Casing Hanger Running Tool Torque Pin Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing casing hanger and running tool systems are limited in rotating a casing string in a borehole due to concerns about applying excessive torque to connections, restricting clockwise rotation and making it difficult to fully install casings in deviated boreholes.

Innovation Solution

A casing hanger and running tool system with a selectively engageable connection using retractable, spring-loaded torque pins and milled slots allows for clockwise rotation of the casing string without tightening the threaded connection, enabling efficient installation in deviated boreholes by transmitting torque directly through the pins and slots, while allowing easy disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the casing string is rotated clockwise to enable installation in deviated boreholes, then the installation capability in deviated boreholes is improved, but excessive torque is applied to the threaded connections causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation capability in deviated boreholesVSAvoidthreaded connection integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The running tool is segmented into multiple functional components including a body, torque pins, and a casing string interface. The torque pins are separate retractable elements that can engage with slots in the casing hanger to transmit rotation independently from the threaded connection, allowing the rotation function to be separated from the connection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Retractable torque pins serve as intermediaries between the running tool and the casing hanger. These pins can be extended to engage with milled slots in the casing hanger, providing a mechanical pathway to transmit rotational torque without relying on the threaded connection between the running tool and casing hanger.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a fixed threaded connection is used between the running tool and casing hanger, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ability to rotate the casing string without tightening the connection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidrotation capability without tightening

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the running tool and casing hanger is made dynamic through retractable torque pins that can extend to engage with slots during rotation operations, then retract when not needed. This dynamic engagement allows the system to adapt between providing rotational freedom and maintaining a secure connection as required by different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The torque pins are spring-loaded and automatically retract when not engaged with the slots, eliminating the need for manual intervention to disengage them. The system self-regulates the engagement state based on operational requirements, providing ease of operation without requiring additional tightening or loosening actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the running tool remains threaded to the casing hanger after installation, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidease of disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The running tool is designed to be completely extractable from the casing hanger after installation. The threaded connection can be fully disengaged by rotating the running tool counterclockwise, and the torque pins retract to clear the slots, allowing complete removal without leaving any components behind. This enables easy repair or replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables the rotation of casing strings in a clockwise direction without substantial tightening of the threaded connection, facilitating full installation in deviated boreholes and allowing for easy disassembly, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of torque pins are spring-loaded to move from an initial retracted configuration into an expanded configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Implementation Method 2

transmitting the rotational force through the selectively engageable connection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10094188B1Casing hanger and running tool system

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 CACTUS WELLHEAD LLC

AI summary

A casing hanger and running tool system and method for rotating a casing string in a borehole include a selectively engageable connection between the casing hanger and the running tool whereby upon rotation of the casing hanger and running tool in a first direction, a length of casing may be rotated without any substantial tightening of a threaded connection between the running tool and the casing hanger, and upon rotation of the running tool in a second direction, the threaded connection between the running tool and the casing hanger may be disengaged.