Wireless Liner Hanger Actuation Without Fluid Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liner hanger systems in wellbores rely on fluid flow paths that can lead to leaks over time and require pressurized fluid and heavy equipment for operation, making them inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A liner hanger system that uses a wireless controller and actuator to remotely set the liner hanger without fluid flow paths, utilizing sensors and a service string to determine downhole parameters and transmit wireless command signals for setting the liner hanger and packer, allowing for mechanical or electrical activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluid flow paths and holes are used in the liner to hydraulically set the liner hanger, then the liner hanger can be set using pressurized fluid, but the holes create leak paths that degrade the liner hanger over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fluid flow paths and holes from the liner structure, extracting the harmful elements that caused leaks. The liner hanger is set using an external actuation mechanism that does not require penetrating the liner wall, thereby eliminating the leak path problem while maintaining hydraulic setting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary actuation mechanism (such as a hydraulic actuator or electric motor) that mediates between the control system and the liner hanger. This intermediary can be positioned externally or internally without requiring permanent holes in the liner, enabling controlled actuation while preserving liner integrity.
2Ease of operation
If pressurized fluid is supplied from the surface to hydraulically set the liner hanger, then the liner hanger can be set, but the operation requires heavy equipment and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the actuation mechanism and control electronics within the service string or running tool before it reaches the liner hanger. Downhole parameters such as pressure, position, and operational status are monitored and used to automatically trigger the actuator, eliminating the need for time-consuming surface-based pressurized fluid supply operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical hydraulic system requiring surface equipment with an automated actuation system. This can include electric motors, shape memory alloys, or other automated mechanisms that respond to downhole conditions and set the liner hanger without requiring manual surface operations or heavy equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If communication holes or fluid flow paths are used in the liner, then the liner hanger can be hydraulically set, but the holes degrade the liner hanger over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the communication holes and fluid flow paths from the liner structure. The hydraulic communication and control functions are achieved through external actuation mechanisms or internal channels that do not create permanent openings in the liner wall, thereby eliminating the degradation pathway while maintaining hydraulic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible membranes or thin films that can allow fluid communication temporarily during actuation but seal completely during normal operation. This maintains the necessary hydraulic adaptability while preventing long-term degradation through complete sealing when not in use.
4Ease of operation
If the service string is manipulated from the surface to set the liner hanger, then the liner hanger can be set, but the operation is time-consuming and requires heavy equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the service string to set the liner hanger autonomously using downhole parameters and automated actuators. The system monitors its own state and triggers the actuator based on real-time conditions, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation from the surface and reducing equipment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor downhole parameters such as pressure, position, and operational status. This feedback is used to automatically control the actuator timing and operation, simplifying the service string manipulation requirements by replacing manual control with automated closed-loop systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of hanging a liner in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes: conveying a liner having a liner hanger and a liner hanger actuator into the wellbore by a service string that includes controller that determines a downhole parameter of interest relating to setting of the liner hanger; determining by the controller the parameter of interest relating to setting of the liner hanger in the wellbore; and sending a wireless liner hanger command signal from the controller in response to the determined parameter of interest to cause the liner hanger actuator to set the liner hanger in the wellbore.