Wellhead Clamp Assembly for Single-Trip Hanger Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellhead assembly systems face challenges in efficiently securing wellhead hangers within wellhead housings, often requiring multiple trips for component delivery and actuation, which increases operational time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A wellhead clamp system utilizing energizing rings and compression segments, actuated by a combination running tool, elastically deforms the wellhead housing to securely grip the wellhead hanger, allowing for a single trip installation and actuation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional multi-trip methods are used for wellhead clamp installation and actuation, then operational complexity is reduced, but operation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the running tool and setting tool into a single integrated device that performs both installation and actuation functions. The running tool delivers the wellhead clamp while the setting tool applies the setting load, and both operations can be performed in a single trip to the wellhead, eliminating the need for separate installation and actuation trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The running tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the delivery mechanism for the wellhead clamp and as the setting tool for applying the setting load. This universal tool performs multiple functions that traditionally required separate specialized tools, reducing the number of trips needed while managing operational complexity.
2Productivity
If a single trip installation and actuation process is implemented, then operation time is reduced by up to 75%, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The running tool and setting tool are merged into a single combination tool assembly. The running tool includes a body with a setting tool positioned within it, allowing both installation and actuation functions to be performed from a single delivery operation, thereby reducing trip time while consolidating complexity into one integrated system.
3Ease of operation
If wellhead clamp uses expanded arrangement with segment retainers, then ease of installation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wellhead clamp is divided into multiple compression segments that can be held in a radially retracted position by segment retainers during installation. This segmentation allows the clamp to be delivered in a compact state and then expanded at the installation location, making it easier to install while distributing the structural complexity across multiple manageable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The wellhead clamp transitions from a static compact arrangement during installation to a dynamic expanded arrangement during operation. The segment retainers hold the compression segments in a retracted position for easy delivery, then are released to allow expansion into the operative configuration, providing ease of installation while managing structural complexity through controlled transformation.
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 operation time by up to 75% compared to traditional methods by enabling a single trip installation and actuation of the wellhead clamp, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
elastically deforming a wellhead housing to securely grip a wellhead hanger within a bore of the wellhead housing
Implementation Method 2
compression segments positioned between the two energizing rings
Data Source
AI summary
A wellhead clamp for elastically deforming a wellhead housing to grip a wellhead hanger is provided. In one embodiment, a wellhead clamp (50) includes a first energizing ring (56), a second energizing ring (54), compression segments (52) positioned between the two energizing rings, and segment retainers (80) fastened to the compression segments and to the energizing rings. The segment retainers retain the compression segments between the energizing rings and hold the energizing rings apart in an expanded arrangement that allows the compression segments to be in a radially retracted position that facilitates running of the wellhead clamp onto the wellhead housing (20). A setting tool (110) can be used to apply a setting load to the wellhead clamp. The setting tool can be a hydraulic setting tool with pistons (132, 178), which may be bidirectional pistons in some instances, to apply the setting load. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.