Liner Hanger Piston Locking Mechanism for Solid-Laden Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liner hangers in the resource exploration and recovery industry face issues with anchor setting failures due to solid-laden fluids and external mechanical loads, leading to increased downtime and costs.
Innovation Solution
A liner hanger running system with a piston housing and a dog key mechanism that prevents solid-laden fluids from entering the piston chamber and controls the anchor setting pressure, ensuring reliable anchor engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressure port and associated pressure chamber are exposed to solid-laden fluids during run in, then the piston can be activated, but solid-laden fluids may prevent the setting piston from shifting reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful solid-laden fluid environment from the piston chamber by providing a dedicated access pathway that isolates the piston chamber from the main fluid flow carrying solids. The piston chamber is accessed through a restricted opening that allows controlled fluid entry while preventing solid particle contamination that would interfere with piston movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the restricted opening/access pathway) between the solid-laden fluid environment and the piston chamber. This intermediary element filters or blocks solid particles while allowing hydraulic fluid to pass through and activate the piston, thereby mediating the interaction between the harmful external environment and the sensitive internal mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If external mechanical loads are applied to the liner hanger during run in, then the liner hanger can be installed, but external mechanical loads may prematurely shift the setting piston and activate the anchor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the piston in a blocked state during the run-in operation. The access pathway to the piston chamber is initially closed or restricted, preventing any fluid from reaching the piston before the desired activation time. This ensures that even if mechanical loads are applied during installation, the piston cannot be accidentally activated until the access pathway is intentionally opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by providing a mechanical blocking mechanism (dog key) that actively prevents piston movement during run-in. This blocking mechanism counteracts any external mechanical loads that might otherwise cause premature piston shifting, and only releases its blocking action when specifically activated by the running tool, thereby preventing premature anchor activation.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent premature piston shifting, then anchor setting reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism with the existing piston and access pathway structure. The dog key locking mechanism is integrated into the piston assembly itself, and the blocking function is combined with the access pathway design. This merging approach allows the locking mechanism to perform multiple functions (blocking fluid access, preventing piston movement, and providing a controlled release mechanism) without requiring entirely separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the dog key and access pathway structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same structural elements that provide the access pathway also serve as the locking mechanism, and the running tool's activation mechanism serves both to release the lock and open the access pathway. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 system reduces the likelihood of premature anchor activation and improves the reliability of anchor setting, minimizing downtime and costs associated with well formation.
Implementation Method 1
A piston housing including a wall portion defined by an outer surface portion and an inner surface portion that is spaced from the outer surface of the body to define a piston chamber exposed to the opening
Implementation Method 2
Pressure may be applied to the setting piston through a port in the liner hanger body to activate, for example, an anchor. The pressure creates a force that acts against the setting piston to shift the anchor.
Data Source
AI summary
A liner hanger running system including a liner hanger having a body including a wall defined by an outer surface and an inner surface. The body includes an opening that extends through the outer surface and the inner surface. A piston housing including a wall portion defined by an outer surface portion and an inner surface portion is spaced from the outer surface of the body to define a piston Chamber exposed to the opening. A piston is arranged in the piston chamber. A liner hanger running tool including a dog key extends into the opening and engages the piston. The dog key is selectively shiftable relative to the liner hanger to release the piston and expose the opening to a setting pressure.