Pressure balanced running tool for hydraulic set liner hangers and associated methods

Abstract

A method and apparatus for conveying and deploying pressure actuated liner hangers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a running tool and method for conveying and deploying pressure actuated liner hangers in a wellbore isolates the hydraulic setting mechanism of the liner hanger to be deployed and pressure balances the hydraulic releasing mechanism of the running tool from tubing pressure until reaching the desired location in the wellbore for deployment. A method is provided for reliably conveying the liner hanger to the desired deployment depth without premature activation of the liner hanger or the running tool from applied tubing pressure.

Description

Pressure Balanced Running Tool for Hydraulic Set Liner Hangers and Associated MethodsCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 524,051 filed June 29, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0003] The field of the invention is running tools used to convey and deploy pressure activated downhole tools used in wellbore construction, completion and production of oil and gas wells, and specifically liner hangers.Background of the Invention

[0004] A well borehole is generally drilled in successively smaller diameter sections from surface to a selected depth. Rather than suspending a plurality of successive concentric casings from the surface, a liner may be suspended adjacent to the bottom end of the previously suspended casing or from a previously suspended liner to the bottom of the next drilled section. A liner may be a casing not run to the surface. A liner hanger may be used to suspend the liner within the previously suspended casing or liner. Typically, a liner hanger may have the capability to accept a tie back tool connecting the liner with a casing string to the surface if desired. A liner hanger also may have a weight-set packer to establish a hydraulic barrier between casing string and liner string.

[0005] Liner hangers are conventionally deployed either mechanically or hydraulically with a running tool system that conveys the liner hanger and liner string from the surface to the selected setting depth, deploys the liner hanger to suspend the liner, releases from the liner hanger and that may be retrieved to the surface.

[0006] Mechanically set liner hangers commonly use a device that generates friction between the casing string or liner and the setting mechanism for the liner hanger, which may allow setting of anchoring slips through string manipulation after reaching setting depth.

[0007] Hydraulically set liner hangers typically contain a hydraulic fluid chamber pressuring either a moving hydraulic cylinder or a moving piston within a stationary hydraulic cylinder and conventionally have no string manipulation to activate the anchoring slips. After reaching the selected setting depth, a ball or object is dropped from the surface, landing on a seat that is placed below the hydraulic fluid chamber of the liner hanger and designed to accept the ball or object, effecting a seal to isolate tubing fluid from the liner string fluid and wellbore fluid. Increasing applied tubing pressure to a specified level may break a shear device allowing the hydraulic fluid chamber to axially move the hydraulic cylinder or piston to activate the liner hanger anchoring slips and suspend the liner.

[0008] Drawbacks to conventional liner hangers include loss of tubing pressure control when deploying liner hangers, which may result in premature deployment of a hydraulically activated liner hanger. The liner hanger may then be pulled from the wellbore so a new liner hanger may be deployed, resulting in many hours of non-productive time.

[0009] To avoid premature hydraulic activation, conventional liner hangers may include opposing hydraulic cylinders or pistons in the liner hanger setting mechanism that are pressure balanced until reaching setting depth.

[0010] A disadvantage of conventional liner hangers is the substantial additional length often desired to pressure balance the liner hanger hydraulic cylinders or pistons. Liner hangers have a larger diameter and pipe wall thickness than the liner string they suspend and the drill pipe and running string used to convey them in the wellbore and are thus often more rigid. In deviated wellbores with high rates of build angle or in crooked sections, the increased length of common liner hanger pressure balancing designs exacerbates the rigidity of the liner hanger and may create significant difficulty in passing said sections, commonly resulting in broken equipment due to the application of torque and compressive force attempting to reach setting depth through complex wellbore geometry.

[0011] An additional disadvantage of additional length is limitations in surface rig equipment in handling, lifting, and coupling of the liner hanger and running tool to the liner string, often resulting in increased time and cost to adapt rig operations.

[0012] A further disadvantage of additional length is transportation to the rig site. Conventional liner systems are typically designed to be transported on standardized truck trailers of 40-foot length. Liner systems with balanced hydraulic cylinders or pistons often exceed this limit and may result in special transportation and approval from governmental transport authorities.

[0013] An additional disadvantage of conventional liner hangers is that pressure balancing the liner hanger cylinders or pistons alone may not prevent a running tool that releases from the liner string hydraulically from premature activation due to tubing pressure, which in some circumstances may result in releasing and catastrophically dropping the liner string downhole, which may lead to significant and costly fishing operations to retrieve the liner string.

[0014] Accordingly, improvements that may reliably inhibit both the liner hanger and running tool from prematurely activating when being conveyed downhole while decreasing assembly length and rigidity to make downhole conveyance, rig site handling, operation and transportation easier are desired.

[0015] Such disadvantages may be overcome by the presently disclosed running tool, and a running tool is hereinafter disclosed that may both isolate the liner hanger hydraulic fluid chamber from tubing pressure and pressure balances the running tool hydraulic release mechanism until it is conveyed to deployment depth, negating the risk of premature activation and thus the need to pressure balance the liner hanger hydraulic fluid chamber.

[0016] In addition, the presently disclosed running tool may be used in operations to convey and deploy hydraulically activated downhole tools not involving a liner hanger system.BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] These and other needs in the art are addressed in one embodiment by a running tool that includes a pressure balanced piston that isolates the hydraulic fluid chamber of the liner hanger from tubing pressure and a pressure balanced hydraulic cylinder to release the running tool from the liner string. During liner conveyance, the piston is exposed to tubing pressure in opposed directions resulting in substantially zero net force from applied tubing pressure. The hydraulic cylinder is exposed to tubing pressure both internally and externally resulting in substantially zero net force from applied tubing pressure. After reaching deployment depth, one side of the piston is isolated from tubing pressure, and the other side is pressurized. The external surface of the hydraulic cylinder is isolated from tubing pressure, and the internal chamber is pressurized. Theresulting net force breaks a shear device in the piston and drives the piston axially, allowing tubing fluid to enter the hydraulic fluid chamber of the liner hanger such that it may be activated by applied tubing pressure. Further increasing tubing pressure breaks a shear device in the hydraulic cylinder and drives the hydraulic cylinder axially, releasing the running tool from the liner hanger.

[0018] These and other needs in the art are addressed in other embodiments by a running tool for conveying and deploying hydraulically actuated liner hangers. The running tool includes a piston assembly comprising a piston, a shear device, a ratchet ring and at least one seal to isolate a hydraulic fluid chamber of the liner hanger from applied tubing pressure until deployment. The running tool also includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly comprising a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder shear device, a hydraulic cylinder ratchet ring and at least one hydraulic cylinder seal that is hydraulically balanced internally and externally with tubing pressure until deployment.

[0019] These and other needs in the art are also addressed in embodiments by a running tool comprising a tubular body with a central bore coupled to a running string. The tubular body may be comprised of multiple tubular bodies connected in sequence. In addition, the running tool has a piston assembly disposed radially outward of the tubular body and connected to the tubular body with a shear device and a ratchet ring to allow axial movement along a single direction of travel relative to the tubular body and a liner hanger body. The running tool further has one or more ports configured to provide tubing fluid to an upper annular chamber disposed axially above the piston assembly and a lower annular chamber disposed axially below the piston assembly. Axially-facing surfaces of the piston assembly are equal and when exposed to applied pressure of the tubing fluid the net axial force is zero. Once the upper annular chamber is hydraulically isolated from the lower annular chamber, the piston assembly is configured to be driven axially with applied tubing pressure relative to the liner hanger body and tubular body such that tubing fluid enters the hydraulic fluid chamber of the liner hanger. The running tool also has a hydraulic cylinder assembly disposed radially outward of the tubular body and coupled to the tubular body with a shear device and a ratchet ring to allow axial movement along a single direction of travel relative to the tubular body. Internal and external axially-facing surfaces of the hydraulic cylinder assembly are equal and when exposed to applied pressure of the tubing fluid, the net axial force is zero. Once an external annular space about the hydraulic cylinder assembly is hydraulically isolated from an internal chamber of the hydraulic cylinder assembly, the hydraulic cylinderassembly is configured to be driven with applied tubing pressure axially relative to the tubular body to release the running tool from the liner hanger.

[0020] In addition, these and other needs in the art are addressed in an embodiment by a running tool that includes dual hydraulic cylinder assemblies comprising a hydraulic cylinder, shear device, ratchet ring and one or more seals that are hydraulically balanced internally and externally with tubing pressure until deployment. The first hydraulic cylinder assembly isolates the hydraulic fluid chamber of the liner hanger from applied tubing pressure until deployment. The second hydraulic cylinder assembly releases the running tool from the liner hanger assembly.

[0021] Further, these and other needs in the art are addressed in an embodiment by a running tool for conveying and deploying hydraulically actuated liner hangers. The running tool includes dual hydraulic cylinder assemblies comprising a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder shear device, a hydraulic cylinder ratchet ring, at least one hydraulic cylinder seal that is hydraulically balanced internally and externally with tubing pressure until deployment, and at least one seal to isolate a hydraulic fluid chamber of the liner hanger from applied tubing pressure until deployment. The running tool also has one or more first ports to an internal chamber of the first hydraulic cylinder to provide tubing fluid. In addition, the running tool has one or more second ports disposed axially below the first hydraulic cylinder assembly to an internal chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder to provide tubing fluid. Moreover, the running tool includes one or more third ports disposed axially below the first and second hydraulic cylinder assembly to provide tubing fluid to an external annular space about the external areas of the dual hydraulic cylinder assemblies. Additionally, the running tool has a seat disposed axially below the first and the second ports and disposed axially above the third port.

[0022] Additionally, these and other needs in the art are addressed by a running tool having a tubular bore with a central bore coupled to a running string. The running tool also has a first hydraulic cylinder assembly disposed radially outward of the tubular body and coupled to the tubular body with a shear device and a ratchet ring to allow axial movement along a single direction of travel relative to the tubular body. In addition, internal and external axially-facing surfaces of the hydraulic cylinder assembly are equal and when exposed to applied pressure of the tubing fluid, the net axial force is zero. Further, once an external annular space about the hydraulic cylinder assembly is hydraulically isolated from an internal chamber of the hydraulic cylinder assembly, the hydraulic cylinder assembly is configured to be driven axially with applied tubingpressure relative to the liner hanger body and tubular body such that tubing fluid enters the hydraulic setting mechanism of the liner hanger. The running tool also has a hydraulic cylinder assembly disposed radially outward of the tubular body and coupled to the tubular body with a shear device and a ratchet ring to allow axial movement along a single direction of travel relative to the tubular body. Additionally, internal and external axially-facing surfaces of the hydraulic cylinder assembly are equal and when exposed to applied pressure of the tubing fluid, the net axial force is zero. Once an external annular space about the hydraulic cylinder assembly is hydraulically isolated from an internal chamber of the hydraulic cylinder assembly, the hydraulic cylinder assembly is configured to be driven with applied tubing pressure axially relative to the tubular body to release the running tool from the liner hanger. One or more ports are configured to provide the tubing fluid to an internal chamber of the first hydraulic cylinder assembly. One or more ports are configured to provide the tubing fluid to an internal chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder assembly. Moreover, one or more ports are disposed axially below the hydraulic cylinder assemblies and are configured to provide the tubing fluid to an external annular space disposed externally about the hydraulic cylinder assemblies.

[0023] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other embodiments for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent embodiments do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] Figures 1-3 illustrate sequentially lower portions of an embodiment of a running tool assembly with lifting sub, packer setting sub, balance piston assembly, mandrel, hydraulic cylinder assembly, ported sub and liner wiper assembly;

[0026] Figure 4 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a mandrel and balance piston assembly as shown in Figure 3;

[0027] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of a balance piston assembly;

[0028] Figure 6 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hydraulic cylinder assembly as shown in Figure 3;

[0029] Figures 7-10 illustrate sequentially lower portions of an embodiment of a running tool assembly with lifting sub, packer setting sub, balance piston assembly, mandrel, releasing assembly and liner wiper assembly in a run-in configuration releasably connected to a liner hanger packer assembly in a run-in configuration coupled to a liner string with landing collar assembly within a casing string and wellbore;

[0030] Figure 11 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a balance piston assembly as shown in Figure 9;

[0031] Figure 12 illustrates an additional embodiment of a hydraulic cylinder assembly and mandrel configured to isolate the hydraulic fluid chamber of a liner hanger packer assembly within a casing string and wellbore;

[0032] Figure 13 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hydraulic cylinder assembly as shown in Figure 9;

[0033] Figure 14 illustrates an embodiment of a seat with activating ball;

[0034] Figure 15 illustrates an embodiment of an activated balance piston assembly of Figure 11;

[0035] Figure 16 illustrates an embodiment of an activated hydraulic cylinder assembly of Figure 12;

[0036] Figure 17 illustrates an embodiment of an activated hydraulic cylinder assembly of Figure 13;

[0037] Figure 17 illustrates an embodiment of an activated releasing assembly of Figure 16;

[0038] Figure 18 illustrates an embodiment of an extruded seat of Figure 14;

[0039] Figure 19 illustrates an embodiment of an activating ball landing in a landing collar;

[0040] Figure 20 illustrates an embodiment of a drill pipe dart assembly landed in a liner wiper assembly;

[0041] Figure 21 illustrates an embodiment of a drill pipe dart assembly and liner wiper assembly landed in a landing collar;

[0042] Figures 22-23 illustrates an embodiment of a view of a running tool with packer setting sub configured to set a weight-set packer in a wellbore;

[0043] Figure 24 illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of an of Figure embodiment of a running tool with packer setting sub configured to set a weight-set packer in a wellbore;

[0044] Figure 25 illustrates an embodiment of a weight-set packer before activation; and

[0045] Figure 26 illustrates an embodiment of a weight-set packer after activation;DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] In an embodiment as shown in the Figures, running tool assembly 100 is suitable for conveying and deploying hydraulically actuated liner hangers. Running tool assembly 100 comprises balance piston assembly 106 comprising balance piston 134, shear device 128, ratchet ring 140 and seals 130, 132, 136, and 138 to isolate hydraulic setting port 232 of liner hanger contained in mandrel of hydraulic activated equipment 230 of liner hanger body 503 from applied tubing pressure until deployment. Running tool assembly 100 also includes hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 comprising releasing assembly 608, hydraulic cylinder 154, shear ring 148, shear device 150, ratchet ring 146 and seals 152 and 160 that is hydraulically balanced internally and externally with tubing pressure until deployment. Running tool assembly 100 also includes one or more first ports 124 disposed axially above balance piston assembly 106 to provide tubing fluid to upper annular chamber 602 above balance piston assembly 106. Running tool assembly 100 also comprises one or more second ports 156 disposed axially below balance piston assembly 106 to internal chamber 606 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 to provide tubing fluid.

[0047] In embodiments as shown in the Figures, running tool assembly 100 includes one or more third ports 114 disposed axially below balance piston assembly 106 and hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 to provide tubing fluid to lower annular chamber 604 below balance piston assembly 106 and external annular space 610 about hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 Running tool assembly 100 also includes seat 182 disposed axially below first port 124 and second port 156 and axially above third port 114.

[0048] In embodiments as shown in the Figures, running tool assembly 100 includes tubular body 501 with central bore 502 configured to be coupled to a running string above to surface (not shown). Running tool assembly 100 also includes balance piston assembly 106 disposed radially outward of tubular body 501 and coupled to tubular body 501 with shear device 128 and ratchetring 140 to allow axial movement along a single direction of travel relative to tubular body 501 and liner hanger body 503. In addition, running tool assembly 100 includes one or more ports 124 configured to provide tubing fluid to upper annular chamber 602 disposed axially above balance piston assembly 106 and one or more ports 114 to provide tubing fluid to lower annular chamber 604, disposed axially below balance piston assembly 106. Axially-facing surfaces 504, 505 of balance piston assembly 106 are equal and when exposed to applied pressure of tubing fluid the net axial force is zero. Further, once upper annular chamber 602 disposed above balance piston assembly 106 is hydraulically isolated from lower annular chamber 604 below balance piston assembly 106, balance piston assembly 106 is configured to be driven axially with applied tubing pressure relative to liner hanger body 503 and tubular body 501 such that tubing fluid enters hydraulic setting port 232 of liner hanger body 503, contained in mandrel 230 of hydraulic activated equipment into hydraulic fluid chamber 618 of hydraulic activated equipment. Additionally, running tool assembly 100 includes hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 disposed radially outward of tubular body 501 and temporarily coupled to tubular body 501 with shear device 150, and ratchet ring 146 to allow axial movement along a single direction of travel relative to tubular body 501. Internal axially-facing surfaces 614 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 and external axially -facing surfaces 616 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 are equal and when exposed to applied pressure of the tubing fluid, the net axial force is zero. Once external annular space 610 about hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 is hydraulically isolated from internal chamber 606 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110, hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 is configured to be driven with applied tubing pressure axially relative to tubular body 501 to release running tool assembly 100 from liner hanger body 503.

[0049] In embodiments of running tool assembly 100, one or more ports 124 are configured to provide tubing fluid to upper annular chamber 602 axially disposed above balance piston assembly 106. In addition, one or more ports 156 are configured to provide tubing fluid to an internal chamber 606 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110. Further, one or more ports 114 are configured to provide tubing fluid to lower annular chamber 604 axially below balance piston assembly 106 and external annular space 610 externally about hydraulic cylinder assembly 110.

[0050] In additional embodiments as shown in the Figures, running tool assembly 100 comprises hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 comprising hydraulic cylinder 192, balance ring 186, shear ring 206, shear device 204, ratchet ring 208, seals 184, 188, 196, and 202 that is hydraulically balancedinternally and externally with tubing pressure until deployment and to isolate hydraulic setting port 232 of the liner hanger, contained in mandrel of hydraulic activated equipment 230 of liner hanger body 503 from applied tubing pressure until deployment. Running tool assembly 100 also includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 comprising releasing assembly 608, hydraulic cylinder 154, shear ring 148, shear device 150, ratchet ring 146 and seals 152 and 160 that is hydraulically balanced internally and externally with tubing pressure until deployment. Running tool assembly 100 also includes one or more first ports 200 disposed to provide tubing fluid to internal chamber 622 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 620. Running tool assembly 100 also comprises one or more second ports 156 disposed axially below hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 to internal chamber 606 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 to provide tubing fluid.

[0051] In additional embodiments as shown in the Figures, running tool assembly 100 includes one or more third ports 114 disposed axially below hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 and hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 to provide tubing fluid to external annular space 610 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 and hydraulic cylinder assembly 1 10 Running tool assembly 100 also includes seat 182 disposed axially below first port 200 and second port 156 and axially above third port 114.

[0052] In additional embodiments as shown in the Figures, running tool assembly 100 includes tubular body 501 with central bore 502 configured to be coupled to a running string above to surface (not shown). Running tool assembly 100 also includes hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 disposed radially outward of tubular body 501 and temporarily coupled to tubular body 501 with shear device 204 and ratchet ring 208 to allow axial movement along a single direction of travel relative to tubular body 501. In addition, running tool assembly 100 includes one or more ports 200 configured to provide tubing fluid to internal chamber 622 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 620. Internal axially -facing surfaces 624 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 and external axially-facing surfaces 626 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 are equal and when exposed to applied pressure of the tubing fluid, the net axial force is zero. Once external annular space 610 about hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 is hydraulically isolated from internal chamber 622 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 620, hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 is configured to be driven with applied tubing pressure axially relative to tubular body 501 such that tubing fluid enters hydraulic setting port 232 of liner hanger body 503, contained in mandrel 230 of hydraulic activated equipment into hydraulic fluid chamber 618 of hydraulic activated equipment. Additionally, running tool assembly 100 includes hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 disposed radially outward of tubular body501 and temporarily coupled to tubular body 501 with shear device 150, and ratchet ring 146 to allow axial movement along a single direction of travel relative to tubular body 501. Internal axially-facing surfaces 614 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 and external axially-facing surfaces 616 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 are equal and when exposed to applied pressure of the tubing fluid, the net axial force is zero. Once external annular space 610 about hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 is hydraulically isolated from internal chamber 606 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110, hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 is configured to be driven with applied tubing pressure axially relative to tubular body 501 to release running tool assembly 100 from liner hanger body 503.

[0053] In additional embodiments of running tool assembly 100, one or more ports 200 are configured to provide tubing fluid to internal chamber 622 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 620. In addition, one or more ports 156 are configured to provide tubing fluid to an internal chamber 606 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110. Further, one or more ports 114 are configured to provide tubing fluid to external annular space 610 externally about hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 and externally about hydraulic cylinder assembly 620.

[0054] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of running tool assembly 100 showing lifting sub 102. Lifting sub 102 is configured to couple with a running string from above to surface (not shown). Running tool assembly 100 also has tubular body 501. In an embodiment, tubular body 501 is substantially cylindrical in shape. Running tool assembly 100 also has central bore 502. In an embodiment, central bore 502 is a hollow portion disposed in the interior of running tool assembly 100. In embodiments, central bore 502 extends longitudinally through a portion or substantially all of the length of running tool assembly 100.

[0055] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of running tool 100 in which running tool 100 has lifting sub 102 and packer setting sub 104. Lifting sub 102 has junk cover assembly 214. Junk cover assembly 214 is temporarily connected to lifting sub 102 to form a debris barrier inside of hydraulic activated equipment. Packer setting sub 104 has hammer sleeve 628 and collet 630. In an embodiment as shown, lifting sub 102 is connected to packer setting sub 104.

[0056] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of running tool 100 having balance piston assembly 106, mandrel 108, hydraulic cylinder assembly 110, bottom sub 174, ported sub 112, and liner wiper assembly 116. Balance piston assembly 106 has axially -facing surfaces 504, 505 of balance piston assembly 106. Balance piston assembly 106 forms a fluid and pressure barrier withhydraulic activated equipment. As shown, mandrel 108 is disposed between balance piston assembly 106 and hydraulic cylinder assembly 110. Mandrel 108 is connected to balance piston assembly 106 and hydraulic cylinder assembly 110. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 releasably connects running tool 100 with hydraulic activated equipment. As shown, bottom sub 174 is connected to mandrel 108 and connected to ported sub 112. Further as shown, ported sub 112 is disposed between hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 and liner wiper assembly 116. As shown, ported sub 112 is connected to bottom sub 174 and connected to liner wiper assembly 116. In embodiments as shown, ported sub 112 has at least one port 114. In embodiments, liner wiper assembly 116 includes ratchet thread 248, wiper fins 254, ratchet ring 252, and shear device 244 (shown in Figure 20).

[0057] Figure 1-3 illustrate an embodiment of running tool 100 suitable for conveying and deploying hydraulically actuated liner hangers connected to a liner string. Running tool 100 is received into liner hanger. Lifting sub 102 has junk cover assembly 214. Junk cover assembly 214 is temporarily connected to lifting sub 102 to form a debris barrier inside of liner hanger. A liner hanger may have a weight set packer. Packer setting sub 104 is connected to lifting sub 102 and may be used to activate a weight-set packer. Balance piston assembly 106 forms a fluid and pressure barrier with liner hanger during conveyance into a wellbore until activation Hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 releasably connects running tool 100 with liner hanger during conveyance into a wellbore and is actuated to release from the liner hanger after liner hanger is activated. Ported sub 112 has port 114 to provide tubing fluid and pressure inside of liner hanger. Liner hangers may be cemented in the wellbore after actuation. Liner wiper assembly 116 may be used to clean the bore of liner string of residual cement during cement operations.

[0058] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of balance piston assembly 106. As illustrated, balance piston assembly 106 has balanced piston 134, seals 130, 132, 136, and 138, shear device 128 and ratchet ring 140. Thimble 118, seal 120, top sub 122 with port 124, mandrel 108, and torque sleeve 126 are also shown. As shown, mandrel 108 is connected to top sub 122. Thimble 118 is connected to top sub 122. Thimble 118 is connected to seal 120 to prevent axial movement. Torque sleeve 126 is connected to top sub 122. Torque sleeve 126 may be configured to transmit rotational torque from running tool 100 to hydraulic activated equipment (not shown).

[0059] Figure 5 illustrates an additional embodiment of balanced piston assembly 106. In embodiments, balance piston assembly 106 has been replaced with hydraulic cylinder assembly620. As shown, hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 has hydraulic cylinder 192, balance ring 186, shear ring 206, shear device 204, ratchet ring 208, seals 184, 188, 196, and 202, upper retaining ring 194 and lower retaining ring 198. Balance ring 186 has seals 184,188 and equalizing port 190 such that substantially no differential pressure or resulting force exists between each axial end of balance ring 186. Thimble 118, seal 120, top sub 122, mandrel 108, and torque sleeve 126 are also shown. Mandrel 108 has port 200, allowing tubing fluid communication between central bore 502 and internal chamber 622. Shear device 204 temporarily couples hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 to mandrel 108. Upper retaining ring 194 and lower retaining ring 198 are coupled to mandrel 108 and prevent axial movement of seal 196. As shown, mandrel 108 is connected to top sub 122. Thimble 118 is connected to top sub 122. Thimble 118 is connected to seal 120 to prevent axial movement. Torque sleeve 126 is connected to top sub 122. Torque sleeve 126 may be configured to transmit rotational torque from running tool 100 to hydraulic activated equipment (not shown).

[0060] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110. Mandrel 108, bottom sub 174, stop ring 142 and lock wire 144 are also shown. Mandrel 108 has port 156, allowing tubing fluid communication between central bore 502 and internal chamber 606. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 has releasing assembly 608, hydraulic cylinder 154, shear ring 148, shear device 150, ratchet ring 146, seals 152, 160, upper retaining ring 158 and lower retaining ring 162. As shown, hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 is temporarily connected to mandrel 108 with shear device 150. Upper retaining ring 158 and lower retaining ring 162 are coupled to mandrel 108 and prevent axial movement of seal 160. As illustrated, embodiments of releasing assembly 608 include collet retainer 164, collet housing 166, set screw 168, retaining ring 170, and collet 172. Collet 172 seats on bottom sub 174 as shown. Set screw 168 connects collet housing 166 to mandrel 108. Retaining ring 170 connects collet 172 to collet retainer 164.

[0061] Figure 7 illustrates a view in wellbore 210 in which running tool assembly 100 is disposed in casing string 212 and running tool assembly 100 is releasably connected to a liner hanger for deployment. Lifting sub 102 is configured to be coupled to a running string above to surface (not shown).

[0062] Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of view in wellbore 210 in which junk cover assembly 214 and packer setting sub 104 are disposed in casing string 212 and running tool assembly 100 is releasably connected to a liner hanger for deployment. Liner hanger has polished bore receptacle 262. A liner hanger may have the capability to accept a tie back tool connecting the liner with acasing string to the surface if desired. Polished bore receptacle 262 may accept a tie back tool connecting the liner with a casing string to surface after deployment of liner hanger (not shown) Lifting sub 102 has junk cover assembly 214. Junk cover assembly 214 is adjacent and above polished bore receptacle 262. Junk cover assembly 214 is connected to lifting sub 102 to form a debris barrier from debris in wellbore 210 entering annular area 632 between polished bore receptacle 262 and running tool assembly 100. Lifting sub 102 is connected to packer setting sub 104. Packer setting sub 104 may actuate a weight-set packer during liner hanger deployment.

[0063] Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of view in wellbore 210 in which running tool assembly 100 includes balance piston assembly 106, hydraulic cylinder assembly 110, mandrel 108, bottom sub 174, ball seat assembly 222, and liner wiper assembly 116. Liner string 242 is also shown. Balance piston assembly 106 forms a fluid and pressure barrier in upper annular chamber 602 and lower annular chamber 604. As shown, hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 releasably connects running tool assembly 100 with liner hanger. Further as shown, ported sub 112 is disposed between hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 and liner wiper assembly 116. As shown, bottom sub 174 is connected to mandrel 108 and connected to ported sub 112. Ported sub 112 is temporarily connected to liner wiper assembly 116. Ported sub 112 has port 114 to provide tubing fluid to lower annular chamber 604 and external annular space 610 (as shown in Figure 17).

[0064] Figure 10 illustrates liner string 242 in wellbore 210 showing landing collar assembly 240. Liner string 242 is of variable axial length dependent on the specific wellbore, therefore Figure 10 is of variable axial distance below Figure 9 in wellbore 210. Landing collar assembly 240 may be configured to couple with additional liner string components (not shown). Landing collar assembly 240 has landing collar 224, and landing collar insert 226. Landing collar insert 226 has ratchet thread 238. Landing collar 240 receives and retains liner wiper assembly 116 during cement operations.

[0065] Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of balance piston assembly 106 before balance piston assembly 106 has been activated by dropping ball 228 on seat 182. As shown, balance piston assembly 106 is disposed in casing string 212. In embodiments as shown, mandrel of hydraulic activated equipment 230 (i.e., liner hanger), hydraulic port of hydraulic activated equipment 232 (i.e., liner hanger), hydraulic fluid chamber 618 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) and polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) are also disposed in casing string 212. It is to be understood that running tool assembly100 may be used with any hydraulic activated equipment suitable to be disposed in a downhole environment. Without limitation, examples of such hydraulic activated equipment include permanent packers, open-hole anchors, liner hangers, and the like. In an embodiment, the hydraulic activated equipment is a liner hanger. Balance piston assembly 106 has balanced piston 134, seals 130, 132, 136 138, shear device 128 and ratchet ring 140. Thimble 118, seal 120, top sub 122 with port 124, mandrel 108, and torque sleeve 126 are also shown. Seal 120, top sub 122, mandrel 108, balance piston assembly 106, polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger), and mandrel of hydraulic activated equipment 230 (i.e., liner hanger), form upper annular chamber 602. Upper annular chamber 602 has fluid and pressure communication with tubing fluid entering port 124 in top sub 122 from central borehole 502. Mandrel 108, balance piston assembly 106, and mandrel of hydraulic activated equipment 230 form lower annular chamber 604. Lower annular chamber 604 has fluid and pressure communication with tubing fluid entering port 114 (shown in Figure 9) in ported sub 112 (shown in Figure 9) from central borehole 502. Balance piston assembly 106 has axially-facing surfaces 504, 505. Axially -facing surfaces 504, 505 are subjected to a substantially net force of zero with applied tubing pressure. Balance piston assembly 106 seals hydraulic fluid chamber 618 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) from tubing pressure therefore eliminating premature activation of hydraulic activated equipment due to applied tubing pressure.

[0066] Figure 12 illustrates another embodiment of balance piston assembly 106 before balance piston assembly 106 has been activated by dropping ball 228 on seat 182. In embodiments, balanced piston assembly 106 has been replaced by hydraulic cylinder assembly 620. As shown, hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 is disposed in casing string 212. In embodiments as shown, mandrel of hydraulic activated equipment 230 (i.e., liner hanger), hydraulic setting port of hydraulic activated equipment 232 (i.e., liner hanger), hydraulic fluid chamber 618 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) and polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) are also disposed in casing string 212. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 has hydraulic cylinder 192, balance ring 186, shear ring 206, and seals 196, 202. Balance ring 186 has seals 184,188 and equalizing port 190 such that no differential pressure exists between each axial end of balance ring 186. Thimble 118, seal 120, top sub 122, mandrel 108, and torque sleeve 126 are also shown. Torque sleeve 126 may be configured to transmit rotational torque from running tool assembly 100 to hydraulic activated equipment (not shown). Hydraulic cylinderassembly 620 and mandrel of hydraulic activated equipment 230 form internal chamber 622. Internal chamber 622 has fluid and pressure communication with tubing fluid entering port 200 in mandrel 108 from central borehole 502. Seal 120, top sub 122, mandrel 108, hydraulic cylinder assembly 620, polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e. liner hanger) and mandrel of hydraulic activated equipment 230 (i.e. liner hanger) form external annular space 610 about hydraulic cylinder assembly 620. External annular space 610 has fluid and pressure communication with tubing fluid entering port 114 (shown in Figure 9) in ported sub 112 (shown in Figure 9) from central borehole 502. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 has internal axially- facing surfaces 624 and external axially-facing surfaces 626. Internal axially-facing surfaces 624 and external axially-facing surfaces 626 are subjected substantially to a net force of zero with applied tubing pressure. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 seals hydraulic fluid chamber 618 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) therefore eliminating premature activation of hydraulic activated equipment due to applied tubing pressure.

[0067] Figure 13 illustrates an embodiment of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 before hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 has been activated by dropping ball 228 on seat 182, which is before releasing hydraulic activated equipment. Mandrel 108, bottom sub 174, stop ring 142 and lock wire 144 are also shown. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 is shown disposed in casing string 212. In embodiments as shown, mandrel of hydraulic activated equipment 230 (i.e., liner hanger) and running tool profile 236 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) are also disposed in casing string 212. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 has releasing assembly 608, hydraulic cylinder 154 and seals 152 and 160. Releasing assembly 608 has collet 172. Collet 172 is releasably connected to running tool profile 236 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) and seats on bottom sub 174. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 and mandrel 108 form internal chamber 606. Internal chamber 606 has fluid and pressure communication with tubing fluid entering port 156 (shown in Figure 17) in mandrel 108 from central borehole 502. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 and mandrel of hydraulic activated equipment 230 form external annular space 610 (shown in Figure 17) about hydraulic cylinder assembly 110. External annular space 610 has fluid and pressure communication with tubing fluid entering port 114 (shown in Figure 9) in ported sub 112 (shown in Figure 9) from central borehole 502. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 has internal axially-facing surfaces 614 and external axially-facing surfaces 616. Internal axially- facing surfaces 614 and external axially -facing surfaces 616 are subjected to substantially a netforce of zero with applied tubing pressure therefore eliminating premature release of hydraulic activated equipment due to applied tubing pressure.

[0068] Figure 14 illustrates an embodiment of ball seat assembly 222. As shown, ball seat assembly 222 is disposed in casing string 212. Ball seat assembly 222 includes seat 182. When hydraulic activated equipment is ready to be deployed, ball 228 is dropped from surface. Seat 182 has a smaller internal diameter relative to the outer diameter of ball 228, serving as a restriction to ball 228 traveling through seat 182. The force of both gravity and tubing fluid flow propels ball 228 until contacting seat 182. Ball 228 forms a metal-to-metal seal with seat 182 against fluid flow through the central borehole 502 of the tubular body 501 above seat 182.

[0069] Figure 15 illustrates an activated embodiment of balance piston assembly 106 after ball 228 has dropped on seat 182. As illustrated, balanced piston assembly 106 has balanced piston 134, seals 130, 132, 136 138, shear device 128 and ratchet ring 140. Mandrel 108, stop ring 142 and lock wire 144 are also shown. Mandrel 108 has ratchet thread 234. Mandrel of hydraulic activated equipment 230 (i.e., liner hanger), hydraulic port of hydraulic activated equipment 232 (i.e., liner hanger), hydraulic fluid chamber 618 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) and polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) are also shown. Port 124 in top sub 122 (shown in Figure 11) is axially above seat 182 (shown in Figure 14). Port 114 is axially below seat 182. Once ball 228 forms a metal-to-metal seal with seat 182, port 124 is hydraulically isolated from port 114. Upper annular chamber 602 is hydraulically isolated from lower annular chamber 604. Axially-facing surfaces 504, 505 of balance piston assembly 106 are subjected to a net downward force with applied tubing pressure. The net downward force from tubing pressure on axially-facing surface 504 of balance piston assembly 106 is transferred through balance piston 134, and shear device 128. The net downward force is resisted by the temporary coupling of shear device 128 to mandrel 108. Upon the downward force reaching the prescribed shear value of shear device 128, shear device 128 shears and the net downward force causes axially downward movement of balance piston assembly 106 until contacting stop ring 142. Stop ring 142 is coupled to mandrel 108 with lock wire 144 and prevents further downward movement of balance piston assembly 106. Balance piston assembly 106 has ratchet ring 140 which engages with ratchet thread 234 on mandrel 108 to prevent axial movement in the upward direction. Hydraulic setting port of hydraulic activated equipment 232(i.e., liner hanger) and hydraulic fluid chamber 618 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) are now exposed to tubing pressure and may be actuated with increased tubing pressure.

[0070] Figure 16 illustrates another embodiment of balance piston assembly 106 after ball 228 has dropped on seat 182. In embodiments, balanced piston assembly 106 has been replaced by hydraulic cylinder assembly 620. As shown, hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 has hydraulic cylinder 192, balance ring 186, shear ring 206, shear device 204, ratchet ring 208, seals 196 and 202. Balance ring 186 has seals 184,188 and equalizing port 190 such that substantially no differential pressure exists between each axial end of balance ring 186. Mandrel 108, stop ring 142 and lock wire 144 are also shown. Mandrel 108 has port 200, allowing tubing fluid communication between central bore 502 and internal chamber 622. Mandrel 108 also has ratchet thread 234. Mandrel of hydraulic activated equipment 230 (i.e., liner hanger), hydraulic setting port of hydraulic activated equipment 232 (i.e., liner hanger), hydraulic fluid chamber 618 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) and polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) are also shown. Port 200 is axially above seat 182. Port 114 is axially below seat 182. Once ball 228 forms a metal-to-metal seal with seat 182, port 200 is hydraulically isolated from port 114. In embodiments, once ball 228 forms a metal-to-metal seal with seat 182, internal chamber 622 is hydraulically isolated from external annular space 610 about hydraulic cylinder assemblies 620. Internal axially-facing surfaces 624 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 and external axially-facing surfaces 626 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 are subjected to a net downward axial force with applied tubing pressure. The net downward axial force on hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 is transferred through hydraulic cylinder 192, shear ring 206 and shear device 204. The net downward axial force is resisted by the temporary coupling of shear device 204 to mandrel 108. Upon the downward axial force reaching the prescribed shear value of shear device 204, shear device 204 shears and the net downward axial force causes downward axial movement of hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 until contacting stop ring 142. Stop ring 142 is coupled to mandrel 108 with lock wire 144 and prevents further downward movement of hydraulic cylinder assembly 620. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 has ratchet ring 208 which engages with ratchet thread 234 on mandrel 108 to prevent axial movement in the downward direction. Hydraulic setting port of hydraulic activated equipment 232 (i.e., liner hanger) and hydraulic fluid chamber 618 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) are now exposed to tubing pressure and may be actuated with increased tubing pressure.

[0071] Figure 17 illustrates an embodiment of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 after ball 228 has dropped on seat 182 and after hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 has released from the hydraulic activated equipment. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 has releasing assembly 608, hydraulic cylinder 154, shear ring 148, shear device 150, ratchet ring 146 and seals 152 and 160. Mandrel 108, bottom sub 174, stop ring 142 and lock wire 144 are also shown. Mandrel 108 has port 156, allowing tubing fluid communication between central bore 502 and internal chamber 606. Mandrel 108 also has ratchet thread 634. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 is temporarily connected to mandrel 108 with shear device 150. As illustrated, embodiments of releasing assembly 608 include collet retainer 164, collet housing 166, set screw 168, retaining ring 170, and collet 172. Port 156 is axially above seat 182. Port 114 is axially below seat 182. Once ball 228 forms a metal-to-metal seal with seat 182, port 156 is hydraulically isolated from port 114. Internal chamber 606 is hydraulically isolated from external annular space 610 about hydraulic cylinder assembly 110. Internal axially-facing surfaces 614 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 and external axially -facing surfaces 616 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 are subjected to a net upward axial force with applied tubing pressure. The net upward axial force on hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 is transferred through hydraulic cylinder 154, shear ring 148 and shear device 150. The net upward axial force is resisted by the temporary coupling of shear device 150 to mandrel 108. Upon the upward axial force reaching the prescribed shear value of shear device 150, shear device 150 shears and the net upward axial force causes upward axial movement of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 until contacting stop ring 142. Stop ring 142 is coupled to mandrel 108 with lock wire 144 and prevents further upward axial movement of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 has ratchet ring 146 which engages with ratchet thread 634 on mandrel 108 to prevent axial movement in the downward direction. Upwards axial movement of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 actuates collet 172 to collapse radially inward and axially upward from running tool profile 236 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger), and unseats collet 172 from bottom sub 174, releasing running tool assembly 100 from liner hanger body 503 and allowing free axial movement of running tool assembly 100 with respect to liner hanger body 503.

[0072] As shown in the embodiments of Figures 7-17, a method of operating running tool assembly 100 includes running tool assembly 100 releasably connected to a liner hanger for deployment in a casing string 212 in wellbore 210. Ball 228 is dropped from surface. Seat 182serves as a restriction to ball 228 traveling through seat 182. The force of both gravity and tubing fluid flow propels ball 228 until contacting seat 182. Ball 228 forms a metal -to-metal seal with seat 182 against fluid flow through central borehole 502 of tubular body 501 below seat 182. In embodiments, ports 124, 200, and 156 are axially above seat 182. In embodiments, port 114 is axially below seat 182. In embodiments, once ball 228 forms a metal -to-metal seal with seat 182, ports 124, 200 and 156 are hydraulically isolated from port 114. In embodiments, once ball 228 forms a metal -to-metal seal with seat 182, upper annular chamber 602, internal chamber 606 and internal chamber 622 are hydraulically isolated from lower annular chamber 604 and external annular space 610 about hydraulic cylinder assemblies 110 and 608. In embodiments, once ball 228 forms a metal-to-metal seal with seat 182, axially -facing surfaces 504, 505 of balance piston assembly 106 are subjected to a net downward axial force with applied tubing pressure. The net downward axial force on balance piston assembly 106 is transferred through balance piston 134 and shear device 128. The net downward axial force is resisted by the temporary coupling of shear device 128 to mandrel 108. Upon the downward axial force reaching the prescribed shear value of shear device 128, shear device 128 shears and the net downward axial force causes downward axial movement of balance piston assembly 106 until contacting stop ring 142. Stop ring 142 is coupled to mandrel 108 with lock wire 144 and prevents further downward movement of balance piston assembly 106. Balance piston assembly 106 has ratchet ring 140 which engages with ratchet thread 234 on mandrel 108 to prevent axial movement in the upward axial direction. Hydraulic setting port of hydraulic activated equipment 232 (i.e., liner hanger) and hydraulic fluid chamber 618 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) are now exposed to tubing pressure and may be actuated with increased tubing pressure. In embodiments, once ball 228 forms a metal-to-metal seal with seat 182, internal axially -facing surfaces 624 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 and external axially-facing surfaces 626 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 are subjected to a net downward axial force with applied tubing pressure. The net downward axial force on hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 is transferred through hydraulic cylinder 192, shear ring 206 and shear device 204. The net downward axial force is resisted by the temporary coupling of shear device 204 to mandrel 108. Upon the downward axial force reaching the prescribed shear value of shear device 204, shear device 204 shears and the net downward axial force causes downward axial movement of the hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 until contacting stop ring 142. Stop ring 142 is coupled to mandrel 108 with lock wire 144 and prevents further downwardmovement of hydraulic cylinder assembly 620. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 620 has ratchet ring 208 which engages with ratchet thread 234 on mandrel 108 to prevent axial movement in the downward direction. Hydraulic setting port of hydraulic activated equipment 232 (i.e., liner hanger) and hydraulic fluid chamber 618 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) are now exposed to tubing pressure and may be actuated with increased tubing pressure. In embodiments, once ball 228 forms a metal -to-metal seal with seat 182, internal axially -facing surfaces 614 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 and external axially-facing surfaces 616 of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 are subjected to a net upward axial force with applied tubing pressure. The net upward axial force on hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 is transferred through hydraulic cylinder 154, shear ring 148 and shear device 150. The net upward axial force is resisted by the temporary coupling of shear device 150 to mandrel 108. Upon the upward axial force reaching the prescribed shear value of shear device 150, shear device 150 shears and the net upward axial force causes upward axial movement of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 until contacting stop ring 142. Stop ring 142 is coupled to mandrel 108 with lock wire 144 and prevents further upward movement of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110. Hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 has ratchet ring 146 which engages with ratchet thread 634 on mandrel 108 to prevent axial movement in the downward direction. Upwards axial movement of hydraulic cylinder assembly 110 actuates collet 172 to collapse radially inward and axially upward from running tool profile 236 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger), and unseats collet 172 from bottom sub 174, releasing running tool assembly 100 from liner hanger body 503 and allowing free axial movement of running tool assembly 100 with respect to liner hanger body 503.

[0073] Figure 18 illustrates an embodiment of ball seat assembly 222 showing seat 182. As shown, ball 228 has been extruded through extruded seat 182. After actuation of liner hanger and release of running tool assembly 100 from liner hanger, tubing pressure is increased against the metal-to-metal seal ball 228 forms with seat 182, until the prescribed tubing pressure at which ball 228 extrudes through seat 182. Hydraulic communication and flow is re-established below seat 182 and to wellbore 210 and the force of both gravity and tubing fluid flow propels ball 228 axially downhole.

[0074] Figure 19 illustrates an embodiment of landing collar assembly 240 after ball 228 lands in landing collar 224 of landing collar assembly 240. Casing string 212 is also shown. As illustrated, ratchet thread 238 and landing collar insert 226 are shown.

[0075] Figure 20 illustrates an embodiment of liner wiper assembly 116 during a cementing operation. Liner wiper assembly 116 has ratchet thread 248, wiper fins 254, ratchet ring 252 and shear device 244. Drill pipe dart assembly 246 has ratchet ring 250 and wiper fins 256. After pumping cement down the running string and liner string, drill pipe dart assembly 246 is pumped from surface downhole to clean the running string of residual cement with wiper fins 256. As shown, drill pipe dart assembly 246 is landing on liner wiper assembly 116. Liner wiper assembly 116 is disposed in casing string 212. Ratchet ring 250 in drill pipe dart assembly 246 engages ratchet thread 248 in liner wiper assembly 116, coupling drill pipe dart assembly 246 and liner wiper assembly 116 together. Liner wiper assembly 116 has shear device 244, which temporarily connects liner wiper assembly 116 to ported sub 112. After drill pipe dart assembly 246 lands on liner wiper assembly 116, tubing pressure is increased to the prescribed shear value of shear device 244, shearing shear device 244 and releasing liner wiper assembly 116 from ported sub 112 to travel down liner string 242 to clean liner string 242 with wiper fins 254 of residual cement

[0076] Figure 21 illustrates an embodiment of landing collar assembly 240 during a cementing operation. Landing collar assembly 240 is coupled to liner string 242 from above and is disposed in wellbore 210. Landing collar assembly 240 has landing collar 224 and landing collar insert 226. Landing collar insert 226 has ratchet thread 238. Ratchet ring 250 in drill pipe dart assembly 246 is engaged with ratchet thread 248 in liner wiper assembly 116, coupling drill pipe dart assembly 246 and liner wiper assembly 116 together. As shown, drill pipe dart assembly 246 and liner wiper assembly 116 are landing in landing collar 224. Liner wiper assembly 240 has ratchet ring 252. Ratchet ring 252 engages with ratchet thread 238 to couple landing collar assembly 240 with liner wiper assembly 116.

[0077] As shown in the embodiments of Figures 18-21, a method of operating running tool assembly 100 includes re-establishing hydraulic communication to wellbore 210 and cementing operations. Liner wiper assembly 116 has ratchet thread 248, wiper fins 254, ratchet ring 252 and shear device 244. Drill pipe dart assembly 246 has ratchet ring 250 and wiper fins 256. After pumping cement down the running string and liner string, drill pipe dart assembly 246 is pumped downhole to clean the running string of residual cement with wiper fins 256. Drill pipe dart assembly 246 lands on liner wiper assembly 116. Liner wiper assembly 116 is disposed in casing string 212. Ratchet ring 250 in drill pipe dart assembly 246 engages ratchet thread 248 in liner wiper assembly 116, coupling drill pipe dart assembly 246 and liner wiper assembly 116 together.Liner wiper assembly 116 has shear device 244, which temporarily connects liner wiper assembly 116 to ported sub 112. After drill pipe dart assembly 246 lands on liner wiper assembly 116, tubing pressure is increased to the prescribed shear value of shear device 244, shearing shear device 244 and releasing liner wiper assembly 116 from ported sub 112 to travel down liner string 242 to clean liner string 242 with wiper fins 254 of residual cement. Landing collar assembly 240 is coupled to liner string 242 from above and is disposed in wellbore 210. Landing collar assembly 240 has landing collar 224 and landing collar insert 226. Landing collar insert 226 has ratchet thread 238. Ratchet ring 250 in drill pipe dart assembly 246 is engaged with ratchet thread 248 in liner wiper assembly 116, coupling drill pipe dart assembly 246 and liner wiper assembly 116 together. As shown, drill pipe dart assembly 246 and liner wiper assembly 116 are landing in landing collar 224. Liner wiper assembly 240 has ratchet ring 252. Ratchet ring 252 engages with ratchet thread 238 to couple landing collar assembly 240 with liner wiper assembly 116. Cement is fully displaced from liner string 242 and cement operations are concluded.

[0078] Figure 22 illustrates view in wellbore 210 showing running tool assembly 100 moving axially upwards to engage packer setting sub 104 with polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) to set a weight-set packer 260 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger).

[0079] Figure 23 illustrates view in wellbore 210 showing weight set packer 260 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) and polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) after running tool assembly 100 moves axially upwards to set a weight-set packer 260 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger).

[0080] Figure 24 illustrates packer setting sub 104 engaged to polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) after the upward movement of running tool assembly 100. Packer setting sub 104 has hammer sleeve 628 and collet 630. After running tool assembly 100 moves axially upwards, packer setting sub 104 exits polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger). Collet 630 radially expands after exiting polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger). Downward axial movement of running tool assembly 100 engages hammer sleeve 628 with collet 630 and collet 630 with polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger). Downward axial weight is set on running tool assembly 100 and transfers through hammer sleeve 628 to collet 630 to polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., linerhanger. Setting the prescribed weight down activates weight-set packer 260 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger).

[0081] Figure 25 illustrates weight-set packer assembly 260 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) before engagement of running tool assembly 100 and activation in casing string 212.

[0082] Figure 26 illustrates weight-set packer assembly 260 after engagement of running tool assembly 100 and activation in casing string 212.

[0083] As shown in the embodiments of Figures 22-26, a method of operating running tool assembly 100 to move axially upwards to engage and set a weight-set packer 260 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) in casing string 212 is shown. Such method includes moving running tool assembly 100 axially upwards with respects to weight-set packer 260 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) and polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger). Packer setting sub 104 exits polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger). Collet 630 of packer setting sub 104 radially expands after exiting polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger). Downward axial movement of running tool assembly 100 with respect to weight-set packer 260 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) and polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) engages hammer sleeve 628 with collet 630 and collet 630 with polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger). Downward axial weight is set on running tool assembly 100 and transfers through hammer sleeve 628 to collet 630 to polished bore receptacle 262 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger). Setting the prescribed weight down activates the weight-set packer 260 of hydraulic activated equipment (i.e., liner hanger) in casing string 212.

[0084] Although the present invention 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 the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A running tool for conveying and deploying a hydraulically actuated liner hanger comprising: a. a piston assembly comprising a piston, a shear device, a ratchet ring and at least one seal to isolate a hydraulic fluid chamber of the liner hanger from applied tubing pressure until deployment; and b. a hydraulic cylinder assembly comprising a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder shear device, a hydraulic cylinder ratchet ring and at least one hydraulic cylinder seal that is hydraulically balanced internally and externally with tubing pressure until deployment.

2. The running tool of claim 1, comprising one or more first ports axially disposed above the piston assembly to provide tubing fluid to an upper annular chamber above the piston assembly.

3. The running tool of claim 2, comprising one or more second ports disposed axially below the piston assembly to an internal chamber of the hydraulic cylinder to provide tubing fluid.

4. The running tool of claim 3, comprising one or more third ports disposed axially below the piston assembly and the hydraulic cylinder assembly to provide tubing fluid to a lower annular chamber below the piston assembly and an external annular space about the hydraulic cylinder assembly.

5. The running tool of claim 4, comprising a seat disposed axially below the first and the second ports and disposed axially above the third port.

6. A running tool comprising: a. a tubular body with a central bore coupled to a running string; b. a piston assembly disposed radially outward of the tubular body and coupled to the tubular body with a shear device and a ratchet ring to allow axial movement along a single direction of travel relative to the tubular body and a liner hanger body of a liner hanger; c. one or more ports configured to provide tubing fluid to annular chambers disposed axially above and below the piston assembly;i. wherein axially-facing surfaces of the piston assembly are equal and when exposed to applied pressure of the tubing fluid, a net axial force is zero; and ii. wherein once an upper annular chamber disposed above the piston assembly is hydraulically isolated from a lower annular chamber below the piston assembly, the piston assembly is configured to be driven axially with applied tubing pressure relative to the liner hanger body and the tubular body such that tubing fluid enters a hydraulic fluid chamber of the liner hanger; and d. a hydraulic cylinder assembly disposed radially outward of the tubular body and coupled to the tubular body with a shear device and a ratchet ring to allow axial movement along a single direction of travel relative to the tubular body; i. wherein internal and external axially-facing surfaces of the hydraulic cylinder assembly are equal and when exposed to applied pressure of the tubing fluid, a net axial force is zero; and ii. wherein once an external annular space about the hydraulic cylinder assembly is hydraulically isolated from an internal chamber of the hydraulic cylinder assembly, the hydraulic cylinder assembly is configured to be driven with applied tubing pressure axially relative to the tubular body to release the running tool from the liner hanger.

7. The running tool of claim 6, wherein one or more ports are configured to provide the tubing fluid to an upper annular chamber axially disposed above the piston assembly.

8. The running tool of claim 6, wherein one or more ports are configured to provide the tubing fluid to an internal chamber of the hydraulic cylinder assembly.

9. The running tool of claim 6, wherein one or more ports are configured to provide the tubing fluid to a lower annular chamber disposed axially below the piston assembly and externally about the hydraulic cylinder assembly.

10. A running tool for conveying and deploying hydraulically actuated liner hangers comprising dual hydraulic cylinder assemblies comprising a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder shear device, a hydraulic cylinder ratchet ring, at least one hydraulic cylinder seal that is hydraulically balanced internally and externally with tubing pressure until deployment, and atleast one seal to isolate a hydraulic fluid chamber of the liner hanger from applied tubing pressure until deployment.

11. The running tool of claim 10, comprising one or more first ports to an internal chamber of a first hydraulic cylinder to provide tubing fluid.

12. The running tool of claim 11, comprising one or more second ports disposed axially below a first hydraulic cylinder assembly to an internal chamber of a second hydraulic cylinder to provide tubing fluid.

13. The running tool of claim 12, comprising one or more third ports disposed axially below a first hydraulic cylinder assembly and a second hydraulic cylinder assembly to provide tubing fluid to an external annular space about the first hydraulic cylinder assembly and the second hydraulic cylinder assembly.

14. The running tool of claim 13, comprising a seat disposed axially below the first port and the second port and disposed axially above the third port.

15. A running tool comprising: a. a tubular bore with a central bore coupled to a running string; b. a first hydraulic cylinder assembly disposed radially outward of a tubular body and coupled to the tubular body with a shear device and a lock ring to allow axial movement along a single direction of travel relative to the tubular body; i. wherein internal and external axially-facing surfaces of the hydraulic cylinder assembly are equal and when exposed to applied pressure of the tubing fluid, a net axial force is zero; and ii. wherein once an external annular space about the hydraulic cylinder assembly is hydraulically isolated from an internal chamber of the hydraulic cylinder assembly, the hydraulic cylinder assembly is configured to be driven axially with applied tubing pressure relative to a liner hanger body of a liner hanger and the tubular body such that tubing fluid enters a hydraulic fluid chamber of the liner hanger. c. a hydraulic cylinder assembly disposed radially outward of the tubular body and coupled to the tubular body with a shear device and a ratchet ring to allow axial movement along a single direction of travel relative to the tubular body;i. wherein an internal axially-facing surface and an external axially-facing surface of the hydraulic cylinder assembly are equal and when exposed to applied pressure of the tubing fluid, a net axial force is zero; and ii. wherein once an external annular space about the hydraulic cylinder assembly is hydraulically isolated from an internal chamber of the hydraulic cylinder assembly, the hydraulic cylinder assembly is configured to be driven with applied tubing pressure axially relative to the tubular body to release the running tool from the liner hanger.

16. The running tool of claim 15, wherein one or more ports are configured to provide the tubing fluid to an internal chamber of the first hydraulic cylinder assembly.

17. The running tool of claim 15, wherein one or more ports are configured to provide the tubing fluid to an internal chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder assembly.

18. The running tool of claim 15, wherein one or more ports are configured to provide the tubing fluid to an external annular space disposed axially below the hydraulic cylinder assembly and externally about the hydraulic cylinder assemblies.

Images