Load anchor | SLB

Load anchor

Metal-to-metal anchor

Applications

  • Anchors casing, tiebacks, and hangers to enable higher bidirectional load capability
  • Locks uncemented tieback in place without space-out issues

Benefits

  • Reduces thermal expansion loads while anchoring completion strings in extended-reach wells
  • Enables use of conventional liner hanger equipment that would otherwise be unable to support heavy axial loads

Features

  • Cost-effective, nonsealing, robust metal-to-metal load anchor system
  • Bidirectional high-axial-load capabilities
  • Compliant with NACE MR0175 for sour service
  • Life-of-well effectiveness

How it improves performance

In some casing designs, high thermally-generated axial loads can occur in tieback casings. This may present challenges for the liner hanger system, the casing, or even the casing threads, especially when the casing design requires semiflush connection profiles, which have reduced axial load capabilities. The load anchor system is run as part of the tieback casing to eliminate any axial load transfer onto the liner hanger system and tieback casing.

By providing full metal-to-metal anchoring of tieback casing, the load anchor system prevents movement of the tieback casing to help maintain the integrity of traditional seal stacks and polished bore receptacle (PBR) systems. Additionally, it can be set below the liner hanger to remove excessive compression and tensile loading from the hanger and tieback seal. 

How it works

The unique metal-to-metal anchoring technology shapes metal downhole to create metal-to-metal solutions that conform perfectly to the shape of the upper casing string.  

The result is a high-axial-load-bearing, metal-to-metal interface that meets well integrity requirements and retains its effectiveness for the life of the well.