Pressure-Balanced Liner Hanger Setting Tool for Debris Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling fluids laden with barite tend to deposit in low flow velocity and low-pressure gradient areas, increasing the actuation pressure required to set liner hangers and potentially fouling the setting tool's mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A setting tool with a bonnet, actuator piston, check valve, and venting valve that isolates actuation fluid from borehole fluid, intensifies tubing pressure, and balances pressure to overcome hydrostatic pressure, using a slick stinger actuator to prevent debris contamination and ensure clean fluid communication to the hydraulic setting mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drilling fluid is used to pressurize the hydraulic setting cylinder, then the setting tool can be actuated, but debris-laden fluid fouls the setting tool mechanisms and internal pressure volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid system into separate compartments: a first volume containing clean actuation fluid isolated from borehole fluid, and a second volume that receives intensified pressure. This segmentation prevents debris-laden drilling fluid from contaminating the hydraulic setting mechanism while still enabling tool actuation through the isolated clean fluid system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary clean actuation fluid system that mediates between the debris-laden drilling fluid environment and the hydraulic setting mechanism. The actuation fluid in the first volume acts as a buffer, receiving pressure intensification without direct contact with contaminants, thereby protecting the internal pressure volume from fouling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If barite-laden drilling fluid is used, then borehole pressure can be maintained, but debris deposits in low flow velocity areas increasing actuation pressure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure intensification function from the contaminated drilling fluid system and places it in the isolated clean actuation fluid system. By taking out the actuation fluid from the debris-laden environment and maintaining it in a separate first volume, the system can build required actuation pressure without debris deposition interfering with the pressure generation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the actuation fluid by keeping it isolated and clean, separate from the barite-laden drilling fluid. This parameter change (from contaminated to clean fluid) prevents debris deposition in low flow velocity areas, thereby reducing the actuation pressure required to set the liner hanger while still maintaining borehole pressure stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the setting tool is exposed to debris-laden drilling fluid, then it can function in the borehole environment, but the setting mechanisms become interfered with and fouled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the setting tool into contamination-exposed external components and contamination-isolated internal mechanisms. The actuation fluid system is divided into a first volume isolated from borehole fluid and a second volume that interfaces with the hydraulic setting mechanism. This segmentation allows the tool to operate in the debris-laden borehole environment while protecting the setting mechanisms from fouling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert environment for the actuation fluid by isolating it in a first volume that is sealed off from the debris-laden borehole drilling fluid. This inert, contamination-free environment allows the setting tool to maintain reliable operation of its setting mechanisms while still functioning in the harsh borehole environment through the protective barrier of the isolated fluid 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
The tool effectively sets liner hangers in debris-laden environments by minimizing contact with drilling fluid, reducing operational risks, and maintaining clean fluid pathways, thereby ensuring reliable actuation and minimizing non-productive time.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator piston is configured to move in response to the applied tubing pressure behind the deployed plug engaged in the actuator seat. In response to the movement, the actuator piston is configured to intensify the applied tubing pressure on the actuation fluid in the second volume to the hydraulic setting mechanism for the liner hanger.
Implementation Method 2
The check valve is disposed on the tool body and is configured to communicate the actuation fluid from the first volume to the second volume.
Implementation Method 3
a venting valve may be disposed on the tool body and be configured to relieve the intensified pressure of the actuation fluid above a predetermined threshold in the second volume to the first volume
Implementation Method 4
A stinger portion of the tool body is configured to seal inside the hanger bore and has at least one outlet port, which is disposed in fluid communication with the at least one inlet port.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method of setting a liner hanger in a borehole, the liner hanger having a hydraulic setting mechanism with at least one inlet port. The method comprises releasably connecting a setting tool to the liner hanger, and sealing at least one outlet port of the setting tool in fluid communication with the at least one inlet port of the liner hanger; running the liner hanger into position in the borehole by using the setting tool disposed on tubing, and keeping an actuation fluid contained in the setting tool separate from borehole fluid in the borehole and tubing fluid in the tubing; moving an actuator piston in the setting tool in response to tubing pressure of the tubing fluid in the tubing; communicating, in response to the movement of the actuator piston, an intensified pressure of the actuation fluid contained in a tool volume of the actuator piston from the at least one outlet port of the setting tool, to the at least one inlet port of the liner hanger, and to the hydraulic setting mechanism of the liner hanger; and setting the liner hanger in the borehole by hydraulically actuating the hydraulic setting mechanism of the liner hanger using the intensified pressure of the actuation fluid communicated thereto from the setting tool.