Reverse Circulation Cementing for Expandable Liner Hangers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cementing methods for liner strings in subterranean wells often face challenges in efficiently cementing around a liner string, particularly when using expandable liner hangers, as they require complex fluid circulation paths and may not effectively secure the liner in place.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a reverse circulation cementing system that utilizes a hydraulically actuated running tool to radially expand an expandable liner hanger, which includes an annular isolation device and a reverse cementing tool to alter the conventional circulation path, allowing cement to be pumped down and set around the liner string while maintaining the liner in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional circulation methods are used to pump cement into the annulus around the liner, then the cementing process can be performed, but the circulation path is complex and the liner may not be effectively secured in place

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliner securing effectivenessVSAvoidfluid circulation path complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional cementing circulation path by using a reverse circulation method where cement is pumped down the liner interior and returns up the annulus, rather than the conventional method of pumping down the annulus and returning up the liner interior. This inversion simplifies the circulation path configuration and improves liner securing effectiveness by ensuring proper cement placement and annulus filling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If an expandable liner hanger is used to secure the liner, then the liner can be effectively secured and sealed, but the system requires complex fluid circulation paths and additional hydraulic actuation mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliner hanger sealing and grippingVSAvoidhydraulic actuation and circulation system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes hydraulic pressure applied through the reverse circulation system to simultaneously achieve multiple functions: the hydraulic pressure drives the cement slurry through the liner and actuates the expandable liner hanger to expand radially, creating gripping engagement with the casing and sealing elements. This integrated hydraulic approach consolidates multiple operations into a single fluid system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The reverse circulation system is configured to first establish proper cement flow paths and pressure conditions before activating the expandable liner hanger. The circulation system prepares the annulus by filling it with cement slurry and establishing the necessary pressure regime, ensuring that when the liner hanger expands, the cement is already in position to provide immediate support and sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the liner hanger is expanded radially outward into engagement with the casing, then the liner is secured, but the conventional circulation method does not effectively facilitate this expansion and cementing simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliner hanger engagement with casingVSAvoidcementing and expansion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The reverse circulation system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously through a single fluid flow path: it transports cement slurry to the annulus, generates hydraulic pressure to expand the liner hanger radially outward into engagement with the casing, and ensures proper cement distribution. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate operations into one efficient process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This method enables efficient cementing of the liner string by altering the fluid circulation path to facilitate downward and upward cement flow, effectively securing the liner and ensuring proper sealing and gripping engagement with the casing, thereby enhancing the stability of the wellbore.

Implementation Method 1

Expandable liner hangers can be expanded by use of hydraulic pressure to drive an expanding cone, wedge, or 'pig,' through the liner hanger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

Running cement into the annulus around the liner is performed using conventional circulation methods

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid circulation: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS9869157B2Reverse circulation cementing system for cementing a liner

Publication Date: 2018.01.16 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Reverse circulation cementing of a liner in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation is presented. A running tool with expansion cone, release assembly, annular isolation device, and reverse circulation assembly is run-in with a liner. The annular isolation device is set against the casing. A valve, such as a dropped-ball operated sliding sleeve valve, opens reverse circulation ports for the cementing operation. The liner annulus is cemented using reverse circulation. The expandable liner hanger is expanded into engagement with the casing. Conventional circulation is restored. The running tool is released and pulled from the hole.