Liner hanger Anti-preset module with retrievable LUG system

Abstract

A system and method are provided for reducing the risk of premature actuation of a liner hanger system and / or premature release of a running tool. The system includes a running string for deploying a liner hanger assembly, the assembly comprising a liner hanger configured to be actuated at a selected location to suspend a liner or casing from a surrounding casing string. An anti‑preset module operates in cooperation with the liner hanger to inhibit premature actuation of the liner hanger. By way of example, the anti-preset module engages a locking mechanism, e.g. releasable lock dogs, to temporarily lock the liner hanger against premature actuation.

Description

IS23.1555LINER HANGER ANTI-PRESET MODULE WITH RETRIEVABLE LUG SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U. S. Provisional Application No.63 / 761445, titled Liner Hanger Anti-Preset Module with Retrievable Lug System, filed February 21, 2026, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] In many well applications, a wellbore is drilled and a casing string is deployed along the wellbore. A liner hanger system may then be used to suspend liner / casing downhole within the casing string via a liner hanger. The liner hanger system may be a mechanically operated system or a hydraulically operated system. However, hydraulically operated systems generally have greater versatility and allow the liner to be rotated during running in hole. While running in hole, fluid is circulated downhole under pressure to facilitate deployment of the liner. However, circulating the fluid at higher flow rates can generate high circulating pressures which run the risk of prematurely setting the liner hanger and / or releasing a running tool used to deploy the liner hanger. Attempts have been made to restrict such premature actuation, but current systems can be complicated or may not render the liner hanger system immune from premature hydraulic actuation.SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure describes a system and methodology for reducing the risk of premature actuation of a liner hanger system and / or premature release of a running tool by employing a liner hanger assembly deployed via a running string and configured for actuation at a selected location within a borehole. The system incorporates an anti -preset module that cooperates with the liner hanger to prevent unintended actuation by utilizing a locking mechanism such as locking dogs. A locking lug assembly will radially expand the locking dog to hold the liner hanger assembly in a run-in position. In certain§IS23.1555embodiments, the anti-preset module mechanically locks the hydraulic cylinder of the liner hanger in the run-in-hole position, thereby preventing premature setting of the liner hanger and unintended release of the running tool.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0004] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For better understanding, the elements have been designated by reference numbers throughout the various accompanying figures. While some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that the drawings depict some example embodiments, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0005] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example of a liner hanger system being deployed into a borehole, e.g. wellbore, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a running tool, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a locking lug assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the locking lug assembly engaged a liner hanger assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the locking lug assembly unengaged with the liner hanger assembly, according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a locking dog engaged with a liner hanger hydraulic cylinder.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONIS23.1555

[0011] The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to a methodology and system designed to reduce or eliminate the risk of premature actuation of a liner hanger system and / or premature release of an associated running tool. In one embodiment, the technique employs a liner hanger system that includes a running string and a liner hanger assembly. The liner hanger assembly comprises a liner hanger that is configured to be actuated at a selected location within a borehole, such as within an existing casing string. The assembly further includes a liner or casing section that can be suspended from the surrounding casing string by way of the liner hanger.

[0013] The liner hanger system utilizes an anti-preset module which may be used in cooperation with the liner hanger to prevent premature actuation of the liner hanger. A locking mechanism may be associated with the anti-present module. The locking mechanism may be locking dogs used to temporarily lock the liner hanger against premature actuation. According to an embodiment, the anti-preset module may be used to avoid premature setting of the liner hanger.

[0014] The anti-present module may utilize a locking lug assembly to maintain the locking mechanism in radially expanded position locked position preventing premature release of the hanger running tool. The locking lug assembly has a locking lug, C-ring and an assembly and drift profile. Additionally, the locking mechanism of the anti-preset module is used to mechanically lock the liner hanger against premature actuation. The locking mechanism may be used to mechanically lock a hydraulic cylinder of the liner hanger in a run-in-hole position.

[0015] The liner hanger may be set by dropping a ball down through the running tool to a ball seat to enable creation of a pressure differential. By relatively increasing the pressure within an inner pressure region, the locking mechanism is released to enable actuation of the liner hanger. The pressure differential is created once the ball is dropped within the inner pressure region below anti-present module to create a temporarily plug.IS23.1555The pressure differential is utilized to release the locking mechanism to enable actuation of the liner hanger while also allowing release of a liner hanger running tool.

[0016] Referring generally to FIG. 1, an example of a liner hanger system 30 is illustrated as being run-in-hole into a borehole 32, e.g. a wellbore, lined with or otherwise having a casing 34. In this embodiment, the liner hanger system 30 comprises a liner hanger assembly 36 having tubing 38, e.g. a liner string, coupled with a liner hanger 40. The overall liner hanger system 30 further comprises a releasable running string 42 which is releasably coupled with the liner hanger assembly 36. The liner hanger 40 works in cooperation with an anti-preset module 44 to prevent premature actuation / setting of the liner hanger 40 into engagement with the surrounding casing 34.

[0017] Depending on the parameters of a given operation, the liner hanger system 30 also may comprise other components / assemblies enabling interaction between the liner hanger assembly 36 and the running string 42. For example, the overall liner hanger system 30 may further comprise a packer section 50. The packer section 50 may include a liner top packer assembly having a packer 52 which is part of or combined with the overall liner hanger assembly 36. In the illustrated example, the packer 52 is part of the liner hanger assembly 36 and is located above the liner hanger 40. The packer section 50 may have a variety of configurations and may comprise sealing elements and other components to facilitate actuation and engagement with the surrounding casing 34.

[0018] In the illustrated example, the liner hanger 40 comprises various features such as a cone 54 having inclined surfaces which interact with slips 56. The slips 56 may be coupled with one or more hydraulic cylinders 58. Once the liner hanger 40 is released for actuation via the anti-preset module 44, pressure applied down through the running string 42 may be used to actuate at least one of the cylinders 58 so as to shift the slips 56 linearly with respect to the cone 54. This relative linear movement of the slips 56 against the sloped surfaces of cone 54 effectively forces the slips 56 in a radially outward direction and ultimately into secure engagement with the surrounding casing 34.

[0019] Fig. 2 illustrates a running tool 60. The running tool 60 has one or more sealing elements 62. The one or more sealing elements may be cup seal 62. The cup seal 62 permitIS23.1555fluid to flow past in one direction and prevents flow to pass in the opposite direction. Thus, as the running tool 60 is being run in, fluid flows past the cup seal 62. Also, the cup seal 62 will create a seal when a fluid force is applied in the opposite direction. The running tool 60 is activated by fluid in an annulus created between the shifting tool 62 and the liner hanger assembly 36. The fluid in the annulus will cause the cup seals 62 to seal against an inner surface of the liner hanger assembly 36.

[0020] The running tool 60 has a mandrel 104 with a throughbore 64 to permit fluid or other objects such as a ball to flow through the throughbore 64. The mandrel 104 has one or more ports 66 that allows fluid to enter a chamber 68. The chamber 68 is created by a piston 70, a stationary seal 74 associated with the mandrel 104 and a sliding seal 72 associated with the piston 70. Each stationary seal 74 is located on the outer surface of the mandrel 104 and each sliding seal 72 is located on the inner surface of the piston 70. The stationary seals 74 and the sliding seals 72 are positioned on opposite sides of the ports 66. A sliding sleeve 76 is connected to the lower end of the piston 70. The sliding sleeve 76 and piston 70 are activated by fluid entering the chamber causing both the sliding sleeve 76 and piston 70 to slide relative to the mandrel 104. A temporary holding device such as a shear pin 78 holds the piston 70 and sleeve 76 in place until a require differential pressure is applied in the chamber 74. A rachet ring 102, or other locking mechanism is located on the inner surface of the sleeve 76, The rachet ring 102 may be located in a groove in the inner surface of the sleeve 76. The rachet ring 102 corresponds to a ratchet, or other locking mechanism, on the outer surface of the mandrel 104. The corresponding rachet allows the sleeve 76 to travel in one direction and prevents the sleeve from sliding in the opposite direction when fluid pressure is reduced in the chamber 74. The rachet ring will lock the sleeve 76 in place after the sleeve76 has moved linearly on the mandrel 104.

[0021] The liner hanger system 30 and the anti -preset module 44 are illustrated in FIGS. 3-6. The anti-preset module 44 comprises locking mechanism which may utilize a plurality of the locking dogs 98. In this configuration, the locking dogs 98 are positioned on a hanger mandrel 102 for engagement with a corresponding hydraulic cylinder 100. The locking dogs 98 are displaced radially outward by a locking lug assembly 80.IS23.1555

[0022] Referring to FIG. 3, is an example of the locking lug assembly 80. The locking lug assembly 80 comprises locking lugs 86 located between a top support 82 and an assembly and drift profile 84. The assembly and drift profile 84 allows for installation or decommission of the locking lug assembly 80 at the surface prior to the tool being run-in downhole. The locking lugs 86 are circumferentially mounted between the top support 82 and the assembly and drift profile 84. The locking lugs 86 are radially movable in relation to the top section 82 and the assembly and drift profile 84. The movement of the locking lugs 86 between a radially inward position and a radially outward position and may be along a straight, angular, curved, or other suitable path.

[0023] The locking lugs 86 have a groove on the inner surface. Within the groove is a c-ring 96. The c-ring 96 is a biasing mechanism that biases the locking lugs 86 radially outward. The locking lugs 86 may comprise a chamfered or otherwise sloped lead surface and tailing surface oriented to facilitate longitudinal movement of the locking lug assembly 80. The locking lugs 86 has a lead section 88 and tail section 90. The lead section 88 overlaps a lower end of the top support 82. While the tail section 90 overlaps the top section of the assembly and drift profile 84. An upper retainer ring 92 is associated with the top support 82 and will limit outward radially movement of the locking lugs 86. A lower retainer ring 94 is associated with the assembly and drift profile 84 and will limit outward radially movement of the locking lugs 86. The top retainer ring 92 is located around the outer surface of the top support 82 and the lower retainer ring 94 is located around the assembly and drift profile 84 respectfully.

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a section of the liner hanger assembly 36 associated with the locking lug assembly 80. This section of the liner hanger assembly 36 includes a liner hanger mandrel 102 with a throughbore. Surrounding the outer surface of the liner hanger mandrel 102 is a hydraulic cylinder 100. The hydraulic cylinder 100 is utilized to shift the slips 56 linearly with respect to the cone 54. This relative linear movement of the slips 56 against the sloped surfaces of cone 54 effectively forces the slips 56 in a radially outward direction and ultimately into secure engagement with the surrounding casing 34. A plurality of locking dogs 98 may be mounted in corresponding recesses formed along the exterior of liner hanger mandrel 102. Prior to actuation of liner hanger 40, e g. during running-in-hole, the locking dogs 98 are in contact with an interior surface of the hydraulic cylinderIS23.1555100. The locking dogs 98 prevents premature activation of the liner hanger assembly 36 when in contact with the interior surface of the hydraulic cylinder 100.

[0025] The locking dogs 98 may comprise a chamfered or otherwise sloped lead surface and tailing surface to promote longitudinal movement. Additionally, the surface of the interior of the liner hanger mandrel 102 which mates with the locking dogs 98 may have a chamfered or otherwise sloped lead surface and tailing surface. The locking dog 98 can translate radially in reference to the liner hanger mandrel 102. The radial movement of the locking dog 98 is limited by the hydraulic cylinder 100.

[0026] Fig. 4 illustrates the running tool 60 within and engaged with the anti-preset module 44. The sleeve 76 engages the inner surface of the locking lug 86 as shown in FIG.4. The locking lug is translated radially when the sleeve 76 is engaged with the inner surface of the locking lug 86. The outer surface of the locking lug 86 will engage the inner surface of the locking dogs 98 when the locking lug 86 is radially extended. The locking lug 86 will move the locking dogs 98 radially to engage the interior surface of the hydraulic cylinder 100. In this configuration, the anti -preset module 44 is engaged with the liner hanger assembly 36 preventing actuation of the tool.

[0027] In operation of releasing the anti-preset module 44 for actuation of the liner hanger 40, the liner hanger 40 is placed in a desired location for setting the slips 56. A ball (not shown) is dropped down through the internal passage 64 of the running tool 60 and engages a corresponding ball seat (not shown) to prevent flow along internal passage 64. It should be noted that the ball could be other blocking mechanisms such as darts and various other plugs.

[0028] After the ball is seated against corresponding ball seat, pressure is increased in the internal passage 64. The increased pressure within the inner pressure region 64 will also increase the pressure in the chamber 68 via the ports 66. The increased pressure will cause the shear pin 78 to shear allowing the piston 70 to move linearly. The linear movement of piston 70 also causes the connected sleeve 76 to move linearly, thereby positioning the sleeve 76 such that it is no longer located beneath the locking lug 86, as illustrated in FIG. 5.IS23.1555

[0029] Once the locking lug 86 is no longer supported by the sleeve 76, the locking lug 86 retracts, causing the locking dogs to retract as well, such that the locking dogs are no longer engaged with the inner surface of the hydraulic cylinder 100. At this point, the liner hanger assembly 36 is ready for operation, and the hydraulic cylinder 100 may be actuated. After the liner hanger assembly 36 has been set, the running tool 60 may be retrieved from the liner hanger 40.

[0030] It should be noted the liner hanger assembly 36 and running string 42 may be constructed in various sizes and configurations. Additionally, each of these components of the overall liner hanger system 30 may utilize various engagement features, seals, flow port arrangements, flow passages, and / or other features to enable the desired operation. For example, various flow passage arrangements may be used to achieve the desired equalization of pressures between the inner pressure chamber and the intermediate pressure chamber. Additionally, various types of balls may be used or other types of mechanisms may be used to enable selective achievement of the pressure differentials for releasing the anti-preset module, for actuating the liner hanger, and / or for releasing the running tool.

[0031] Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.

[0032] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. These described embodiments are examples of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual embodiment may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous embodiment-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developers’ specific goals, such as compliance with system -related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one embodiment to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and timeIS23.1555consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0033] A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present disclosure that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional “means-plus-function” clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner, and equivalent structures that provide the same function. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function or other functional claiming for any claim except for those in which the words ‘means for’ appear together with an associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments that falls within the meaning and scope of the claims is to be embraced by the claims.

Claims

IS23.1555CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system for use in a well, comprising:a running tool;a liner hanger assembly coupled with the running tool for conveyance to a desired location in a borehole, the liner hanger assembly comprising:a packer;a liner hanger actuatable between a radially contracted position and a radially expanded set position;a setting tool; andan anti-preset module comprising a locking mechanism mounted on the liner hanger assembly, a sleeve and a locking lug assembly mounted on a running tool, the locking mechanism temporarily held in place by the locking lug assembly to prevent the liner hanger against actuation, the sleeve being shiftable to release the locking lug assembly thereby releasing the locking mechanism in response to a sufficient pressure differential.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the locking lug assembly comprises a locking lug that inhibits movement of the locking mechanism when the locking lug is engaged with the locking mechanism.

3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of dogs held in a radially outward locked position by the locking lug assembly.

4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein using the pressure differential further comprises actuating the liner hanger to a set position in a borehole.IS23.15555. The system as recited in claim 3, wherein the plurality of dogs are spring biased in a radially outward direction.

6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the sleeve is coupled with a shiftable piston.

7. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein the shiftable piston and locking lug assembly are mounted around a mandrel of the setting tool.

8. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein the mandrel has a port to provide the pressure differential to the piston.

9. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the anti-preset module comprises shear screws which initially resist movement of the lock dog support sleeve.

10. A method, comprising:deploying a liner hanger assembly downhole via a running tool; locking a liner hanger of the liner hanger assembly in a radially collapsed configuration via a locking dog mounted in and retained by the liner hanger;creating a pressure differential between an inner pressure region of the running tool; andusing the pressure differential to shift a sleeve coupled to a piston to disengage a locking lug from one or more locking dog to release the one or more locking dog from the liner hanger.

11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein using the pressure differential further comprises actuating the liner hanger to a set position in a borehole.

12. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein using the pressure differential further comprises subsequently releasing the running tool from the liner hanger assembly.IS23.155513. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein using the pressure differential further comprises actuating slips and a packer of the liner hanger assembly.

14. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein locking comprises using the one or more locking dogs held in a radially outward position by the locking lug to block actuation of the liner hanger.

15. The method as recited in claim 14, wherein locking comprises holding the one or more locking dogs in engagement with an inner surface of a corresponding hydraulic cylinder of the liner hanger via a locking lug assembly.

16. A system, comprising:a running tool;a liner hanger assembly coupled with the running tool for conveyance to a desired location in a borehole, the liner hanger assembly comprising:a liner hanger actuatable between a radially contracted position and a radially expanded set position by applying a sufficient pressure differential; and an anti-preset module comprising a locking mechanism mounted in the liner hanger assembly, the locking mechanism being held in place by a locking lug to lock the liner hanger against actuation, the locking lug being held in place by a sleeve, the sleeve being shiftable to release the locking lug which releases the locking mechanism in response to buildup of the sufficient pressure differential.

17. The system as recited in claim 16, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of lock dogs held radially outward in a locked position via a radially expanded locking lug.

18. The system as recited in claim 17, wherein the plurality of lock dogs are held against an internal surface of a hydraulic actuation cylinder of the liner hanger when in the locked position.IS23.155519. The system as recited in claim 18, wherein the anti-preset module comprises shear screws which initially resist movement of the lock dog support sleeve.

20. The system as recited in claim 16, wherein the sleeve is coupled with a shiftable piston, the shiftable piston and locking lug assembly are mounted around a mandrel of the setting tool.

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