Expandable tubing and method

An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  ·  References Cited  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The following is based on and claims the priority of provisional application No. 60/242,276 filed Oct. 20, 2000 and provisional application No. 60/263,941 filed Jan. 24, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to equipment that can be used in the drilling and completion of wellbores in an underground formation and in the production of fluids from such wells.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fluids such as oil, natural gas and water are obtained from a subterranean geologic formation (a “reservoir”) by drilling a well that penetrates the fluid-hearing formation. Once the well has been drilled to a certain depth the borehole wall must be supported to prevent collapse. Conventional well drilling methods involve the installation of a casing string and cementing between the casing and the borehole to provide support for the borehole structure. After cementing a casing string in place, the drilling to greater depths can commence. After each subsequent casing string is installed, the next drill bit must pass through the inner diameter of the casing. In this manner each change in casing requires a reduction in the borehole diameter. This repeated reduction in the borehole diameter creates a need for very large initial borehole diameters to permit a reasonable pipe diameter at the depth where the wellbore penetrates the producing formation. The need for larger boreholes and multiple casing strings results in more time, material and expense being used than if a uniform size borehole could be drilled from the surface to the producing formation.

Various methods have been developed to stabilize or complete uncased boreholes. U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,095 to Worrall et al. discloses a method involving the radial expansion of a casing string to a configuration with a larger diameter. Very large forces are needed to impart the radial deformation desired in this method. In an effort to decrease the forces needed to expand the casing string, methods that involve expanding a liner that has longitudinal slots cut into it have been proposed (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,366,012 and 5,667,011). These methods involve the radial deformation of the slotted liner into a configuration with an increased diameter by running an expansion mandrel through the slotted liner. These methods still require significant amounts of force to be applied throughout the entire length of the slotted liner.

A problem sometimes encountered while drilling a well is the loss of drilling fluids into subterranean zones. The loss of drilling fluids usually leads to increased expenses but can result in a borehole collapse and a costly “fishing” job to recover the drill string or other tools that were in the well. Various additives are commonly used within the drilling fluids to help seal off loss circulation zones, such as cottonseed hulls or synthetic fibers.

Once a well is put in production an influx of sand from the producing formation can lead to undesired fill within the wellbore and can damage valves and other production related equipment. Many methods have been attempted for sand control.

The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of one or more of the problems set forth above, and can be useful in other applications as well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a technique is provided for use of an expandable bistable device in a borehole. The bistable device is stable in a first contracted configuration and a second expanded configuration. An exemplary device is generally tubular, having a larger diameter in the expanded configuration than in the contracted configuration. The technique also may utilize a conveyance mechanism able to transport the bistable device to a location in a subterranean borehole. Furthermore, the bistable device can be constructed in various configurations for a variety of applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are illustrations of the forces imposed to make a bistable structure;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show force-deflection curves of two bistable structures;

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate expanded and collapsed states of three bistable cells with various thickness ratios;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a bistable expandable tubular in its expanded and collapsed states;

FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate a bistable expandable tubular in collapsed and expanded states within a wellbore;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an expandable packer type of deployment device;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a mechanical packer type of deployment device;

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate an expandable swage type of deployment device;

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a piston type of deployment device;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a plug type of deployment device;

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a ball type of deployment device;

FIG. 11 is a schematic of a wellbore utilizing an expandable bistable tubular;

FIG. 12 illustrates a motor driven radial roller deployment device; and

FIG. 13 illustrates a hydraulically driven radial roller deployment device.

FIG. 14 illustrates a bistable expandable tubular having a wrapping;

FIG. 14A is a view similar to FIG. 14 in which the wrapping comprises a screen;

FIG. 14B is a view similar to FIG. 14 showing another alternate embodiment;

FIG. 14C is a view similar to FIG. 14 showing another alternate embodiment;

FIG. 14D is a view similar to FIG. 14 showing another alternate embodiment;

FIG. 14E is a view similar to FIG. 14 showing another alternate embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 17A-B are a partial perspective view and a partial cross-sectional end view respectively of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional end view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Bistable devices used in the present invention can take advantage of a principle illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1A shows a rod 10 fixed at each end to rigid supports 12. If the rod 10 is subjected to an axial force it begins to deform as shown in FIG. 1B. As the axial force is increased rod 10 ultimately reaches its Euler buckling limit and deflects to one of the two stable positions shown as 14 and 15. If the buckled rod is now clamped in the buckled position, a force at right angles to the long axis can cause the rod to move to either of the stable positions but to no other position. When the rod is subjected to a lateral force it must move through an angle β before deflecting to its new stable position.

Bistable systems are characterized by a force deflection curve such as those shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The externally applied force 16 causes the rod 10 of FIG. 1B to move in the direction X and reaches a maximum 18 at the onset of shifting from one stable configuration to the other. Further deflection requires less force because the system now has a negative spring rate and when the force becomes zero the deflection to the second stable position is spontaneous.

The force deflection curve for this example is symmetrical and is illustrated in FIG. 2A. By introducing either a precurvature to the rod or an asymmetric cross section the force deflection curve can be made asymmetric as shown in FIG. 2B. In this system the force 19 required to cause the rod to assume one stable position is greater than the force 20 required to cause the reverse deflection. The force 20 must be greater than zero for the system to have bistable characteristics.

Bistable structures, sometimes referred to as toggle devices, have been used in industry for such devices as flexible discs, over center clamps, hold-down devices and quick release systems for tension cables (such as in sailboat rigging backstays).

Instead of using the rigid supports as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a cell can be constructed where the restraint is provided by curved struts connected at each end as shown in FIGS. 3A-3F. If both struts 21 and 22 have the same thickness as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the force deflection curve is linear and the cell lengthens when compressed from its open position FIG. 3B to its closed position FIG. 3A. If the cell struts have different thicknesses, as shown in FIGS. 3C-3F, the cell has the force deflection characteristics shown in FIG. 2B, and does not change in length when it moves between its two stable positions. An expandable bistable tubular can thus be designed so that as the radial dimension expands, the axial length remains constant. In one example, if the thickness ratio is over approximately 2:1, the heavier strut resists longitudinal changes. By changing the ratio of thick-to-thin strut dimensions, the opening and closing forces can be changed. For example, FIGS. 3C and 3D illustrated a thickness ratio of approximately 3:1, and FIGS. 3E and 3F illustrate a thickness ratio of approximately 6:1.

An expandable bore bistable tubular, such as casing, a tube, a patch, or pipe, can be constructed with a series of circumferential bistable connected cells 23 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, where each thin strut 21 is connected to a thick strut 22. The longitudinal flexibility of such a tubular can be modified by changing the length of the cells and by connecting each row of cells with a compliant link. Further, the force deflection characteristics and the longitudinal flexibility can also be altered by the design of the cell shape. FIG. 4A illustrates an expandable bistable tubular 24 in its expanded configuration while FIG. 4B illustrates the expandable bistable tubular 24 in its contracted or collapsed configuration. Within this application the term “collapsed” is used to identify the configuration of the bistable element or device in the stable state with the smallest diameter, it is not meant to imply that the element or device is damaged in any way. In the collapsed state, bistable tubular 24 is readily introduced into a wellbore 29, as illustrated in FIG. 4C. Upon placement of the bistable tubular 24 at a desired wellbore location, it is expanded, as illustrated in FIG. 4D.

The geometry of the bistable cells is such that the tubular cross-section can be expanded in the radial direction to increase the overall diameter of the tubular. As the tubular expands radially, the bistable cells deform elastically until a specific geometry is reached. At this point the bistable cells move, e.g. snap, to a final expanded geometry. With some materials and/or bistable cell designs, enough energy can be released in the elastic deformation of the cell (as each bistable cell snaps past the specific geometry) that the expanding cells are able to initiate the expansion of adjoining bistable cells past the critical bistable cell geometry. Depending on the deflection curves, a portion or even an entire length of bistable expandable tubular can be expanded from a single point.

In like manner if radial compressive forces are exerted on an expanded bistable tubular, it contracts radially and the bistable cells deform elastically until a critical geometry is reached. At this point the bistable cells snap to a final collapsed structure. In this way the expansion of the bistable tubular is reversible and repeatable. Therefore the bistable tubular can be a reusable tool that is selectively changed between the expanded state as shown in FIG. 4A and the collapsed state as shown in FIG. 4B.

In the collapsed state, as in FIG. 4B, the bistable expandable tubular is easily inserted into the wellbore and placed into position. A deployment device is then used to change the configuration from the collapsed state to the expanded state.

In the expanded state, as in FIG. 4A, design control of the elastic material properties of each bistable cell can be such that a constant radial force can be applied by the tubular wall to the constraining wellbore surface. The material properties and the geometric shape of the bistable cells can be designed to give certain desired results.

One example of designing for certain desired results is an expandable bistable tubular string with more than one diameter throughout the length of the string. This can be useful in boreholes with varying diameters, whether designed that way or as a result of unplanned occurrences such as formation washouts or keyseats within the borehole. This also can be beneficial when it is desired to have a portion of the bistable expandable device located inside a cased section of the well while another portion is located in an uncased section of the well. FIG. 11 illustrates one example of this condition. A wellbore 40 is drilled from the surface 42 and comprises a cased section 44 and an openhole section 46. An expandable bistable device 48 having segments 50, 52 with various diameters is placed in the well. The segment with a larger diameter 50 is used to stabilize the openhole section 46 of the well, while the segment having a reduced diameter 52 is located inside the cased section 44 of the well.

Bistable collars or connectors 24A (see FIG. 4C) can be designed to allow sections of the bistable expandable tubular to be joined together into a string of useful lengths using the same principle as illustrated in FIG. 4A and 4B. This bistable connector 24A also incorporates a bistable cell design that allows it to expand radially using the same mechanism as for the bistable expandable tubular component. Exemplary bistable connectors have a diameter slightly larger than the expandable tubular sections that are being joined. The bistable connector is then placed over the ends of the two sections and mechanically attached to the expandable tubular sections. Mechanical fasteners such as screws, rivets or bands can be used to connect the connector to the tubular sections. The bistable connector typically is designed to have an expansion rate that is compatible with the expandable tubular sections, so that it continues to connect the two sections after the expansion of the two segments and the connector.

Alternatively, the bistable connector can have a diameter smaller than the two expandable tubular sections joined. Then, the connector is inserted inside of the ends of the tubulars and mechanically fastened as discussed above. Another embodiment would involve the machining of the ends of the tubular sections on either their inner or outer surfaces to form an annular recess in which the connector is located. A connector designed to fit into the recess is placed in the recess. The connector would then be mechanically attached to the ends as described above. In this way the connector forms a relatively flush-type connection with the tubular sections.

A conveyance device 31 transports the bistable expandable tubular lengths and bistable connectors into the wellbore and to the correct position. (See FIGS. 4C and 4D). The conveyance device may utilize one or more mechanisms such as wireline cable, coiled tubing, coiled tubing with wireline conductor, drill pipe, tubing or casing.

A deployment device 33 can be incorporated into the bottom hole assembly to expand the bistable expandable tubular and connectors. (See FIGS. 4C and 4D). Deployment devices can be of numerous types such as an inflatable packer element, a mechanical packer element, an expandable swage, a piston apparatus, a mechanical actuator, an electrical solenoid, a plug type apparatus, e.g. a conically shaped device pulled or pushed through the tubing, a ball type apparatus or a rotary type expander as further discussed below.

An inflatable packer element is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B and is a device with an inflatable bladder, element, or bellows incorporated into the bistable expandable tubular system bottom hole assembly. In the illustration of FIG. 5A, the inflatable packer element 25 is located inside the entire length, or a portion, of the initial collapsed state bistable tubular 24 and any bistable expandable connectors (not shown). Once the bistable expandable tubular system is at the correct deployment depth, the inflatable packer element 25 is expanded radially by pumping fluid into the device as shown in FIG. 5B. The inflation fluid can be pumped from the surface through tubing or drill pipe, a mechanical pump, or via a downhole electrical pump which is powered via wireline cable. As the inflatable packer element 25 expands, it forces the bistable expandable tubular 24 to also expand radially. At a certain expansion diameter, the inflatable packer element causes the bistable cells in the tubular to reach a critical geometry where the bistable “snap” effect is initiated, and the bistable expandable tubular system expands to its final diameter. Finally the inflatable packer element 25 is deflated and removed from the deployed bistable expandable tubular 24.

A mechanical packer element is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B and is a device with a deformable plastic element 26 that expands radially when compressed in the axial direction. The force to compress the element can be provided through a compression mechanism 27, such as a screw mechanism, cam, or a hydraulic piston. The mechanical packer element deploys the bistable expandable tubulars and connectors in the same way as the inflatable packer element. The deformable plastic element 26 applies an outward radial force to the inner circumference of the bistable expandable tubulars and connectors, allowing them in turn to expand from a contracted position (see FIG. 6A) to a final deployment diameter (see FIG. 6B).

An expandable swage is shown in FIGS. 7A-7D and comprises a series of fingers 28 that are arranged radially around a conical mandrel 30. FIGS. 7A and 7C show side and top views respectively. When the mandrel 30 is pushed or pulled through the fingers 28 they expand radially outwards, as illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7D. An expandable swage is used in the same manner as a mechanical packer element to deploy a bistable expandable tubular and connector.

A piston type apparatus is shown in FIGS. 8A-8D and comprises a series of pistons 32 facing radially outwardly and used as a mechanism to expand the bistable expandable tubulars and connectors. When energized, the pistons 32 apply a radially directed force to deploy the bistable expandable tubular assembly as per the inflatable packer element. FIGS. 8A and 8C illustrate the pistons retracted while FIGS. 8B and 8D show the pistons extended. The piston type apparatus can be actuated hydraulically, mechanically or electrically.

A plug type actuator is illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B and comprises a plug 34 that is pushed or pulled through the bistable expandable tubulars 24 or connectors as shown in FIG. 9A. The plug is sized to expand the bistable cells past their critical point where they will snap to a final expanded diameter as shown in FIG. 9B.

A ball type actuator is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B and operates when an oversized ball 36 is pumped through the middle of the bistable expandable tubulars 24 and connectors. To prevent fluid losses through the cell slots, an expandable elastomer based liner 38 is run inside the bistable expandable tubular system. The liner 38 acts as a seal and allows the ball 36 to be hydraulically pumped through the bistable tubular 24 and connectors. The effect of pumping the ball 36 through the bistable expandable tubulars 24 and connectors is to expand the cell geometry beyond the critical bistable point, allowing full expansion to take place as shown in FIG. 10B. Once the bistable expandable tubulars and connectors are expanded, the elastomer sleeve 38 and ball 36 are withdrawn.

Radial roller type actuators also can be used to expand the bistable tubular sections. FIG. 12 illustrates a motor driven expandable radial roller tool. The tool comprises one or more sets of arms 58 that are expanded to a set diameter by means of a mechanism and pivot. On the end of each set of arms is a roller 60. Centralizers 62 can be attached to the tool to locate it correctly inside the wellbore and the bistable tubular 24. A motor 64 provides the force to rotate the whole assembly, thus turning the roller(s) circumferentially inside the wellbore. The axis of the roller(s) is such as to allow the roller(s) to rotate freely when brought into contact with the inner surface of the tubular. Each roller can be conically-shaped in section to increase the contact area of roller surface to the inner wall of the tubular. The rollers are initially retracted and the tool is run inside the collapsed bistable tubular. The tool is then rotated by the motor 64, and rollers 60 are moved outwardly to contact the inner surface of the bistable tubular. Once in contact with the tubular, the rollers are pivoted outwardly a greater distance to apply an outwardly radial force to the bistable tubular. The outward movement of the rollers can be accomplished via centrifugal force or an appropriate actuator mechanism coupled between the motor 64 and the rollers 60.

The final pivot position is adjusted to a point where the bistable tubular can be expanded to the final diameter. The tool is then longitudinally moved through the collapsed bistable tubular, while the motor continues to rotate the pivot arms and rollers. The rollers follow a shallow helical path 66 inside the bistable tubular, expanding the bistable cells in their path. Once the bistable tubular is deployed, the tool rotation is stopped and the roller retracted. The tool is then withdrawn from the bistable tubular by a conveyance device 68 that also can be used to insert the tool.

FIG. 13 illustrates a hydraulically driven radial roller deployment device. The tool comprises one or more rollers 60 that are brought into contact with the inner surface of the bistable tubular by means of a hydraulic piston 70. The outward radial force applied by the rollers can be increased to a point where the bistable tubular expands to its final diameter. Centralizers 62 can be attached to the tool to locate it correctly inside the wellbore and bistable tubular 24. The rollers 60 are initially retracted and the tool is run into the collapsed bistable tubular 24. The rollers 60 are then deployed and push against the inside wall of the bistable tubular 24 to expand a portion of the tubular to its final diameter. The entire tool is then pushed or pulled longitudinally through the bistable tubular 24 expanding the entire length of bistable cells 23. Once the bistable tubular 24 is deployed in its expanded state, the rollers 60 are retracted and the tool is withdrawn from the wellbore by the conveyance device 68 used to insert it. By altering the axis of the rollers 60, the tool can be rotated via a motor as it travels longitudinally through the bistable tubular 24.

Power to operate the deployment device can be drawn from one or a combination of sources such as: electrical power supplied either from the surface or stored in a battery arrangement along with the deployment device, hydraulic power provided by surface or downhole pumps, turbines or a fluid accumulator, and mechanical power supplied through an appropriate linkage actuated by movement applied at the surface or stored downhole such as in a spring mechanism.

The bistable expandable tubular system is designed so the internal diameter of the deployed tubular is expanded to maintain a maximum cross-sectional area along the expandable tubular. This feature enables mono-bore wells to be constructed and facilitates elimination of problems associated with traditional wellbore casing systems where the casing outside diameter must be stepped down many times, restricting access, in long wellbores.

The bistable expandable tubular system can be applied in numerous applications such as an expandable open hole liner (see FIG. 14) where the bistable expandable tubular 24 is used to support an open hole formation by exerting an external radial force on the wellbore surface. As bistable tubular 24 is radially expanded in the direction of arrows 71, the tubular moves into contact with the surface forming wellbore 29. These radial forces help stabilize the formations and allow the drilling of wells with fewer conventional casing strings. The open hole liner also can comprise a material, e.g. a wrapping 72, that reduces the rate of fluid loss from the wellbore into the formations. The wrapping 72 can be made from a variety of materials including expandable metallic and/or elastomeric materials. By reducing fluid loss into the formations, the expense of drilling fluids can be reduced and the risk of losing circulation and/or borehole collapse can be minimized.

Liners also can be used within wellbore tubulars for purposes such as corrosion protection. One example of a corrosive environment is the environment that results when carbon dioxide is used to enhance oil recovery from a producing formation. Carbon dioxide (CO2) readily reacts with any water (H2O) that is present to form carbonic acid (H2CO3). Other acids can also be generated, especially if sulfur compounds are present. Tubulars used to inject the carbon dioxide as well as those used in producing wells are subject to greatly elevated corrosion rates. The present invention can be used for placing protective liners, a bistable tubular 24, within an existing tubular (e.g. tubular 73 illustrated with dashed lines in FIG. 14) to minimize the corrosive effects and to extend the useful life of the wellbore tubulars.

Another application involves use of the bistable tubular 24 illustrated in FIG. 14 as an expandable perforated liner. The open bistable cells in the bistable expandable tubular allow unrestricted flow from the formation while providing a structure to stabilize the borehole.

Still another application of the bistable tubular 24 is as an expandable sand screen where the bistable cells are sized to act as a sand control screen or an expandable screen element 74 can be affixed to the bistable expandable tubular as illustrated in FIG. 14A in its collapsed state. The expandable screen element 74 can be formed as a wrapping around bistable tubular 24. It has been found that the imposition of hoop stress forces onto the wall of a borehole will in itself help stabilize the formation and reduce or eliminate the influx of sand from the producing zones, even if no additional screen element is used.

Another application of the bistable tubular 24 is as a reinforced expandable liner where the bistable expandable tubular cell structure is reinforced with a cement or resin 75, as illustrated in FIG. 14B. The cement or resin 75 provides increased structural support or hydraulic isolation from the formation.

The bistable expandable tubular 24 also can be used as an expandable connection system to join traditional lengths of casing 76a or 76b of different diameters as illustrated in FIG. 14C. The tubular 24 also can be used as a structural repair joint to provide increased strength for existing sections of casing.

Another application includes using the bistable expandable tubular 24 as an anchor within the wellbore from which other tools or casings can be attached, or as a “fishing” tool in which the bistable characteristics are utilized to retrieve items lost or stuck in a wellbore. The bistable expandable tubular 24 in its collapsed configuration is inserted into a lost item 77 and then expanded as indicated by arrows 78 in FIG. 14D. In the expanded configuration the bistable tubular exerts radial forces that assist in retrieving the lost item. The bistable tubular also can be run into the well in its expanded configuration, placed over and collapsed in the direction of arrows 79 around lost item 77 in an attempt to attach and retrieve it as illustrated in FIG. 14E. Once lost item 77 is gripped by bistable tubular 24, it can be retrieved through wellbore 29.

The above described bistable expandable tubulars can be made in a variety of manners such as: cutting appropriately shaped paths through the wall of a tubular pipe thereby creating an expandable bistable device in its collapsed state; cutting patterns into a tubular pipe thereby creating an expandable bistable device in its expanded state and then compressing the device into its collapsed state; cutting appropriate paths through a sheet of material, rolling the material into a tubular shape and joining the ends to form an expandable bistable device in its collapsed state; or cutting patterns into a sheet of material, rolling the material into a tubular shape, joining the adjoining ends to form an expandable bistable device in its expanded state and then compressing the device into its collapsed state.

The materials of construction for the bistable expandable tubulars can include those typically used within the oil and gas industry such as carbon steel. They can also be made of specialty alloys (such as a monel, inconel, hastelloy or tungsten-based alloys) if the application requires.

The configurations shown for the bistable tubular 24 are illustrative of the operation of a basic bistable cell. Other configurations may be suitable, but the concept presented is also valid for these other geometries.

FIG. 15 illustrates an expandable tubing 80 formed of bi-stable cells 82. The tubing 80 defines a thinned portion 84 (best seen in FIG. 15) which may be in the form of a slot, as shown, a flattening, or other thinning of a portion of the tubing 80. The thinned portion 84 extends generally longitudinally and may be linear, helical, or follow some other circuitous path. In one embodiment, the thinned portion extends from one end of the tubing to the other to provide a communication line path 84 for the tubing 80. In such an embodiment, a communication line 86 may pass through the communication line path 84 along the tubing 80. In this way, the communication line 86 stays within the general outside diameter of the tubing 80 or extends only slightly outside this diameter. Although the tubing is shown with one thinned portion 84, it may include a plurality that are spaced about the circumference of the tubing 80. The thinned portion 84 may be used to house a conduit (not shown) through which communication lines 86 pass or which is used for the transport of fluids or other materials, such as mixtures of fluids and solids.

As used herein, the term “communication line” refers to any type of communication line such as electric, hydraulic, fiber optic, combinations of these, and the like.

FIG. 15A illustrates an exemplary thinned portion 84 designed to receive a device 88. As with the cable 60 placement, device 88 is at least partially housed in the thinned portion of the tubing 80 so that the extent to which it extends beyond the outer diameter of the tubing 80 is lessened. Examples of certain alternative embodiments of devices 88 are electrical devices, measuring devices, meters, gauges, sensors. More specific examples comprise valves, sampling devices, a device used in intelligent or smart well completion, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, flow-control devices, flow rate measurement devices, oil/water/gas ratio measurement devices, scale detectors, equipment sensors (e.g., vibration sensors), sand detection sensors, water detection sensors, data recorders, viscosity sensors, density sensors, bubble point sensors, composition sensors, resistivity array devices and sensors, acoustic devices and sensors, other telemetry devices, near infrared sensors, gamma ray detectors, H2S detectors, CO2 detectors, downhole memory units, downhole controllers. Examples of measurements that the devices might make are flow rate, pressure, temperature, differential pressure, density, relative amounts of liquid, gas, and solids, water cut, oil-water ratio, and other measurements.

As shown in the figure, the device 88 may be exposed to fluid inside and outside of tubing 80 via openings formed by the cells 82. Thus, the thinned portion 84 may bridge openings as well as linkages 21, 22 of the cells 82. Also note that the communication line 86 and associated communication line path 84 may extend a portion of the length of the tubing 80 in certain alternative designs. For example, if a device 88 is placed intermediate the ends of the tubing 80, the communication line passageway 84 may only need to extend from an end of the tubing to the position of the device 80.

FIG. 16 illustrates an expandable tubing 80 formed of bi-stable cells 82 having thin struts 21 and thick struts 22. At least one of the thick struts (labeled as 90) is relatively wider than other struts of the tubing 80. The wider strut 90 may be used for various purposes such as routing of communication lines, including cables, or devices, such as sensor arrays.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate tubing 80 having a strut 90 that is relatively wider than the other thick struts 22. A passageway 92 formed in the strut 90 facilitates placement of a communication line in the well and through the tubing 80 and may be used for other purposes. FIG. 17B is a cross sectional view showing the passageway 92. Passageway 92 is an alternative embodiment of a communication line path 84. A passageway 94 may be configured to generally follow the curvature of a strut, e.g. one of the thick struts 22, as further illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B.

FIG. 18 illustrates a thinned portion 84 having a dovetail design with a relatively narrower opening. The communication line 86 is formed so that it fits through the relatively narrow opening into the wider, lower portion, e.g. by inserting one side edge and then the other. Communication line 86 is held in place due to the dovetail design as is apparent from the figures. The width of the communication line 86 is greater than the width of the opening. Note that the communication line 86 may comprise a bundle of lines which may be of the same or different forms (e.g., a hydraulic, an electric, and a fiber optic line bundled together). Also, connectors for connecting adjacent tubings may incorporate a connection for the communication lines.

Note that the communication line passageway 84 may be used in conjunction with other types of expandable tubings, such as those of the expandable slotted liner type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,012, issued Nov. 22, 1994 to Lohbeck, the folded tubing types of U.S. Pat. No. 3,489,220, issued Jan. 13, 1970 to Kinley, U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,823, issued Aug. 16, 1994 to Nobileau, U.S. Pat. No. 3,203,451, issued Aug. 31, 1965 to Vincent.

The particular embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use in a wellbore, comprising:

an expandable bistable device configured for deployment proximate a wellbore wall, the expandable bistable device having a plurality of bistable cells arranged in a generally tubular shape, the plurality of bistable cells being stable in a collapsed configuration and in an expanded configuration,
wherein each cell comprises a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member each comprising a mid-point and two ends, and
further wherein the first member is more flexible than the second member.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the first and second members are mechanically connected such that the second member hinders deformation of the first member.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the first member has two stable positions, the first stable position being where the first member mid-point is adjacent to the second member mid-point, the second stable position being where the first member mid-point is displaced from the second member mid-point to form a gap between the first member mid-point and the second member mid-point.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the second member has a greater thickness than the first member.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the thickness ratio of the second member to the first member is greater than approximately 3:1.

6. The An apparatus as recited in claim 1, for use in a wellbore, comprising:

an expandable bistable device configured for deployment proximate a wellbore wall, the expandable bistable device having a plurality of bistable cells arranged in a generally tubular shape, the plurality of bistable cells being stable in a collapsed configuration and in an expanded configuration,
wherein each cell comprises a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member each comprising a mid-point and two ends,
wherein the thickness ratio of the second member to the first member is greater than approximately 6:1., and
further wherein the first member is more flexible than the second member.

7. An apparatus for use in a wellborn, comprising:

an expandable bistable device configured for deployment proximate a wellbore wall, the expandable bistable device having a plurality of bistable cells arranged in a generally tubular shape, the plurality of bistable cells being stable in a collapsed configuration and in an expanded configuration,
wherein the bistable device further comprises a wrapping attached to the outer surface of the bistable device.

8. A The An apparatus as recited in claim 7, for use in a wellbore, comprising:

an expandable bistable device configured for deployment proximate a wellbore wall, the expandable bistable device having a plurality of bistable cells arranged in a generally tubular shape, the plurality of bistable cells being stable in a collapsed configuration and in an expanded configuration,
wherein the bistable device further comprises a wrapping attached to the other surface of the bistable device, and
wherein the wrapping comprises an expandable screen.

9. The apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein the wrapping comprises a deformable material.

10. The apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the deformable material comprises an elastomer.

11. The An apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein the for use in a wellbore, comprising:

an expandable bistable device configured for deployment proximate a wellbore wall, the expandable bistable device having a plurality of bistable cells arranged in a generally tubular shape, the plurality of bistable cells being stable in a collapsed configuration and in an expanded configuration,
wherein the bistable device further comprises a wrapping attached to the outer surface of the bistable device, and
wherein the wrapping comprises a deformable material that comprises an elastomer is selected to be resistant to crude oils, brines, and acids encountered in oil and gas wells.

12. An apparatus for use in a wellbore, comprising:

an expandable bistable device configured for deployment proximate a wellbore wall, the expandable bistable device having a plurality of bistable cells arranged in a generally tubular shape, the plurality of bistable cells being stable in a collapsed configuration and in an expanded configuration,
wherein the bistable device in its second generally tubular configuration comprises a plurality of diameters.

13. A method of stabilizing an uncased section of a wellbore in an underground formation, comprising:

providing an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape that comprises a plurality of bistable cells;
placing the bistable device at a position in the wellbore while in a first stable state;
radially expanding the bistable device to a second stable state having a generally tubular configuration without substantially reducing axial length; and
attaching a wrapping to the outer surface of the bistable device.

14. The A method as recited in claim 13,of stabilizing an uncased section of a wellbore in an underground formation, comprising:

providing an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape that comprises a plurality of bistable cells;
placing the bistable device at a position in the wellbore while in a first stable state;
radially expanding the bistable device to a second stable state having a generally tubular configuration without substantially reducing axial length; and
attaching a wrapping to the outer surface of the bistable device, wherein attaching comprises attaching the wrapping comprises an expandable screen.

15. The A method as recited in claim 13, further comprising of stabilizing an uncased section of a wellbore in an underground formation, comprising:

providing an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape that comprises a plurality of bistable cells;
placing the bistable device at a position in the wellbore while in a first stable state;
radially expanding the bistable device to a second stable state having a generally tubular configuration without substantially reducing axial length; and
applying a deformable material that comprises an elastomer selected to be resistant to crude oils, brines, and acids encountered in oil and gas wells to the outer surface of the bistable device.

16. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein applying comprises applying an elastomeric material.

17. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein radially expanding comprises expanding the bistable device to a plurality of final diameters.

18. A method for installing liners within a tubular located in a wellbore, comprising:

forming an expandable bistable device with a plurality of bistable cells, the expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape;
surrounding the expandable bistable device with an expandable liner element attached to an outer surface of the bistable device;
placing the expandable bistable device at a position within a tubular while in a first stable state; and
expanding the expandable bistable device into a second stable state to hold the liner element against an inner diameter of the tubular.

19. The method as recited in claim 18, further comprising locating multiple bistable devices in the wellbore such that the ends of the adjacent bistable devices overlap and form a continuation of the liner element against the inner diameter of the tubular.

20. The method as recited in claim 18, further comprising creating each bistable cell with a thin strut connected to a thick strut.

21. A method for facilitating use of a wellbore, comprising:

inhibiting sand influx into a wellbore, wherein inhibiting comprises:
placing a bistable device at a desired position in a wellbore; and
expanding the bistable device at least partially through a nonstable range towards a stable state until the bistable device is able to exert hoop stress forces against the wellbore.

22. The method as recited in claim 21, further comprising attaching a wrapping to an outer surface of the bistable member.

23. The method as recited in claim 22, wherein attaching comprises attaching an expandable screen.

24. A system for facilitating communication along a wellbore, comprising:

an expandable tubing formed of a plurality of bi-stable cells, the expandable tubing having a communication line passageway,
wherein the communication line passageway is defined by a thinned portion along the expandable tubing.

25. A method of routing a communication line in a well, comprising:

deploying an expandable tubing in a well, wherein deploying comprises running an expandable tubing formed of bistable cells into a well;
routing at least a portion of a communication line adjacent at least a portion of the expandable tubing;
expanding the expandable tubing; and
forming the communication line along a thick strut formed between a plurality of bistable cells.
Referenced Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
261252 July 1882 Olmsted
380419 April 1888 Bignall
997191 July 1911 Hogarth
1135809 April 1915 Jones
1229437 June 1917 Foster
1233888 July 1917 Leonard
1276213 August 1918 Hare
1301285 April 1919 Leonard
1314600 September 1919 McCakey
1647907 November 1927 Doty
1945079 January 1934 Riemenschneider
1981525 November 1934 Price
2016683 October 1935 Moore
2050128 August 1936 Schlumberger
2171840 September 1939 Armentrout
2217708 October 1940 Scaramucci
2220205 November 1940 Buckley
2371385 March 1945 Eckel
2530966 November 1950 Huber
2677466 May 1954 Lowe
2696169 December 1954 Lassiter
2760581 August 1956 Johnston
2769655 November 1956 Holmes
2812025 November 1957 Teague et al.
2835328 May 1958 Thompson
2990017 June 1961 Powers
3069125 December 1962 Hewitt
3179168 April 1965 Vincent
3203451 August 1965 Vincent
3253842 May 1966 Rabe
3297092 January 1967 Jennings
3353599 November 1967 Swift
3358492 December 1967 Richter
3389752 June 1968 Lebourg
3414055 December 1968 Vogt
3415321 December 1968 Venghiattis
3419080 December 1968 Lebourg
3463247 August 1969 Klein
3482629 December 1969 Suman
3489220 January 1970 Kinley
3507340 April 1970 Voetter
3508587 April 1970 Mauch
3556219 January 1971 Meldau
3561529 February 1971 Owen
3604732 September 1971 Malone
3657744 April 1972 Ersek
3672705 June 1972 Rush
3692114 September 1972 Murphey, Jr. et al.
3785193 January 1974 Kinley
3816894 June 1974 Howard
3864970 February 1975 Bell
3898717 August 1975 Schwartz
3913676 October 1975 Barbee, Jr. et al.
3926409 December 1975 Abney
3963076 June 15, 1976 Winslow
4064938 December 27, 1977 Fast
4065953 January 3, 1978 Frentzen
4185856 January 29, 1980 McCaskill
4253522 March 3, 1981 Setterberg, Jr.
4295527 October 20, 1981 Russe
4309891 January 12, 1982 Pogonowski
4337969 July 6, 1982 Escaron
4375164 March 1, 1983 Dodge
4401158 August 30, 1983 Spencer
4495997 January 29, 1985 Scott
4541486 September 17, 1985 Wetzel
4553595 November 19, 1985 Huang
4558219 December 10, 1985 LeBlanc
4558742 December 17, 1985 Huang
4566538 January 28, 1986 Peterson
4578608 March 25, 1986 Mech
4580568 April 8, 1986 Gianturco
4600037 July 15, 1986 Hatten
4606408 August 19, 1986 Zunkel
4626129 December 2, 1986 Kothmann
4655771 April 7, 1987 Wallsten
4657079 April 14, 1987 Nagaoka
4665906 May 19, 1987 Jervis
4665918 May 19, 1987 Garza
4706659 November 17, 1987 Matthews
4733665 March 29, 1988 Palmaz
4739762 April 26, 1988 Palmaz
4740207 April 26, 1988 Kreamer
4783995 November 15, 1988 Michel
4809792 March 7, 1989 Lynch
4832121 May 23, 1989 Anderson
4866062 September 12, 1989 Toth
4874327 October 17, 1989 Ip
4886062 December 12, 1989 Wiktor
4945991 August 7, 1990 Jones
4950258 August 21, 1990 Kawai
4969890 November 13, 1990 Sugita
4976142 December 11, 1990 Perales
4990155 February 5, 1991 Wilkoff
4994071 February 19, 1991 MacGregor
5102417 April 7, 1992 Palmaz
5104404 April 14, 1992 Wolff
5107927 April 28, 1992 Whiteley
5119373 June 2, 1992 Fredricsson
5141360 August 25, 1992 Zeman
5147370 September 15, 1992 McNamara
5156220 October 20, 1992 Forehand
5163321 November 17, 1992 Perales
5174379 December 29, 1992 Whiteley
5186255 February 16, 1993 Corey
5192307 March 9, 1993 Wall
5195984 March 23, 1993 Schatz
5197978 March 30, 1993 Hess
5211241 May 18, 1993 Mashaw, Jr. et al.
5226913 July 13, 1993 Pinchuk
5234448 August 10, 1993 Wholey
5243190 September 7, 1993 Bandy
5282823 February 1, 1994 Schwartz
5318121 June 7, 1994 Brockman
5329998 July 19, 1994 King
5337823 August 16, 1994 Nobileau
5348095 September 20, 1994 Worrall et al.
5354308 October 11, 1994 Simon
5355948 October 18, 1994 Sparlin
5355949 October 18, 1994 Sparlin
5355953 October 18, 1994 Shy
5366012 November 22, 1994 Lohbeck
5377104 December 27, 1994 Sorrells
5377823 January 3, 1995 Steen et al.
5383892 January 24, 1995 Cardon
5383926 January 24, 1995 Lock
5396957 March 14, 1995 Surjaatmadja
5397355 March 14, 1995 Marin
5403341 April 4, 1995 Solar
5411507 May 2, 1995 Heckele
5419760 May 30, 1995 Narciso, Jr.
5449373 September 12, 1995 Pinchasik
5449382 September 12, 1995 Dayton
5450898 September 19, 1995 Sparlin
5456319 October 10, 1995 Schmidt
5492175 February 20, 1996 El-Rabaa et al.
5496365 March 5, 1996 Sgro
5500013 March 19, 1996 Buscemi
5515915 May 14, 1996 Jones
5545208 August 13, 1996 Wolff
5545210 August 13, 1996 Hess
5554183 September 10, 1996 Nazari
5556413 September 17, 1996 Lam
5562690 October 8, 1996 Green
5562697 October 8, 1996 Christiansen
5576485 November 19, 1996 Serata
5601593 February 11, 1997 Freitag
5618299 April 8, 1997 Khosravi
5628787 May 13, 1997 Mayer
5641023 June 24, 1997 Ross
5643314 July 1, 1997 Carpenter
5663805 September 2, 1997 Asai
5667011 September 16, 1997 Gill et al.
5670161 September 23, 1997 Healy
5695516 December 9, 1997 Fischell
5697971 December 16, 1997 Fischell
5702419 December 30, 1997 Berry
5723781 March 3, 1998 Pruett
5725570 March 10, 1998 Heath
5725572 March 10, 1998 Lam
5733303 March 31, 1998 Israel
5755774 May 26, 1998 Pinchuk
5755776 May 26, 1998 Al-Saadon
5776181 July 7, 1998 Lee
5776183 July 7, 1998 Kanesaka
5785120 July 28, 1998 Smalley
5806589 September 15, 1998 Lang
5807404 September 15, 1998 Richter
5824040 October 20, 1998 Cox
5833001 November 10, 1998 Song
5842516 December 1, 1998 Jones
5861025 January 19, 1999 Boudghene
5865073 February 2, 1999 Wilson
5871538 February 16, 1999 Dereume
5872901 February 16, 1999 Konno
5876449 March 2, 1999 Starck
5891191 April 6, 1999 Stinson
5895406 April 20, 1999 Gray
5896928 April 27, 1999 Coon
5899882 May 4, 1999 Waksman
5901789 May 11, 1999 Donnelly et al.
5913897 June 22, 1999 Corso, Jr. et al.
5918672 July 6, 1999 McConnell
5922020 July 13, 1999 Klein
5924745 July 20, 1999 Campbell
5928280 July 27, 1999 Hansen
5934376 August 10, 1999 Nguyen
5957195 September 28, 1999 Bailey
5964296 October 12, 1999 Ross
5972018 October 26, 1999 Israel
5984568 November 16, 1999 Lohbeck
5997580 December 7, 1999 Mastrorio
6004348 December 21, 1999 Banas
6012522 January 11, 2000 Donnelly
6012523 January 11, 2000 Campbell
6013854 January 11, 2000 Moriuchi
6017362 January 25, 2000 Lau
6019789 February 1, 2000 Dinh
6020981 February 1, 2000 Ogiyama
6021850 February 8, 2000 Wood
6022371 February 8, 2000 Killion
6027526 February 22, 2000 Limon
6027527 February 22, 2000 Asano
6029748 February 29, 2000 Forsyth et al.
6031637 February 29, 2000 Shibata
6042606 March 28, 2000 Frantzen
6049597 April 11, 2000 Satake
6063113 May 16, 2000 Kavteladze
6064491 May 16, 2000 Matsumoto
6065500 May 23, 2000 Metcalfe
6070671 June 6, 2000 Cumming
6083258 July 4, 2000 Yadav
6095242 August 1, 2000 Lequang
6096070 August 1, 2000 Ragheb
6106548 August 22, 2000 Roubin
6112818 September 5, 2000 Campbell
6131662 October 17, 2000 Ross
6135208 October 24, 2000 Gano
6138776 October 31, 2000 Hart
6142230 November 7, 2000 Smalley
6147774 November 14, 2000 Hamadani
6152599 November 28, 2000 Salter, Jr.
6190406 February 20, 2001 Duerig
6193744 February 27, 2001 Ehr
6203569 March 20, 2001 Wijay
6206911 March 27, 2001 Milo
6213686 April 10, 2001 Baugh
6220345 April 24, 2001 Jones
6220361 April 24, 2001 Brisco
6227303 May 8, 2001 Jones
6244360 June 12, 2001 Steinsland
6250385 June 26, 2001 Montaron
6253844 July 3, 2001 Walker
6253850 July 3, 2001 Nazzai et al.
6261319 July 17, 2001 Kveen
6263966 July 24, 2001 Haut et al.
6263972 July 24, 2001 Richard et al.
6264685 July 24, 2001 Ahari
6273634 August 14, 2001 Lohbeck
6281489 August 28, 2001 Tubel
6315040 November 13, 2001 Donnelly
6321503 November 27, 2001 Warren
6322109 November 27, 2001 Campbell
6325148 December 4, 2001 Trahan
6327938 December 11, 2001 Pietras
6328113 December 11, 2001 Cook
6330911 December 18, 2001 Allen
6330918 December 18, 2001 Hosie
6343651 February 5, 2002 Bixenman
6360633 March 26, 2002 Pietras
6368355 April 9, 2002 Uflacker
6371203 April 16, 2002 Frank
6374565 April 23, 2002 Warren
6378614 April 30, 2002 Adams
6382318 May 7, 2002 Whitlock
6415509 July 9, 2002 Echols
6425444 July 30, 2002 Metcalfe
6431271 August 13, 2002 Thomeer et al.
6446729 September 10, 2002 Bixenman
6451052 September 17, 2002 Burmeister
6454493 September 24, 2002 Lohbeck
6457518 October 1, 2002 Castano-Mears et al.
6457532 October 1, 2002 Simpson
6464720 October 15, 2002 Boatman
6478091 November 12, 2002 Gano
6478092 November 12, 2002 Voll et al.
6485524 November 26, 2002 Strecker
6488702 December 3, 2002 Besselink
6510896 January 28, 2003 Bode
6512599 January 28, 2003 Hattori
6513599 February 4, 2003 Bixenman
6520254 February 18, 2003 Hurst
6527047 March 4, 2003 Pietras
6536291 March 25, 2003 Gysling
6540777 April 1, 2003 Stenzel
6554064 April 29, 2003 Restarick
6571871 June 3, 2003 Lauritzen
6575245 June 10, 2003 Hurst
6578630 June 17, 2003 Simpson
6582461 June 24, 2003 Burmeister
6598678 July 29, 2003 Simpson
6622797 September 23, 2003 Sivley, IV
6634431 October 21, 2003 Cook
6648071 November 18, 2003 Hackworth
6669718 December 30, 2003 Besselink
6675891 January 13, 2004 Hailey, Jr. et al.
6681854 January 27, 2004 Danos
6684951 February 3, 2004 Restarick
6688395 February 10, 2004 Maguire
6688397 February 10, 2004 McClurkin
6695054 February 24, 2004 Johnson
6695067 February 24, 2004 Johnson
6706063 March 2004 Besselink
6719064 April 13, 2004 Price-Smith et al.
6722427 April 20, 2004 Gano
6722441 April 20, 2004 Lauritzen
6725918 April 27, 2004 Gano
6725934 April 27, 2004 Coronado
6745845 June 8, 2004 Cook
6755856 June 29, 2004 Fierens
6772836 August 10, 2004 Schetky
6789621 September 14, 2004 Wetzel
6799637 October 5, 2004 Schetky
6805196 October 19, 2004 Lawrence
6817410 November 16, 2004 Wetzel
6823943 November 30, 2004 Baugh
6848510 February 1, 2005 Bixenman
6877553 April 12, 2005 Cameron
6896052 May 24, 2005 Simpson
6904974 June 14, 2005 Slack
6907930 June 21, 2005 Cavender
6924640 August 2, 2005 Fickert
6932161 August 23, 2005 Cameron
6962203 November 8, 2005 Funchess
6983796 January 10, 2006 Bayne
6994167 February 7, 2006 Ramos
7036600 May 2, 2006 Johnson
7048052 May 23, 2006 Hackworth
7055609 June 6, 2006 Hayes
7086476 August 8, 2006 Johnson
7100690 September 5, 2006 Mullen
7104324 September 12, 2006 Wetzel
7108062 September 19, 2006 Castano-Mears et al.
7131494 November 7, 2006 Bixenman
7134501 November 14, 2006 Johnson
7140446 November 28, 2006 Metcalfe
7156180 January 2, 2007 Schetky
7168485 January 30, 2007 Johnson
7168486 January 30, 2007 Hackworth
7182134 February 27, 2007 Wetzel
7185709 March 6, 2007 Schetky et al.
7191842 March 20, 2007 Hackworth
7222676 May 29, 2007 Patel
7235097 June 26, 2007 Calisse
7291166 November 6, 2007 Cheng
7300458 November 27, 2007 Henkes
7398831 July 15, 2008 Schetky
7476245 January 13, 2009 Abbate
7681640 March 23, 2010 Bixenman
7758628 July 20, 2010 Besselink
20010027339 October 4, 2001 Boatman
20010044652 November 22, 2001 Moore
20020035394 March 21, 2002 Fierens et al.
20020092649 July 18, 2002 Bixenman et al.
20020107562 August 8, 2002 Hart
20020125009 September 12, 2002 Wetzel
20030074052 April 17, 2003 Besselink
20030079885 May 1, 2003 Schetky
20030079886 May 1, 2003 Schetky
20030199969 October 23, 2003 Steinke
20040034402 February 19, 2004 Bales
20040065445 April 8, 2004 Abercrombie Simpson
20040088043 May 6, 2004 Klein
20040089454 May 13, 2004 Hackworth
20040133270 July 8, 2004 Grandt
20040182581 September 23, 2004 Schetky
20040193247 September 30, 2004 Besselink
20050039927 February 24, 2005 Wetzel
20050055080 March 10, 2005 Istephanous
20050163821 July 28, 2005 Sung
20050182479 August 18, 2005 Bonsignore
20060037745 February 23, 2006 Hart et al.
20060217795 September 28, 2006 Besselink
20060241739 October 26, 2006 Besselink
20070084608 April 19, 2007 Bixenman
20070102153 May 10, 2007 Bixenman
20080097571 April 24, 2008 Denison
20090187243 July 23, 2009 Johnson
Foreign Patent Documents
784777 August 2002 AU
2006202182 June 2006 AU
2006202182 June 2006 AU
1014914AS June 2004 BE
2602435 July 1998 CA
2359450 April 2002 CA
2359450 April 2002 CA
2513263 April 2002 CA
2513263 April 2002 CA
2367810 July 2002 CA
2367810 July 2002 CA
2544701 July 2002 CA
2544701 July 2002 CA
8812719 November 1989 DE
19728337 January 1999 DE
10201631 November 2002 DE
10201631 November 2002 DE
0274846 July 1988 EP
0326426 August 1989 EP
0326462 August 1989 EP
0335341 October 1989 EP
0364787 April 1990 EP
0421729 April 1991 EP
0540290 May 1993 EP
0587197 March 1994 EP
0636345 February 1995 EP
0664107 July 1995 EP
0674095 September 1995 EP
0679372 November 1995 EP
0688545 December 1995 EP
0734698 October 1996 EP
0744164 November 1996 EP
0779409 June 1997 EP
0897698 February 1999 EP
1031329 August 2000 EP
1042997 October 2000 EP
1152120 November 2001 EP
1223305 July 2002 EP
1223305 November 2002 EP
1255022 November 2002 EP
2617721 January 1989 FR
2642812 August 1990 FR
2081173 February 1982 GB
2169515 July 1986 GB
2175824 December 1986 GB
2287093 September 1995 GB
2317630 April 1998 GB
2347448 September 2000 GB
2355740 May 2001 GB
2362462 November 2001 GB
2366817 March 2002 GB
2368082 April 2002 GB
2369382 April 2002 GB
2369382 May 2002 GB
2370301 June 2002 GB
2370574 July 2002 GB
2371063 July 2002 GB
2371064 July 2002 GB
2371066 July 2002 GB
2371574 July 2002 GB
2379690 March 2003 GB
2379691 March 2003 GB
2379692 March 2003 GB
2379693 March 2003 GB
2379694 March 2003 GB
2379694 March 2003 GB
2382831 June 2003 GB
2382831 June 2003 GB
2386625 September 2003 GB
2386625 September 2003 GB
2392461 March 2004 GB
2392461 March 2004 GB
2395214 May 2004 GB
2395214 May 2004 GB
2403491 January 2005 GB
2404683 February 2005 GB
2404683 February 2005 GB
2408531 June 2005 GB
2408531 June 2005 GB
2409694 July 2005 GB
2409694 July 2005 GB
2410273 July 2005 GB
2410273 July 2005 GB
A9312743 December 1997 JP
2002121654 April 2002 JP
3958602 November 2002 JP
2002332791 November 2002 JP
1019192 April 2002 NL
1019753 July 2002 NL
1021076 July 2002 NL
1022037 February 2003 NL
20020223 July 2002 NO
20034598 April 2004 NO
2225497 July 2003 RU
2225497 July 2003 RU
2263198 May 2005 RU
104956 July 2004 SG
1105620 July 1984 SU
8602124 April 1986 WO
9206734 April 1992 WO
9219310 November 1992 WO
9322986 November 1993 WO
9403127 February 1994 WO
9509584 April 1995 WO
9531945 November 1995 WO
9532757 December 1995 WO
9603942 February 1996 WO
9609013 March 1996 WO
9618359 June 1996 WO
9629028 September 1996 WO
9637680 November 1996 WO
9641589 December 1996 WO
9704721 February 1997 WO
9800626 January 1998 WO
9820810 May 1998 WO
9820810 May 1998 WO
9822690 May 1998 WO
9826152 June 1998 WO
WO 98/32412 July 1998 WO
9849423 November 1998 WO
9849423 November 1998 WO
9850673 November 1998 WO
9850680 November 1998 WO
9857030 December 1998 WO
9902818 January 1999 WO
9915108 April 1999 WO
9923354 May 1999 WO
9945235 September 1999 WO
0036386 June 2000 WO
0061908 October 2000 WO
0129368 April 2001 WO
0129368 April 2001 WO
0142620 June 2001 WO
0142620 June 2001 WO
0146551 June 2001 WO
0165063 September 2001 WO
0165067 September 2001 WO
0173264 October 2001 WO
0188332 November 2001 WO
0192680 December 2001 WO
0206593 January 2002 WO
0206625 January 2002 WO
WO 02/25057 March 2002 WO
308384 February 2004 WO
2004014255 February 2004 WO
2004014255 February 2004 WO
2007076051 July 2007 WO
2007076051 July 2007 WO
2007126729 November 2007 WO
2007126729 November 2007 WO
Other references
  • Gravel Pack Systems: Mini-Beta Gravel Pack System, Baker Oil Tools, pp. 12-13, (Undated).
  • Sides, Win, Hydraulic Intelligent Completions, Baker Hughes, Advanced Technology Conference, Sep. 30-Oct. 1, 1999, slides 1-28 (6446729).
  • STDZ and Multizone Completion Systems, Halliburton Company, 1995.
  • Hamid, Syed, Lester, G. Scott and Adkins, Darrel W.; A Fiber-Optic Iinspection System for Prepacked Screens: Society of Petroleum Enaineers Inc.: pp. 1-12. Apr. 1999.
  • U.S. Pre-Grant Pub 2003/0056947, Cameron, Mar. 2003. Hamid, Syed, Lester, G. Scott and Adkins, Darrell W.; A Fiber-Optic Inspection System for Prepacked Screens; Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc.; pp. 1-9, 1999.
  • Docket Sheet for Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. H-04-1959 (S.D. Tex.) (Pacer Jun. 2, 2005) (6 pages).
  • Docket Sheet for Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.) (Pacer Aug. 11, 2005) (142 pages).
  • Hackworth et al., Development and First Application of Bistable Expandable Sand Screen, Oct. 5-8, 2003, SPE 84265, whole document.
  • European Search Report dated Mar. 15, 2006 re EP 05 02 2622 (PARGN.002VR1EP) in 4 pages.
  • European Search Report dated Jul. 21, 2008 re EP 05 02 2622 (PARGN.002VR1EP) in 4 pages.
  • Communication from United States District Court Transferring Case, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. H-04-1959 (S.D. Tex.), dated Sep. 7, 2004 (1 page).
  • Schlumberger Technology Corporation's Notice of Motion and Motion to Dismiss Kentucky Oil Technology's Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Counterclaims; and Memorandum of Points and Authorities, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Jan. 24, 2005 (32 pages).
  • [Proposed] Order Granting Schlumberger Technology Corporation's Motion to Dismiss Kentucky Oil Technology's Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Counterclaims, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Jan. 24, 2005 (3 pages).
  • Schlumberger Technology Corporation's Notice of Motion and Motion to Dismiss Kentucky Oil Technology's First Amended Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Counterclaims; and Memorandum of Points and Authorities, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Feb. 24, 2005 (32 pages).
  • [Proposed] Order Granting Schlumberger Technology Corporation's Motion to Dismiss Kentucky Oil Technology's First Amended Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Counterclaims, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Feb. 24, 2005 (3 pages).
  • Plaintiff and Counterdefendant Memry Corporation's Notice of Motion and Motion to Dismiss Kentucky Oil Technology's Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Counterclaims; and Memorandum of Points and Authorities, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Feb. 25, 2005 (29 pages).
  • Request for Judicial Notice in Support of Memry Corporation's Motion to Dismiss Kentucky Oil Technology's Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Counterclaims, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Feb. 25, 2005 (3 pages).
  • [Proposed] Order Granting Memry Corporation's Motion to Dismiss Kentucky Oil Technology's Third Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Counterclaims, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Feb. 25, 2005 (3 pages).
  • Opposition of Kentucky Oil to Motions of Memry Corporation and Schlumberger Technology Corporation to Dismiss First Amended Counterclaims, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Mar. 11, 2005 (29 pages).
  • Kentucky Oil's Opposition to Counterdefendants' Requests for Judicial Notice in Support of Their Motions to Dismiss Kentucky Oil Technology's First Amended Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Counterclaims, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Mar. 11, 2005 (3 pages).
  • Plaintiff and Counterdefendant Memry Corporation's Reply in Support of Motion to Dismiss Kentucky Oil Technology's Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Counterclaims, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Mar. 18, 2005 (9 pages).
  • Reply of Schlumberger Technology Corporation to Kentucky Oil Technology's Opposition to First Amended, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Counterclaims, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Mar. 18, 2005 (17 pages).
  • Schlumberger's Response to Kentucky Oil's Opposition to Counterdefendants' Requests for Judicial Notice, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Mar. 18, 2005 (3 pages).
  • Schlumberger's Notice of Motion and Motion to Strike Exhibits 1, 2, and 4 to the Declaration of Nicola A. Pisano, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Mar. 18, 2005 (3 pages).
  • Kentucky Oil's Opposition to STC's Motion to Strike Exhibits 1, 3 and 4 to the Declaration of Nicola A. Pisano, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Mar. 25, 2005 (3 pages).
  • Plaintiff and Counterdefendant Memry Corporation's Reply to Kentucky Oil Technology N.V.'s Counterclaims and Demand for Jury Trial, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Apr. 18, 2005 (8 pages).
  • Second Amended Counterclaims of Kentucky Oil Technology N.V. Against Memry Corporation and Schlumberger Technology Corporation, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed May 6, 2005 (20 pages).
  • Plaintiff Memry Corporation's Reply to Kentucky Oil Technology N.V.'s Second Amended Counterclaims and Demand for Jury Trial, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Jun. 3, 2005 (9 pages).
  • Schlumberger Technology Corporation's Notice of Motion and Motion to Dismiss the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Counterclaims in Kentucky Oil Technology's Second Amended Counterclaims, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Jun. 3, 2005 (18 pages).
  • Opposition of Kentucky Oil Technology to Schlumberger Technology Corporation's Motion to Dismiss Kentucky Oil's Second Amended Counterclaims, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Jun. 17, 2005 (16 pages).
  • Schlumberger Technology Corporation's Reply Brief in Support of its Motion to Dismiss the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Counterclaims in Kentucky Oil Technology's Second Amended Counterclaims, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Jun. 24, 2005 (11 pages).
  • Order Granting in Part and Denying In Part STC's Motion to Dismiss, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), entered Jul. 14, 2005 (8 pages).
  • Notice of Motion and Motion by Kentucky Oil to Compel Production of Documents by Schlumberger Technology Corporation Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. Rule 37; Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support Thereof; Declaration of Michael Bierman, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Jul. 28, 1005 (32 pages).
  • Schlumberger Technology Corporation's Opposition to Kentucky Oil Technology's Motion to Compel, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Aug. 4, 2005 (21 pages).
  • Declaration of David B. Moyer in Support of Schlumberger Technology Corporation's Opposition to Kentucky Oil Technology's Motion to Compel, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Aug. 4, 2005 (51 pages).
  • Kentucky Oil's Reply in Support of Motion to Compel, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Aug. 10, 2005 (18 pages).
  • Order Granting Kentucky Oil's Motion to Compel Production of Documents, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), entered Aug. 17, 2005 (8 pages).
  • [Proposed] Order Granting Kentucky Oil's Motion to Strike Declaration of Benjamin Holl and Portions of Counterdefendants' Reply Briefs, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), entered Mar. 25, 2005 (2 pages).
  • Answer of Defendants and Counterclaims of Kentucky Oil Technology N.V. Against Memry Corporation and Schlumberger Technology Corporation, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04 03843, (N.D. Cal.) filed Nov. 2, 2004 (20 pages).
  • Declaration of Nicola A. Pisano in Support of Kentucy Oil's Motion to Compel, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Aug. 10, 2005 (69 pages).
  • Defendants' Motions (1) to Dismiss the Complaint for Insufficiency of Process and Lack of Personal Jurisdiction, (2) to Dismiss Counts I-III of the Complaint for Failure to State a Claim, and (3) in the Alternative, to Transfer This Action to the Federal District Court for the Northern District of California, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. H-04-1959, (S.D. Tex.), filed Jul. 7, 2004 (47 pages).
  • First Amended Counterclaims of Kentucky Oil Technology N.V. Against Memry Corporation and Schlumberger Technology Corporation, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D.Cal.), filed Feb. 9, 2005 (16 pages).
  • Order Granting in Part and Denying in Part Counterdefendants' Motion to Dismiss, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), entered Apr. 8, 2005 (26 pages).
  • Plaintiff and Counterdefendant Memry Corporation's Answer to Kentucky Oil Technology N.V.'s Counterclaims and Demand for Jury Trial, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Dec. 3, 2004 (10 pages).
  • Plaintiff and Counterdefendant Memry Corporation's Reply in Support of Request for Judicial Notice, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Mar. 18, 2005 (4 pages).
  • Plaintiffs First Amended Complaint, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Aug. 19, 2004 (20 pages).
  • Plaintiffs' Original Complaint, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. H-04-1959, (S.D. Tex.), filed May 14, 2004 (20 pages).
  • Request for Judicial Notice in Support of Schlumberger Technology Corporation's Motion to Dismiss Kentucky Oil Technology's First Amended Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Counterclaims, Memry Corporation v: Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Feb. 24, 2005 (3 pages).
  • Kentucky Oil's Notice of Motion and Motion to Strike Declaration of Benjamin Holl and Portions of Counterdefendants' Reply Briefs, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Mar. 25, 2005 (4 pages).
  • Schlumberger Technology Corporation's Answer to Kentucky Oil Technology's Second Amended Counterclaims, Memry Corporation v. Kentucky Oil Technology, N.V., Case No. C-04-03843, (N.D. Cal.), filed Jul. 28, 2005 (8 pages).
  • Besselink, Peter, Biflex Stents; SMST-99; Proceedings of the First European Conference on Shape Memory and Superelastic Technologies, Antwerp Zoo, Belgium, 1999; pp. 142-150.
  • Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 12/872,178 dated Jul. 28, 2011.
  • Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 12/872,154 dated Feb. 25, 2011.
  • Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 12/872,178 dated Mar. 1, 2011.
  • Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 12/872,220 dated Mar. 3, 2011.
  • Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 12/872,220 dated Jul. 19, 2011.
  • Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 12/872,154 dated Jul. 20, 2011.
Patent History
Patent number: RE45244
Type: Grant
Filed: Aug 31, 2010
Date of Patent: Nov 18, 2014
Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Inventors: L. McD. Schetky (Camden, ME), Craig D. Johnson (Montgomery, TX), Matthew R. Hackworth (Pearland, TX), Patrick W. Bixenman (Houston, TX), Peter Besselink (Enschede)
Primary Examiner: William P Neuder
Application Number: 12/872,203
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Bending Of Tubing (166/384); Expansible Casing (166/207); Woven Mesh (166/230)
International Classification: E21B 43/10 (20060101);