Wellhead Hanger Sealing for Faster Cement Returns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wellhead systems require separate seal assemblies to be run into the wellhead housing after cementing operations, which is time-consuming and costly, and do not efficiently manage cement returns with large particle flow.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating movable seal components, such as annular seal assemblies, into the wellhead housing and hanger to enable and block fluid flow through passages during and after cementing operations, eliminating the need for additional seal packoff elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate seal assemblies are run into the wellhead housing after cementing operations, then sealing function is achieved, but operational time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing functionVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The seal assembly is integrated into the hanger component, merging the sealing function with the support function. The hanger includes a body with a seal element that engages with the wellhead housing, eliminating the need for separate seal assemblies to be run into the wellhead after cementing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal assembly is positioned and configured in advance as part of the hanger assembly before the hanger is set in the wellhead housing. This preliminary positioning ensures that the sealing function is already in place when the hanger is installed, eliminating the need for subsequent separate seal assembly installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple passages with varied cross-sectional areas are used, then cement return flow efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecement return flow efficiencyVSAvoidpassage configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different passages are designed with different cross-sectional areas tailored to their specific functions. The first passage has a first cross-sectional area optimized for cement return flow, while the second passage has a second cross-sectional area optimized for other fluid flow requirements. This localized optimization of passage geometry improves overall cement return efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12529280B2Systems and methods for cementing casing and sealing a hanger in a wellhead housing

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 CAMERSON INT CORP

AI summary

A wellhead includes a wellhead housing, a hanger configured to support a casing, and multiple passages formed in or along the wellhead housing, through the hanger, external to the wellhead housing, or any combination thereof. The wellhead also includes at least one movable component configured to move relative to the multiple passages to selectively enable a flow of fluid via the multiple passages from an annular space defined between the wellhead housing and the hanger below the hanger to a portion of a bore within the wellhead housing above the hanger.