Adjustable Lockdown Sleeve for Single-Trip Wellhead Landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lockdown sleeve installation processes require multiple trips into the wellhead, including a first trip with a lead impression tool for measurement and subsequent surface-level adjustments, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A lockdown sleeve and running tool system that allows for a single-trip installation by adjusting the sleeve's length using rotation within the wellhead, eliminating the need for a lead impression tool and enabling a zero-gap connection with the casing hanger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lead impression tool is used to measure the distance between the top of the casing hanger and the housing locking profile, then measurement precision is improved, but installation time and operational complexity increase due to multiple trips required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement function and the lockdown sleeve installation function into a single integrated operation. The running tool incorporates both a measurement mechanism and the lockdown sleeve, allowing both functions to be performed during one trip into the wellhead, thereby eliminating the need for separate measurement and installation trips while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The running tool is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform measurement, lockdown sleeve deployment, and adjustment operations all within a single tool assembly. This universal tool eliminates the need for separate lead impression tools and subsequent adjustment operations, reducing installation time while preserving measurement accuracy
2Manufacturing precision
If the lockdown sleeve length is adjusted at the surface after retrieving the lead impression tool, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to requiring multiple trips into the wellhead
Solution Approach 1:
The lockdown sleeve is designed with adjustable length capability that can be modified dynamically while the tool is downhole. The running tool includes mechanisms to extend or adjust the lockdown sleeve length in situ based on real-time measurements, allowing precise length adjustment without requiring retrieval to surface, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while improving installation productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The running tool is pre-configured with the lockdown sleeve and measurement mechanisms before entering the wellhead. The tool performs all necessary measurements and adjustments during the single trip, executing preliminary actions that would otherwise require separate operations, thus improving productivity while maintaining precision through controlled adjustment mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If a traditional multi-trip installation process is used, then measurement and adjustment accuracy are improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lead impression tool functionality and the lockdown sleeve installation functionality into a single integrated running tool assembly. This combination eliminates the need for multiple separate tools and operations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy through integrated measurement and execution capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The running tool is designed as a universal device that can perform measurement, deployment, and adjustment functions all within one tool system. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of separate devices and operations required, simplifying the overall process while maintaining the measurement and adjustment accuracy needed for proper lockdown sleeve installation
Data Source
AI summary
A lockdown sleeve and a running tool that may be used to install the lockdown sleeve within a wellhead in a single trip are provided. The lockdown sleeve, may include two pieces that are rotatably coupled together via threads such that the axial length of the lockdown sleeve can be adjusted by rotation of one portion of the lockdown sleeve relative to the other. The running tool may lower the lockdown sleeve into the wellhead, actuate the lockdown sleeve to lock against an inner wall of the high-pressure wellhead housing and subsequently adjust the length of the lockdown sleeve so that the lockdown sleeve is fully landed on the casing hanger and applying any desired pre-load to the connection.