Expandable Load Member Casing Hanger Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellhead casing systems often require complex load ring systems to achieve full bore access below the wellhead housing, which complicates the support and installation of casing hangers.
Innovation Solution
A wellhead system featuring a retractable ring and a casing hanger with an activation ring that engages with an expandable load member, allowing the load member to expand and engage with the high pressure housing for secure support, while also enabling an over-pull test to verify the casing hanger's securement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent load shoulder is formed in the wellhead housing during manufacturing, then the casing hanger can be supported and located properly, but the effective diameter for inserting objects below the casing hanger is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static permanent load shoulder with a dynamic expandable load ring system. The load ring is initially in a compressed state allowing full bore access, then expands to provide the necessary support surface. This dynamic transformation allows the structure to adapt between two functional states: insertion mode with full diameter and support mode with expanded load ring providing the bearing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable load ring is disposed within the wellhead housing in a nested configuration. When compressed, it fits within the full bore diameter. When expanded, it provides the load bearing surface while remaining within the housing boundaries. This nesting approach allows the support structure to be contained within the housing without permanently reducing the effective diameter.
2Area of stationary object
If an expandable load ring system is used to provide full bore access, then the effective diameter is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the single expandable load ring component: it serves as the bearing surface for the casing hanger, provides the expansion mechanism through integrated dogs, and maintains the full bore geometry when compressed. The activation ring also integrates multiple functions: it triggers the expansion sequence and provides the sealing surface. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable load ring serves multiple functions: it provides the load bearing surface, maintains full bore access when compressed, and enables the expansion mechanism through its interaction with the activation ring and dogs. The activation ring similarly serves multiple functions: triggering expansion, providing sealing, and locating the casing hanger. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
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 solution provides a simplified method for supporting casing hangers with full bore access, ensuring secure engagement and easy verification of the casing hanger's position within the wellhead housing, reducing complexity and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the activation ring and the body of the casing hanger cooperate with the load member to urge the load member outward into engagement with the high pressure housing
Implementation Method 2
When the activation ring is engaged by the retractable ring, the activation ring is blocked from further downward motion
Implementation Method 3
The outer surface of the load member and the inner surface of the high pressure housing are configured so that the high pressure housing supports the casing hanger when the load member is engaged with the high pressure housing
Data Source
AI summary
A wellhead system comprising a high pressure housing having a retractable ring and a casing hanger having an activation ring configured to be engaged by the retractable ring when the casing hanger is lowered into the high pressure housing. An expandable load member is carried by the casing hanger into the high pressure housing. When the activation ring is engaged by the retractable ring, the activation ring is blocked from further downward motion. The activation ring and the body of the casing hanger cooperate with the load member to expand the load member outward into engagement with the high pressure housing as the casing hanger is lowered further into the high pressure housing. The outer surface of the load member and the inner surface of the high pressure housing are configured so that the high pressure housing supports the casing hanger when the load member is expanded into engagement with the high pressure housing.