Expandable Liner Running Tool Axial Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for expanding casing strings in wellbores are limited by the inability to carry longer and heavier liners, leading to premature expansion and potential damage due to increased tubular pressure, restricting the length and diameter of expandable liners.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a tubular body with a latching member and a release sleeve allows for the axial movement of the latching member to disengage from the liner, enabling the use of a release apparatus that supports the liner during expansion, reducing the pressure required for expansion and preventing premature deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional running tools are used to carry the liner, then the liner can be run into the wellbore, but the liner weight must be supported on the expansion cone face which limits the maximum liner length and causes premature expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The running tool is divided into separate functional components: a conveyance string for carrying the liner, a support mandrel with latching members for securing the liner during running, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows the liner weight to be properly supported during conveyance without requiring the expansion cone to bear the load, thereby preventing premature expansion and enabling longer liner lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
A support mandrel with latching members acts as an intermediary between the conveyance string and the liner. This intermediary component provides a dedicated support structure that can carry the liner weight during running operations, transferring the load away from the expansion cone and preventing premature expansion while enabling the conveyance of longer, heavier liners.
2Ease of operation
If the liner weight is supported on the expansion cone face, then the liner can be carried downhole, but the increased tubular pressure causes premature expansion and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the load-bearing function from the expansion function. The support mandrel with latching members handles the conveyance and weight support, while the expansion cone is reserved solely for the expansion operation. This segmentation eliminates the need for the expansion cone to support liner weight, thereby reducing tubular pressure and preventing premature expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mandrel serves as an intermediary load-bearing component that transfers the liner weight away from the expansion cone during conveyance. This intermediary structure enables easy liner conveyance while maintaining low tubular pressure on the expansion cone, preventing premature expansion and potential damage.
3Area of stationary object
If the liner is expanded into contact with the existing casing, then the wellbore diameter is increased, but the inner diameter of the casing string is restricted which limits hydrocarbon production volume
Solution Approach 1:
The liner diameter is changed as a variable parameter through the expansion process. The liner is conveyed at a smaller diameter to fit within the existing casing, then expanded in-place to the desired larger diameter. This parameter change enables the wellbore diameter to be increased for better production capacity while the liner initially fits within the restricted casing inner diameter during conveyance.
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 the reliable running and expansion of longer and heavier liners without exceeding the internal pressure rating of the liner or its connections, allowing for increased wellbore diameter and improved hydrocarbon production.
Implementation Method 1
the release sleeve is axially movable relative to the tubular body to allow the latching member to disengage from the liner
Implementation Method 2
the second string of casing is then expanded into contact with the existing first string of casing with an expander tool
Implementation Method 3
By rotating the expander tool in the wellbore and/or moving the expander tool axially in the wellbore with the expansion member actuated, a tubular can be expanded into plastic deformation along a predetermined length in a wellbore
Implementation Method 4
The hydraulic expander tool includes radially expandable members which, through fluid pressure, are urged outward radially from the body of the expander tool and into contact with the second casing string therearound
Implementation Method 5
As sufficient pressure is generated on a piston surface behind these expansion members, the second casing string being acted upon by the expansion tool is expanded
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for carrying and releasing a liner downhole includes a tubular body; a latching member attached to the tubular body for coupling with the liner; and a release sleeve disposed between the tubular body and the latching member, wherein the release sleeve is axially movable relative to the tubular body to allow the latching member to disengage from the liner.