U.S. patent application number 15/025832 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-08 for extrusion prevention ring for a liner hanger system.
The applicant listed for this patent is HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.. Invention is credited to Ryan Thomas Humphrey, Alan Tancel Jackson, Arthur Terry Stautzenberger.
Application Number | 20160356131 15/025832 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56284810 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160356131 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Humphrey; Ryan Thomas ; et
al. |
December 8, 2016 |
EXTRUSION PREVENTION RING FOR A LINER HANGER SYSTEM
Abstract
In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure,
an extrusion prevention ring for a liner hanger system is
disclosed. The liner hanger includes an elongate body, a first
groove in the elongate body, a first extrusion prevention ring
disposed about the elongate body and selectively deformable between
a first configuration, where the first extrusion prevention ring is
moveable along the length of the elongate body, and a second
configuration, where the first extrusion prevention ring is
deformed to be received within the first groove, and a seal member
disposed about the elongate body and adjacent to the first
extrusion prevention ring when the first extrusion prevention ring
is in the second configuration, the first extrusion prevention ring
configured to prevent movement of the seal member along the length
of the elongate body.
Inventors: |
Humphrey; Ryan Thomas;
(Dallas, TX) ; Stautzenberger; Arthur Terry;
(Georgetown, TX) ; Jackson; Alan Tancel; (Frisco,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56284810 |
Appl. No.: |
15/025832 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
December 30, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US14/72840 |
371 Date: |
March 29, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 33/1216 20130101;
E21B 43/105 20130101; E21B 33/10 20130101; E21B 43/08 20130101;
E21B 43/108 20130101; E21B 33/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 43/10 20060101
E21B043/10; E21B 43/08 20060101 E21B043/08; E21B 33/10 20060101
E21B033/10 |
Claims
1. A liner hanger, comprising: an elongate body; a first groove in
the elongate body; a seal member disposed about the elongate body;
and a first extrusion prevention ring disposed about the elongate
body and selectively deformable between a first configuration, and
a second configuration; , wherein in the first configuration, the
first extrusion prevention ring is movable along the length of the
elongate body; wherein in the second configuration, the first
extrusion prevention ring is received within the first groove and
adjacent to the seal member to prevent movement of the seal member
along the length of the elongate body.
2. The liner hanger of claim 1, wherein a height of the first
extrusion prevention ring is based on an outer diameter of the seal
member.
3. The liner hanger of claim 1, wherein a surface of the first
extrusion prevention ring is textured.
4. The liner hanger of claim 1, wherein: the elongate body is
selectively deformable from a first configuration, where the
elongate body is moveable along a casing string of a wellbore, to a
second configuration where the elongate body is expanded such that
the seal member is in contact with the casing string; and the first
extrusion prevention ring is deformable to a third configuration
where the first extrusion prevention ring is in contact with the
casing string.
5. The liner hanger of claim 4, wherein the first extrusion
prevention ring has a flat surface contacting the casing
string.
6. The liner hanger of claim 1, wherein a width of the first
extrusion prevention ring is based on a weight of a liner attached
to the elongate body.
7. The liner hanger of claim 1, wherein a shape of the first groove
corresponds to a shape of the first extrusion prevention ring.
8. The liner hanger of claim 1, further comprising: a second groove
in the elongate body; and a second extrusion prevention ring
disposed about the elongate body and selectively deformable from a
first configuration, where the second extrusion prevention ring is
moveable along the length of the elongate body, to a second
configuration, where the second extrusion prevention ring is
deformed to be received within the second groove, the second
extrusion prevention ring located adjacent to the seal member on an
opposite side of the seal member from the first extrusion
prevention ring.
9. A method for coupling a liner to a casing string of a wellbore,
comprising: coupling a liner hanger to a liner, the liner hanger
including: an elongate body; a first groove in the elongate body; a
seal member disposed about the elongate body; and a first extrusion
prevention ring disposed about the elongate body and selectively
deformable between a first configuration; wherein in the first
configuration, the first extrusion prevention ring is movable along
the length of the elongate body; wherein in the second
configuration, the first extrusion prevention ring is received
within the first groove and adjacent to the seal member to prevent
movement of the seal member along the length of the elongate body;
lowering the liner and the liner hanger into a wellbore through a
casing string; and expanding the liner hanger such that the seal
member is in contact with the casing string.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein a height of the first extrusion
prevention ring is based on an outer diameter of the seal
member.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein a surface of the first extrusion
prevention ring is textured.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the first extrusion prevention
ring is deformable to a third configuration where the first
extrusion prevention ring is in contact with the casing string of a
wellbore.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein a shape of the first groove
corresponds to a shape of the first extrusion prevention ring.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the liner hanger further
includes: a second groove in the elongate body; and a second
extrusion prevention ring disposed about the elongate body and
selectively deformable from a first configuration, where the second
extrusion prevention ring is moveable along the length of the
elongate body, to a second configuration, where the second
extrusion prevention ring is deformed to be received within the
second groove, the second extrusion prevention ring located
adjacent to the seal member on an opposite side of the seal member
from the first extrusion prevention ring.
15. A system for performing subterranean operations, comprising: a
liner hanger positioned within a casing string of a wellbore, the
liner hanger including: an elongate body; a first groove in the
elongate body; a seal member disposed about the elongate body; and
a first extrusion prevention ring disposed about the elongate body
and selectively deformable between a first configuration and a
second configuration; wherein in the first configuration, the first
extrusion prevention ring is movable along the length of the
elongate body; wherein in the second configuration, the first
extrusion prevention ring is received within the first groove and
adjacent to the seal member to prevent movement of the seal member
along the length of the elongate body; and a liner coupled to the
liner hanger.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein a height of the first extrusion
prevention ring is based on an outer diameter of the seal
member.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein a surface of the first
extrusion prevention ring is textured.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein: the elongate body is
selectively deformable from a first configuration, where the
elongate body is moveable along a casing string of a wellbore, to a
second configuration where the elongate body is expanded such that
the seal member is in contact with the casing string; and the first
extrusion prevention ring is deformable to a third configuration
where the first extrusion prevention ring is in contact with the
casing string.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the first extrusion prevention
ring has a flat surface contacting the casing string.
20. The system of claim 15, where in the liner hanger further
includes: a second groove in the elongate body; and a second
extrusion prevention ring disposed about the elongate body and
selectively deformable from a first configuration, where the second
extrusion prevention ring is moveable along the length of the
elongate body, to a second configuration, where the second
extrusion prevention ring is deformed to be received within the
second groove, the second extrusion prevention ring located
adjacent to the seal member on an opposite side of the seal member
from the first extrusion prevention ring.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to hydrocarbon
recovery operations and, more particularly, to an extrusion
prevention ring for a liner hanger system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] When performing subterranean operations, a wellbore is
typically drilled and completed to facilitate removal of natural
resources (e.g., hydrocarbons or water) from a subterranean
formation. Often, once a wellbore is drilled, a casing string may
be inserted into the wellbore. Cement may be used to install the
casing string in the wellbore and prevent migration of fluids in
the annulus between the casing string and the wellbore wall. In
certain implementations, the casing string may be made of heavy
steel.
[0003] Once an upper portion of the wellbore has been drilled and
cased, it may he desirable to continue drilling and to line a lower
portion of the wellbore with a liner lowered through the upper
cased portion of the wellbore. Liner hangers may be installed in
the lower end of a previously installed casing string and may be
used to mechanically support an upper end of the liner.
Additionally, liner hangers may be used to seal the liner to the
casing string.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure
and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the
following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an elevation view of an example
embodiment of a drilling system;
[0006] FIG. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example
embodiment of a liner hanger featuring seal members and extrusion
prevention rings;
[0007] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the liner
hanger shown in FIG. 2A in an expanded configuration;
[0008] FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of an exemplary extrusion
prevention ring;
[0009] FIG. 3B illustrates a section view of the exemplary
extrusion prevention ring shown in FIG. 3A; and
[0010] FIG. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the profile of
the exemplary extrusion prevention ring shown in FIG. 3A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] The present disclosure describes an extrusion prevention
ring for use with a liner hanger system. During a subterranean
operation, a liner may be placed in a wellbore to line a portion of
the wellbore. The liner may be suspended from a liner hanger
coupled to a casing string in the wellbore. The liner hanger may
include seal members surrounding the outer perimeter of the body of
the liner hanger that anchor the liner hanger to the casing string
and provide an annular seal between the liner hanger and the casing
string. Additionally, the liner hanger may have extrusion
prevention rings located adjacent to each seal member that encircle
the outer perimeter of the body of the liner hanger. The extrusion
prevention rings may provide additional anchoring capacity between
the liner hanger and the casing string and provide a seal between
the liner hanger and the casing string. The extrusion prevention
rings may also maintain the position of the seal members. For
example, when the liner hanger is in contact with the casing
string, the seal members may spread due to the compression of the
seal members between the casing string and the liner hanger. The
extrusion prevention ring may prevent the spread and maintain the
thickness of the seal members. The extrusion prevention rings may
be coupled to the outer perimeter of the liner hanger without
requiring an increase in the weight or the thickness of the walls
of the liner hanger. Accordingly, a system and method of use may be
designed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure
to increase the anchoring and sealing capacity of the liner hanger,
improve the efficiency, and reduce the cost of the subterranean
operation. Embodiments of the present disclosure and their
advantages are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 3,
where like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding
parts.
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an elevation view of an example
embodiment of a drilling system. Drilling system 100 may include
well surface or well site 106. Various types of drilling equipment
such as a rotary table, drilling fluid pumps and drilling fluid
tanks (not expressly shown) may be located at well site 106. For
example, well site 106 may include drilling rig 102 that has
various characteristics and features associated with a "land
drilling rig." However, downhole drilling tools incorporating
teachings of the present disclosure may be satisfactorily used with
drilling equipment located on offshore platforms, drill ships,
semi-submersibles and drilling barges (not expressly shown).
[0013] Drilling system 100 may also include drill string 103
associated with drill bit 101 that may be used to form a wide
variety of wellbores or bore holes such as generally vertical
wellbore 114a or generally horizontal wellbore 114b or any
combination thereof. Various directional drilling techniques and
associated components of bottom hole assembly (BHA) 120 of drill
string 103 may be used to form horizontal wellbore 114b. For
example, lateral forces may be applied to BHA 120 proximate kickoff
location 113 to form generally horizontal wellbore 114b extending
from generally vertical wellbore 114a. The term "directional
drilling" may be used to describe drilling a wellbore or portions
of a wellbore that extend at a desired angle or angles relative to
vertical. The desired angles may be greater than normal variations
associated with vertical wellbores. Direction drilling may also be
described as drilling a wellbore deviated from vertical. The term
"horizontal drilling" may be used to include drilling in a
direction approximately ninety degrees (90.degree.) from
vertical.
[0014] BHA 120 may be formed from a wide variety of components
configured to form wellbore 114. For example, components 122a,
122b, and 122c of BHA 120 may include, but are not limited to,
drill bits (e.g., drill bit 101), coring bits, drill collars,
rotary steering tools, directional drilling tools, downhole
drilling motors, reamers, hole enlargers, or stabilizers. The
number and types of components 122 included in BHA 120 may depend
on anticipated downhole drilling conditions and the type of
wellbore that will be formed by drill string 103 and rotary drill
bit 101. Drill bit 101 may include one or more blades 126 that may
be disposed outwardly from exterior portions of rotary bit body 124
of drill bit 101. Drill bit 101 may rotate with respect to bit
rotational axis 104 in a direction defined by directional arrow
105. BHA 120 may also include various types of well logging tools
(not expressly shown) and other downhole tools associated with
directional drilling of a wellbore. Examples of logging tools
and/or directional drilling tools may include, but are not limited
to, acoustic, neutron, gamma ray, density, photoelectric, nuclear
magnetic resonance, rotary steering tools, and/or any other
commercially available well tool.
[0015] Wellbore 114 may be defined in part by casing string 110
that may extend from well surface 106 to a selected downhole
location, Portions of wellbore 114, as shown in FIG. 1, that do not
include casing string 110 may be described as "open hole." Various
types of drilling fluid may be pumped from well surface 106
downhole through drill string 103 to attached drill bit 101.
"Uphole" may be used to refer to a portion of wellbore 114 that is
closer to well surface 106 and "downhole" may be used to refer to a
portion of wellbore 114 that is further from well surface 106. The
drilling fluids may be directed to flow from drill string 103 to
respective nozzles passing through rotary drill bit 101. The
drilling fluid may be circulated uphole to well surface 106 through
annulus 108. In open hole embodiments, annulus 108 may be defined
in part by outside diameter 112 of drill string 103 and inside
diameter 118 of wellbore 114. In embodiments using casing string
110, annulus 108 may be defined by outside diameter 112 of drill
string 103 and inside diameter 111 of casing string 110.
[0016] Casing string 110 may be made of any suitable material that
is compatible with the conditions in wellbore 114, such as steel.
In sonic embodiments, open hole portions of wellbore 114 may be
lined with liner 130. Liner 130 may be used to line or case the
open hole portion of wellbore 114. In some embodiments, cement may
be placed between liner 130 and inner diameter 118 of wellbore 114.
Liner 130 may be installed in wellbore 114 through the use of drill
string 103. Drill string 103 may include a releasable collet (not
expressly shown) by which drill string 103 can support and rotate
liner 130 as liner 130 is placed in wellbore 114.
[0017] Liner hanger 132 may be attached to the upper end of, or
formed as an integral part of liner 130. Liner hanger 132 may have
an elongate body that may include one or more seal members 134
surrounding liner hanger 132 along the axial length of liner hanger
132. When liner hanger 132 is installed in wellbore 114, seal
member 134 may anchor liner hanger 132 to casing string 110 and may
create a fluid-tight and pressure-tight seal between liner hanger
132 and casing string 110. Seal members 134 may be made of any
suitable elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may be
formed of compounds including, but not limited to, natural rubber,
nitrile rubber, hydrogenated nitrile, urethane, polyurethane,
fluorocarbon, perflurocarbon, propylene, neoprene, hydrin, etc.
While three seal members 134 are depicted for illustrative
purposes, any number of seal members 134 may be used.
[0018] As described in further detail in FIGS. 2A and 2B, liner
hanger 132 may be designed such that it may be plastically deformed
downhole in wellbore 114 from a contracted position to an expanded
position. In the contracted position, the outer diameter of liner
hanger 132, defined by the outer diameter of seal members 134, may
be smaller than inner diameter 111 of casing string 110 such that
liner hanger 132 may be lowered into wellbore 114. As described in
further detail with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B, when liner hanger
132 is positioned downhole in wellbore 114, expansion cones located
on drill string 103 may expand liner hanger 132 into the expanded
configuration, where the outer diameter of liner hanger 132 expands
such that seal members 134 are in contact with inner diameter 111
of casing string 110. When seal members 134 are in contact with
casing string 110, seal members 134 may provide a seal against
casing string 110 and support the weight of liner 130.
[0019] When seal member 134 is in contact with inner diameter 111
of casing string 110, seal member 134 may be compressed between
liner hanger 132 and casing string 110. The pressure created by the
compression of seal member 134 may cause seal member 134 to spread
out along the perimeter of liner hanger 132 and the thickness of
seal member 134 may decrease. Additionally, the weight of liner 130
may cause seal member 134 to migrate from one location to another
along liner hanger 132. The migration and/or spreading of seal
member 134 may decrease the ability of seal member 134 to provide
sealing and anchoring functions for liner hanger 132. Therefore,
liner hanger 132 may include one or more extrusion prevention rings
(e.g., extrusion prevention rings 246 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B)
located on the sides of seal member 134 to maintain the position of
seal member 134 and prevent seal member 134 from spreading and/or
migrating along the outer perimeter of liner hanger 132. FIG. 2A
illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a
liner hanger including seal members and extrusion prevention rings.
Liner hanger 232 may be used to suspend liner 230 in a wellbore
(e.g., wellbore 114 shown in FIG. 1). Liner hanger 232 may be
coupled to casing string 210 via one or more seal members 234
and/or one or more extrusion prevention rings 246. Liner hanger 232
may be made of any suitable ductile material that is compatible
with the conditions in the wellbore, such as steel or a suitable
corrosion resisting alloy (CRA), that allows liner hanger 232 to be
plastically deformed from an original configuration to an expanded
configuration.
[0020] Liner hanger 232 may further include a polished bore
receptacle, or tie back receptacle, 236 coupled to the upper end of
liner hanger 232. In one embodiment, polished bore receptacle 236
may be coupled to liner hanger 232 by a connector, such as threaded
joint 238. The inner bore of polished bore receptacle 236 may be
smooth and machined to close tolerance to permit drill strings,
production tubing, and/or any other suitable subterranean tool to
he connected to liner 232 with a fluid-tight and pressure-tight
connection. For example, production tubing may be connected to
polished bore receptacle 236 and used to pump fracturing fluid at
high pressure down a without exposing casing string 210 to the
fracturing pressure. While polished bore receptacle 236 is shown as
above liner hanger 232 in FIG. 2A, alternatively polished bore
receptacle 236 may be located below liner hanger 232.
[0021] The outer diameter of liner 230 may be as large as possible
while still allowing liner 230 to he lowered through casing string
210. Additionally, while liner hanger 232 is in the original
configuration, the outer diameter of liner hanger 232 may be
defined by the outer diameter of the seal members 234 such that the
outer diameter of liner hanger 232 is approximately the same as the
outer diameter of liner 230.
[0022] During assembly of liner hanger 232, one or more grooves 248
may be formed in the outer perimeter of liner hanger 232. Groove
248 may be formed by any suitable manufacturing process such as
machining. Groove 248 may be placed along the outer perimeter of
liner hanger 232 such that the spacing of grooves 248 along the
axial length of liner hanger 232 corresponds with the placement of
one or more seal members 234. For example a first groove 248 may be
machined along the outer perimeter of liner hanger 232 at a first
axial position of liner hanger 232 and a second groove 248 may be
machined along the outer perimeter of liner hanger 232 at a second
axial position along liner hanger 232 where the first and second
axial positions correspond to the edges of seal member 234.
[0023] Liner hanger 232 may further include one or more extrusion
prevention rings 246 placed over one or more grooves 248. Extrusion
prevention ring 246 may he made of any suitable ductile material
that withstands the conditions in the wellbore and has a high yield
strength and a high elongation, such as aluminum, steel, or
stainless steel. For example, extrusion prevention ring 246 may be
made of a stainless steel, such as AISI 316 stainless steel.
Extrusion prevention ring 246 may be designed to provide a
predetermined contact stress when expanded into casing 210.
[0024] Extrusion prevention ring 246 may be installed on the outer
perimeter of liner hanger 232 by sliding extrusion prevention ring
246 over an end of liner hanger 232 until extrusion prevention ring
246 is at a predetermined position e.g., over groove 248). After
extrusion prevention ring 246 is placed over groove 248, extrusion
prevention ring 246 may be compressed and plastically deformed to
fit snugly against groove 248 along the outer diameter of liner
hanger 232. Extrusion prevention ring 246 may be compressed by any
suitable means of deforming metal, such as through the use of a
piston-pressure device or a crimping tool. Liner hanger 232 may
include extrusion prevention rings 246 located over each groove
248. The placement of extrusion prevention rings 246 and grooves
248 may be such that an extrusion prevention ring 246 is placed
adjacent to one or both sides of one or more seal members 234 along
the axial length of liner hanger 232.
[0025] Groove 248 may have edges 250 to maintain the placement of
extrusion prevention ring 246 when extrusion prevention ring 246 is
placed over groove 248. In some embodiments, the shape of groove
248 may mirror the shape of extrusion prevention ring 246. For
example, in FIGS. 2A and 28. groove 248 is trapezoidal shaped,
corresponding to the trapezoidal shape of the inner surface of
extrusion prevention ring 246. When the shape of groove 248 mirrors
the shape of inner surface 364, groove 248 may provide structural
support for extrusion prevention ring 246. In other embodiments,
the shape of groove 248 may not mirror the shape of extrusion
prevention ring 246 or may be a complementary shape to the shape of
extrusion prevention ring 246. While groves 248 are shown in FIGS.
2A and 2B has having a trapezoidal shape, grooves 248 may be any
suitable shape such as circular, square, or rectangular. Grooves
248 may be designed to contain extrusion prevention ring 246 to
prevent damage to extrusion prevention ring 246 during placement of
liner hanger 232 in the wellbore. The design of groove 248 may
additionally provide support for extrusion prevention ring 246 to
prevent axial movement of extrusion prevention ring 246 during
expansion of liner hanger 232 and while liner hanger 232 is used
during the subterranean operation.
[0026] Once extrusion prevention rings 246 are installed on liner
hanger 232, one or more seal members 234 may be formed over the
outer diameter of liner hanger 232. Seal member 234 may be
positioned such that one or more extrusion prevention rings 246 are
located on the sides of seal member 234. Seal member 234 may be
made of any suitable elastomeric material that may be compatible
with the conditions in the wellbore, such as an elastomeric
material (e.g., rubber), ductile metals (e.g., AISI type 316L
stainless steel), or other polymeric materials.
[0027] Seal members 234 may be spaced along the axial length of
liner hanger 232, surrounding the outer perimeter of liner hanger
232 according to the planned use of liner hanger 232. For example,
in high temperature, high pressure (referred to as "HPHT")
subterranean operations, liner hanger 232 may include a greater
number of seal members 234 than the number of seal members 234 used
for a non-high temperature, high pressure subterranean operation.
The distance between each seal member 234 may be determined such
that any deformation induced in casing string 210 by the force
exerted by seal members 234 may be minimized and/or isolated and
the force of seal member 234 may be distributed along casing string
210. Additionally, the distance between seal members 234 may be
selected to maximize the hanging capacity of seal members 234. The
hanging capacity is the maximum downward force seal member 234 may
carry without causing liner hanger 232 to move relative to casing
string 210. The distance between seal members 234 may be based on
any suitable factor, such as the outer diameter of liner hanger
234, the thickness of the wall of liner hanger 234, the inner
diameter of casing string 210, the thickness of casing string 210,
and/or the weight of liner 230. For example, the distance between
the seal members may be smaller when the weight of liner 230 is
heavier. The length of liner hanger 234 may limit the number of
seal members 234 that may be placed on liner hanger 234.
[0028] Seal member 234 may be positioned at any axial location
along the outer perimeter of liner hanger 232. The placement of one
or more seal members 234 may be based on any suitable design
parameter such as the weight of liner 230 suspended from liner
hanger 232.
[0029] FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the liner
hanger shown in FIG. 2A in an expanded configuration. During
installation of liner hanger the wellbore, liner hanger 232 may be
deployed on a setting tool to provide the axial force required to
expand liner hanger 232 (e.g., a setting tool on drill string 103
shown in FIG. 1). When liner hanger 232 is positioned in casing
string 210, fluid pressure applied to the drill string and liner
hanger 232 may be used to drive expansion cone 240 downward through
liner hanger 232 to expand and plastically deform liner hanger 232
to the expanded configuration where one or more seal members 234
are forced into contact with casing string 210. An alternate
setting method may be used to deliver the setting force, such as a
mechanically or electronically activated tool. The contact between
seal member 234 and casing string 210 may anchor liner hanger 232
to casing string 210 and may provide a pressure-tight and/or
fluid-tight seal between liner hanger 232 and casing string 210.
After liner hanger 232 is expanded, expansion cone 240 may he
removed from liner hanger 232, through polished bore receptacle 236
and out of the wellbore.
[0030] When liner hanger 232 is expanded in the wellbore, seal
members 234 may contact casing string 210 and may couple liner
hanger 232 to casing string 210. Additionally, extrusion prevention
ring 246 may expand with liner hanger 232. During expansion,
extrusion prevention ring 246 may be plastically deformed and may
maintain the position of extrusion prevention ring 246 relative to
seal member 234 to maintain the position of seal member 234 along
the axial length of liner hanger 232.
[0031] Seal member 234 may be held in place by one or more
extrusion prevention rings 246. Extrusion prevention ring 246 may
maintain the position of seal members 234 and prevent seal members
234 from migrating along the outer diameter of liner hanger 232
and/or spreading while seal members 234 support the weight of liner
230 and anchor liner hanger 232 to casing string 210. Extrusion
prevention ring 246 may be placed at one or both sides of seal
member 234. Extrusion prevention ring 246 may be a circular ring
that extends along the outer perimeter of liner hanger 232 at a
predetermined axial location (e.g., at a side of seal member
234).
[0032] In addition to maintaining the position of seal member 234,
in some embodiments extrusion prevention ring 246 may provide
additional anchoring capability for liner hanger 232 by forming a
metal to metal contact with casing string 210. Extrusion prevention
ring 246 may also provide a seal between liner hanger 232 and
casing string 210. The use of extrusion prevention ring 246 and
seal member 234 on liner hanger 232 may enhance the anchoring and
sealing of liner hanger 232 with casing string 210 when compared to
a liner hanger 232 having seal members 234 alone. Additionally, the
use of extrusion prevention ring 246 may provide redundant
anchoring and pressure integrity for liner hanger 232 in the event
that a seal member 234 is damaged during installation of liner
hanger 232 in the wellbore.
[0033] While liner hanger 232 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B as having
three seal members 234, liner hanger 232 may have any number of
seal members 234. The number of seal members 234 may be based on
the characteristics of the subterranean operation, such as the
weight of liner 230 suspended from liner hanger 232. Additionally,
while liner hanger 232 is shown as having six extrusion prevention
rings 246, liner hanger 232 may have any number of extrusion
prevention rings 246. While extrusion prevention rings 246 are
shown as having a flat top, extrusion prevention rings 246 may have
any suitable shape such as pointed, spiked, or curved.
[0034] FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of an exemplary extrusion
prevention ring. Extrusion prevention ring 346 may be placed around
the outer diameter of a liner hanger (e.g., liner hanger 232 shown
in FIGS. 2A and 2B) and may maintain the position of one or more
annular seals. Additionally, extrusion prevention ring 346 may
provide metal-to-metal contact between extrusion prevention ring
346 and a casing string (e.g., casing string 210) to anchor and
seal the liner hanger to the casing string.
[0035] The diameter of extrusion prevention ring 346, shown as "d"
in FIG. 3A, may be any suitable diameter corresponding to the outer
diameter of the liner hanger. Liner hangers may have different
sizes depending on the particular application and the size of
extrusion prevention ring 346 may correspond to the diameter of a
liner hanger. For example, the diameter may be slightly larger than
the unexpanded outer diameter of the liner hanger such that
extrusion prevention ring 346 may slide over the liner hanger
during the assembly process, as described with reference to FIGS.
2A and 2B. Extrusion prevention ring 346 may be manufactured
through any suitable process, such as casting and extruding.
Extrusion prevention ring 346 may be made of any suitable ductile
material that may allow extrusion prevention ring 346 to be
deformed from an original configuration, to a deformed
configuration, and to an expanded configuration. Extrusion
prevention ring 346 may also be made of a material that withstands
the conditions in the wellbore and has a high yield strength and a
high elongation, such as aluminum, steel, or stainless steel. For
example, extrusion prevention ring 246 may be made of a stainless
steel, such as AISI 316 stainless steel.
[0036] Extrusion prevention ring 346 may be placed along the outer
perimeter of the liner hanger such that extrusion prevention ring
346 protrudes from the outer perimeter of the liner hanger and is
slidable along the length of the liner hanger and rotatable about
the liner hanger. After extrusion prevention ring 346 is installed
over a groove in the liner hanger (e.g., groove 248 shown in FIGS.
2A and 2B), extrusion prevention ring 346 may be deformed, or
crimped, against the groove. In the contracted configuration,
extrusion prevention ring 346 may be seated in the groove and the
diameter of extrusion prevention ring 346 may be decreased relative
to an original configuration. Extrusion prevention ring 346 may be
deformed by any suitable deformation methods, such as through the
use of a piston pressure device or a crimping tool. After the liner
hanger is positioned in the wellbore and expanded whereby extrusion
prevention ring 346 may also be expanded with the liner hanger. In
the expanded configuration, top surface 354 may be in contact with
the casing string and the diameter of extrusion prevention ring 346
may be increased relative to a deformed or crimped configuration
and/or an original configuration.
[0037] FIG. 3B illustrates a section view of the exemplary
extrusion prevention ring shown in FIG. 3A. Extrusion prevention
ring 346 is shown sectioned along section A-A shown in FIG. 3A.
FIG. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the profile of the
exemplary extrusion prevention ring shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The
profile of extrusion prevention ring 346 may be any suitable
profile that maintains the position of a seal member and provides a
contact surface between a liner hanger and a casing string of a
wellbore.
[0038] In some embodiments, extrusion prevention ring 346 may
provide a metal-to-metal seal between the liner hanger and the
casing string. When extrusion prevention ring 346 is in the
expanded configuration, top surface 354 of extrusion prevention
ring 346 may be flat to provide a more effective contact surface
between the liner hanger and the casing string than an extrusion
prevention ring 346 with a pointed or spiked top surface 354. For
example, the casing string e.g., casing string 110 shown in FIG. 1)
may have surface variations such that the surface of the casing
string is not even and/or smooth and top surface 354 may provide a
larger surface area to contact the casing string to bridge any
variations in the surface of the casing string. Additionally, when
top surface 354 is flat, top surface 354 may provide a higher load
capacity for supporting the weight of the liner hanger and the
liner due to the larger contact area between extrusion prevention
ring 346 and the casing string provided by top surface 354.
[0039] In some embodiments, top surface 354 may be textured to
provide a higher coefficient of friction between extrusion
prevention ring 346 and the inner diameter of the casing string.
For example, top surface 354 may be threaded, knurled, sandblasted,
serrated, or otherwise textured to eliminate the smoothness of top
surface 354. The texturing of top surface 354 may be such that as
extrusion prevention ring 346 is deformed or expanded from the
original configuration to the deformed configuration and/or
expanded configuration, the texturing of top surface 354 remains
intact.
[0040] In some embodiments, the profile of extrusion prevention
ring 346 may be symmetrical such that angle 356a is approximately
the same as angle 356b. In other embodiments, the surface geometry
of extrusion prevention ring 346 may he asymmetrical such that
angle 356a is different from angle 356b. Angles 356a and 356b may
be selected such that after the liner hanger and extrusion
prevention ring 346 are expanded in the wellbore, profile 358 of
extrusion prevention ring 346 may remain approximately normal to
the body of the liner hanger. For example, angles 356a and 356b may
be any suitable angle between approximately 30.degree. to
approximately 70.degree..
[0041] Top surface 354 may have width 360 that may be selected
based on the requirements of the subterranean operation. For
example, width 360 may be based on the predetermined surface area
designed to contact the casing string to support the weight of the
liner hanger and the liner. Width 360 may be selected to maintain a
suitable width of extrusion prevention ring 346 such that in the
expanded state, extrusion prevention ring 346 maintains the
position of one or more seal members along the outer perimeter of
the liner hanger.
[0042] Height 362 (e.g., the difference between the outer diameter
and the inner diameter of extrusion prevention ring 346) may be
configured such that the outer diameter of extrusion prevention
ring 346 may be similar to the outer diameter of a seal member. For
example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the outer diameters of
extrusion prevention ring 246 and seal member 234 extend from the
outer perimeter of liner hanger 232 by approximately the same
amount. In other embodiments, height 362 may be such that the outer
diameter of extrusion prevention ring 346 may be less than or
greater than the outer diameter of the seal members.
[0043] Height 362 may be based on a function of an amount of
possible compression of the seal member when the seal member is in
contact with the casing string. For example, height 362 may he a
distance from the outer perimeter of the liner hanger such that
when the seal member is compressed, the outer diameter of extrusion
prevention ring 346 may be approximately the same as the outer
diameter of the compressed seal member. Height 362 may result in
both the seal member and extrusion prevention ring 346 contacting
the casing string which may allow the liner hanger to support a
greater weight than a liner hanger where only the seal member
contacts the casing string or a liner hanger where only extrusion
prevention ring 346 contacts the casing string. Extrusion
prevention ring 346 may provide mechanical support for the liner
and the liner hanger.
[0044] Any number of extrusion prevention rings 346 may be placed
along the axial length of the liner hanger. The number of extrusion
prevention rings 346 placed along the axial length of the liner
hanger may be based on any suitable consideration, such as the
number of seal members placed on the liner hanger, the weight of
the liner suspended from the liner hanger, or the predetermined
anchor and/or sealing capacity of extrusion prevention rings 346.
Each of extrusion prevention rings 346 may provide anchor
capability and sealing capability for the liner hanger, as well as
act as a retainer for the seal member when the seal member is
compressed between the casing string and the liner hanger.
[0045] Extrusion prevention ring 346 may provide a metal to metal
seal with the casing string which may be desirable for use in
certain high temperature and/or high pressure subterranean
operations where the effectiveness of an elastomer seal member may
be reduced. Additionally, the degradation of extrusion prevention
ring 346 may be less than the degradation of the seal members under
such extreme conditions, resulting in a longer lasting liner hanger
which may reduce the costs and improve the efficiency of the
subterranean operation.
[0046] Embodiments disclosed herein include:
[0047] A. A liner hanger including an elongate body; a first groove
in the elongate body; a first extrusion prevention ring disposed
about the elongate body and selectively deformable between a first
configuration, where the first extrusion prevention ring is
moveable along the length of the elongate body, and a second
configuration, where the first extrusion prevention ring is
deformed to be received within the first groove; and a seal member
disposed about the elongate body and adjacent to the first
extrusion prevention ring when the first extrusion prevention ring
is in the second configuration, the first extrusion prevention ring
configured to prevent movement of the seal member along the length
of the elongate body.
[0048] B. A method for coupling a liner to a casing string of a
wellbore including coupling a liner hanger to a liner. The liner
hanger includes an elongate body; a first groove in the elongate
body; a first extrusion prevention ring disposed about the elongate
body and selectively deformable between a first configuration,
where the first extrusion prevention ring is moveable along the
length of the elongate body, and a second configuration, where the
first extrusion prevention ring is deformed to be received within
the groove; and a seal member disposed about the elongate body and
adjacent to the first extrusion prevention ring when the first
extrusion prevention ring is in the second configuration, the first
extrusion prevention ring configured to prevent movement of the
seal member along the length of the elongate body. The method
further includes lowering the liner and the liner hanger into a
wellbore through a casing string; and expanding the liner hanger
such that the seal member is in contact with the casing string.
[0049] C. A system for performing subterranean operations including
a liner hanger positioned within a casing string of a wellbore and
a liner coupled to the liner hanger. The liner hanger includes an
elongate body; a groove in the elongate body; a first extrusion
prevention ring disposed about the elongate body and selectively
deformable between a first configuration, where the first extrusion
prevention ring is moveable along the length of the elongate body,
and a second configuration, where the first extrusion prevention
ring is deformed to be received within the first groove; and a seal
member disposed about the elongate body and adjacent to the first
extrusion prevention ring when the first extrusion prevention ring
is in the second configuration, the first extrusion prevention ring
configured to prevent movement of the seal member along the length
of the elongate body.
[0050] Each of embodiments A, B, and C may have one or more of the
following additional elements in any combination: Element 1:
wherein a height of the first extrusion prevention ring is based on
an outer diameter of the seal member. Element 2: wherein a surface
of the first extrusion prevention ring is textured. Element 3: the
elongate body is selectively deformable from a first configuration,
where the elongate body is moveable along a casing string of a
wellbore, and a second configuration where the elongate body is
expanded such that the seal member is in contact with the casing
string; and the first extrusion prevention ring is deformable to a
third configuration where the first extrusion prevention ring is in
contact with the casing string. Element 4: wherein the first
extrusion prevention ring has a flat surface contacting the casing
string. Element 5: wherein a width of the first extrusion
prevention ring is based on a weight of a liner attached to the
elongate body. Element 6: wherein a shape of the first groove
corresponds to a shape of the first extrusion prevention ring.
Element 7: a second groove in the elongate body; and a second
extrusion prevention ring disposed about the elongate body and
selectively deformable from a first configuration, where the second
extrusion prevention ring is moveable along the length of the
elongate body, and a second configuration, where the second
extrusion prevention ring is deformed to be received within the
second groove, the second extrusion prevention ring located
adjacent to the seal member on an opposite side of the seal member
from the first extrusion prevention ring.
[0051] Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the
following claims. For example, while the embodiment discussed
describes a extrusion prevention ring with a flat top surface, the
extrusion prevention ring may also have a pointed or spiked top
surface and may be made of any suitable material and in any
suitable shape. Additionally, while the liner hanger is shown as
being used with drilling equipment, the liner hanger may be used in
any suitable subterranean operation. It is intended that the
present disclosure encompasses such changes and modifications as
fall within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *