Xcelis high-performance liner hanger systems

Improve liner casing run-in-hole operations

During running of the liner string, whether it is a production liner or an intermediate liner casing string, the Xcelis system's compact length and large bypass area reduce the risk of lost circulation due to surge pressure, allowing faster descents and reducing rig time. The proprietary interlocking pocket slip, cone, and retention ring design prevents presetting caused by friction and avoids loosening or loss of slips while running in the hole.

High operational torque capacity enables using rotation to overcome ledges and hole collapse or reduce friction of longer liners to reach target depth. The liner hanger system can be floated or, to limit buoyancy, can be used with modified flotation equipment to employ the mud-over-air method.

Improve liner hanger setting operations in previous casing

During displacement and hole cleaning, the large bypass area and shorter length reduce equivalent circulating density (ECD). The slip and cone interface has the same effective bypass area in both the unset and set conditions, enabling improved hole cleaning and higher tolerance to debris accumulation.

When setting in the previous casing string, the slip design’s aggressive bite improves hanging capacity via deep host casing engagement to avoid slippage. The rail-free slips uniformly distribute the axial load to avoid jeopardizing the host casing’s integrity.

Enhance primary cement placement for cemented liners

ECD during cementing operations decreases because of the compact length and larger bypass area, which both act to lower the pressure drop across the liner hanger system, reducing risk of poor primary cement placement. Additionally, the Xcelis liner hanger system can be configured with an optional bearing to rotate the liner for optimal cement distribution in the annular space, thereby facilitating long-term zonal isolation and improving well productivity.

After the liner hanger has been set and cemented, the liner packer is set by placing the rotating tamping dog assembly on the tieback receptacle and slacking off the drillstring. Excess cement above the liner top packer can be circulated out after the packer is set.

Improve well integrity even in HPHT wells

During run-in-hole, displacement, and cementing operations, the liner top packer sealing element must endure the frictional effects of high-rate fluid circulation and the washing effect of debris carried with the fluid, which can negatively impact its performance. The sealing element for the liner packer uses a proprietary design and compound formulation, which have been rigorously flow tested with debris to ensure resilient high-performance setting and sealing, even in high-solids-content mud. The element is self-energizing, meaning that once the packer is set, the sealing performance is sustained despite high-pressure, high-temperature thermal and pressure cycling throughout the life of a well.

Available as mechanical- and hydraulic-set liner hanger systems

The Xcelis liner hanger system is available for mechanical- or hydraulic-set systems that are compatible with our field-proven hydraulic and mechanical setting tools. It is run with the hydraulic collet running tool (CRT) or the mechanical right-hand release tool (RRT).

• For the mechanical-set liner hanger, the slips are set by manipulating the string to engage the slips against the cones. Because of this manipulation, it is recommended to use mechanical hangers in nondeviated wells.
• For the hydraulic-set liner hanger, the slips are set by applying pressure to the string. The pressure actuates the hydraulic piston and drives the slips against the cone.

What else should I know about Xcelis liner hanger systems?

Xcelis systems have been holistically designed to reduce the constraints of your liner casing well construction operations. A digital twin enables combining analytical and numerical analyses for full understanding of system mechanics. Subsequently, rigorous and extensive testing is conducted in compliance with and exceeding requirements for the system's API Spec 19LH qualification. Parametric modeling in close collaboration with your team captures the design intent for your most challenging wells, including features and constraints; it facilitates multiple iterations to deliver an optimal design.

These systems are available with

• hold-down slips to prevent the liner from floating, including during hydraulic fracturing operations in uncemented applications
• unibody construction (packer integrated with the liner hanger) or as modular stand-alone packers and liner hangers for increased flexibility
• various pressure and temperature ratings and in multiple sizes
• 125,000-psi-yield [862-MPa-yield] material for the liner hanger; other materials are available on request.