Short Wellhead Hanger Running Assembly for Integrated Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mineral extraction systems face challenges in efficiently installing casings and seals in wellheads due to the need for separate installation of hangers and seal assemblies, which can be cumbersome and costly, especially in high-pressure environments.
Innovation Solution
A compact hanger running assembly that integrates a hanger, seal assembly, push ring, torque tool, and running tool, allowing simultaneous installation and sealing of casings within a blowout preventer stack, enabling efficient cementing operations and reduced material and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hangers and seal assemblies are installed separately in existing mineral extraction systems, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation efficiency decreases and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hanger and seal assembly into a single integrated unit called a 'hanger running assembly'. This assembly includes the hanger, seal elements, push ring, and running tool as one unified structure that is installed simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate installation operations and thereby improving installation efficiency while reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger running assembly serves multiple functions within a single structure: it provides structural support through the hanger, ensures fluid sealing through integrated seal elements, and enables installation through the running tool. This multi-functionality allows one assembly to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components and installation steps.
2Loss of substance
If separate hanger and seal assembly installation is used, then component independence is maintained, but material usage increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the hanger and seal assembly into a single integrated unit with shared structural components and common manufacturing processes, the patent reduces the total amount of material required and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining component independence through modular design of the integrated assembly.
3Reliability
If traditional wellhead systems are used in high-pressure environments, then structural integrity is maintained, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated hanger running assembly ensures reliable fluid control in high-pressure environments by providing a unified sealing and support structure that eliminates potential failure points from multiple separate installations, while simultaneously reducing operational costs through improved installation efficiency and reduced material requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A hanger running assembly for a wellhead includes a hanger to support a casing. The hanger running assembly also includes a seal assembly with a push ring and a seal body to support one or more seal elements. The hanger running assembly further includes a torque tool coupled to the push ring via one or more shear pins, wherein rotation of the torque tool in a first direction while the one or more shear pins are intact causes rotation of the push ring in the first direction to thread onto the hanger.