Innovative Expandable Liner-Hanger Application Saves Time on Pinedale Anticline Drilling Operations: Two Case Studies

Abstract

Abstract Across the globe, liner casing strings are sometimes required. The installation process leads to a variety of challenges from both cementing and tools aspects. Among the challenges are proper isolation of both formation and liner lap, placement of the liner in the desired position, and associated operational time required to return to drilling operations. The use of the expandable liner hanger provides a way to better address each of these issues. Well conditions on the southeast Pinedale Anticline require drilling liners to be set at specific casing points to allow all of the productive strata to be penetrated. Because the strata behind the liner string is also gas productive and completed with multiple hydraulic-fracture stimulation treatments, proper isolation behind the liner is critical right up to the lap of the liner across the intermediate casing shoe. The mechanics of the expandable hanger system eliminate the potential for a premature set. The normal operating procedures require testing conventional liner tops and "dressing" cement left on top of the liner. These operations can require substantial investments of time and money. The new technology simplifies these processes and reduces the time required to return to drilling operations. The cases investigated in this paper have similar wellbore conditions, but were cemented using different methodologies. The first was isolated using a foamed-cementing process, while the second used conventional slurries. Both cases exhibited good isolation, good bond performance across formation and lap, and a faster, more simplified operation compared to conventional mechanical liner-hanger applications.