Liner Retrieval Tool Carrier Release Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for deploying expandable liners in wells face challenges in reliably separating the liner retrieval tool from the expandable liner during expansion and setting, which can prevent successful well completion and require manual intervention to move the top portion of the severed liner away from the Blind Shear Rams for sealing.
Innovation Solution
A liner retrieval tool with a carrier having a movable second portion that can switch between latch and release positions, controlled by actuators that shift based on hydrostatic, hydraulic, or mechanical pressures, allowing the tool to be disarmed and separated from the expandable liner, ensuring the tool can be reliably released and the liner can be expanded and retrieved without obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the carrier is held in the latch position to securely hold the expandable liner during lowering and expansion, then the reliability of liner holding is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for actuators and movable portions to control latching and release
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier incorporates a movable second portion that can dynamically transition between latch and release positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt its state based on operational requirements, providing secure holding during lowering and expansion while enabling reliable release when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between holding reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If the actuator is kept in the armed position to prevent premature release during lowering, then the reliability of controlled release is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need for precise timing and pressure control
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system utilizes hydrostatic pressure from the well environment itself to automatically transition from armed to disarmed position at the appropriate depth. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems or precise manual timing, allowing the actuator to autonomously determine the correct release moment based on environmental conditions, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If the second portion of the carrier is made movable to enable release, then the productivity of liner deployment is improved, but the stability of the connection between retrieval tool and liner deteriorates due to potential unintended movement
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is segmented into a first portion connected to the retrieval tool and a second portion that is movable relative to the first portion. This segmentation allows the second portion to move independently for release operations while the first portion maintains stable connection to the retrieval tool, thus enabling productive release without compromising overall connection stability during normal operations.
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
Enables automatic and reliable separation of the retrieval tool from the expandable liner, facilitating successful well completion and allowing the top portion of the severed liner to be moved away from the Blind Shear Rams for sealing, reducing the need for manual intervention and ensuring the well can be shut down effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may be adapted to shift into the disarmed position by hydrostatic pressure outside the pipe that is higher than a first pre-determined threshold
Implementation Method 2
The expansion mechanism may include an expansion cone. The expansion cone may support the expandable liner around the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A string includes a pipe that is connected to an expansion mechanism and a retrieval tool that is connected to the pipe above the expansion mechanism. The retrieval tool includes a carrier that can selectively latch on an expandable liner and one or more actuators. The retrieval tool can ensure latching of the carrier while the expandable liner is above the Blow-out Preventer. The retrieval tool can prevent accidental latching of the carrier on the expandable liner during the expansion of the liner. By manipulating the pipe, the retrieval tool can force the carrier's release from the expandable liner.