Pressure-Activated Liner Hanger Lock for Accurate Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Liner hangers can be inadvertently set before they are appropriately positioned in the previous liner or casing, leading to expensive and time-consuming operations.
Innovation Solution
A liner hanger system that includes a pressure-activated mechanism to ensure it is set only when properly positioned, utilizing a pressure differential to displace internal components and extend slips for secure anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the liner hanger is designed to be easily set, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of premature setting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liner hanger includes a preliminary positioning mechanism with positioning fingers that must engage with positioning features on the liner or casing before the setting mechanism can be activated. This preliminary action ensures the liner hanger is correctly positioned before allowing setting to occur, preventing premature setting while maintaining ease of operation when properly positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning mechanism between the liner hanger and the setting mechanism. The positioning fingers act as intermediaries that verify correct positioning before transmitting the setting force, thereby preventing premature setting while maintaining operational ease when the positioning criteria are met.
2Device complexity
If the liner hanger uses a simple setting mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of positioning is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The setting mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: positioning fingers for verification, a trigger mechanism for activation, and slips for actual setting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simplicity while collectively achieving precise positioning control without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning fingers serve as an intermediary verification mechanism that adds positioning precision without significantly increasing overall device complexity. They provide a simple yet effective check that ensures correct positioning before allowing the setting mechanism to activate.
3Reliability
If the liner hanger is designed to prevent premature setting, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning fingers perform a preliminary verification action that is simple in design but effective in preventing premature setting. They check whether the liner hanger is correctly positioned before allowing the setting mechanism to activate, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning fingers act as a simple intermediary mechanism that prevents premature setting by verifying correct positioning first. This intermediary approach adds reliability while maintaining relatively simple device complexity compared to more sophisticated positioning and verification systems.
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
Prevents premature setting of the liner hanger during conveyance, ensuring accurate placement and reducing the risk of operational inefficiencies and costs.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic actuator
Implementation Method 2
spring
Data Source
AI summary
A liner hanger can include slips, a mandrel, an outer housing rigidly secured to the mandrel, a collet sleeve connected to the slips, and an annular piston in an annulus between the mandrel and the outer housing, the piston supporting the collets and thereby preventing displacement of the slips relative to the mandrel. Another liner hanger can include collets supported by an outer housing, and an annular piston supporting an engagement member and thereby preventing displacement of the slips relative to the mandrel. Another liner hanger can include a piston releasably secured to a mandrel, a collet sleeve secured against longitudinal displacement relative to the mandrel, and the piston including a support surface supporting an engagement member and thereby preventing displacement of slips relative to the mandrel.