Single Trip Liner Hanger Deployment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liner hanger deployment systems require multiple trips due to restricted inner diameters, increasing costs, time, and risk, as they limit fluid flow and necessitate additional procedures for tieback casing string deployment.
Innovation Solution
A liner hanger deployment system that uses a tieback casing string with a latch and packer setting tool, allowing the liner hanger to be deployed in a single trip by connecting it to a tieback casing string with a similar inner diameter, enabling unrestricted fluid flow and eliminating the need for separate trips to remove running tools and deploy the tieback casing string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional running tool is used to deploy the liner hanger, then the liner hanger can be installed and anchored to the casing, but the restricted inner diameter of the running tool limits fluid flow and requires additional trips to deploy tieback casing string
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the liner hanger deployment function with the tieback casing string deployment into a single integrated system. The tieback casing string is connected to the liner hanger assembly, allowing both operations to be performed in one trip without requiring separate running tools, thereby eliminating the need for additional trips while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The tieback casing string serves multiple functions: it acts as the deployment conduit for the liner hanger, provides an unrestricted flow path for fluids, and remains in place as part of the final wellbore configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated running tools with restricted diameters and subsequent removal trips
2Ease of operation
If a running tool with restricted inner diameter is used, then the liner hanger can be conveyed into the wellbore, but fluid flow is limited and chokes are induced during production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the running tool from the deployment system and replaces it with the tieback casing string. By removing the running tool with its restricted inner diameter, the system achieves unrestricted fluid flow through the tieback casing string while still enabling liner hanger conveyance and installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inner diameter parameter of the deployment conduit from the restricted diameter of a running tool to the larger, unrestricted diameter of the tieback casing string. This parameter change maintains the ability to convey and install the liner hanger while simultaneously enabling high fluid flow rates and eliminating chokes during production
3Productivity
If the running tool and work string are removed after liner hanger deployment, then the restricted inner diameter is eliminated, but additional trips are required to deploy the tieback casing string
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by connecting the tieback casing string to the liner hanger assembly before deployment. This preliminary connection ensures that when the liner hanger is deployed, the tieback casing string is already in place, providing unrestricted fluid flow capacity from the beginning and eliminating the need for additional trips to deploy it later
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple trips are performed for liner hanger deployment and tieback casing string installation, then each operation can be optimized, but operational costs and risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges liner hanger deployment and tieback casing string installation into a single integrated operation. By combining these operations, the system maintains ease of manufacture through standardized procedures while reducing operational risks associated with multiple trips, equipment re-entry, and additional connection/disconnection cycles
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 system reduces operational costs and risks by allowing a single trip deployment of the liner hanger, maintaining pressure integrity from the wellhead to the liner top, and providing an unrestricted inner diameter for fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
Liner hangers utilize mechanical supports (e.g., slips) that expand radially outward into anchoring contact with the casing at desired locations in the upper cased portion
Implementation Method 2
a packer seal adapted to be set using a packer setting tool provided on the tieback casing string
Implementation Method 3
a tieback casing string with a latch and packer setting tool, allowing the liner hanger to be deployed in a single trip by connecting it to a tieback casing string
Data Source
AI summary
A liner hanger system enables installation of a liner hanger by means of a full bore casing to surface and provides pressure integrity between the casing's inner and outer sides. The liner hanger system comprises a liner hanger, along with an associated liner, coupled to a tieback casing string. The liner hanger and liner are deployed downhole connected to a tieback casing string. Once the liner has been lowered to the position of interest, first the liner hanger is anchored and cemented in position, and then, a packer is set to seal the lower annulus of the liner. The liner hanger system enables operations that used to require a plurality of trips, to be performed in a single trip. It does so without introducing any unwanted limitation to the inner diameter at any point between the wellhead and the end of the liner, and while also allowing for potential decoupling and removal of the tieback casing string from the liner hanger if desired.