Axial Hanger Running Tool for Wellhead Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and cost associated with manufacturing and operating hanger running tools for wellhead assemblies in oil and natural gas extraction, particularly due to the need for rotational forces and threaded machining, result in increased time and expense.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulically actuated hanger running tool that installs hangers within wellhead assemblies using axial forces, eliminating the need for rotational forces and threaded machining by employing a system of axial forces to secure the hanger to the casing spool through lock rings, allowing for efficient installation and retrieval without rotational movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional hanger running tools use rotational forces and threaded machining to secure hangers, then reliable connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidtool complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional rotational mechanical threading system with an axial mechanical expansion system. Lock rings are expanded axially to engage with the hanger body, eliminating the need for rotational forces and threaded machining. This substitution maintains connection reliability while significantly reducing tool complexity and manufacturing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs hydraulic actuators to apply axial forces that expand the lock rings. The hydraulic system provides controlled axial expansion of the lock rings to engage with the hanger body, replacing complex rotational mechanical systems with a more straightforward hydraulic actuation mechanism that reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Strength

If threaded machining is used to create secure connections, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates threaded machining operations by replacing them with an axial expansion mechanism. Lock rings are expanded axially to create friction-fit connections that achieve sufficient connection strength without requiring precise threaded holes or complex machining operations, thereby significantly improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the engagement parameter from rotational threading to axial expansion. By expanding the lock rings axially, the system achieves strong connections through radial outward force and friction, eliminating the need for threaded machining while maintaining adequate connection strength for hanger installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If rotational forces are applied during hanger installation, then secure engagement is achieved, but operational time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rotational engagement mechanisms with axial expansion mechanisms. Lock rings are expanded axially to engage the hanger body, eliminating the need for rotational movements during installation. This substitution reduces installation time and operational complexity while maintaining reliable engagement through the axial expansion and friction-fit connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 manufacturing costs and time by eliminating the need for rotational forces and threaded components, simplifying the installation process and improving operational efficiency in mineral extraction systems.

Implementation Method 1

a first axial force is applied to a hanger running tool to couple the hanger running tool to a hanger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

the inner surface of the lock ring frictionally engages the outer surface of the hanger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11499387B2Hanger running tool and hanger

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 CAMERSON INT CORP

AI summary

A system includes a hanger running tool that has a first lock ring configured to secure the hanger running tool to a hanger when a first axial force is applied to the hanger running tool and a tool body configured to direct a push ring of the hanger in an axial direction when a second axial force is applied to the hanger running tool, where the push ring is configured to direct a second lock ring of the hanger radially outward toward a tubular, and where the hanger running tool is configured to secure the hanger to the tubular without rotating the hanger running tool.