Actuated Load Shoulder for Stacked Casing Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
In deep oil and gas wells, traditional stacked casing configurations rely heavily on a single load shoulder and hanger, which becomes a limiting factor under increased weight and pressure, unable to efficiently distribute loads across multiple casing strings and high-pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an actuated load shoulder system with a load ring that moves radially outward to engage both the casing hanger and high-pressure housing profiles, distributing the load between the first position casing hanger and the high-pressure housing, thereby reducing the burden on the initial load shoulder and enabling the support of heavier casing strings and higher pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single load shoulder and hanger are used to support stacked casing strings, then the structure is simple, but the load-bearing capacity is limited and cannot support heavier casing strings
Solution Approach 1:
The load support function is segmented between two distinct components: the first position casing hanger and the actuated load shoulder with load ring. The load ring is divided into a hanger side profile engaging the second casing hanger and a housing side profile engaging the high-pressure housing, allowing load distribution across multiple engagement points rather than concentrating all force on a single load shoulder.
Solution Approach 2:
The load ring transitions from a single-point axial support to a multi-dimensional load distribution system. By engaging both the hanger profile (axial direction) and housing profile (radial direction) simultaneously, the system distributes loads across multiple spatial dimensions, increasing overall load-bearing capacity without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Reliability
If all weight of the second casing string is transmitted through the first casing hanger to the first load shoulder, then the support path is direct, but the first load shoulder becomes the limiting factor under increased pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The actuated load shoulder with load ring serves as an intermediary component between the second casing hanger and the high-pressure housing. Instead of direct load transmission from the first casing hanger to the first load shoulder, the load ring mediates by distributing forces to both the hanger profile and housing profile, reducing stress concentration on the first load shoulder and improving overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The load ring is designed to be actuated, transitioning from a retracted position to an extended position where it simultaneously engages both the hanger and housing profiles. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying pressure conditions, maintaining reliability across different operating scenarios by optimizing load distribution paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional stacked casing configuration is used, then installation is straightforward, but the system cannot efficiently distribute loads across multiple casing strings under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The actuated load shoulder assembly serves multiple functions: it supports the second position casing hanger, distributes loads to the high-pressure housing, and provides a mechanism for active load management. The load ring simultaneously engages both hanger and housing profiles, making the system adaptable to various pressure conditions and load scenarios without requiring entirely different configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for the support of larger and heavier casing strings while managing higher pressure loads by distributing the load across multiple components, enhancing the hanging capacity and reducing the risk of failure at the initial load shoulder.
Implementation Method 1
the load ring being driven toward the high pressure housing via a force applied to a contact surface arranged at a first angle, the force driving the load ring toward the hanger profile along a hanger groove arranged at a hanger groove angle
Data Source
AI summary
A wellhead system includes a first position casing hanger and a second position casing hanger, arranged within a wellbore. The second position casing hanger is positioned axially higher and stacked on the first position casing hanger, and a weight of the second position casing hanger is supported, at least in part but less than entirely, by the first position casing hanger and, at least in part but less than entirely, by an actuated load shoulder transferring the force into a high pressure housing. The actuated load shoulder includes a load ring having a hanger side profile and a housing side profile, the load ring is adapted to engage a hanger profile formed in the second position casing hanger and a housing profile formed in the high pressure housing upon activation via the first position casing hanger.