Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drilling and casing a wellbore using a drilling rig having a predetermined load capacity, using a casing scheme comprising two or more casing strings, and at least one combined casing string, which includes a first one of the casing strings fitting within a second casing string. The weight of the at least one combined casing string may exceed the load capacity of the drilling rig, and the weight of each of the parts of the at least one combined casing string is less than the load capacity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drilling and casing a wellbore using a drilling rig having a predetermined load capacity, using a casing scheme comprising two or more casing strings, and at least one combined casing string, which includes a first one of the casing strings fitting within a second casing string. The weight of the at least one combined casing string may exceed the load capacity of the drilling rig, and the weight of each of the parts of the at least one combined casing string is less than the load capacity.

Abstract: A method for expanding a tubular in a borehole, the tubular having upper and lower ends, the system comprises a) applying a compressive load to the upper end of the tubular and b) expanding the tubular by moving an expansion device relative to the tubular while maintaining the compressive load. Step a) may include resting a weight on the upper end of the tubular or applying hydraulic pressure to the upper end of the tubular. The lower end of the tubular may engage the formation before step b) or as a result of step b).

Abstract: A method of drilling and lining a wellbore includes operably coupling a support member to a drilling device, an expansion cone configured to expand a tubular member, an actuator configured to pull the expansion cone through the tubular member, a releasable locking device configured to limit displacement of the tubular member relative to the actuator during actuation. The drilling device is disposed below the expansion cone and the expansion cone is disposed at a lower end of the tubular member. The method further includes locking the locking device. After locking the locking device, a wellbore is drilled to have a diameter greater than an outside diameter of the tubular member. After the drilling, the actuator is actuated to pull the expansion cone towards the locking device to expand at least a portion of the tubular member into contact with the drilled wellbore. The method further includes releasing the locking device and removing the drilling device through the expanded tubular member.

Abstract: An expandable tubular coupling apparatus includes a first expandable tubular member, a second expandable tubular member, and means for sealingly coupling the first expandable tubular member to the second expandable tubular member.

Abstract: A method of drilling and lining a wellbore includes operably coupling a support member to a drilling device, an expansion cone configured to expand a tubular member, an actuator configured to pull the expansion cone through the tubular member, a releasable locking device configured to limit displacement of the tubular member relative to the actuator during actuation. The drilling device is disposed below the expansion cone and the expansion cone is disposed at a lower end of the tubular member. The method further includes locking the locking device. After locking the locking device, a wellbore is drilled to have a diameter greater than an outside diameter of the tubular member. After the drilling, the actuator is actuated to pull the expansion cone towards the locking device to expand at least a portion of the tubular member into contact with the drilled wellbore. The method further includes releasing the locking device and removing the drilling device through the expanded tubular member.

Abstract: A hydroforming method and apparatus.

Abstract: Radial expansion of a wellbore casing against a formation.

Abstract: The surface areas available for absorbing compressive loading of a threaded connection are increased by increasing the engaged area of a torque shoulder in the connection and by reducing the spacing between the stab flanks of the threads. The areas are increased by increasing the dimensions of the components and by decreasing the machine tolerances permitted in manufacturing the components. The gap in the connection adjacent the torque shoulder is reduced so that the contact surface area of the torque shoulder is increased while the close proximity of the surrounding cylindrical walls of the connection reduces voids that can receive plastic deformation of the torque shoulder corners. The surfaces adjacent the torque shoulder are cylindrical in shape rather than being tapered to reduce machining costs and increase the speed of manufacture of the connection.