Multiple Liner Hanger Assembly

Abstract

A hanger assembly provided for multiple hanging opportunities. If liner is being run and the primary hanger doesn't work then a backup hanger is available to set near the nonfunctional primary hanger. In drilling with casing applications when there is a steering equipment malfunction or an MWD breakdown or bit wear requiring the BHA to be pulled, the liner can be hung where it is and the BHA pulled. Upon running back in with the BHA on a running tool the initial hanger can be released and the running tool configured to only set a different hanger when the total depth is reached in drilling with the liner. The running tool is then retrieved and the completion can go on.

1 . A tubular string hanging method to an existing tubular in a subterranean location, comprising:
 running in a tubular string with at least one hanger through the existing tubular;   securing said tubular string to the surrounding tubular with said hanger at a first location on the surrounding tubular;   releasing said hanger and further advancing said tubular string;   securing said tubular string to the surrounding tubular with said hanger at least one alternate location.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising:
 setting said hanger mechanically.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising:
 setting said hanger hydraulically.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising:
 using a plurality of hangers as said at least one hanger;   setting a different hanger at said first and said alternate locations.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , comprising:
 setting said plurality of hangers with different running tools.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , comprising:
 configuring said running tool that sets said hanger at said alternate location to avoid actuating said hanger previously set at said first location by a different running tool.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , comprising:
 releasing said hanger at said first location with said running tool that later sets another hanger at said alternate location.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , comprising:
 locking said hanger released from said first location against resetting with said running tool that later sets another hanger at said alternate location.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , comprising:
 locating a seat in said running tool that later sets another hanger at said alternate location adjacent a setting port on a hanger to be set;   locating spaced isolators in said running tool that later sets another hanger at said alternate location to span setting ports for spaced apart hangers;   dropping an object on said seat;   pressuring up against said object to set a hanger at said alternate location while applying pressure to setting ports of said hanger previously set at said first location in a manner that will not set said now released hanger another time.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 4 , comprising:
 setting a plurality of hangers at said first and alternate locations with the same running tool.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 6 , comprising:
 locating an object on a first seat to set a hanger at said first location;   passing the object though said first seat after setting said hanger at said first location with pressure on said object;   locating a second object on a second seat below said first seat;   setting another hanger at an alternate location with pressure on said second object.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , comprising:
 providing said second object as larger than said first.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 4 , comprising:
 pulling a bottom hole assembly through said tubular string after setting said hanger at said first location;   replacing said bottom hole assembly in said tubular string;   retaining said tubular string with a running tool;   releasing said hanger at said first location;   setting another hanger with said running tool at said alternate location.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , comprising:
 drilling while advancing said tubular string with said bottom hole assembly; engaging said hanger at said alternate location when reaching a desired location with said drilling.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , comprising:
 preventing said hanger that is released from said first location from resetting after said release.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , comprising:
 setting said hangers mechanically or hydraulically.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , comprising:
 preventing said resetting mechanically or hydraulically.