Expandable Member Liner Hanger Running Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current downhole systems for liner hanger assemblies in the drilling and completion industry are complex and require multiple moving parts for connection and release, making them cumbersome and expensive to maintain, particularly due to the need for frequent redressing of running tools.

Innovation Solution

A downhole system featuring a running tool with an expandable member that increases in volume from a first condition to a second condition at the surface, allowing for a secure connection to the liner hanger without the need for complex mechanical features, enabling easier assembly and operation by expanding to carry the weight of the liner hanger and string during deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex mechanical features and moving parts are used in running tools for connection and release, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex mechanical connection features from the running tool by introducing a separate expandable member that performs the connection function. This separates the connection mechanism from the main running tool structure, reducing the running tool's complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the dedicated expandable component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection systems with multiple moving parts with a simpler expandable member system. The expandable member uses radial expansion mechanics rather than complex mechanical engagement features, reducing the number of moving parts while achieving reliable connection between the running tool and liner hanger.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple moving parts are used for connection and release operations, then the operational functionality is improved, but the ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational functionalityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the connection and release functionality into a dedicated expandable member system, separating it from the main running tool. This allows the running tool to remain simple and easy to operate while the expandable member provides the necessary operational complexity for secure connection and controlled release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The expandable member provides dynamic functionality through its ability to expand and contract radially. This dynamic characteristic enables the system to transition between connected and disconnected states without requiring complex mechanical moving parts in the main running tool, maintaining ease of operation while achieving versatile functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If traditional running tools are used for liner hanger deployment, then the weight carrying capacity is sufficient, but the maintenance frequency and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight carrying capacityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a disposable approach to the expandable member, which is designed to be replaced rather than maintained. This eliminates the need for complex maintenance of moving parts while ensuring reliable weight carrying capacity during each use. The running tool itself remains simple and durable, requiring minimal maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By extracting the connection functionality into a separate expandable member, the patent isolates the components that would require maintenance. The running tool becomes a simple, durable structure with minimal moving parts, significantly reducing maintenance frequency and cost while maintaining sufficient weight carrying capacity.

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

Simplifies the assembly and operation of liner hanger assemblies by reducing the number of moving parts and enabling the running tool to efficiently carry the weight of the liner hanger and string, while also providing a secure seal and adjustable weight capacity, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

The expandable member is configured to increase in volume from a first condition to a second condition at a surface location

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExpandable member volume increase:

Implementation Method 2

the running tool is configured to carry a weight of the liner hanger using the expandable member during run-in

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWeight support:

Data Source

PatentUS10677023B2Liner hanger assembly having running tool with expandable member and method

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A downhole system having a liner hanger assembly includes a liner hanger and a running tool. The running tool includes a tubular and an expandable member disposed circumferentially around the tubular. The expandable member is configured to increase in volume from a first condition to a second condition at a surface location. The second condition of the expandable member connects the running tool to the liner hanger.