Staggered Slip Liner Hanger for Load Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liner hanger systems face challenges in effectively distributing loading across a wide range of environments, leading to uneven stress concentrations and potential integrity issues in wellbore operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a liner hanger cone with staggered slots and slips, both longitudinally and circumferentially, which are actuated to engage with the surrounding casing, distributing the load across multiple zones and reducing stress concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slips are used to suspend and support the liner in the wellbore, then the liner can be held in position, but substantial force concentration occurs on the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The slip assembly is divided into multiple individual slips (typically 6-12 slips) distributed around the circumference of the liner hanger. Each slip engages with the casing independently, segmenting the total load into multiple smaller contact points. This segmentation distributes the force concentration across the casing circumference, preventing excessive stress at any single location while maintaining reliable liner support.
2Reliability
If a liner hanger is used to suspend the liner from casing, then the liner can be positioned and supported, but the system may not adapt well to varying wellbore environments
Solution Approach 1:
The liner hanger assembly is designed with universal features that enable it to function reliably across diverse wellbore environments. The slip-casing engagement mechanism provides universal adaptability to different casing sizes and wellbore conditions. Additionally, the system can accommodate various liner weights, diameters, and operational requirements through standardized components that maintain consistent performance across different applications and environmental conditions.
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 configuration enhances load distribution, reduces stress on the casing and liner hanger components, and maintains the integrity of the wellbore system by spreading the load across multiple zones, thereby improving the stability and efficiency of hydrocarbon extraction.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator drives slips into the surrounding casing to suspend and support the liner at least until the liner is cemented in the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates use of a liner hanger in a wide variety of environments by distributing loading. The liner hanger may comprise a liner hanger cone, e.g. an annular cone body, having a plurality of slots for receiving corresponding pipe-gripping slips. The slip slots and the corresponding pipe-gripping slips are staggered both longitudinally and circumferentially to distribute loading. An actuator may be used to shift the slips into gripping engagement with a surrounding pipe, e.g. casing, to improve the load distribution on the surrounding pipe and liner hanger cone once the liner is supported.