Casing coupler liner hanger mechanism

A well comprising:

• a string of casing cemented in the well;
• a housing secured in the string of casing, the housing having an annular pocket of greater inner diameter than an inner diameter of the string of casing, the pocket having a lower tapered end;
• a slip assembly carried in the pocket, the slip assembly having an initial position defining an inner diameter at least equal to the inner diameter of the casing, the slip assembly having an inner gripping surface;
• a setting mechanism mounted in the pocket to the slip assembly, the setting mechanism retaining the slip assembly in the initial position, the setting mechanism comprising a liner engagement member and a releasable latching mechanism, the liner engagement member defining an inner diameter less than the inner diameter of the casing, the releasable latching mechanism having an engaged position in which the slip assembly is unable to move downward and a disengaged position in which the slip assembly is permitted to move downward;
• a liner lowered into the casing, the liner being engaged with the liner engagement member through a frictional force sufficient, such that manipulation of the liner in a selected manner moves the releasable latching mechanism to the disengaged position, allowing the slip assembly to move downward with the liner to a set position on the tapered lower end with the inner gripping surface engaging the liner.

A method of securing a liner within a bore of a casing string disposed in a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) disposing within a wellbore at least two sections of casing secured together by a casing coupler to form the casing string, the casing coupler comprising a housing having a pocket disposed on an inner wall surface of the housing, the pocket having at least one slip, and a setting mechanism operatively associated with the slip;
• (b) lowering a liner into the bore of the casing string;
• (c) frictionally engaging an outer wall surface of the liner with the setting mechanism;
• then
• (d) lowering the liner causing the setting mechanism and the slip to move downward and the slip to move inward from the pocket until the slip engages an outer wall surface of the liner and, thus, secures the liner within the casing string of the wellbore.