Liner Hanger PCM Support for Downhole Seal Contact Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional liner hangers face issues with maintaining sufficient contact pressure between the liner hanger and the wellbore tubular ID due to downhole pressures, which can dislodge the liner hanger or reduce contact pressure, creating undesirable fluid paths.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flow port in the liner hanger body that allows a phase change material to transition from a liquid to a solid phase, increasing volume to maintain contact pressure between the liner hanger and wellbore tubular ID, using materials like bismuth, antimony, gallium, or phase change plastics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If downhole pressure increases, then the sealing function is improved, but the contact pressure between liner hanger and wellbore tubular ID decreases, causing dislodgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a phase change material (PCM) contained within a reservoir in the liner hanger body. When exposed to downhole temperature conditions, the PCM transitions from solid to liquid phase and back to solid phase, utilizing the latent heat of fusion to maintain thermal energy. This phase transition mechanism enables the liner hanger to maintain sufficient contact pressure with the wellbore tubular ID while ensuring reliable sealing function under high downhole pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the liner hanger system by incorporating a reservoir containing phase change material. The PCM alters the thermal profile and energy distribution within the liner hanger body, enabling maintenance of contact pressure through thermal management. This parameter change approach resolves the contradiction between maintaining sealing function and preserving contact pressure under varying downhole conditions.
2Force
If thermal energy is distributed evenly, then the phase change material maintains contact pressure, but hot spots may still form compromising the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the phase change material reservoir at specific locations within the liner hanger body where thermal management is most critical. The PCM is strategically placed to address local hot spots and ensure uniform thermal distribution precisely where contact pressure maintenance is essential for seal integrity. This localized approach prevents hot spot formation while maintaining overall contact pressure.
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 phase change material maintains contact pressure even under high downhole pressures, preventing dislodgment and ensuring a secure fluid seal between the liner hanger and wellbore tubular.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change material to transition from a liquid to a solid phase, increasing volume to maintain contact pressure between the liner hanger and wellbore tubular ID
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a liner hanger, a method, and a well system. The liner hanger, in one aspect, includes a liner hanger body, the liner hanger body having an expansion section configured to move from a radially unexpanded state to a radially expanded state. The liner hanger, according to this aspect, further includes a sealing element positioned radially about the liner hanger body. The liner hanger, according to this aspect, further includes a flow port extending through a sidewall thickness (t) of the liner hanger body proximate the sealing element, the flow port coupling an inside diameter (ID) of the liner hanger body with an outside diameter (OD) of the liner hanger body such that a phase change material in a liquid phase may move from the ID of the liner hanger body to the OD of the liner hanger body and into contact with the sealing element.