Effective primary cementing in the wellbore is critical to achieving positive wellbore isolation. This paper discusses an expandable-liner-hanger (ELH) system that provides liner rotation during the liner deployment and the cementing operation while providing a hydraulically energized liner-top seal upon setting. The case histories of the wells using the system verify the key consideration factors presented in this paper, which help improve the quality of the liner cementing bond.

Liner-Hanger System

The ELH system incorporates bonded elastomeric sections. The elastomeric ele­ment provides the hanging capacity for the liner and a gas-tight seal. The liner-hanger/packer body contains no setting mechanism or external components, such as slips, hydraulic cylinders, or pistons. The hydraulic setting mechanism is contained in the setting-tool assembly and is retrieved, eliminating potential leak paths in the flow stream. This running/setting-tool-assembly system provides the necessary expansion mechanics, cementing pack-off seals, a collet assembly to carry the liner weight and transfer the liner weight to the drillstring, and an end-of-expansion indicator assembly. As required, the liner system can be rotated and reciprocated when incorporated with an ELH high-torque running/setting tool and high-torque liner connections. The liner system can be rotated and reciprocated while running in the hole or during cementing operations (Fig. 1).