Liner Hanger Running Tool Hydraulic Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior liner hanger running tools face limitations due to high loads required for pushing, pulling, rotating, and drilling liners, which are exacerbated by limited fluid bypass between the liner and casing, restricting both torque and rotation.
Innovation Solution
A liner hanger running tool with a tool mandrel and housing featuring an internal bypass for radial fluid flow and a hydraulic release mechanism that uses fluid pressure to axially move a piston, allowing the tool to be released from the liner, thereby facilitating easier deployment and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If high loads are applied to push, pull, rotate and drill the liner in place, then the liner can be positioned in the well, but the fluid bypass between the liner and casing becomes limited, restricting torque and rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydraulic release mechanism that uses fluid pressure to axially move a piston, which in turn releases the running tool from the liner. This hydraulic system allows for easy deployment and retrieval without requiring high mechanical loads, thereby maintaining torque and rotation capability while reducing the force required for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The running tool is divided into separate functional components: a mandrel for torque transmission, a hydraulic release mechanism for axial movement, and a release mechanism that disengages the tool from the liner. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, maintaining operational ease while managing force requirements.
2Ease of operation
If an internal fluid bypass is added to aid in getting the liner to the desired depth, then fluid flow is improved, but the tool complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal fluid bypass is integrated into the existing tool structure, serving multiple functions: it provides fluid flow paths for hydraulic operation, maintains pressure differential for liner deployment, and works in conjunction with the release mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while improving operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If a hydraulic release mechanism is used to release the running tool from the liner, then the tool can be easily retrieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic release mechanism is designed to automatically release the running tool from the liner when hydraulic pressure is applied, without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems. The piston and release mechanism work together to automatically disengage the tool, simplifying the operation while managing the complexity through self-actuating design.
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 enables efficient positioning and release of the liner hanger within the wellbore by allowing radial fluid flow and transmitting torque, overcoming the limitations of prior tools by enhancing fluid bypass and release mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic release mechanism is activated by fluid pressure within the mandrel to axially move a piston radially outward of the housing and thereby to release the running tool from the liner
Implementation Method 2
A sealed flow line is provided between a through hole in the mandrel and a through hole in the housing to provide a radial fluid flow path through the tool
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A liner hanger running tool (10) and method are provided for positioning a liner in a well bore. A tool mandrel (24) is supported from a running string, and a housing (44) surrounds the tool mandrel. A flow annulus between the mandrel and the housing allows fluid to pass upward through the running tool to a position above the liner. A hydraulic release mechanism (78, 79) is activated by fluid pressure within the mandrel to axially move a piston (50) positioned radially outward of the mandrel to release the running tool from the liner.