Mechanical Hanger Running Tool Fluid Bearing System

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydraulic systems used in wellbore operations are costly and face challenges such as maintaining hydraulic fluid cleanliness and sourcing sufficient fluid in remote locations, particularly in high-pressure applications.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical hanger running tool with a bearing system, such as a fluid bearing or thrust bearing, is used to transmit axial forces, eliminating the need for hydraulic systems and providing a compact, cost-effective solution that is easier to maintain and deploy, capable of generating sufficient torque for wellbore operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional hydraulic systems are used to generate force for setting downhole tools, then sufficient force can be generated for high pressure applications, but the system becomes expensive and difficult to maintain due to hydraulic fluid cleanliness requirements and sourcing challenges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial forceVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic system with a purely mechanical system consisting of a mandrel, thrust collar, and bearing assembly. The mandrel converts rotational motion into axial force through mechanical engagement with the tubing hanger threads, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid and complex hydraulic components while maintaining the capability to generate sufficient axial force for setting downhole tools in high pressure applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the hydraulic system entirely from the downhole tool assembly. By eliminating the hydraulic pump, fluid reservoir, and control valves, the patent simplifies the overall system architecture while retaining the essential function of generating axial force through a mechanical screw mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Force

If hydraulic systems are used in remote locations, then downhole tools can be set, but difficulties arise in sourcing sufficient hydraulic fluid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial forceVSAvoiddeployability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic system with a purely mechanical system consisting of a mandrel, thrust collar, and bearing assembly. The mandrel converts rotational motion into axial force through mechanical engagement with the tubing hanger threads, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid and complex hydraulic components while maintaining the capability to generate sufficient axial force for setting downhole tools in high pressure applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical system is self-contained and does not require external hydraulic fluid supply. The mandrel and thrust collar mechanism generates all necessary forces through mechanical advantage, making the system independently operable in remote locations without access to hydraulic fluid resources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Force

If hydraulic systems are used, then downhole tools can be set, but maintaining hydraulic fluid cleanliness becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial forceVSAvoidmaintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic system with a purely mechanical system consisting of a mandrel, thrust collar, and bearing assembly. The mandrel converts rotational motion into axial force through mechanical engagement with the tubing hanger threads, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid and complex hydraulic components while maintaining the capability to generate sufficient axial force for setting downhole tools in high pressure applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical bearing assembly is designed as a simple, maintainable component that can be easily replaced if needed. By eliminating hydraulic fluid and complex hydraulic components, the system reduces maintenance requirements and improves reliability in remote locations where maintenance access is limited

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 mechanical hanger running tool provides a reliable, cost-effective, and maintenance-friendly solution for wellbore operations, capable of transmitting high torque without the need for hydraulic fluids, reducing operational costs and complexity while maintaining equivalent performance to hydraulic systems.

Implementation Method 1

a bearing system positioned within the void cavity, the bearing system associated with the mandrel protrusion to enable rotation of the mandrel and to accommodate axial forces applied to the mandrel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid bearing: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS11891871B1Mechanical hanger running tool with fluid bearing system and method

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A hanger running tool includes a mandrel. The hanger running tool also includes a mandrel protrusion, the mandrel protrusion extending radially outward from the mandrel. The hanger running tool includes a hold down nut coupled to the mandrel and arranged axially uphole of the mandrel protrusion. The hanger running tool includes a thrust collar coupled to the mandrel and arranged axially downhole of the mandrel protrusion. The hanger running tool includes a void cavity defined, at least in part, by the hold down nut, the thrust collar, and the mandrel, wherein the mandrel protrusion is positioned within the void cavity. The hanger running tool also includes a bearing system positioned within the void cavity.