Reconfigurable Wellhead Hanger Sealing Pass-Through
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellhead systems require repeated cutting and splicing to achieve a sealed pass-through for power and control cables, conduits, and other components, which is inefficient and unreliable, especially for temporary installations of electric submersible pumps (ESP) and other downhole devices.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable hanger system with side doors and a main seal, utilizing elastomeric material, that compresses to seal the wellhead without the need for cutting or splicing, allowing for temporary or permanent sealed pass-through of various components, including ESP power cables and capillary lines, and accommodating different operational phases of a well without the need for new equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art systems are used to achieve sealed pass-through for cables and lines, then sealing capability is provided, but repeated cutting and splicing is required which reduces efficiency and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger system is divided into modular components including the hanger body, side doors, and interchangeable inserts. Each side door can be independently opened to insert cables or lines, then closed to seal. This segmentation allows multiple components to pass through without requiring cutting or splicing, maintaining both reliability and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger system provides universal pass-through capability for multiple types of components including power cables, control lines, and monitoring devices through a single sealed structure. The interchangeable inserts allow the same hanger to accommodate different configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sealing solutions
2Adaptability or versatility
If temporary installations of ESP and downhole devices are made, then operational flexibility is achieved, but repeated cutting and splicing reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The side doors are designed to be dynamically openable and closable, allowing temporary installations to be made without permanent modifications. Components can be inserted and removed by opening side doors, then the doors are closed to restore the seal. This dynamic capability provides operational flexibility while maintaining sealed integrity through the elastomeric seal that conforms when doors are closed
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric seal material changes its physical parameters under compression from the hanger weight, transitioning from a flexible state during insertion to a compressed sealed state when doors are closed. This parameter change allows the seal to adapt to different configurations while maintaining reliability
3Reliability
If conventional wellhead systems are used, then sealing is achieved, but the need for cutting and splicing increases device complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger system merges the sealing function, support function, and pass-through function into a single integrated structure. The hanger body combines the weight-bearing function with the sealed pass-through capability, eliminating the need for separate sealing devices and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric seal acts as an intermediary between the hanger body and the components passing through. It provides the sealing interface without requiring complex mechanical sealing mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable sealing
4Ease of operation
If repeated cutting and splicing is performed to achieve sealed pass-through, then cable passage is enabled, but loss of time and increased cost occur
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger system is pre-configured with open side doors and interchangeable inserts ready for cable insertion. Components can be inserted through the open side doors without requiring on-site cutting or splicing operations, significantly reducing installation time and effort
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 provides a reliable, cost-effective, and easily implemented solution for sealed pass-through in well operations, supporting multiple artificial lift systems and allowing for reconfiguration without the need for wire splicing or replacing surface equipment, tested up to 5 k working pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the lower string weight (or the lock down pins, depending on which system is used) compresses the main seal around the pipe, wire conduit, capillary tube or other components as well as the bowl, sealing off the well bore below
Implementation Method 2
the seal preferably formed of compressible material such as, for example, elastomeric material
Data Source
AI summary
A system formed to provide sealed passage through the wellhead for cables, lines, tubes or the like for down-hole applications. A unitary or split/wrap around hanger having a main seal is formed to receive and provide sealed passage therethrough of power and control cables, lines, conduits, or other threaded components having various configurations and applications. Hinged side doors to engage and support various configuration (via interchangeable inserts) and/or various size cable, line, conduit, etc in the hanger. The present invention teaches permanent as well as temporary applications, can be used in other applications besides hangers (for example, down-hole packers) and is designed to provide a low to medium pressure seal. Also taught is a bowl cap, tubing adapter or other surface component with adapters to allow sealed pass-through utilizing a compression seal.