Expandable Tubular Running Tool Radial Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for deploying liners in wellbores require multiple trips and cementing operations, which are time-consuming and inefficient, especially when expanding a wellbore beyond an existing casing.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an expandable tubular with anchor slips and a running tool that includes a forcing cone for radial expansion, allowing the tubular to be deployed and expanded into mechanical engagement with the casing without the need for multiple cementing operations, using a tubular support system that selectively engages with the running tool engagement element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cementing operations are performed to deploy liners in a wellbore, then the liner can be securely installed, but the deployment time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the liner deployment process into two independent phases: first deploying the liner using the running tool with forcing cone, then separately performing cementing operations. This segmentation allows the liner to be installed reliably without requiring multiple trips, as the forcing cone provides mechanical expansion and engagement with the wellbore wall independently of cementing.
Solution Approach 2:
The forcing cone performs preliminary mechanical expansion and engagement of the liner with the wellbore before cementing is required. This preliminary action secures the liner in position, eliminating the need for multiple trips to ensure proper installation, and allows cementing to be performed as a single subsequent operation.
2Reliability
If traditional liner deployment methods are used requiring multiple trips, then cementing can ensure liner stability, but the operational efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the mechanical expansion function from the traditional cementing-dependent deployment process. The forcing cone provides independent mechanical engagement with the wellbore wall, taking out the requirement for multiple trips and allowing cementing to be performed as a single efficiency-enhancing operation rather than a repeated necessity.
Solution Approach 2:
The forcing cone changes the mechanical parameters of the liner by radially expanding it to a larger diameter, creating strong mechanical engagement with the wellbore wall. This parameter change (diameter expansion) provides the stability previously requiring multiple trips, thereby improving operational efficiency and productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the running tool is released and withdrawn after liner placement, then the liner can be cemented, but multiple trips are required which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The running tool with forcing cone serves multiple functions: it deploys the liner, provides mechanical expansion, and ensures stable engagement with the wellbore in a single operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized operations and trips, simplifying the overall procedure while reducing operational complexity.
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 efficient deployment and expansion of the liner hanger into the wellbore, reducing the need for multiple trips and cementing operations, thereby enhancing the speed and efficiency of wellbore expansion.
Implementation Method 1
expanding the expandable tubular radially outwardly by driving a forcing cone along the running tool
Implementation Method 2
engaging an anchor slip supported on an outer surface of the expandable tubular with a casing tubular
Data Source
AI summary
A system for subterranean deployment in a wellbore includes an expandable tubular having an outer surface supporting at least one anchor slip and an inner surface including a running tool engagement element, and a running tool for deploying the expandable tubular into the wellbore. The running tool includes an inner surface portion defining a passage and an outer surface portion supporting a forcing cone for expanding at least a portion of the expandable tubular, and a tubular support system selectively engaging with the running tool engagement element.