Liner Hanger Test Packer Single-Trip Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for installing and testing packers in a wellbore require multiple trips, increasing time and costs, as they separate the process of setting the liner hanger and performing tests like positive-pressure-tests and negative-pressure-tests.

Innovation Solution

A test packer and setting control module integrated with the liner hanger running tools allow for a single trip to set and test the packer, using a stop with spring-loaded devices to engage with the liner top and a fluid reservoir with valves to control pressure, enabling both positive and negative pressure tests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate trips are used for setting the liner hanger and performing pressure tests, then the testing can be performed on the installed liner hanger, but the time and cost of wellbore operations increase due to multiple trips

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliner hanger testingVSAvoidmultiple trips

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the liner hanger setting operation and pressure testing operations into a single integrated tool assembly. The test packer, setting control module, and liner hanger running tools are merged into one conveyance that can be deployed in a single trip, eliminating the need for separate testing trips while maintaining reliable testing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated tool assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it sets the liner hanger in the wellbore, deploys the test packer, and conducts both positive and negative pressure tests on the liner hanger. This multi-functional design allows a single trip to accomplish what previously required multiple separate operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple trips are performed for setting and testing, then thorough testing can be conducted, but the operational complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure test accuracyVSAvoidoperational procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the setting and testing operations into a single integrated system, reducing operational complexity despite maintaining thorough testing capability. The combined tool assembly streamlines the procedure by eliminating the need for separate trips and coordination between different operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test packer and testing mechanisms are pre-integrated with the liner hanger running tools before deployment. This preliminary integration ensures that testing capability is already in place when the liner hanger is being set, allowing immediate testing without requiring additional equipment or trips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a single trip is used for setting and testing, then time and cost are reduced, but the tool assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation speedVSAvoidintegrated tool assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated tool assembly is designed with multi-functionality, where a single conveyance performs setting, packer deployment, and both positive and negative pressure testing. This universal design achieves high productivity by consolidating multiple operations into one trip, while the modular integration manages the inherent complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool assembly is segmented into functional modules (liner hanger running tools, setting control module, test packer) that are integrated but can be independently analyzed. This segmentation allows the complex system to be managed through modular design, where each module performs a specific function while contributing to the overall single-trip capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach reduces costs and time by allowing simultaneous installation and testing of the liner hanger, ensuring safe well control and effective leak detection without hydrocarbons reaching the wellhead, with the test packer capable of withstanding 8,000 psi differential pressure at elevated temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

The stop can include spring-loaded devices designed to match the angle of the liner top

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring-loaded devices: Spring

Implementation Method 2

In a negative-pressure-test, a pressure differential on each side of the packer can be created and the liner with the liner hanger can be tested for leaks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11480036B2Liner hanger with a test packer for wellbore operations

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Certain aspects and examples of the present disclosure relate to an assembly for positioning a liner hanger and conducting a test on the liner hanger in the same trip downhole. The assembly can include a liner hanger, a setting control module, a test packer, and a stop. The setting control module can control a setting for the test packer. The test packer can be positioned with the liner hanger in the wellbore to allow a negative-pressure-test on liner hanger on the same trip downhole in which the liner hanger is set. The stop can engage with the liner hanger to allow the setting control module to control the test packer.