Running Tool Assembly Piston Actuation for Wellhead Hanger Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current running tool assemblies for installing tubing or casing hangers in wellhead systems face challenges in efficiently locking the hangers to the wellhead housing and managing control line connections, particularly in high-pressure environments, where existing solutions may not provide reliable locking mechanisms and secure control signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A running tool assembly with a piston chamber and actuation piston that moves to engage locking means on the hanger, coupled with a control line sub and locking member to facilitate axial movement and secure locking, and a control line stab connector for signal transmission, ensuring reliable locking and control signal passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a running tool assembly uses a piston chamber and actuation piston to engage locking means on the hanger, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a piston chamber and actuation piston mechanism that utilizes hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to actuate the locking means. Pressurized fluid is directed to the piston chamber, causing the actuation piston to move and engage the locking means on the hanger, providing reliable locking through fluid-powered actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The running tool assembly introduces an intermediary control line sub with a control line stab connector that facilitates the transmission of control signals and pressurized fluid to the piston chamber. This intermediary component enables remote actuation of the locking mechanism without direct mechanical connection.
2Reliability
If the running tool assembly includes a control line sub with locking member to manage axial movement, then the control signal transmission reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control line sub incorporates a locking member that automatically engages and disengages based on axial movement of the running tool assembly. When the assembly is lowered or raised, the locking member responds to the axial displacement to secure or release the control line connection, eliminating the need for manual locking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to dynamically respond to axial movement conditions. It transitions between locked and unlocked states based on the direction and magnitude of axial displacement, adapting its function to the operational phase of the running tool assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the running tool assembly uses a releasably coupled second body with axial displacement capability, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The running tool assembly is divided into a first body and a second body that are releasably coupled. The second body can be axially displaced relative to the first body, allowing the assembly to be segmented into functional modules that can be independently positioned or removed based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasable coupling between the first and second bodies is pre-configured to enable automatic engagement and disengagement. The coupling mechanism is designed beforehand to respond to axial displacement, allowing the second body to be preliminarily positioned and then secured without complex manual intervention.
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 solution enables secure locking of tubing or casing hangers to the wellhead housing and reliable control signal transmission, even in high-pressure conditions, improving the efficiency and reliability of wellhead system operations.
Implementation Method 1
the piston is configured to actuate from the first position to the second position in response to a pressurization of the piston chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A running tool assembly for installing a hanger in a wellhead housing includes a first body configured to support the hanger, a second body coupled to the first body, a piston moveable relative to the second body, wherein the piston includes a first position and a second position spaced from the first position, and a piston chamber formed in the running tool assembly, wherein, when the assembly is coupled to the hanger and the hanger is positioned in the wellhead housing, the piston is configured to actuate from the first position to the second position in response to a pressurization of the piston chamber to engage a locking member disposed about the hanger and thereby lock the hanger to the wellhead housing, the assembly including a passage having a diameter that is equal to or larger in size than a diameter of a passage of the hanger.