Hydraulic Wellhead Hanger Running Tool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellhead hanger installation methods require complex rotation and multiple components, making the process inefficient and prone to errors, especially when maintaining pressure in control lines and securing hangers within wellhead housings.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically actuated running tool with a piston and outer sleeve that locks and unlocks wellhead hangers within wellhead housings without rotation, using locking segments and a collapsible locking ring to secure the hanger in place, allowing for efficient installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rotation-based methods are used to install wellhead hangers, then the hanger can be secured in the wellhead housing, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple components and rotation operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rotation-based mechanical system with a hydraulic actuation system. The running tool uses a hydraulic piston to axially move the locking ring and locking segments into engagement with the hanger, eliminating the need for rotation operations and reducing mechanical complexity of the installation process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic actuation through a piston and control lines to operate the locking mechanism. Hydraulic pressure is used to move the locking ring axially and engage the locking segments with the hanger, providing a simplified and more controllable installation process compared to traditional mechanical rotation methods
2Reliability
If rotation operations are performed during hanger installation, then the hanger can be locked in place, but pressure integrity in control lines may be compromised and operational errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates rotation operations by substituting them with axial hydraulic movement. The locking ring and segments are engaged through linear motion driven by a hydraulic piston, which maintains pressure integrity in control lines and reduces operational complexity while improving reliability
3Productivity
If multiple components and rotation steps are used, then the hanger can be securely installed, but the installation time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary rotation steps and complex multi-component mechanisms from the installation process. By using a simplified hydraulic actuation system with axial movement, the installation can be completed in fewer steps, reducing both time loss and improving overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement of rotation-based mechanical systems with hydraulic axial movement simplifies the installation sequence, allowing for faster and more efficient hanger installation without compromising security or reliability
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 secure and efficient installation of wellhead hangers within wellhead housings without the need for rotation, maintaining hydraulic control and pressure integrity, simplifying the process and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a piston that is actuated to drive locking segments of the running tool into engagement with a wellhead hanger
Implementation Method 2
an outer sleeve for selectively collapsing a locking ring, and the outer sleeve can be actuated to control locking of the wellhead hanger inside a wellhead housing via the locking ring
Data Source
AI summary
Various tools for installing components in a wellhead housing are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a wellhead hanger running tool. The running tool includes a piston and a locking segment both disposed in a body of the running tool. The piston and the locking segment are positioned with respect to one another so as to allow the locking segment to be selectively driven by the piston to secure the running tool to a wellhead hanger received by the running tool. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.