Abstract: A technique facilitates patching of a tubing (42), e.g. casing (36), in a downhole environment (32). The technique employs a patching system comprising a plurality of expansion rings (48). The expansion rings (48) are moved downhole to a patch zone (38) along the tubing (34). Once in a desired position at the patch zone, the expansion rings (48) are expanded into engagement with an inner surface of the tubing. For example, the expansion rings may comprise seal elements (52) and/or anchor elements which are expanded into engagement with the inside surface. The patching system further comprises a patch (68) which may have a tubular shape. The patch is radially expanded in a manner which maintains a sealing engagement with the plurality of expansion rings (48) to create a sealed patch across a desired region in the patch zone.

Abstract: A technique facilitates patching of a tubing (42), e.g. casing (36), in a downhole environment (32). The technique employs a patching system comprising a plurality of expansion rings (48). The expansion rings (48) are moved downhole to a patch zone (38) along the tubing (34). Once in a desired position at the patch zone, the expansion rings (48) are expanded into engagement with an inner surface of the tubing. For example, the expansion rings may comprise seal elements (52) and/or anchor elements which are expanded into engagement with the inside surface. The patching system further comprises a patch (68) which may have a tubular shape. The patch is radially expanded in a manner which maintains a sealing engagement with the plurality of expansion rings (48) to create a sealed patch across a desired region in the patch zone.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and collapsing apparatus and methods of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements (52) assembled together to form a ring structure (54) around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements. At least one set of structural elements (56) each having a first end and a second end are operable to move between the expanded condition and the collapsed condition by movement of the first end in an axial direction, and by movement of the second end in a radial dimension. At least one set of elements is operable to be moved by sliding with respect to one another in a direction tangential to a circle concentric with the ring structure.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and collapsing apparatus and methods of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements (52) assembled together to form a ring structure (54) around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements. At least one set of structural elements (56) each having a first end and a second end are operable to move between the expanded condition and the collapsed condition by movement of the first end in an axial direction, and by movement of the second end in a radial dimension. At least one set of elements is operable to be moved by sliding with respect to one another in a direction tangential to a circle concentric with the ring structure.

Abstract: The compressibility of a formation hydrocarbon sample is determined downhole by using a borehole tool to obtain the sample downhole, and, at two different pressures, subjecting the sample to near infrared illumination and conducting spectral absorption measurement of peaks at and/or around about 6,000 cm−1 and/or at and/or about 5,800 cm−1 (the absorption peaks of methane and crude oil respectively). The compressibility of the sample is determined from the change in the peak areas, the change in pressure, and the measured peak area itself. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pressure is changed at least 2000 pounds per square inch (psi), and preferably 4000 or more psi between measurements.