, wherein the release member is disposed in a groove within the mandrel.

11. The expansion cone according to claim 9, wherein the release member is disposed on the outside of the mandrel.

12. The expansion cone of claim 9, wherein the detachable support and the release member are in contact with each other via a stepped interface.

13. A method for expanding a tailpipe suspension, the method comprising: An expansion cone is provided, the expansion cone comprising: A detachable support component connected to the spindle; The expansion cone applies pressure to the inner surface of the tailpipe hanger to cause the tailpipe hanger to expand; After the tailpipe suspension expands, the detachable support is detached from the expansion cone to form a detached support, which remains in contact with the inner surface of the expandable tailpipe suspension after the expansion.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: Remove the mandrel after the detachable support has been removed.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the expansion cone further comprises a release component, and the detachable support is detachably connected to the release component using at least one of a shear pin, adhesive, clamp, soluble material, retaining ring, friction fit, or any combination thereof.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the tailpipe hanger includes a protrusion, and the detached support is positioned adjacent to the protrusion.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the expansion cone comprises a plurality of detachable supports.

18. A system for expanding a tailpipe suspension, the system comprising: Tailpipe hanger with an inner surface; An expansion cone, the expansion cone comprising: A detachable support component connected to the spindle; The detachable support is configured to contact the inner surface of the spool during the expansion of the spool; the detachable support is further configured to detach after the spool has expanded, thereby forming a detached support; and the detached support remains in contact with the inner surface of the spool after the spool has expanded and the spindle has been removed.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the tailpipe hanger includes a protrusion, and the detached support is positioned adjacent to the protrusion.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the expansion cone comprises a plurality of detachable supports.

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