Anchoring in cased hole
The Welltec® Expandable Anchor (WEA) for Inner-String Packer is qualified for life-of-well, delivers maximum running clearance, and provides a permanent seal in cased hole applications. The system is compatible with feedthrough lines and eliminates need for a deburr run when deployed within perforated tubing.
The surface-controlled hydraulic expansion ensures bidirectional anchoring. The solution is qualified in accordance with the highest-level API and ISO standards.
The development of WEA as an Inner-String Packer minimizes subcomponents, ensuring reliability and efficiency while simplifying well construction. The WEA enables reciprocation, circulation, and/or rotation during deployment.
The Welltec Expandable Anchor (WEA) for Inner-String Packer is run in combination with a Metal Expandable Packer (MEP), the proven hydraulic expansion sleeve. The rapid application of surface-controlled pressure simultaneously expands the WEA and the MEP system, offering an efficient alternative to conventional inner-string solutions. The expansion sleeve hydraulically expands the bidirectional anchors, which uniformly engage with the ID of the outer casing. Increased loading/anchoring capacity is achieved via the modular addition of WEA sleeves. The slim running OD maximizes clearance to have minimal impact on ECD during fluid circulation.
Featured case
A National Oil Company (NOC) in the Middle East had designed and planned a 12-zone smart completion and required a reliable anchor for the toe section. Whilst the client had previous experience with alternative hydraulically-set production packers...
The WEA is a single-piece machined sleeve, fully welded to a base pipe. The main anchor section is a machined slip that is mounted over the expansion sleeve.
The functionality and characteristics of the expansion sleeve are similar to that of Welltec’s metal expandable packer range. As the sleeve expands, the anchor rings engage with and grip the liner/casing ID. As the load is applied, the grip is increased, and increased load anchoring can be provided via additional sleeve assemblies.
The WEA range is fully compatible with Welltec® Metal Expandable Packers and WIV® technologies.
* Custom specifications and control line feedthrough options available on request.
| Applications |
| Inner-string packer |
| Mid-string packer |
| Production packer |
| Casedhole straddle |
| Features |
| High expansion and bidirectional load capability |
| Rugged, all-welded, metallic construction |
| Design solutions to accommodate various fluid types and hydraulic requirements |
| Load capability independent of Delta P |
| Compatible with feedthrough lines |
| NACE compliant |
| Benefits |
| Full bore solution with minimal running OD |
| Enables reciprocation, circulation, and/or rotation during deployment |
| Modular and compact design with high modular bidirectional load-carrying capability |
| Hydraulic expansion delivers compliance to damaged or deformed casings |
| Minimizes stress within deformed casing via even distribution of load |
| Reduced inventory – higher expansion capability covers multiple tubing grades |
| Slim running profile |
| No need for deburr runs |
| Specifications* | |
| Set within a tubular range | 6 5/8” → 13 5/8” |
| Base-pipe range up to | 4 ½” → 9 5/8” |
| Expansion range | 5.75” → 12.38” |
| Min. running OD | 5.6" → 11.38” |
| ID | Full bore (as per base pipe) |
| Qualification | API 19LH – V1 |
| Expansion pressure while setting | 4,500 psi → 5,000 psi |
| Anchoring capacity | Up to 80% of the tensile strength of the base pipe |
| Differential pressure | 10,000 psi |
| Temperature range °C | 30°C → 130°C |
| Compatible with | Metal Expandable Packers |
| *Custom specification and control | line feedthrough options available on request |
Talk to your local expert
At Welltec, our team of specialists is experienced in resolving the unique challenges of well drilling and operations across diverse terrain. Whatever your need, we can help you find a solution.