Liner Hanger Running Tool Contingency Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liner hanger running tools often fail to release from the set liner hanger, leading to costly and time-consuming operations.
Innovation Solution
A liner hanger running tool with a mechanism that includes a mandrel, outer housing, and shear screws, allowing for both hydraulic and contingency release procedures to ensure successful detachment from the liner hanger, utilizing compressive loads and rotational directions to overcome mechanical interlocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a running tool is used to convey a liner into the well and set the liner hanger, then the liner hanger is securely anchored in the previous liner or casing, but the running tool may fail to release from the set liner hanger, resulting in expensive and time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a contingency release mechanism that is pre-configured and activated only when the normal hydraulic release fails. This preliminary preparation ensures that if the primary release method does not work, the tool can still be retrieved without requiring expensive and time-consuming well intervention operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a backup release mechanism that acts as a safety net against release failure. This redundant system cushions against the potential harm of the running tool remaining attached to the liner hanger, preventing the need for costly and time-consuming remedial operations.
2Reliability
If a simple release mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of release may be insufficient under various failure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is divided into two independent segments: a normal hydraulic release system and a contingency release system. Each segment can function independently, allowing the complex functionality to be achieved through modular, manageable components that can be designed and tested separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The running tool incorporates a multi-functional release system that can operate through multiple methods (hydraulic actuation and mechanical contingency release). This universal approach ensures that the release function can be achieved regardless of which specific mechanism fails, maintaining reliability without requiring entirely separate systems.
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
Ensures reliable release of the running tool from the liner hanger, providing a method to retrieve the tool and work string efficiently, even in cases of initial release failure.
Implementation Method 1
a first shear member... when the first shear member is received in the first slot, the first shear member releasably secures the mandrel against rotation relative to the outer housing
Implementation Method 2
when a compressive load is applied to the running tool, the first shear member is sheared
Implementation Method 3
a second shear member... when the second shear member is received in the second slot, the second shear member prevents downward displacement of the mandrel relative to the outer housing
Implementation Method 4
rotating the work string in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction... the second shear member is sheared
Data Source
AI summary
A method of releasing a work string including a running tool from a liner hanger can include rotating the work string in one direction, then slacking off on the work string, and then rotating the work string in an opposite direction, thereby releasing the running tool from the liner hanger. A liner hanger running tool can include a tubular mandrel with an axially extending slot, an outer housing, and a shear member, the mandrel having an axial position relative to the outer housing in which the shear member is received in the slot and the shear member releasably secures the mandrel against rotation relative to the outer housing, and the mandrel having another axial position relative to the outer housing in which the shear member is not received in the slot and the shear member does not secure the mandrel against rotation relative to the outer housing.