Abstract: A method of expanding tubing comprises applying a varying fluid pressure across the wall of the tubing. The variation in pressure may be achieved by varying one or both of the fluid pressure within the tubing and the fluid pressure externally of the tubing. A body of varying volume may be located in a volume of fluid associated with the tubing. Alternatively, the volume of a body of fluid associated with the tubing may be varied by movement of a wall portion defining a boundary of the volume, which wall portion may be associated with an oscillator or a percussive or hammer device. In other embodiments a pressurised fluid source may be provided, and the fluid may be supplied at varying pressure from the source. An increase in pressure within the tubing may be accompanied by a reduction in pressure externally of the tubing.

Abstract: A method of expanding tubing comprises locating an expansion device in tubing to be expanded, vibrating one or both of the tubing and the expansion device, and translating the expansion device relative to the tubing, the vibration acting to reduce friction between the tubing and the device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tubing connection arrangement and a method of coupling expandable tubing sections together. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a tubing connection arrangement (10) comprising a first expandable tubing section (12) defining a male portion (16); a second expandable tubing section (14) defining a female portion (18), the first and second expandable tubing sections (12, 14) being engageable with one another; one of the first and second expandable tubing sections (12, 14) including a restraining member (40) for restraining part of the other expandable tubing section (12, 14); and the first expandable tubing section (12) including a tapered shoulder (42,44) for co-operating with a corresponding tapered shoulder (46,48) of the second expandable tubing section (14).

Abstract: A downhole filter comprises a tubular member having a wall defining a plurality of openings. The openings have an outer width less than an inner width. The parts of the opening defining the smaller width are defined by radially outer parts of the openings, such that particulates or sand prevented from passing through the openings will tend to be retained to the outside of the tubular member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an expandable slotted tube fabricated from at least one tubular element and at least two annular elements connected to the opposite ends of the tubular element by means of butt joints wherein axially extending slots are formed at a uniform angular spacing around the periphery of the tube and in longitudinally overlapping relation characterized by cutting said annular elements in a pattern of overlapping positionally fixed slots in accordance with invariable parameters which are pre-determined relative to the dimensions of said annular elements and cutting in said tubular element a pattern of slots that is variable in accordance with measured parameters of the tube so as to achieve the required overlap between said positionally fixed and variable slots. A machine for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: There is disclosed, in one embodiment of the invention an expandable downhole tubular (10) comprising an expandable inner support tube (14) an expandable outer tube (18); and a filter tube (22) located between said inner support tube (14) and said outer tube (18), the filter tube (22) comprising at least one filter portion (24) and at least one extendable portion (28) coupling axial edges of said filter portion (24), said extendable portion (28) being extendable to accommodate circumferential expansion of said filter tube (22).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an expandable slotted tube (10) fabricated from at least one tubular element (12, 14) and at least two annular elements (11, 13, 15) connected to the opposite ends of the tubular element by way of butt joints wherein axially extending slots are formed at a uniform angular spacing around the periphery of the tube and in longitudinally overlapping relation characterized by cutting said annular elements (11, 13, 15) in a pattern of overlapping positionally fixed slots (27, 28, 29, 46, 37, 38, 39) in accordance with invariable parameters which are pre-determined relative to the dimensions of said annular elements (11, 13, 15) and cutting in said tubular element a pattern of slots (30, 45, 47, 40) that is variable in accordance with measured parameters of the tube so as to achieve the required overlap between said positionally fixed and variable slots. A machine for carrying out the method is also described.