Non-Pressure-Sensitive Liner Hanger Module for High-Rate Circulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulically operated liner hanger systems face the risk of premature setting and release due to high circulating pressures during fluid circulation, which can be complicated to prevent.

Innovation Solution

A non-pressure sensitive module (NPS) with a mandrel, lug assembly, release sleeve, and retention mechanism balances pressure and mechanically locks the liner hanger to prevent premature actuation, allowing high-rate fluid circulation and controlled setting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fluid is circulated at higher flow rates to facilitate liner deployment, then productivity is improved, but circulating pressure increases which risks premature setting of the liner hanger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid circulation rateVSAvoidpremature setting risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the liner hanger in a run-in position where the lug extends through the mandrel, mechanically preventing setting before fluid circulation begins. This allows high-rate circulation to start immediately without worrying about premature actuation, as the mechanical latch is already in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the setting control into two independent stages: (1) mechanical prevention via the lug extending through the mandrel during run-in, and (2) controlled hydraulic actuation via pressure differential creation after deployment. This segmentation allows high-rate circulation during deployment without compromising setting control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic systems are used to operate the liner hanger, then versatility and rotation capability are improved, but the system becomes sensitive to circulating pressure which can cause premature actuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliner rotation capabilityVSAvoidpressure sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanical locking mechanism (the lug extending through the mandrel) that mediates between the hydraulic system and the setting action. This mechanical intermediary prevents direct hydraulic actuation during run-in, allowing versatile liner rotation while blocking premature setting caused by circulation pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by using the lug-mandrel mechanical latch to counteract and prevent the harmful effect of circulating pressure on the hydraulic system. The mechanical lock actively resists premature hydraulic actuation, allowing the versatile hydraulic system to be used without reliability concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If mechanical locking mechanisms are added to prevent premature setting, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepremature setting preventionVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the mechanical locking function with the existing hydraulic actuation system by integrating the lug assembly into the mandrel structure. The lug extends through the mandrel and works with the release sleeve, combining both functions in a compact integrated design rather than adding separate complex locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses self-service by allowing the existing hydraulic pressure differential to automatically drive the release sleeve, which in turn moves the lug from the run-in position to the retracted position. No additional actuators or complex control systems are needed—the system uses its own operating pressure to execute the locking sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 NPS module effectively prevents premature setting of the liner hanger, enabling safe and controlled deployment by balancing pressure differentials and using a locking mechanism to ensure the liner hanger is set only when intended.

Implementation Method 1

having one or more fluid pathways that balance pressure uphole of the mandrel and downhole of the mandrel when the NPS module is positioned within the borehole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure balancing: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentUS12454869B2Non-pressure sensitive module for liner hanger installation

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A non-pressure sensitive (“NPS”) module. The NPS module may include a mandrel, a lug assembly, a release sleeve, and a retention mechanism. The mandrel may have fluid pathways that balance pressure uphole of the mandrel and downhole of the mandrel when the NPS module is positioned within the borehole. The lug assembly may extend at least partially through the mandrel, a lug of the lug assembly extendable through a port in the liner hanger to prevent setting of the liner hanger when the lug assembly is in a run-in position. The release sleeve may be coupled to the lug assembly and operable to shift the lug assembly from a run-in position to an intermediate position that allows the liner hanger to be set. The retention mechanism may be operable to prevent the lug assembly from shifting to a retracted position until run-in tool is pulled uphole.