LINER HANGER SALES TRAINING

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

JUNE 21st to 25th 1999

Training Instructors:-

Bill Bavidge:-
Product Line Manager - Asia Pacific (Perth, Australia)

John Hanton:-
Business Development - Asia Pacific (K.L. Malaysia)

John Lucas:-
‘A’ Team Co-ordinator - Global (Aberdeen, Scotland)

Ian Pollock:-
Business Development - Eastern hemisphere (Houston, USA)
OBJECTIVES:-

Familiarise trainees with Liner applications and

educate them to a level where they can receive
enquiries from customer's and evaluate that
information to prepare quotations and proposals.

Familiarise trainees with commonly used liner systems

and components, their specific purpose, features and
benefits.

Familiarisation with the products and services that

can be offered as part of the liner system.

Familiarisation with other Weatherford products and

services that may benefit or enhance the liner system
or expand the overall scope of work.

Provide trainees with an overall insight into field

installation techniques and operational procedures.
 AGENDA

DAY 1:- Introduction, Sales & Marketing

DAY 2:- Sales & Marketing (cont’d.)

DAY 3:- Products & Services

DAY 4:- Product Line interfacing

DAY 5:- Field Operations

DAY 1
 INTRODUCTIONS
ROUND THE TABLE
WHO’S WHO?
 WEATHERFORD LINER HANGERS

NODECO:-
North Sea based company with a wide range of
equipment particularly designed for ‘North Sea’
applications. Bought by Weatherford in May 1996.

ATI:-
US based company with a wide range of equipment
particularly suited for ‘cost sensitive’ markets.
Acquired through EVI merger in 1998.

CARDIUM:-
A Canadian supplier of quality middle range liner and
completion products acquired in 1999.

MIDWAY:-
Mechanical Liner Hanger system specifically for
geothermal applications.
 SUPPORT
Houston, USA:-
Manufacturing, Engineering and Operations support.
80 personnel total for Completions.
20 personnel dedicated to Liner Hangers.
5500 sq. metre premises for Completions.
2500 sq. metre premises for Liner Hangers.

Arbroath, Scotland):-
Manufacturing, Engineering support personnel.
with modern CNC machine shop.

Aberdeen, Scotland:-
Norfolk House:- Global Technology Support
Burnside:- Sales and Operations personnel catering
for N. Sea and other UK needs.
 ORGANISATION

Global Product Line

Manager - Completions

Global Product Line

Manager - Liner Hangers

Region Product Line

Manager - Liner Hangers

Operations Engineering

Sales

District Inventory
 CASING DESIGN

The casing specifications determine the geometry and

physical properties of the components that we can
offer. ie; tensile and compressive strength, burst and
collapse pressure, annular clearance, by-pass area,
hanging capacity, drift diameters, etc, etc.

Typically the clearances are relatively small in all

Liner applications and therefore the amount of space
available between the two strings of casing dictates
the design limitations.

In certain applications and sizes, it is often very

difficult and sometimes impossible to design a
complete Liner system.
TYPICAL WELL SCHEMATIC
 LINER APPLICATIONS

WHY RUN A LINER?

Reduce Cost:-
Casing, thread-cutting, transportation, storage,
inspection, handling, etc.

Save Time:-
Delivery, Manufacturing, Machining, Running,
Cementing, etc.

Improved Performance:-
Completion design, ‘drill-down’ capability, hook-load
capacity limitations, etc.
 LINER APPLICATIONS

TYPES OF LINERS?

Drilling Liner:-
To overcome lost circulation zones, high pressure
zones, problematic formations, pipe conduit, etc.

Production Liners:-
Casing reduction, hole extensions.

Scab / Tie-Back Liners:-

Leak isolation, casing repair, pressure containment,
etc.
 LINER SYSTEM DESIGN

Polished Bore
Receptacle (PBR)

Setting Sleeve Liner Top Packer

Drillable Pack-off Retrievable Pack-off

Hydraulic Static Mechanical Static

Liner Hanger

Hydraulic Rotating Mechanical

Rotating

Liner

Plug/s, Dart/s and Ball

Shoetract:- Landing
Collar, Floats & Shoes
 LINER EQUIPMENT FUNCTIONS
PBR ‘POLISHED BORE RECEPTACLE’:-
Hosts Tie-Back equipment and also accommodates
Junk Bonnet debris protection systems.

SETTING SLEEVE:-
Allows the running string to be connected to the Liner.

INTEGRAL LINER TOP PACKER:-

Provides a mechanical seal between the Liner and the
Casing. Run in conjunction with the Liner.

PACK-OFF SUB:-
Accommodates a Pack-off profile or a Pack-off
system that provides a seal between the running string
and the Liner.

LINER HANGER:-
Supports the weight of the Liner string from inside the
Casing.

HOLD DOWN SUB:-

Counteracts forces that act against the Liner Hanger.
 LINER EQUIPMENT FUNCTIONS
WIPER PLUG:-
Wipes the Liner bore and controls fluid displacement
during Cementing operations.

DRILL-PIPE DART:-
Wipes the Drill-Pipe bore, controls fluid displacement
during Cementing operations and releases the Wiper
Plug.

SETTING BALL:-
Allows pressure to be applied when it is landed in a
seat.

LANDING COLLAR:-
Provides a profile for the Wiper Plug to land.

TIE-BACK PACKER:-
Provides a mechanical seal between the Liner and the
Casing. Run separately after the Liner.

SEAL STEM:-
Provides a sealing system inside a PBR for Tie-Back
strings.
 JOB ENQUIRIES
DO’s and DON’T’s!

DO collect all the relevant information relating to the

liner job and the installation process.

DO review the information closely as it determines

what we can or cannot offer.

DO become familiar with the products we can offer

and ‘non-standard’ specifications.

DON’T be scared to ask questions!!!!!!

DON’T assume anything! We are responsible for the

quality of the whole liner job. We offer systems!
 ENQUIRY INFORMATION
RIG TYPE:-
The rig type should be determined whether it is
offshore, onshore, Semi-submersible, Platform, Jack-
up, TLP, etc. This can affect the Liner system design
when critical operational stages rely heavily on tool
lengths and stroke distances.

RIG’S DRILLING SYSTEM:-

The surface Cementing rig up depends on whether the
rig has a Top-Drive system or a Kelly.

RUNNING STRING:-
Liners can be run on drill-pipe, tubing and coiled
tubing. The size, weight, grade and thread should be
recorded to ensure that darts and balls will pass
through easily. The running tool and Cement Head
interface must also be compatible. There are also
issues relating to strength on more demanding
applications.
 ENQUIRY INFORMATION
LINER SIZE/S:-
The nominal size of the liner string, ie; 7”, 5 1/2”, 5”,
etc. In most cases the Liner system components must
match the tubulars specified by the Customer.

LINER WEIGHT/S:-
The weight of the liner influences it’s drift diameter.
This must be taken into consideration to ensure that
the liner system components meet the drift
requirements to remain compatible with drilling bits,
casing scrapers, packers, etc.

LINER GRADE/S:-
The grade ‘material’ of the liner influences it’s
physical strength and dictates the chemical
compatibility properties with regard to use in sour
gas\wells, toxic gases, acids, etc.

LINER THREAD/S:-
The threaded connection of the liner string dictates the
connections that we have to supply on our equipment.
 ENQUIRY INFORMATION
CASING SIZE/S, WEIGHT/S & GRADE/S:-
The nominal size, weight and grade of the casing has
to be known to ensure that the liner system is fully
compatible with respect to drift, by-pass, hanging
capacity, ability of slips to bite, etc.

CASING THREAD/S:-
The threaded connection of the casing string should
be known to ensure that there are no internal up-sets
or shoulders that could potentially cause a tool to
hang up in or interfere with the sealing or hanging
capability.

CASING SHOE / WINDOW DEPTH:-

The depth of the transition between casing and open
hole is needed to calculate lengths and volumes.

OPEN HOLE SIZE:-

The open hole size is required to ensure that the liner
and any cementing accessories will pass through it.

OPEN HOLE DEPTH (TD):-

The open hole depth is required to establish how long
the liner string will be.
 ENQUIRY INFORMATION
LINER / CASING OVERLAP:-
This length is often dictated by the Customer but should
be reviewed to ensure that Hangers and Packers are
positioned in a suitable position.

DEVIATION:-
The deviation is required at critical points throughout
the well. ie; at the top of Liner, at the Casing Shoe or
window and at total depth of the hole section.
Any other relevant well geometry information such as
dog leg’s and their severity should also be noted and
taken into account.

TEMPERATURE:-
The static hole temperature at total depth of the open
hole section and at the top of liner should be recorded.
This information may have a bearing on elastomer
selection and the associated rating of equipment.

MUD PROPERTIES:-
Information on the Mud system should be gathered.
The Mud type, it’s base fluid, weight, solids content are
required at a minimum. Some centraliser placement
and cementing calculations may require viscosity,
rheology and fluid dynamics data.
 ENQUIRY INFORMATION
CUSTOMER PREFERENCES:-
There is a wide range of equipment available so any
Customer preferences may help to speed up the
selection process. Rotating, Non-rotating, Hydraulic,
Mechanical, drill-down, dual plug, single plug, PBR
lengths, etc.

PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS:-
Although API specifications usually determine the
ratings of tubulars, a Customer may have ‘job specific’
requirements. It may be that equipment with a ‘lesser’
rating can be offered or that the Customer is using a
grade of steel with better properties than those quoted
by API. Burst and Collapse requirements should be
requested for the liner and any tie-back equipment.

CEMENTING PHILOSOPHY:-
If the liner is cemented, it is good practice to establish
what the cementing philosophy will be. ie; Cemented
to the overlap, part cemented, stage cemented, etc.

SERVICE LIFE / EXPOSURE:-

It is worthwhile finding out what type of well the liner
will be installed in and the conditions the equipment is
likely to be subjected to during it’s service life.
DAY 2
 LINER EQUIPMENT SELECTION

PBR ‘POLISHED BORE RECEPTACLE’:-

Recommended for virtually all applications.

SETTING SLEEVE:-
Is run when the Liner or Tie-Back Packer is only
required to be carried in the well.

INTEGRAL LINER TOP PACKER:-

Is run instead of a Setting Sleeve to provide a seal
between the Liner and the Casing. Also allows the
running string to be connected to the Liner.

PACK-OFF SUB:-
Is required for all applications to allow circulation and
provide a seal between the running string and the
Liner during cementing operations.

LINER HANGER:-
Recommended for the majority of applications
however designs are not available in some sizes and in
certain cases there is no need to run one.

HOLD DOWN SUB:-

Recommended for ‘light’ Liner applications <30klbs.
 LINER EQUIPMENT SELECTION

WIPER PLUG:-
Necessary for Cemented Liner applications.

DRILL-PIPE DART:-
Necessary for Cemented Liner applications.

SETTING BALL:-
Necessary for hydraulically operated systems.

LANDING COLLAR:-
Necessary for Cemented Liner applications using
Wiper Plugs and for un-cemented systems where a
ball-seat can be installed.

TIE-BACK PACKER:-
Usually supplied as a contingency but often run as a
dedicated pressure barrier in critical / HPHT wells.

SEAL STEM:-
Normally run on cemented and un-cemented Tie-Back
strings where a seal is required between the Tie-Back
string and the Liner.
 SETTING MECHANISMS

Mechanical:-
This is the simplest of all the systems currently
available. The Liner Hanger and Setting Tool are
operated by pipe manipulation, normally by a
combination of pipe reciprocation and rotation.
Mechanical systems offer benefits in their simplicity
and physical integrity and are still commonly used in
HPHT applications where strength and sealing
capabilities are a major concern. Historically,
Mechanical systems have been preferred to Hydraulic
systems because of their perceived lower cost.
However, developments in manufacturing technology
and increased production volumes have brought the
two systems closer together.
Hydraulic:-
This system is the most commonly used in the
industry today. Pressure is applied to the work string
to activate a hydraulic piston which is directly
connected to a mechanical device. The use of a
hydraulic piston introduces design considerations due
to the wall thickness constraints dictated by annular
clearances. This can pose design problems in certain
sizes. The introduction of pressure ports and
elastomeric sealing systems can also be a concern in
some applications.
 LINER EQUIPMENT SELECTION
Understand the Customer’s requirements and the
specific job requirements.

Review the application with respect to technical

specifications and operational requirements. This
includes design geometry, pressure ratings, load
capacities, tool ratings (torque, tensile, compression,
etc.), availability, etc.

Identify the specific components required and ensure

that they are fit for purpose.

Base selection on competitive advantages, proven field

performance, reliability, availability, etc.

Be aware of any weak-points and advantages with our

own and our competitor’s systems. Use this
information to an advantages and design the systems
around or with them.
SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

 Rig compatibility.

 Casing compatibility.

 String compatibility.

 Open-Hole conditions.

 Annular clearance.

 Well Geometry.

 Torsional strength.

 Compressive strength.

 Tensile strength.

 Pressure ratings.

 Operating temperature.

 Chemical environment.

 Subsequent operations.
Rig compatibility:-

The equipment selection will depend on the Rig’s

drilling system, ie; Top-Drive, Rotary table, Kelly,
etc.. This affects the Surface Cementing rig-up mainly
but it could have an impact on the operation of tools
down-hole as well.
The rig may also have handling limitations with
regard to Crane capacities, deck space, drill-floor lay-
out, etc.
The rig type has a major impact on equipment
selection and operational procedures. Systems
designed for use from floating rigs typically need to
incorporate greater safety margins with regard to
pick-up distances than those designed for use from
fixed leg installations.
Liner assemblies can be as much as 15-20 metres in
length. A complete package can weigh up to 10 metric
tonnes. These details have logistical implications
which could affect transportation and handling
operations.
In some cases assembly work will have to be
performed at the rig site. The necessary equipment
and tooling capabilities also have to be identified.
Casing compatibility:-

The equipment selection will depend on the type of

casing that has already been run in the well.
The Casing could be old or have excessive wear which
could affect the ability of our equipment to bite into
the casing, ie; Hanger and Packer slips. It may also
affect the pressure integrity of the system.
The Casing drift should be confirmed to ensure that
our equipment will pass through it safely. There have
been instances where Casing with a smaller inside
diameter had been run above the Casing that the Liner
Hanger had to set inside and the problem has been
overlooked.
The type of threaded connection in the Casing should
be confirmed. Some threads have internal upsets,
shoulders, restrictions, etc, that could potentially
interfere with our equipment by obstructing their
passage in the well or prevent the Liner Hanger or
Packer slips from engaging on the Casing wall.
The casing wall may also be contaminated due to
previous cementing operations. Find out about clean-
out trips, scraper runs and drill-out operations that
have been performed previously.
Also be aware of shoetract components in the Casing
and avoid setting Hangers and Packers across these
sections wherever possible.
String compatibility:-

The equipment should be fully compatible with the

tubulars planned for the job.
We have a variety of components in our systems and
they must be compatible with the Liner and the
running string, by dimensions, metallurgy, thread
type, drift, etc. Every one of these aspects has the
potential for disaster.
If Cross-Over's are used, ensure that they are suitable
for use and comply with strength, drift and thread
configuration requirements.
Consideration should be given to the surface rig-up as
well. This is the main load bearing section of the
system and will most probably see the most excessive
forces during the actual job.
Another issue relates to the pipe measurement tally.
These figures should be checked and verified.
Open-Hole Conditions:-

The equipment should be fully compatible with the

anticipated hole conditions.
This is often overlooked but with some research on the
drilling operations, potential problems can be
identified and appropriate action taken.
Particular problems to be aware of are:- Wash-out’s,
ledges, swelling formations, reactive formations,
logging tool debris, hole fill and sediment, un-clean
hole, drilling cuttings, swarf, loss circulation zones,
weak formations, etc.
Reamer Shoes can be particularly useful in this
application when used in conjunction with a dedicated
drill-down liner system.
Annular Clearance:-

The proposed system should be reviewed to ensure

that there is sufficient clearance for running the
equipment and also for circulating past.
Typical areas of concern are ball-seat’s in
hydraulically operated systems, Float equipment
valves, Centralisers, Liner Hangers, Liner Packers
and PBR’s. Of all these components, the PBR
generally creates the greatest restriction due to it’s
length.
It should also be noted that circulating pressure is
generally the limiting factor with hydraulic systems.
The formation properties should also be considered as
in many cases they will not withstand excessive
circulating pressure.
Well Geometry:-

The system should be designed to suit the proposed

well geometry.
It is a good idea to source survey information and
evaluate the operating conditions beforehand. With
rotating Liner systems, this kind of pre-planning can
make the difference between getting the liner to
bottom or not and also improve the quality of the
cement job.
Weatherford has some good torque and drag software
which can predict the conditions that the equipment is
likely to be subjected to.
Any expected dog-leg’s, kick-off points, casing exits,
previous liner tops, etc, should be noted and
appropriate action taken to ensure that the Liner will
pass them unaffected.
A drill-down system is preferred if there is any doubt
about the ability to get the Liner to bottom.
Centralisation is often given low importance but the
proper design and placement can enhance the overall
job performance.
Torsional Strength:-

The system should be designed to withstand the

torsional forces expected during the job.
Weatherford has some good torque and drag software
which can predict the conditions that the equipment is
likely to be subjected to.
The system should be split into two sections and
evaluated separately, ie; Running string and Liner.
The ratings of these two sections and the forces they
are likely to see during the job will most likely be
completely different. Threaded connections are
typically the limiting factor.
The surface components are likely to be subjected to
the highest torque throughout the system.
Compressive Strength:-

The system should be designed to withstand the

compressive forces expected during the job.
This is not usually an area of concern when it comes
to Liner equipment as the running tools are relatively
robust and the Liner components are typically shorter
than normal tubular which gives them additional
support. In general, the Liner or drill-pipe is most
likely to buckle first however limitations should be
clearly identified and taken into account for
operational planning.
Tensile Strength:-

The system should be designed to withstand the tensile

forces expected during the job.
This is an area of concern when it comes to Liner
equipment.
Particular areas of concern are in situations where
there may be excessive hook-loads, high pressure
related bump forces or in stuck pipe / fishing
situations.
It has been known for Liners to be run in wells where
the free-moving up weight actually exceeded the
specified tensile rating of the system when the Liner
had to be picked up off bottom. A good example of
poor system design.
Pressure Ratings:-

The system should be designed to meet or exceed the

pressure ratings stipulated by the Customer. This
normally relates to API specifications.
In common sizes this does not pose too much of a
problem however when equipment is required for thin
walled tubulars the overall strength is greatly reduced
and in many cases it is virtually impossible to design a
complete system.
The PBR and Tie-Back interface is the common weak
point where two strings of tubulars have to connect
and still maintain the drift diameter and pressure
requirements. Tie-Back system designs need
particular close attention because of these reasons to
ensure that the complete system meets the required
specifications.
The hydraulic cylinder in a Liner Hanger is another
potential weak point but this is normally overcome by
selecting a stronger material than that used for the
Liner itself.
Packer ratings should be determined with respect to
the differential pressure that they are expected to
withstand. This usually relates to the host Casing
specifications as does the Liner Hanger hanging
capacity..
Operating Temperatures:-

The system should be designed to meet or exceed the

temperature ratings expected during the job.
The first thing to do is understand exactly what the
operating temperature is. Customer’s will often state
bottom hole temperatures which are typically higher
than those seen at the top of the Liner. The main load
bearing components are all located at this point so
this is the key area to focus on.
Elastomers are the main limitation with regard to
temperature. Sealing systems in the Liner Packer and
the Liner Hanger can be configured to suit specific
well conditions however a number of factors have to
be taken into account. This decision is best left to the
experts in the engineering department and will require
additional input on the expected chemical
environment.
Some Steel grades are also affected by temperature
but this selection is normally made by the Customer.
If we supply the same material then the responsibility
lies with them. The problem starts when equipment is
required for CRA ‘Corrosion Resistant Alloy’ Liners
where manufacturing mills do not typically release
small batches of tube or bar. Alternative materials
have to be sourced and is also best left to the experts
in our engineering department.
Chemical Environment:-

The system should be designed to withstand the

chemical environment during it’s expected life.
This can be difficult to predict as Customer use a wide
range of fluids with a variety of different chemicals in
them.
It is also best to establish what type of Mud system will
be used when running the Liner and also it’s base
fluid as it can affect the system too.
Subsequent operations normally include well
displacement to a completion fluid such as brine or
sea water and then exposure to produced well fluids
during the life of the well.
These details need to be determined, especially for
production Liners where the completion can
sometimes be expected to last as long as 30 years.
Typical areas to look at are; Packer elements, Seal
Stacks, Liner Hanger cylinder sealing systems, etc.
The chemical environment has an impact on the
elastomer and steel grade selection. As with
temperature considerations, the steel grade is often
dictated by the Customer but the elastomer selection is
left up to us. If there is any doubt at all then
engineering input should be requested.
Subsequent Operations:-

The system should be designed to accommodate

subsequent planned operations.
This normally relates to conventional clean-out trip’s,
perforating guns, completion tool runs, wire-line or
coiled tubing re-entry, stimulation tools, etc.
Features such as entry profiles are normally given
consideration during the preliminary design stages of
individual components but these requirements should
be identified during the planning stages and
highlighted.
Drill-ability of Pack-off systems, Stage Cementing
equipment and Shoetract components is a major issue
due to the obvious time impact for the Customer.
Again, this is given consideration during component
design but an emphasis should be placed on ensuring
that the system is optimised to allow these operations
to take place as quickly and smoothly as possible. It
also highlights the importance and subsequent impact
of a poorly designed system.
The Liner becomes part of the open hole sand face
completion and begins it’s service life the day it is
installed.
 QUOTATIONS,
PROPOSALS AND
PRICING

JOHNNY BOY HANTON

ASIA PACIFIC
MARKET
DISCUSSION

OPEN FORUM
DAY 3
NODECO CD-ROM
BILL BAVIDGE
NODECO PRODUCTS
INFORMATION SHEETS
BILL BAVIDGE
ATI PRODUCTS
JOHN LUCAS
IAN POLLOCK
 JOB SCENARIO
Rig:- Offshore Semi-Submersible with Top-Drive
Liner:- 7” 29 lb/ft New Vam L-80
Casing:- 9 5/8” 47 lb/ft Buttress L-80
Drill-Pipe:- 5” 19.5 lb/ft S-135 4 1/2” IF
Casing Shoe:- 3500m md
Proposed Top of Liner:- 3400m md
Open Hole:- 8 1/2”
Open Hole TD:- 3600m md
Deviation at casing shoe:- 86 Degrees
Deviation at TD:- 90 Degrees
BHT at TD:- 215 Degrees F
Mud:- Oil based, 10.5ppg
Clean-out String:- 3 1/2”13.3 lb/ft S-135 3 1/2” IF

Specific requirements:-
Problems were encountered drilling the 12.1/4” hole
section with the hole packing off and pipe sticking. It
was not possible to run the 9 5/8” casing all the way to
bottom due to hole problems. The proposed system
must have the ability to be ‘drilled down’ to bottom.
Pressure isolation across the Liner / Casing overlap is
critical. The Cement job quality is of primary
importance but contingencies should be offered to
ensure that pressure integrity is achieved.
 JOB SCENARIO

OPEN FORUM AND

DISCUSSION FOR
COURSEWORK
EXERCISE
 JOB SCENARIO - COURSEWORK
Make an itemised equipment list with the sales items
and rental tools that you would propose for the job.

Rental Tools:- Sales Items:-

 JOB SCENARIO - COURSEWORK
Highlight the main areas of concern with this job.

List and describe the features and benefits of your

proposed system and how they are suited to this
application.
DAY 4
 REVIEW
COURSEWORK
EXERCISE
ALL
HOUSTON WELL
SCREENS
IAN POLLOCK
McALLISTER ACP’S
IAN POLLOCK
CEMENTATION
PRODUCTS
&
BBL
DOUG FARLEY
 SOLUTIONS
JOHNNY BOY HANTON
DAY 5
JOB PREPARATION
& INSTALLATION
TECHNIQUES
JOHN LUCAS
 CEMENTING
JOHNNY BOY HANTON
 OPEN FORUM
DISCUSSION
COURSE REVIEW &
COMMENTS

ALL