Liner Hanger Hydraulic Actuator with Mechanical Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liner hangers can be inadvertently set before they are appropriately positioned in the previous liner or casing, leading to costly and time-consuming operations.
Innovation Solution
A liner hanger design that includes a mechanism to prevent setting until a sufficient differential pressure is applied, using engagement members and shear members to ensure proper positioning, allowing slips to grip the casing only when the correct pressure is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the liner hanger is designed to be set by applying pressure, then the setting operation is simplified, but the risk of inadvertent premature setting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge ring is preliminarily engaged with the casing before the liner hanger is set, establishing a mechanical lock that prevents premature setting. This preliminary engagement must be maintained until the correct depth is reached, at which point it is deliberately disengaged to allow setting. This resolves the contradiction by providing a preliminary protective action that prevents inadvertent setting while maintaining ease of operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge ring acts as an intermediary mechanical lock between the liner hanger and the casing. It provides a temporary restraining force that prevents premature setting, and when properly positioned, it can be deliberately disengaged to allow the setting operation to proceed. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing controlled prevention rather than complete restriction.
2Reliability
If engagement members are used to prevent premature setting, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge ring is merged with the outer housing as a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate engagement members. This unified structure provides premature setting prevention through its geometric configuration and mechanical interference with the casing, rather than through additional discrete parts. This merging resolves the contradiction by providing reliable prevention without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge ring serves multiple functions: it prevents premature setting by mechanically locking with the casing, it indicates proper positioning depth, and it can be deliberately disengaged to allow setting. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing reliable prevention through a single component rather than requiring multiple specialized parts.
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
Prevents inadvertent premature setting, ensuring the liner hanger is securely anchored in the desired location, thereby reducing operational inefficiencies and costs.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic actuator is disposed in the outer housing and includes a piston that is biassed by a compression spring. Increased hydraulic pressure applied to the piston is operative to displace the outer housing and slips relative to the mandrel.
Implementation Method 2
A hydraulic actuator is disposed in the outer housing and includes a piston that is biassed by a compression spring.
Implementation Method 3
A second shear member extends through the gauge ring and into the outer housing. The second shear member releasably secures the outer housing against longitudinal displacement relative to the mandrel.
Data Source
AI summary
A liner hanger can include slips configured to anchor the liner hanger in a well, a tubular mandrel, a tubular outer housing outwardly surrounding the mandrel, an engagement member that releasably secures the slips against longitudinal displacement relative to the mandrel, and another engagement member that releasably secures the outer housing against longitudinal displacement relative to the mandrel. A method of setting a liner hanger in a subterranean well can include: applying a differential pressure from an interior to an exterior of the liner hanger, thereby displacing a retainer sleeve relative to a mandrel of the liner hanger, and applying another differential pressure from the interior to the exterior of the liner hanger, thereby displacing an outer housing of the liner hanger relative to the mandrel. The outer housing is prevented from displacing relative to the mandrel until after the retainer sleeve is displaced relative to the mandrel.