Self-Adjusting Lockdown Assembly for Wellhead Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lockdown sleeves in well drilling and completion systems require costly measurement tools to determine spacing between the casing hanger and wellhead housing, necessitating multiple trips to adjust and secure the lockdown sleeve effectively.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting lockdown assembly featuring an actuator sleeve that moves axially to rotate elevator rings, elevating a split lock ring to securely engage with the wellhead housing recesses, eliminating the need for pre-measurement tools by allowing in-situ adjustment and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If measurement tools are used to determine spacing between casing hanger and wellhead housing, then locking reliability is improved, but operational cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lockdown assembly performs self-adjustment by using the actuator sleeve to automatically position the lock ring against the wellhead housing interior surface, eliminating the need for external measurement tools and manual adjustment operations. The system serves itself by converting axial movement into precise radial positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement and adjustment system with a direct actuation system. Instead of using measurement tools to determine spacing and then manually adjusting the lockdown sleeve, the actuator sleeve directly drives the lock ring into position through mechanical coupling, substituting complex measurement-adjustment mechanics with simpler direct actuation.
2Manufacturing precision
If measurement tools and multiple trips are used to adjust lockdown sleeve, then locking precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockdown assembly automatically determines and achieves the correct locking position through its own mechanical structure. The actuator sleeve's axial movement directly controls the lock ring's radial expansion and axial positioning, eliminating the need for external measurement devices and complex adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, pre-adjusted lockdown sleeve to a dynamic system where the actuator sleeve can move axially to adapt the lock ring position in real-time. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to achieve precise locking without requiring complex pre-measurement and pre-adjustment procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If lockdown sleeve requires pre-adjustment with measurement tools, then installation accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring is pre-configured with the capability to be axially positioned by the actuator sleeve, but the actual positioning action is performed in-situ during installation rather than beforehand. This allows the system to maintain installation accuracy while eliminating the need for preliminary measurement and adjustment trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs its own positioning function through the actuator sleeve mechanism, eliminating the need for external measurement tools and manual adjustment operations. The actuator sleeve automatically achieves the correct lock ring position relative to the wellhead housing interior surface, improving installation speed without sacrificing accuracy.
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
Enables secure locking and adjustment of the lockdown sleeve without the need for pre-measurement tools, reducing operational costs and improving efficiency by allowing a single run installation and secure engagement of the casing hanger within the wellhead housing.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator sleeve configured to move in an axial direction between the lock ring and the internal body so as to adjust the position of the lock ring
Data Source
AI summary
A self-adjusting lockdown assembly for engaging and/or preloading a tubular hanger to an interior of a wellhead housing. The lockdown assembly includes a support sleeve, a body received in the support sleeve, an elevator ring coaxially engaged with the support sleeve, a lock ring engaged with the elevator ring, and an actuator sleeve configured to move axially between the body and the elevator ring so as to adjust the position of the lock ring.