Understanding wellhead components is critical for any wellhead, completion, or installation engineer — especially when it comes to how casing/tubing strings are supported and sealed.
Two common designs are Mandrel Hangers and Slip Hangers, and although both serve the same basic function, their engineering philosophy is completely different.
Mandrel Hanger
A mandrel hanger is a solid, precision-machined body that is run into the wellhead and lands on a dedicated shoulder.
✔ Provides high-integrity support and sealing
✔ Uses controlled packoff/seal systems
✔ Locked using mechanical or hydraulic lockdown systems
✔ Designed for HPHT, subsea, and critical wells
📌 Key idea: Load is transferred to a designed landing shoulder, not friction.
Slip Hanger
A slip hanger uses wedge-shaped slips (teeth) to grip the casing or tubing inside the wellhead.
✔ Simple and cost-effective
✔ Faster installation
✔ Suitable for shallow or low-pressure wells
✔ Relies on friction and mechanical bite
📌 Key idea: Load is held by slip engagement and friction.
Key Differences
- Mandrel Hanger: engineered precision system with high well integrity
- Slip Hanger: mechanical grip system for simpler
Modern well design is moving toward mandrel-based systems.