Abstract: An expander for radially expanding a tubular element by axial movement of the expander through the tubular element is provided. The expander (12) comprises an expander member having a front part (14) of a first cross-sectional size, a rear part (18) of a second cross-sectional size larger than the first cross-sectional size, and an intermediate part (16) arranged between said front part and rear part and having a cross-sectional size varying between said first and second cross-sectional sizes. The expander member is provided with fluid supply means (24) for supplying pressurised fluid to the inner surface of the tubular element at a location opposite said intermediate part when the expander member is arranged in the tubular element (1).

Abstract: Fluid is transferred between surface facilities and a subsurface reservoir formation through a well, which is equipped with a well lining having a permeability of less than 50 Darcy and preferably a lower permeability than at least part of the reservoir formation in the vicinity of the well lining so that fluid transfer into or from the formation is equalized even if the formation comprises strata having different permeabilities.

Abstract: A scrolled resilient sheet is installed against the inner surface of a fluid conduit using a carrier tool from which a resilient sheet having an average thickness more than 2 mm and an elastic or pseudoelastic recoverable strain of at least 0.6% is released so that the sheet expands with an expansion force which is sufficiently high to allow the sheet to press itself into place alongside the inner surface of the conduit and to remain in place after installation.

Abstract: A method is provided for expanding an expandable steel tubular including the steps of: flattening the unexpanded tubular; transporting the flattened unexpanded tubular to a location at or near the site where the tubular is to be installed; unflattening the tubular before positioning the tubular at said site; and expanding the tubular along at least a substantial part of its length before or after the tubular has been positioned at said site.

Abstract: Method for sealing an annulus between two solid tubulars or between a solid tubular and a borehole which comprises the use of a thermoset or thermoplastic material in forming the seal between at least part of the outer surface of a tubular and at least part of the inner surface of the other tubular or the wellbore in which the seal is formed by expanding the inner tubular.

Abstract: A method of selective plastic expansion of sections of a tubing to create one or more recesses in the tubing with a larger diameter than that of the original tubing in which the tubing is radially symmetrically or asymmetrically expanded at one or more locations by application of a radial force to the interior of the tubing thereby inducing a plastic radial deformation of the tubing and removing said radial force from the interior of the tubing.

Abstract: A scrolled resilient sheet is installed against the inner surface of a fluid conduit using a carrier tool from which a resilient sheet having an average thickness more than 2 mm and an elastic or pseudoelastic recoverable strain of at least 0.6% is released so-that the sheet expands with an expansion force which is sufficiently high to allow the sheet to press itself into place alongside the inner surface of the conduit and to remain in place after installation.

Abstract: A connector for interconnecting a pair of adjacent sections of an expandable tubing string includes a plastically expandable sleeve that is arranged co-axially around or inside the ends of the interconnected tubing sections and a series of circumferentially spaced mechanical fasteners, such as screws or rivets, for fastening the sleeve to each of the ends.

Abstract: A system for sealing the intersection between a primary borehole and a branch borehole comprises a primary casing section located in the primary borehole in the region of the branchpoint, and a branch casing section located in the branch borehole and secured to the primary casing section. The primary casing section is tubular and defines a slant surface which intersects a central axis of the primary casing section at an acute angle, so that the primary casing section can be pressed towards the branchpoint by means of a hollow whipstock or other wedge-shaped element.

Abstract: A deformable well screen for preventing migration of solid particles into a hydrocarbon production well is disclosed, the screen including at least one substantially tubular filter layer of which the sieve opening size remains fairly constant during or after expansion and/or other deformation of the screen. Optionally the screen also includes a series of circumferentially scaled filter segments that are arranged around an expandable slotted tube, an expandable slotted tube of which the slots are filled with resin coated granules, an expandable slotted tube with micro-slots, an assembly of woven metal wire screens that are sintered together and/or a synthetic geotextile fabric.

Abstract: A connector assembly for interconnecting sections of an expandable slotted tubing string is provided. The assembly includes a male part and a female part; each formed integrally with the ends of a respective tubing section. Each part is slotted and adapted to co-axially engage the other part to permit expansion of the coupled parts in a corresponding manner to the tubing sting. The male and female parts are interconnected by one series of circumferentially spaced mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A deformable well screen for preventing migration of solid particles into a hydrocarbon production well is disclosed, the screen including at least one substantially tubular filter layer of which the sieve opening size remains fairly constant during or after expansion and/or other formation of the screen. Optionally the screen also includes a series of circumferentially scaled filter segments that are arranged around an expandable slotted tube, an expandable slotted tube of which the slots are filled with resin coated granules, an expandable slotted tube with micro-slots, an assembly of woven metal wire screens that are sintered together and/or a synthetic geotextile fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of creating a casing in a borehole formed in an underground formation. The method comprises the steps of (a) installing a tubular liner in the borehole, the liner being radially expandable in the borehole whereby the liner in its radially expanded position has a plurality of openings which are overlapping in the longitudinal direction of the liner, (b) radially expanding the liner in the borehole, and (c) either before or after step (b), installing a body of hardenable fluidic sealing material in the borehole so that the sealing material fills said openings and thereby substantially closes said openings. The sealing material is selected so as to harden in said openings and thereby to increase the compressive strength of the liner.