Hydraulic Lock Ring Tubing Hanger for Leak-Safe Wellhead Sealing

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hanger systems for wellbore components require numerous lock screws, which increase leak points and complexity, leading to potential fluid leakage and significant downtime.

Innovation Solution

A hanger assembly that secures a hanger to a head using a lock ring and hydraulic actuation, eliminating the need for lock screws by engaging and disengaging with hydraulic fluid flow, and featuring a threaded port hole for seal verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If multiple lock screws are used to secure the hanger to the head, then the securement strength is improved, but the number of leak points and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurement strengthVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple lock screws into a single integrated lock ring that performs the same securing function. The lock ring is a continuous annular component that engages with the head in multiple locations simultaneously, replacing the discrete lock screws while reducing the number of separate components and associated leak points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock ring serves multiple functions: it provides securement strength equivalent to multiple lock screws, acts as a barrier to prevent fluid leakage, and eliminates the need for multiple gland nuts and packing seals. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If multiple lock screws are used to secure the hanger to the head, then the securement strength is improved, but the number of potential leak points increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurement strengthVSAvoidfluid leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple lock screws into a single integrated lock ring that performs the same securing function. The lock ring is a continuous annular component that engages with the head in multiple locations simultaneously, replacing the discrete lock screws while reducing the number of separate components and associated leak points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and eliminates the vulnerable components associated with each lock screw (gland nuts, packing seals, and the screw threads themselves) by replacing them with a smooth-bore lock ring design. This removes the sources of potential leakage while maintaining the necessary securement function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If numerous lock screws with gland nuts and packing seals are used, then the securement is improved, but the installation and maintenance time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurementVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple lock screws into a single integrated lock ring that performs the same securing function. The lock ring is a continuous annular component that engages with the head in multiple locations simultaneously, replacing the discrete lock screws while reducing the number of separate components and associated leak points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the complex mechanical assembly of lock screws, gland nuts, and packing seals with a simpler hydraulic actuation system. Hydraulic pressure directly actuates the lock ring to engage or disengage from the head, eliminating the need for manual threading and tightening operations.

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

Reduces leak points and simplifies the securement process, ensuring a reliable seal without the need for multiple lock screws, thereby minimizing downtime and enhancing system integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a tapered piston seal ring located at the upper end of the lock ring. The tapered piston seal ring may include an annular shape having an upper end that may be closest to the top end of the cylindrical body and a lower end that partially fits into a space between the inside surface of the lock ring and the outside surface of the cylindrical body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS20250354449A1Tubing hanger for wellbore systems

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 SONIC CONNECTORS LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a hanger assembly that has a cylindrical body having a top end, a bottom end, an outside surface, and a bore defined therethrough forming an inside surface. The hanger assembly further includes a lock ring having an annular shape having an upper end that is closest to the top end of the cylindrical body and a lower end that is closest to the bottom end of the cylindrical body. The lock ring has an inside surface that contacts a portion of the outside surface of the cylindrical body. The lock ring also has an outside surface that has a diameter that is greatest at the lower end and smallest at the upper end. The lock ring is configured to fit within a load shoulder of a head to form a seal. The hanger assembly further includes a tapered piston seal ring disposed above the lock ring. The tapered piston seal ring has an annular shape that has an upper end that is closest to the top end of the cylindrical body and a lower end that partially fits into a space between the inside surface of the lock ring and the outside surface of the cylindrical body.