Patent Publication Number: US-11384619-B2

Title: Casing hanger actuated load shoulder

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This disclosure relates in general to oil and gas tools, and in particular, to systems and methods for downhole wellbore systems utilizing stacked casing configurations. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     In a downhole well, such as an oil and gas well, a wellhead may be positioned at a surface location, which may be a ground surface or a subsea floor for a subsea well. The wellhead may include an annular bore that receives wellbore tubulars. In certain embodiments, the wellbore is a cased wellbore that includes a casing string. At least one load shoulder is usually disposed within the bore for supporting the casing string. In deep wells, there will generally be more than one casing string extending into the well, and one or more load shoulders may be provided for supporting each one of the casing strings. Often, once a well is drilled to a certain depth, a first casing string is lowered through the bore of the wellhead and supported by a first casing hanger on a first load shoulder in the wellhead, the casing may then be cemented in place. Subsequent casing strings may be added to the well, below the first casing string, where a second casing hanger is supported by the first casing hanger, a third casing hanger is supported by the second casing hanger, and so on. Often, the entire weight of the second casing string and second casing hanger is transmitted through the first casing hanger to the first load shoulder. Moreover, loads from above, such as pressure testing loads, are also transmitted to the first load shoulder. Accordingly, the limiting factor within the well is the first load shoulder and/or the first casing hanger. 
     SUMMARY 
     Applicant recognized the problems noted above herein and conceived and developed embodiments of systems and methods, according to the present disclosure, for downhole wellbore operations. 
     In an embodiment, a wellhead system includes a first position casing hanger, arranged within a wellbore, the first position casing hanger supported, at least in part, by a load member. The wellhead system also includes a second position casing hanger, arranged within the wellbore, the second position casing hanger positioned axially higher and stacked on the first position casing hanger, a weight of the second position casing hanger supported, at least in part but less than entirely, by the first position casing hanger and, at least in part, by an actuated load shoulder transferring the force into a high pressure housing, the actuated load shoulder including a load ring having a hanger side profile and a housing side profile, the load ring adapted to engage a hanger profile formed in the second position casing hanger and a housing profile formed in the high pressure housing upon activation via the first position casing hanger, the load ring being driven toward the high pressure housing via a force applied to a contact surface arranged at a first angle, the force driving the load ring toward the hanger profile along a hanger groove arranged at a hanger groove angle, wherein the first angle is less than a housing groove angle of the housing profile. 
     In another embodiment, a wellhead system includes a housing positioned within a wellbore, the housing including a housing profile formed, at least in part, by a plurality of housing profile grooves. The system also includes a first position casing hanger, arranged within a wellbore, the first position casing hanger supported, at least in part, by a load member. The system further includes a second position casing hanger, arranged within the wellbore, the second position casing hanger positioned axially higher and stacked on the first position casing hanger, the second position casing hanger including a hanger profile formed, at least in part, by a plurality of hanger profile grooves. The system also includes a load ring adapted to move radially outward from the second position casing hanger. The load ring includes a hanger side profile having a plurality of hanger side profile grooves, at least a portion of the hanger side profile grooves aligning with at least a portion of the hanger profile grooves. The load ring also includes a housing side profile having a plurality of housing side profile grooves, at least a portion of the housing side profile grooves aligning with at least a portion of the housing profile grooves when the load ring is in an activated position. The load ring further includes a contact surface positioned at a lower region of the load ring, the contact surface arranged at a contact surface angle, the contact surface angle adapted to receive a reaction force based least in part, on downward movement of the second position casing hanger, relative to the first position casing hanger. In embodiments, at least a portion, but less than an entirety, of a weight of the second profile casing hanger is supported by the housing when the load ring is in the activated position, the load ring being moved into the activated position via engagement between the first position casing hanger and the second position casing hanger, the contact surface receiving the reaction force and driving movement of the load ring in an axial direction toward the hanger grooves arranged at respective hanger groove angles and radially toward the housing profile, the housing profile grooves arranged at respective housing groove angles greater than the contact surface angle. 
     In an embodiment, a method for arranging a stacked hanger configuration includes providing a second position casing hanger having an actuated load shoulder, the actuated load shoulder including a load ring that moves between a retracted position and an activated position. The method also includes positioning the second position casing hanger, within a wellbore, proximate a housing profile formed in a high pressure housing, the second position casing hanger being axially uphole from a first position casing hanger. The method further includes engaging a shoulder of the first position casing hanger, via the second position casing hanger, to drive the load ring radially outward from the second position casing hanger, the load ring receiving a driving force along an angled contact surface. The method also includes engaging the housing profile, via the load ring, when the load ring is in the activated position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present technology will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of wellhead system including a stacked casing hanger configuration, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an actuated load shoulder in a retracted position, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an actuated load shoulder in an intermediate position, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an actuated load shoulder in an activated position, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a load ring, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a hanger profile, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a housing profile, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a plunger engaged with a first position casing hanger, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of a load ring, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of a load ring, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of a load ring, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 12  is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method to deploy an actuated load shoulder, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The foregoing aspects, features and advantages of the present technology will be further appreciated when considered with reference to the following description of preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements. In describing the preferred embodiments of the technology illustrated in the appended drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. The present technology, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terms used, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
     When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present invention, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Any examples of operating parameters and/or environmental conditions are not exclusive of other parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “certain embodiments,” or “other embodiments” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, reference to terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper”, “lower”, “side”, “front,” “back,” or other terms regarding orientation are made with reference to the illustrated embodiments and are not intended to be limiting or exclude other orientations. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward an actuated load shoulder that utilizes a combination of at least three different tapers, in combination with one another, in order to transmit at least a portion of, but not all of, a weight of a casing hanger between a lower casing hanger and an outer housing. In embodiments, at least two casing hangers are stacked in a wellbore, however, it should be appreciated that any number of casing hangers may be stacked, such as 3, 4, 5, 6, or any other reasonable number. A downhole or first casing hanger may be used, at least in part, to actuate a load ring associated with an uphole or second casing hanger. The load ring may be arranged with an annular pocket formed in the second casing hanger. In various embodiments, the load ring includes groove profiles on both a hanger side and a housing side that mate with respective hanger profiles and housing profiles. In operation, a lower surface of the load ring may contact a plunger, which applies a reactive force that drives the load ring in an upward and radially outward direction. The housing side groove profile may engage the housing profile as the load ring receives the reactive force. As the second hanger continues to move in a downward direction (opposite the movement of the load ring), the load ring may engage both the hanger profile and the housing profile, thereby transferring forces between both the first hanger and the housing. As will be described below, respective angles associated with the lower surface, hanger profile, housing profile, and groove profiles may be particularly selected in order to transmit different portions of the force within the system, as well as to lock or otherwise secure the load ring into position. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed toward actuating a second casing hanger load shoulder (e.g., upper casing hanger, higher casing hanger, upstream casing hanger, etc.) in a subsea wellhead, however it should be appreciated that embodiments may be equally applicable to surface wells and that subsea wells are shown for illustrative purposes only. In various embodiments, the second casing hanger load shoulder enables the second casing hanger to hang more casing, and handle higher pressure end loads from above, than a stacked hanger configuration. The casing loads are shared between a high pressure housing and a hanger neck below it (e.g., downhole, downstream, etc.), which allows other casing hanger positions of the stack to hang more casing and handle higher pressure end loads from above. In various embodiments, a segmented load ring is actuated using a hanger neck below, for example a hanger neck of a first casing hanger. The load of the casing hanger is shared between the first position casing hanger and the segmented ring, which transmits at least a portion of the load into a housing. The casing hanger may further include retention and retrieval mechanisms that allow the segments to be retracted and held with a single upwards pull of the casing hanger. As a result, removal may be easier. In various embodiments, the segmented load ring is actuated on the load shoulder on the hanger neck below it and then shares the load between the high pressure housing and the casing hanger below it. For example, the segmented load ring may engage the high pressure housing to transfer at least a portion of the force to the high pressure housing. In various embodiments, the trip shoulder or activation shoulder is not formed on the high pressure housing, and as a result, the second casing hanger may be deployed at a variety of different locations within the wellhead without aligning with a particular region of the wellhead. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure may overcome one or more deficiencies associated with stacked subsea wellhead configurations (or surface configurations, as noted above). In a stacked wellhead configuration, a second position (or higher) casing hanger may land on a first position (or lower) casing hanger below it. The total weight of the stack, along with the pressure end load from above, is supported entirely or substantially entirely by the first position casing hanger. However, as deeper and high pressure wells are drilled, heavier casing strings are utilized and supported, along with increases in pressure end loads. Accordingly, hanging capacity needs to increase in order to support the demands of these higher pressure and higher temperature wellheads. Unfortunately, traditional systems may transmit substantially all of the load onto the first position hanger, which may be supported by an expandable load ring, which may be considered the limiting factor. Embodiments of the present disclosure are utilized to direct forces away from the first position hanger and into a housing, which enables larger and heavier casing strings. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure include a load ring that may be actuated between a stored position and an activated position via a plunger or other driving mechanism. In an embodiment, the plunger may be driven against a first position casing hanger as a second position casing hanger is moved in downward direction into a wellbore. The plunger may apply a force to the load ring that drives the load ring in an upward direction. The load ring may contact a profile formed in the second position casing hanger that transmits at least a portion of the force into a radial force to drive the load ring radially outward and into contact with a high pressure housing, such as with an associated profile formed in the high pressure housing. As a result, load may be shared between the first position casing hanger and the high pressure housing. Described herein are embodiments where one or more features may be adjusted in order to facilitate different proportions of load distribution between the load ring and the first position casing hanger. For example, one or more grooves or shoulders may be arranged at an angle that may be adjusted in order to change force distribution within the system. In this manner, larger or more casing hangers may be stacked within the well bore. 
     In various embodiments, respective angles of the components of the system may be particularly selected to both direct force transmissions within the system as well as to prevent inadvertent movement of shifts, while also providing adequate clearance to accommodate misalignment and the like. For example, an angle associated with a lower portion of the load ring, where the load ring receives the reactive force, may be shallower than an angle associated with the hanger profile. As will be described below, various forces and reactive forces are utilized in order to position and then hold the load ring in place, and as a result, adjustment of the angles and other dimensions within the system of the present disclosure may be particularly selected based on expected operating conditions. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wellhead system  100  that includes a housing assembly  102  and a stacked casing hanger configuration  104 . The illustrated wellhead system  100  includes a longitudinal axis  106 , however, it should be appreciated that the configuration illustrated is for illustrative purposes only and that the wellhead may be arranged at an angle or may include portions that are deviated. The illustrated system includes an outer housing  108  and a high pressure housing  110 , which may also be preferred to as a high pressure wellhead. An axial bore  112  extends along the longitudinal axis  106  and receives the stacked casing hanger configuration  104 , which includes a first casing hanger assembly  114  and a second casing hanger assembly  116 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first casing hanger assembly  114  may also be referred to as a first position casing hanger  114  (e.g., first casing hanger), and the second casing hanger assembly  116  may also be referred to as a second position casing hanger  116  (e.g., second casing hanger). As illustrated, the first position casing hanger  114  is arranged downhole or below the second position casing hanger  116 . The second position casing hanger  116  may be referred to as being “stacked” on the first position casing hanger  114 . In operation, the weight of the second position casing hanger  116  is supported by the first position casing hanger  114 . Only two casing hanger assemblies are disclosed herein for simplicity, but it should be appreciated that multiple casing hanger assemblies may be utilized and further stacked on one another. For example, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or any reasonable number of casing hanger assemblies may be utilized. Accordingly, while first and second position hangers may be described herein, similar operations may also be applicable between the second and a third position casing hanger, and so on. 
     The first position casing hanger  114  engages the high pressure housing  110  via a load member  118 , which may be activation ring or the like. The load member  118  may be activated by one or more features of the high pressure housing  110 , such as along a load shoulder or the like. It should be appreciated that various components are not described herein for simplicity with the following discussion and that additional features may be included to facilitate supporting the first position casing hanger  114 , activating the load member  118 , permitting flow by for operational purposes, and the like. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first position casing hanger  114  includes a shelf  120  for supporting the second position casing hanger  116 . As will be described below, in various embodiments, the shelf  120  may be used to activate an expanding load shoulder associated with the second position casing hanger  116 . 
       FIG. 2  is a detailed schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an actuated load shoulder  200  utilized to transmit at least a portion of the load, but in embodiments not all of the load, of the second position casing hanger  116  to the high pressure housing  110 . As a result, a reduced load is placed on the first position casing hanger  114 , which enables larger and heavier casing hangers to be suspended within the wellbore. The illustrated embodiment includes the first position casing hanger  116  arranged axially lower, along the axis  106 , than the second position casing hanger  116 . Both the first position casing hanger  114  and the second position casing hanger  116  are positioned within the high pressure housing  110 . As will be described below, in operation, downward movement of the second position casing hanger  116  activates a load ring to engage with a profile formed in the high pressure housing  110 . As noted above, the present disclosure is described with reference to the first and second position casing hangers  114 ,  116 , but it should be appreciated that there may be more casing hangers stacked within the wellbore. The arrangement of only two is for illustrative purposes only and for clarity and conciseness, and it should be appreciated that operation between the first and second position casing hangers  114 ,  116  may be equally applicable to operation between a third position casing hanger and the second position casing hanger, a fourth position casing hanger and the third position casing hanger, and so forth. 
     The illustrated embodiment includes an upper portion  202  of the first position casing hanger  114  positioned proximate a plunger  204  coupled to the second position casing hanger  116 . The upper portion  202  includes the shelf  120 , positioned axially downhole from a seal space  206 , and further includes a slanted portion  208 . The plunger  204  includes an activation surface  210  that engages the slanted portion  208 , in operation, to drive a load ring  212  into engagement with the high pressure housing  110 . As shown, the plunger  204  may be coupled to the second position casing hanger  116 , for example via shear pins  214 , such that a force that exceeds a threshold amount causes the pins  214  to break to facilitate movement between the second position casing hanger  116  and the plunger  204 . In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation surface  210  substantially conforms to the slanted portion  208  to facilitate engagement of the load ring  212  via the plunger  204 . It should be appreciated that the relative angles of the activation surface  210  and the slanted portion  210  are for illustrative purposes only, and that in various embodiments the angles may be shallower or steeper and may be particularly selected based on operating conditions. 
     Further illustrated in  FIG. 2  is the load ring  212  arranged along a portion of the second position casing hanger  116 . The load ring  212  includes a hanger side profile  216  and a housing side profile  218 . In the illustrated embodiment, the hanger side profile  216  is different from the housing side profile  218 . For example, the hanger side profile  216  may have a different number of steps, be arranged at difference angles, have different thicknesses, have different lengths, and the like. However, it should be appreciated that one or more features of the profiles may be substantially aligned or the same. In embodiments, the load ring  212  is arranged within a pocket  220  formed in the second position casing hanger  116 . The pocket  220  may be an annular pocket that extends substantially around the second position casing hanger  116 . The load ring  212  may be arranged to have an interference fit with at least a portion of the pocket  220  such that the load ring  212  is maintained within the pocket  220  until an activation force, such as from the plunger  204 , drives the load ring  212  radially outward from the pocket  220 . Moreover, in embodiments, a split ring may be arranged within the illustrated relief in order to facilitate expansion and retraction of the load ring  212 . In embodiments, at least a portion of the load ring  212  may remain within at least a portion of the pocket  220 , even when deployed. The load ring  212  is illustrated as being in a stored position in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 . Accordingly, the second position casing hanger  116  may be tripped into the wellbore without having the load ring  212  contact other components, which would make it more difficult to install. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the hanger side profile  216  of the load ring  212  substantially corresponds to a hanger profile  222  such that the load ring  212  is arranged at least partially along the hanger profile  222 . While direct engagement is illustrated in  FIG. 2 , it should be appreciated that gaps or the like may be present along the respective interface between the hanger side profile  216  and the hanger profile  222  to accommodate misalignment or the like, and as a result, a flush fit between the respective profiles  216 ,  222  may not be present in each embodiment. The illustrated hanger profile  222  includes a plurality of grooves  224  (e.g., hanger grooves  224 ) that include respective peaks and troughs. Similarly, the hanger side profile  216  includes a plurality of grooves  226  (e.g., hanger side grooves  226 ), also formed by respective peaks and troughs. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four hanger grooves  224  and three hanger side grooves  226 , but in other embodiments there may be more or fewer grooves  224 ,  226 . For clarity with the following discussion, the grooves may be referred to by accompanying letter identifiers, for example, hanger grooves  224 A-D and hanger side grooves  226 A-C. In the illustrated embodiment, corresponding grooves are aligned (e.g., hanger groove  224 A is aligned with hanger side groove  226 A). As will be described below, the plunger  204  may drive movement of the load ring  212  to adjust a position of the respective grooves  226  of the load ring  212 . 
     In various embodiments, each hanger groove  224  may form a respective shoulder  228  that is arranged at a respective angle  230  (e.g., hanger groove shoulder angle). It should be appreciated that the angles  230  may be adjusted, which may change how loads are transferred within the system. As a result, the system can be tuned to transmit more or less force to the high pressure housing  110 . The illustrated angles  230  of the hanger grooves  224  are substantially equal in the illustrated embodiment. However, it should be appreciated that the angles  230  may be different and particularly selected based on operating conditions and the like. For example steeper angles (e.g., less flat shoulders  228 ), may facilitate more movement of the load ring  212 . Moreover, as will be described below, the angles may further be sized based on other angles or surfaces within the system to accommodate and adjust for reactive forces throughout the system. 
     As discussed, the load ring  212  includes the hanger side profile  216  having the hanger side grooves  226 . The hanger side grooves  226  include respective faces  232  that interact with and may contact the shoulders  228  of the hanger grooves  224 . These faces  232  are arranged at respective angles  234 , where each angle  234  may be different from or the same as other angles of the hanger side profile  216 . In various embodiments, the angles  230  and  234  are particularly selected to conform to one another, thereby forming a substantially tight fitting and aligned contact edge between the second position casing hanger  116  and the load ring  212 . However, as noted below, in embodiments the angles may be different to facilitate gaps or spaces between the profiles  216 ,  222  to accommodate for misalignment and shifts in the downhole environment. 
     It should be appreciated that the faces  232  may include an upper or upstream face  236  and a side or downstream face  238 . That is, the upper face  236  may interact with a slanted portion  240  of the hanger groove  224  while the side face  238  interacts with a planar portion  242  of the hanger groove  224 . As will be described below, in operation, the plunger  204  may drive the load ring  212  in an upstream direction, due to a reactive force in response to downward movement of the second position casing hanger  116 , which may translate to a force along the upstream face  236 . The upstream face  236  interacts with the slanted portion  240 , thereby driving radial movement of the load ring outward from the axis  106 . The outward radial movement may drive the load ring  212  to engage the high pressure housing  110 . As will be described below, the relative angles and arrangement between components in the system facilitate engagement and force transfer. For example, an angle of the plunger  204 , with respect to the load ring  212 , includes force components in both an upward, axial direction and an outward, radial direction. By adjusting the angle, different components of the force may be directed in different directions. 
     Turning to the housing side profile  218 , the housing side profile  218  of the load ring  212  substantially corresponds to a housing profile  244  such that the load ring  212  is arranged at least partially along the hanger profile  244  when the load ring  212  is moved radially outward, as will be described below. It should be appreciated that, in the illustrated embodiment, there are four housing profile grooves  246  and four housing side grooves  248 , but in other embodiments there may be more or fewer grooves  246 ,  248 . For clarity with the following discussion, the grooves may be referred to by accompanying letter identifiers, for example, housing profile grooves  246 A-D and housing side load ring grooves  248 A-D. In the illustrated embodiment, corresponding grooves are configured to mesh or otherwise come together, which may include some spacing or gaps, as noted above, to accommodate for movement or misalignment. 
     In various embodiments, each housing profile groove  246  may form a respective shoulder  252  that is arranged at a respective angle  254  (e.g., housing profile groove shoulder angle). It should be appreciated that the angles  254  may be adjusted, which may change how loads are transferred within the system. For example, as noted above, in embodiments it may be desirable to have the angle  254  be steeper than an angle of the activation surface  210  because, upon contacting the housing  110 , the load ring  212  may be subjected to a reactive force, which may attempt to drive the load ring  212  radially inward. As a result, the system can be tuned to transmit more or less force to the high pressure housing  110 . The illustrated angles  254  of the housing profile grooves  246  are substantially equal in the illustrated embodiment. However, it should be appreciated that the angles  254  may be different and particularly selected based on operating conditions and the like. For example steeper angles (e.g., less flat shoulders  252 ), may be less susceptible to prevent upward forces. 
     As discussed, the load ring  212  includes the housing side profile  218  having the housing side grooves  248 . The housing side grooves  248  include respective faces  256  that interact with and may contact the shoulders  252  of the housing grooves  246 . These faces  256  are arranged at respective angles  258 , where each angle  258  may be different from or the same as other angles of the housing side profile  218 . In various embodiments, the angles  254  and  258  are particularly selected to conform to one another, thereby forming a substantially tight fitting and aligned contact edge between the high pressure housing  110  and the load ring  212 . However, as noted above, there may be spaces between the housing profile  244  and the housing side profile  218  for movement due to misalignment and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the angles  258  are steeper than the angles  234  of the hanger side grooves  226 . 
     It should be appreciated that the faces  256  may include an upper or upstream face  260  and a lower or downstream face  262 . That is, the upper face  260  may interact with a lower portion  264  of the housing grooves  246  while the lower face  262  interacts with an upper portion  266  of the housing grooves  246 . In operation, an upward force may drive the upper face  260  against the lower portion  264 , while a downward force may drive the lower face  262  against the upper portion  266 . 
     The illustrated embodiment includes an example of the second position casing hanger  116  being positioned proximate the first position casing hanger  114 . As shown, the plunger  204  has not engaged the first position casing hanger  114 , and as a result, the load ring  212  is still arranged within the pocket  220 . Upward forces on the plunger  220 , for example due to downward movement of the second position casing hanger  116 , will shear the pins  214  to facilitate movement of the plunger  220  with respect to the first position casing hanger  114 . In various embodiments, downward movement of the second position casing hanger  116  moves the plunger  220  into contact with the first position casing hanger  114  to generate the reactive force that drives movement of the load ring  212 . 
     For clarity with the discussion herein, components may be described with respect to their relative positions in different stages of operation of the actuated load shoulder  200 . The illustrated embodiment includes various components of the actuated load shoulder  200  in a stored or transport position where the second position casing hanger  116  is being tripped or lowered into the wellbore. In this embodiment, the housing side profile  218  of the lock ring  212  is illustrated as being radially inward from the hanger groove  224 D, which is illustrated a first distance  268  from the housing profile  244 . Furthermore, a first hanger side groove  226 A engages a first hanger groove  224 A, a second hanger side groove  226 B engages a second hanger groove  224 B, a third hanger side groove  226 C engages a third hanger groove  224 C, and a fourth hanger side groove  226 D is not engaged with the load ring  212 . Such relative position may change during activation of the load ring  212  to move the load ring  212  radially outward toward the housing  110 , as will be described below. 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the actuated load shoulder  200  in an intermediate position. The illustrated intermediate position shows the load ring  212  between a stored position ( FIG. 2 ) and an engaged position ( FIG. 4 ). As described above, a force  300  (illustrated as an arrow) may be transmitted to the load ring  212  via the plunger  204 , which is driven against the first position casing hanger  114  due to movement of the second position casing hanger  116 . In other words, the force  300  may be a reactive force that is generated via contact between the second position casing hanger  116  and the first position casing hanger  114 . The plunger  204 , which may be coupled to the second position casing hanger  116  in the stored position, may move relative to the second position casing hanger  116  when the coupling mechanism, illustrated as shear pins  214 , break. However, the plunger  204  may also be viewed as stationary as the second position casing hanger  116  continues moving in the downward direction. The resulting force  300  is applied to the load ring  212  via contact between the plunger  204  and the load ring  212 . As described above, the angles of the contact surfaces  302 ,  304  between the plunger  204  and the load ring  212  may be adjusted and particularly selected based on operating conditions. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the angles are less steep than the angles of the lower portion  264 . As will be appreciated, the lower portion  264 , upon being contacted by the load ring  212 , may have an opposite reactive force. If the angles of the contact surfaces  302 ,  304  were too large, then the load ring  212  would not be effective driven toward the housing  110 . 
     The force  300  may drive the hanger side grooves  226  against the hanger grooves  224  such that the respective faces  232  engage the respective shoulders  228 . Because the shoulders  228  include the slanted portion  240  and the upstream face  236  is arranged at the angle  234  (e.g., angle of the hanger side profile), a portion of the force may be redirected in a radial direction as the load ring  212  slides along the slanted portions  240 , thereby moving the load ring  212  radially outward toward the housing  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, the upstream face  236 A moves along the slanted portion  240 A, the upstream face  236 B moves along the slanted portion  240 B, and the upstream face  236 C moves along the slanted portion  240 C. This movement along the slanted portions thereby moves the housing side profile  246  toward the housing profile  244 . Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, a second distance  306  is less than the first distance  300 . As a result, the load ring  212  is transitioned toward the high pressure housing  110 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the actuated load shoulder  200  moved into an activated position in which the load ring  212  engages the high pressure housing  110 . As a result, at least a portion of the weight from the second position casing hanger  116 , and the force from a downward load, is transferred into the high pressure housing  110 , rather than onto the first position casing hanger  114 . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing profile  244  of the housing  110  engages the housing side profile  218 , thereby providing a path to transfer the load from the second position casing hanger  116 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the housing side grooves  248  engage, at least in part, the housing grooves  246 . For example, the lower faces  262  of the housing side grooves  248  engage the upper portions  266  of respective housing grooves  246 . Accordingly, a force is transmitted into the housing  110 . Additionally, in embodiments, the upper faces  260  of the grooves  248  engage the lower portions  264  of the housing grooves  246 . In this manner, the second position casing hanger  116  may be secured within the wellbore. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , there is clearance, represented by respective gaps  400 , along both the hanger profile  222  and the housing profile  244 . The clearance enables movement in either the axial or radial directions in the event of misalignment or shifting, such as a shifting plunger  204 , or the like. It should be appreciated that, even with some clearance, there is still force transmission at various contact points, and accordingly, the clearance  400  provides spaces for alignment and shifting in the downhole environment. 
     As described, the force  300  from the plunger  204  drives the loading ring  212  upward and radially outward from the stored position. As a result, the hanger side groove  226 A has moved to engage the hanger groove  224 B, the hanger side groove  226 B has moved to engage the hanger groove  224 C, and the hanger side groove  226 C has moved to engage the hanger groove  224 D. Furthermore, a distance  402  between the hanger groove  224 D is less than both the first distance  268  and the second distance  302 . 
     Advantageously, the load ring  212  is not activated by the housing  110 . That is, a load shoulder or other type of activation mechanism is not positioned within the wellbore, along the housing  110 , in order to activate the actuated load shoulder  200 . However, in various embodiments, it is desirable to deploy the actuated load shoulder  200  proximate the housing profile  244  to facilitate engagement. But, it should be appreciated that in various embodiments the housing side profile  218  may be driven into a substantially flat surface and may cut or otherwise embed into the surface. 
     As described above, in various embodiments, one or more of the angles or features described herein may be adjusted in order to modify how force is transmitted within the system. That is, particular angles of the hanger profile  222 , housing profile  244 , hanger side profile  216 , and housing side profile  218  may be adjusted. By way of example only, the respective angles  230  (e.g., hanger groove shoulder angles) may be shallower than the angles  254  (e.g, housing profile groove shoulder angles). The steeper angle of the housing grooves  246  may push or otherwise apply a reactive force radially toward the second position casing hanger  116 , however, the angle of the contact surfaces  302 ,  304  blocks this force to enable the load ring  212  to be positioned against the housing  110 . Adjustment of the various angles, as described above, may alter how components of the forces are utilized within the system. For example, there is an upward force component from each of the housing  110  and the plunger  204 . 
     Accordingly, features may be particularly selected in order to transmit and divide forces between the high pressure housing  110  and the first position casing hanger.  FIGS. 5-8  include cross-sectional detailed views of the load ring  212 , hanger profile  222 , housing profile  244 , and plunger  204 , respectively. As will be described below, in various embodiments different features of the components may be adjusted in order to change how force is transferred between components of the actuated load shoulder  200 , thereby distributing loads between the first position casing hanger  114  and the housing  110 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the load ring  212  including the hanger side profile  216  and the housing side profile  218 . It should be appreciated that various components are shown for illustrative purposes only and that different adjustments may be made while still remaining within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the respective grooves  226 ,  256  may be pointed and/or have rounded edges. As an example, the illustrated load ring housing side grooves  256  have rounded edges, while the load ring housing side grooves  226  have pointed edges at the peaks. 
     The hanger side grooves  226  include the upstream face  236  and the downstream face  238 . In the illustrated embodiment, the upstream face  236  is arranged at a first angle  500  and the downstream face  238  is arranged at a second angle  502 . Accordingly, a groove gap angle  504  is formed between adjacent upstream and downstream faces  236 ,  238 . Each of the angles  500 ,  502 ,  504  may be adjusted in order to modify how loads are transmitted throughout the system, and it should be appreciated that associated angles, such as those of the hanger or the housing, may be adjusted accordingly. For example, as described, increasing the first angle  500  may facilitate greater outward radial forces responsive to an upward force applied to the load ring  212 . That is, the larger angle may transmit forces between a vertical component and a horizontal component of the force vector. Similar adjustments to the angles  502 ,  504  may also modify how forces are distributed between various components. 
     The illustrated load ring  212  further includes the housing side profile  218  having the housing side profile grooves  248 . As noted above, while the grooves  248  may be illustrated as having rounded edges along the peaks, in other embodiments the grooves  248  may be pointed, or some of the grooves  248  may have peaks that are pointed while others are rounded. The grooves  248  include an upper face  260  and a lower face  262 . The upper face  260  is arranged at a third angle  506  and the lower face  262  is arranged at a fourth angle  508 . As a result, a groove angle  510  is formed between the upper and lower faces  260 ,  262 . In embodiments, each of the angles  506 ,  508 ,  510  may be adjusted based on operating conditions. For example, the angles  506 ,  508  may be substantially equal to one another. However, in other embodiments, the angles  506 ,  508  may be different. Additionally, individual grooves  224 ,  248  may have different angles, shapes, and the like. Accordingly, the load ring  212  may be adjusted to accommodate a variety of different operating scenarios. 
     The load ring  212  further includes a driven surface  512  that interacts with the plunger  204 . The driven surface  512  is arranged at a fifth angle  514 , which may be adjusted based on a variety of factors, as explained above. For example, the angle  514  may be adjusted in order to generate a greater percentage of the force in an upward direction. Accordingly, as noted above, different features of the load ring  212  may be adjusted based on operating conditions. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side view of the hanger profile  222  that includes the hanger profile grooves  224 . Each of the hanger profile grooves  224  include the slanted portion  240  and the planar portion  242 . As shown, the slanted portion  240  is arranged at a sixth angle  600  while the planar portion  242  is arranged at a seventh angle  602 . The grooves  224  also each include a hanger groove angle  604 . As noted above with respect to the load ring  212 , each of the angles  600 ,  602 ,  604  may be adjusted based on operating conditions and/or to accommodate adjustments to the load ring  212 . In this manner, force distribution may be controlled. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of the housing profile  244  that includes the housing profile grooves  246 . Each of the housing profile grooves  244  include the upper portion  264  and the lower portion  266 . As shown, the upper portion  264  is arranged at an eighth angle  700  while the lower portion  266  is arranged at a ninth angle  702 . The grooves  246  also each include a housing gap angle  704 . As noted above with respect to the load ring  212 , each of the angles  700 ,  702 ,  704  may be adjusted based on operating conditions and/or to accommodate adjustments to the load ring  212 . In this manner, force distribution may be controlled. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the plunger  204  interacting with the first position casing hanger  114 . In the illustrated embodiment, an activation surface  210  of the plunger  204  contacts a slanted portion  208  of the first position casing hanger  114 . The illustrated activation surface  210  is arranged at a tenth angle  800  and the slanted portion  208  is at a corresponding eleventh angle  802 . In various embodiments, the tenth and eleventh angles  800 ,  802  may be particularly selected to adjust a force output from the plunger  204 , however, in various embodiments, one or more of the angles  800 ,  802  may be dependent on certain associated equipment. For example, smaller angles may generate a larger vertical force. The plunger  204  also includes a contact surface  804  arranged to engage the driven surface  512  of the load ring  212 . The contact surface  804  is positioned at the twelfth angle  806 . As described, in various embodiments, the twelfth angle  806  may be adjusted to change operational parameters of the system. The twelfth angle  806  may affect both load distribution and motion of with respect to the load ring  212 , as described above. 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of a portion of the actuated load shoulder  200  in which the load ring  212  is illustrated in a retracted position (left side) and an activated position (right side). It should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, load ring  212  may be a segmented ring, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , and as a result, the load ring  212  may have a circumferential distance  900 , which is less than a circumference of the second position casing hanger  116 . In embodiments, there may be a plurality of segments arranged circumferentially about the second position casing hanger  116 . For example, in embodiments, there may be approximately 12 segments, but it should be appreciated that there may be more or fewer segments. 
     The load ring  212  is arranged within the pocket  220  and, in the retracted position, is arranged substantially flush with an outer diameter  902  of the second position casing hanger  116 . In an activated position, however, the load ring  212  extends radially out from the outer diameter  902 , for example, by a radial distance  904 . The radial distance  904  may represent a distance, extending radially outward from the hanger, that the load ring  212  extends in order to, for example, engage the housing. Radial movement of the load ring  212  enables easy installation within the well bore. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the load ring  212  includes a relief cut  906  which includes a retainer  908 , which may be used to facilitate movement of the load ring  212 . The retainer  908  may also support the load ring axially  212 , for example, to block downward movement of the load ring  212  (e.g., into the plane of the page). 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of a portion of the actuated load shoulder  200  in which the load ring  212  is illustrated in a retracted position (left side) and an activated position (right side). The load ring  212  is arranged within the pocket  220  and, in the retracted position, is arranged substantially flush with the outer diameter  902  of the second position casing hanger  116 . In an activated position, however, the load ring  212  extends radially out from the outer diameter  902 , for example, by the radial distance  904 . Radial movement of the load ring  212  enables easy installation within the well bore, as noted above. 
     The illustrated embodiment includes a double shoulder  1000  to help smooth out movement of the load ring  212 .  FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment of a portion of the actuated load shoulder  200  in which the load ring  212  is illustrated in a retracted position (left side) and an activated position (right side). The load ring  212  is arranged within the pocket  220  and, in the retracted position, is arranged substantially flush with the outer diameter  902  of the second position casing hanger  116 . In an activated position, however, the load ring  212  extends radially out from the outer diameter  902 , for example, by the radial distance  904 . Radial movement of the load ring  212  enables easy installation within the well bore, as noted above.  FIG. 11  includes a single shoulder  1100  for smoothing out movement of the load ring  212 . 
     Furthermore, embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 9-11  may also include a biasing force or member to drive the load ring  212  radially inward to the pocket  220 . For example, a spring or other biasing device may be utilized to drive the load ring  212  into the pocket  220 . In embodiments, the biasing force may be particularly selected to be sufficient in situations where the plunger  204  is not acting on the loading ring  212 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of a method  1200  for preparing and deploying a downhole tool/hanger that includes an actuated load shoulder. It should be appreciated for this method and all methods described herein that the steps may be performed in any order, or in parallel, unless otherwise explicitly stated. Moreover, there may be more or fewer steps and certain steps may be omitted, in certain embodiments. In this example, an actuated load shoulder is installed on a downhole tool, such as a second position hanger  1202 . As described above, in various embodiments the actuated load shoulder is arranged within a pocket of the second position hanger and one or more components, such as a plunger, may be coupled to the second position hanger. In various embodiments, the second position hanger includes a pocket receiving the actuated load shoulder, which may include a load ring that is segmented. The second position hanger is tripped into the wellbore and positioned proximate a mating profile  1204 . In embodiments, the mating profile is formed in a high pressure housing. However, it should be appreciated that in certain embodiments the profile in the high pressure housing may be omitted. The second position hanger engages a first position hanger  1206 . For example, the second position hanger may land on a shoulder of the first position hanger. A load ring is then driven radially outward from the second position hanger  1208 . The load ring may be a portion of the actuated load shoulder and may receive a force from a plunger that contacts the first position hanger. The plunger may transmit an upward reaction force, that is opposite to the casing weight, which drives the load ring along a hanger profile in an upward and radially outward direction relative to the hanger, as the hanger continues to move in the downward direction. The load ring may engage one or more profiles  1210 . For example, the load ring may engage a second position hanger profile and a housing profile. In certain embodiments, the load ring may engage only one of the profiles. Upon engagement of the profiles, the force from the second position hanger, for example due to the weight, may be distributed between both the first position hanger and the high pressure housing. Advantageously, this reduces the load on the first position hanger, unlike traditional systems. To remove the second position hanger, an upward force may be applied to disengage the load ring  1212 . The upward force may be an upward reaction force that is opposite the weight that is applied downward and may remove the force from the plunger, which may enable the load ring to move radially inward toward the second position hanger. 
     Although the technology herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present technology. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology as defined by the appended claims.