Liner hangers and liner-top packers traditionally have beenused in liner completions. However, in the conventionalsystems that employ "cone and slip" technology, the failurerate of the liner top packers as well as the failure of systeminstallation has been an ongoing problem. In conventionalsystems, mechanical equipment with multiple slips are run andset. The disadvantages of these systems include multiple leakpaths, reduced radial clearance, and exposed hydraulic ports,all of which increase the potential for failure. When thesefailures occur, the cost of the well completion is significantlyimpacted, and well completion efficiency is decreased.Reasons for unsuccessful liner installations can beattributed to a number of conditions, such as:1. The liner cannot be run to depth2. The liner hanger/packer pre-sets3. The setting tool fails4. The liner top cement job is poor.This paper will discuss an expandable liner system thatwas developed to address the shortcomings of the traditionalsystems. The new liner system combines expandable solidliner technology with proven cementing products and servicecapabilities.The following discussion will include details concerningdevelopment of the design, operating procedures, and benefitsof the expandable liner hanger as well as how the versatilityand adaptability of the system improves its reliability. Severalcase histories will be discussed to verify the efficiency of thenew system.
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