Anchoring in cased hole
The Welltec® Expandable Anchor (WEA) for Liner Hanger is qualified for life-of-well and delivers a robust system with maximum running clearance. Surface-controlled hydraulic expansion delivers compliance to damaged or deformed casings while ensuring bidirectional anchoring and sealing.
When installed as part of Welltec lower completion solutions, WEA for Liner Hanger delivers a low cost and efficient lower liner solution.
The Welltec® Expandable Anchor (WEA) for Liner Hanger 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 liner hanger solutions. The slim running OD maximizes clearance to have minimal impact on ECD during fluid circulation of cementing operations.
This solution is qualified in accordance with the highest-level API 19LH-V1 and ISO 14130-V0 standards. Moreover, this combination minimizes subcomponents and moving parts delivering a robust system for the most demanding environments, and maintains the ability to circulate, rotate and work down the liner to maximize the ability to reach the target setting depth.
The WEA for Liner Hanger is based on proven metal hydraulic expansion sleeve that has established a global track record in all well types. Whilst approximately 50% of the metal expansion sleeve systems provided have been deployed within cement, there are many commercial and environmental gains for the industry when deployed cementless. The many benefits of cementless liners are being realized, with cement manufacture and cement implementation seen as a main contributor to CO2 emissions and a primary barrier to clients achieving their Net Zero targets.
Featured case
An onshore well in Trinidad & Tobago had to be shut-in due to a corroded 6-5/8” production casing at 355 ft, and as a consequence the client had lost production from the asset. The client’s initial considerations for remediation included...
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 |
| Completion and well construction using cemented or uncemented liners |
| Features |
| Rugged, all-welded, metallic construction |
| Casing integrity reinstated post setting |
| Burst protection fitted as standard |
| High expansion capability |
| Constant, high-pressure ∆p over full expansion range |
| No premature expansion |
| NACE compliant |
| Benefits |
| Full bore solution maintains the liner ID with minimal running OD |
| Modular and compact design with highly modular bidirectional load-carrying capability |
| Hydraulic expansion delivers compliance to damaged or deformed casings |
| Minimizes stress within deformed casing via even distribution of load |
| Enables reciprocation, circulation, and/or rotation during deployment |
| Reduced inventory – higher expansion capability covers multiple casing weights |
| 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.