Liner String Installation Tool for Deviated Wellbores
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Solution Overview
Problem
In deviated, horizontal, or multilateral wellbores, significant force is required to install a liner string to the bottom of the wellbore, which can lead to premature setting of the liner hanger in the previously installed casing string, causing operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A setting tool with a load transfer subassembly and an expansion cone subassembly is used to apply force downhole and radially expand the liner string, decoupling the load transfer subassembly to prevent premature setting, allowing the liner string to be positioned accurately without expanding the liner hanger until it reaches the desired location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If significant force is applied to work the liner string to the bottom of the wellbore, then the liner string can be positioned at the desired location, but the liner hanger may be prematurely set in the previously installed casing string
Solution Approach 1:
The setting tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a load transfer subassembly that applies downhole force, and an expansion cone subassembly that expands the liner hanger. These segments can operate independently, allowing force application without immediate hanger setting, thus resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and premature setting
Solution Approach 2:
The load transfer subassembly is used to preliminarily position the liner string at the bottom of the wellbore before the expansion cone subassembly is activated. This preliminary positioning action allows the liner string to reach the desired location without prematurely expanding and setting the liner hanger
2Measurement precision
If the liner string is worked to the bottom of the wellbore using significant force, then accurate positioning is achieved, but the setting tool complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load transfer subassembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the setting tool and the liner string. It transfers downhole force to work the liner string to position without requiring the entire setting tool to be complex, as the expansion function is separated into a distinct subassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The setting tool incorporates dynamic elements including a drillable bridge plug that can be activated on-demand, and a decoupling mechanism that allows the expansion cone subassembly to be separated from the load transfer subassembly after use, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy
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 installation of the liner string to the bottom of the wellbore without prematurely setting the liner hanger, ensuring accurate positioning and sealing engagement with the casing string, even in complex wellbore orientations.
Implementation Method 1
an expander cone is passed through the liner hanger to radially expand and plastically deform the liner hanger into sealing and gripping engagement with the previously installed casing string
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (100) for installing a liner string (102) in a wellbore casing (40). The apparatus (100) includes a tubular mandrel subassembly (110), a load transfer subassembly (140) and an expander cone subassembly (142). The load transfer subassembly (140) is carried on the tubular mandrel subassembly (110) and is operable to apply a force in the downhole direction to the liner string (102). The expander cone subassembly (142) is carried on the tubular mandrel subassembly (110) and is operable to radially expand at least a portion of the liner string (102) into contact with the wellbore casing (40) when axially moved through the liner string (102). In operation, decoupling of the load transfer subassembly (140) from the tubular mandrel subassembly (110) enables release of the apparatus (100) from the liner string (102).