Adjustable Casing Hanger for Wellhead Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for installing casing strings in oil and gas wells are time-consuming and costly, as they require complex procedures and equipment to manage casing weight and cementing processes effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a hanger structure with adjustable means and vertically spaced shoulders for controlled casing section installation, allowing for lateral removal of body sections and enhanced O-ring sealing to facilitate efficient cementing and connection of production apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional casing installation methods are used, then casing strings can be installed in the well, but the process is time-consuming and costly requiring complex procedures and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger structure is divided into multiple body sections (first body section, second body section, etc.) that can be independently removed laterally from the wellhead. This segmentation allows different parts of the installation system to be separated and removed at different times, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining functionality during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger structure with multiple body sections is pre-assembled and positioned at the wellhead before casing installation. The vertically spaced shoulders are pre-positioned to receive casing sections, and the adjustable means are pre-configured. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for complex procedures during the actual casing installation, reducing both time and complexity.
2Reliability
If casing weight is applied to the hanger structure, then cementing can be performed, but drillrig time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger structure incorporates adjustable means that enable controllable adjustment of hanger length, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different installation requirements. This adjustability ensures proper positioning and weight distribution during cementing operations, achieving reliable cementing without requiring excessive drillrig time or complex procedures.
3Strength
If body sections are permanently attached, then structural integrity is maintained, but access for production equipment is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger structure is segmented into multiple body sections that are attached during installation to maintain structural integrity, but can be independently removed laterally from the wellhead after casing installation is complete. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the structure to be strong when needed and easily accessible when production equipment needs to be installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The body sections are pre-configured to be removable, with the understanding that they will serve their structural purpose during installation and then be removed to facilitate production equipment access. This preliminary design decision allows the system to fulfill both requirements without compromise.
4Reliability
If multiple concentric casing strings are installed using conventional methods, then complete well completion is achieved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger structure with multiple body sections and vertically spaced shoulders serves multiple functions: it supports multiple concentric casing strings during installation, provides removable access points at the wellhead, and enables efficient cementing operations. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle the complete installation process for multiple casing strings, improving productivity without compromising completion quality.
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 approach reduces drillrig time and expense by enabling controlled casing weight application, ensuring successful cementing and rapid access for well production equipment, while providing enhanced sealing and efficient installation of multiple concentric casing strings.
Implementation Method 1
adjustable means for enabling controllable adjustment of hanger length, whereby uncemented casing weight is applied to the hanger structure
Implementation Method 2
such adjustable means typically includes wedge surfaces that induce lateral expansion of a lower portion of the hanger structure in response to adjustment of said means
Implementation Method 3
providing enhanced O-ring sealing against well casing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Apparatus facilitating successive installation of casing sections (100, 101, 102) endwise in a well, that includes hanger structure sized for installation at a well head, the hanger structure having a vertical through opening (18) via which successive casing sections (100, 101, 102) are installable vertically in the well, the hanger structure having vertically spaced shoulders (25, 28, 33) for landing casing sections (100, 101, 102), there being adjustable structure (40) for enabling controllable adjustment of hanger length, whereby uncemented casing weight is applied on the hanger structure.