Abstract: A technique for connecting expandable tubulars. The technique comprises an expandable connector system that facilitates the connection of tubular components, such as tubulars used in wellbore environments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming or repairing a wellbore casing by radially expanding a tubular liner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cement shoe assembly for use on a string of tubulars in a well. In one aspect of the invention, the cement shoe assembly includes a housing having a lower portion with an enlarged inside diameter and a drillable cement shoe disposed therein. The shoe includes a weakened portion of material adjacent the enlarged inside diameter portion of the housing and ensures that as a cutting tool passes through the housing, all portions of the cement shoe are removed from the enlarged inside diameter portion, leaving a connection surface clear of debris for a subsequent tubular string. When a smaller tubular is expanded into the enclosed diameter portion of the housing, a connection is made therebetween without enlarging the outer diameter of the housing.

Abstract: A wellbore casing formed by extruding a tubular liner off of a mandrel. The tubular liner and mandrel are positioned within a new section of a wellbore with the tubular liner in an overlapping relationship with an existing casing. A hardenable fluidic material is injected into the new section of the wellbore below the level of the mandrel and into the annular region between the tubular liner and the new section of the wellbore. The inner and outer regions of the tubular liner are then fluidicly isolated. A non hardenable fluidic material is then injected into a portion of an interior region of the tubular liner to pressurize the portion of the interior region of the tubular liner below the mandrel. The tubular liner is then extruded off of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method to install a cylindrical pipe in a wellbore through a previously installed casing forming a reduced opening by running a pipe within the casing, the pipe having a first shape having dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the reduced opening; then deforming the pipe to convert the pipe from the first shape to a substantially cylindrical second shape in a cavity having larger dimensions than both the reduced opening and the second shape, and last displacing an expansion mandrel having a circular section to expand, in the plastic range, the pipe having a substantially cylindrical second shape to a cylindrical third shape.

Abstract: A one trip system for expanding a tubular that is solid or perforated or a screen comprises a downhole assembly that features a hydraulic anchor that can be set, released and repositioned to repeat the process. The anchor is small enough to go through the tubular or screen after initial expansion. The anchor's maximum extension is designed to avoid overstressing the already expanded tubular or screen. An expansion tool is hydraulically driven with the initial portion of the stroke delivering an enhanced force. The expansion tool initially supports the tubular or liner but subsequently releases during the first stroke, after the tubular or screen is fully supported.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for completing a wellbore using expandable tubulars. Particularly, the invention relates to a system of completing a wellbore through the expansion of tubulars. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to the concurrent expansion of a first and second tubular, wherein the first tubular contains a polished bore receptacle configured to sealingly receive a portion of the second tubular thereby providing a sealable connection therebetween.

Abstract: A tubular system arranged in a wellbore, having an outer tube extending into the wellbore and a wall with at least one section of reduced bending stiffness, each section defining a hinge allowing the outer tube to move between a collapsed mode and an expanded mode. An inner tube extends into the outer tube and has a wall with at least one section of reduced bending stiffness, each section defining a hinge allowing the inner tube to move between a collapsed mode and an expanded mode. With the tubes in their respective expanded modes, the inner tube supports the outer tube and is oriented in the outer tube such that each hinge of the inner tube is circumferentially displaced from each hinge of the outer tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for interconnecting adjacent expandable pipes by Laser Beam Welding (LBW).

Abstract: A wellhead is formed by extruding a plurality of tubular liners off of a mandrel into contact with an outer casing. The first tubular liner and mandrel are positioned within the wellbore with the tubular liner in an overlapping relationship with the outer casing. At least a portion of the tubular liner is extruded off of the mandrel into contact with the interior surface of the outer casing. The first tubular liner is extruded off of the mandrel by pressurizing an interior portion of the first tubular liner. Subsequent tubular liners are positioned in concentric overlapping relation and similarly extruded off of a mandrel into at least partial contact with the interior surface of the outer casing.

Abstract: A stabiliser is disclosed for stabilising a radially expandable tubular element extending in a wellbore drilled into an earth formation. The stabiliser comprises a radially expandable tubular member selected from a section of the tubular element and a sleeve surrounding the tubular element, and at least one stabiliser arm connected to the tubular member, each arm being movable from a radially retracted position to a radially extended position by the action of a spring force. The stabiliser further comprises locking means arranged to lock each arm in the retracted position when the tubular element is in the unexpanded form and to unlock the arm upon radial expansion of the tubular member so as to allow the arm to move to the extended position thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of forming a tubing lined borehole, the method comprising the steps of forming a borehole; enlarging part of the borehole by increasing the diameter thereof; and locating bore-lining tubing in the borehole with at least part of the tubing located in the enlarged part of the borehole, and a corresponding a tubing lined borehole. There is also disclosed a downhole cutting tool comprising a tool body; and at least one cutting element mounted for radial movement with respect to the tool body between a retracted position and a cutting position, in the cutting position the cutting element describing a cutting diameter and an axially extending annular space inwardly of the cutting element, and a corresponding method.

Abstract: A tubing connection arrangement that includes two expandable tubing sections is disclosed. In one embodiment, each of the tubing sections includes a filter screen sandwiched between inner expandable tubing and outer expandable tubing. On expansion of the tubing sections, the outer tubing provides resistance to radial expansion of the inner tubing in order to ensure that the integrity between the tubing sections is maintained. The filter screen of one of the tubing sections overlaps the filter screen of the other tubing section, and the outer expandable tubing of at least one of the tubing sections extends over the overlapping filter screens.

Abstract: An expander for radially expanding a tubular element, comprising an expander body connectable to an elongate member for moving the expander in axial direction through the tubular element, the expander body having a first body portion and a second body portion axially displaced from the first body portion, wherein the first body portion has a larger outer diameter than the second body portion. A set of expander segments is arranged around the expander body, each segment being movable relative the expander body between a radically extended position in which the segment is axially aligned with the first body portion and a radially retracted position in which the segment is axially aligned with the second body portion. Actuating means is provided for moving each segment between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A centralizer is disclosed for stabilizing a radially expandable tubular element extending in a wellbore drilled into an earth formation. The centralizer has a tubular member selected from a section of the tubular element and a sleeve surrounding the tubular element, and at least one centralizer blade, each blade including a first arm connected to the tubular member in a manner allowing the first arm to hinge relative the tubular member between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position thereof, and a second arm connected to the tubular member at a point circumferentially spaced from the point of connection of the first arm to the tubular member. The second arm has an end part connected to the first arm so as to induce movement of the first arm from the retracted position to the extended position upon radial expansion of the tubular member.

Abstract: A drilling system is provided for drilling a borehole into an earth formation, the drilling system comprising pump means for pumping drilling fluid into the borehole and discharge means for discharging drilling fluid from the borehole. The discharge means comprises at least one pressure chamber for temporarily accommodating drilling fluid being discharged from the borehole, and control means for controlling the fluid inflow into each pressure chamber.

Abstract: A casing liner and method for lining a casing affixed in a well bore. The casing liner having a plurality of grooves and ridges arranged longitudinally and in an alternating relationship about the exterior surface of the casing liner to increase stress storage upon the casing liner being radially reduced in size and thereby decrease the expansion rate of the casing liner and facilitate installation of the casing liner into the casing.

Abstract: A particulate screen suitable for use in a wellbore. The particulate screen is expandable and may be at least partially formed of a bistable tubular. Also, a filter media may be combined with the bistable tubular to limit influx of particulates.

Abstract: A method for positioning sleeve down hole in a hydrocarbon producing well. A running assembly with associated sleeve is run down a hydrocarbon producing well until the sleeve is in a desired positioned in a conduit. The sleeve is expanded until it sealingly engages the conduit. Pressure is maintained within the sleeve until the seals of holding the pressure sequentially fail to expand the ends of the sleeve. When a preset pressure threshold is reached, the pressure is relieved. The running assembly is then pulled back through the expanded sleeve to surface. A major advantage of this method is that the expanded sleeve provides sufficient internal clearance that a further sleeve of the same size as the original may, in future, be passed through the expanded sleeve and positioned lower down in the well.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for shaping pipes, tubes, liners, or casing at downhole locations in wells. Use is made of rollers bearing radially outwards against the inside wall of the pipe (etc.), the rollers being rolled around the pipe to cause outward plastic deformation which expands and shapes the pipe to a desired profile. Where one pipe is inside another, the two pipes can be joined without separate components (except optional seals). Landing nipples and liner hangers can be formed in situ. valves can be deployed to a selected downhole location and there sealed to the casing or liner without separate packers. Casing can be deployed downhole in reduced-diameter lengths and then expanded to case a well without requiring larger diameter bores and casing further uphole. The invention enables simplified downhole working, and enables a well to be drilled & produced with the minimum downhole bore throughout its depth, obviating the need for large bores.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for anchoring a first conduit (10) to a second conduit (12). The first conduit (10) is typically an expandable conduit whereby a portion of the first conduit is expanded by applying a radial force thereto to provide an anchor and/or seal between the first (10) and second (12) conduits. An inflatable device (14) is provided that can be used to provide a temporary anchor whilst the first (expandable) conduit (10) is radially expanded. An expander device (16) that is capable of applying a radial expansion force to the first conduit (10) is optionally attached to the inflatable device (14).

Abstract: A tubing coupling method is provided. In one aspect, the method comprises providing a length of expandable tubing and a length of larger diameter non-expanding tubing, connecting an end portion of the expandable tubing to an end portion of the non-expanding tubing, running the tubing into a bore, and expanding the expandable tubing. The expandable tubing may form part of an expandable well or sand screen, or may be an expandable bore liner.

Abstract: A method of isolating a section of downhole tubing comprises: running a length of expandable tubing (20) into a tubing-lined borehole (12, 14) and positioning the expandable tubing (20) across a section of tubing to be isolated; deforming at least portions of the expandable tubing (36, 40) to increase the diameter of the portions to sealingly engage the tubing (14) and to isolate the tubing section.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for expanding a tubular body in a wellbore. In one aspect, a method includes running the tubular body into the wellbore, the tubular body having a deformed portion. The method further includes reforming the deformed portion and positioning a two-position expander in the reformed portion. Additionally, the method includes shifting the expander to a second, larger diameter position and then expanding the reformed portion by urging the expander therethrough. In another aspect, a method for completing a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, a formable launcher section is provided. In a further aspect, a two-position expander tool is provided. In yet another aspect, an expansion system for use in completing a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member including a support member comprising a fluid passage, an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member movably coupled to the support member for longitudinal displacement relative to the support member, at least one pressure chamber defined by and positioned between the support member and expansion device fluidicly coupled to the first fluid passage, and releasable supports coupled to the support member adapted to support the tubular member, wherein the releasable supports are positioned above and below the expansion device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for expanding a wellbore tubular such as a casing is provided. The apparatus includes: an expandable casing; a drill string extending to within the drillstring; an expansion cone suspended from the drillstring, the expansion cone having an expanded state and a collapsed state and wherein the expansion cone is deformable to the expanded state and is relaxed in the collapsed state; a seal bushing capable of sealing an annulus between the drill string and the expandable casing; a downward expansion flow path wherein fluid communication is provided between the inside of the drill string and the annulus between the drill string and the expandable casing above the expansion cone; and an upward expansion flow path wherein fluid communication is provided between the inside of the drill string and the inside of the expandable casing for upward expansion by the expansion cone.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to improved apparatus and methods for radially expanding tubulars, such as tubing, casing and sand-control screen assemblies in a subterranean oil or gas well, and more specifically, to a variable diameter expansion tool for expanding downhole tubulars to varying diameters. In general, the inventions provide apparatus and methods for radially expanding a tubular, such as pipe, tubing, screen or screen assembly, deployed in a subterranean well by moving an expansion tool axially through the well. An automatically infinitely variable-diameter expansion cone tool is provided. A variable-diameter cone is provided, movable between an expanded position and a retracted position. The cone is enlarged to its expanded position and advanced through expandable components until a restriction is reached. At the restriction, the variable-diameter cone automatically retracts enough to allow the tool to continue advancing through the wellbore.

Abstract: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel. Upon expansion, a sealing element engages an outer tubular and the gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of lining a drilled bore (10) and bore-lining tubing (12). The method comprises providing a first tubular (16); locating the first tubular (16) in the bore (10); providing an expandable, second tubular (22); locating the second tubular (22) in the bore (10) overlapping the first tubular (16); expanding a portion (24) of the second tubular (22) to create a coupling (29) including a flow passage (26) between the first tubular and the second tubular (16,22).

Abstract: A wellbore casing formed by extruding a tubular liner off of a mandrel. The tubular liner and mandrel are positioned within a new section of a wellbore with the tubular liner in an overlapping relationship with an existing casing. A hardenable fluidic material is injected into the new section of the wellbore below the level of the mandrel and into the annular region between the tubular liner and the new section of the wellbore. The inner and outer regions of the tubular liner are then fluidicly isolated. A non hardenable fluidic material is then injected into a portion of an interior region of the tubular liner to pressurize the portion of the interior region of the tubular liner below the mandrel. The tubular liner is then extruded off of the mandrel.

Abstract: An expansion mandrel includes a lubrication system for lubricating the trailing edge portion of the interface between the expansion mandrel and a tubular member during the radial expansion of the tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for anchoring an expandable tubular within a wellbore prior to expanding the length of the expandable tubular into contact with the wellbore. An expandable system comprises the expandable tubular and a deployment tool, wherein the deployment tool exerts radial force against the expandable tubular to expand at least a portion of the expandable tubular into contact with the wellbore to anchor the expandable tubular prior to the expansion process. A method for anchoring an expandable tubular within a wellbore prior to the expansion process is also provided, wherein radial force expands the expandable tubular into contact with the wellbore to initially anchor the expandable tubular. A method for altering the shape of the anchor is also provided.

Abstract: Composite tubulars that have not been polymerized and are thus flexible enough to be coiled are delivered into a wellbore and expanded. The expansion occurs from an external catalyst such as heat or releases the internal catalyst and allows the expanded tubular to become rigid. Optionally, healing agents can be imbedded in the tubular wall to be released to seal subsequently forming cracks.

Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing. The mono-diameter wellbore casing is formed by plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within a wellbore. A second tubular member is then plastically deformed and radially expanded in overlapping relation to the first tubular member. The second tubular member and the overlapping portion of the first tubular member are then radially expanded again.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming or repairing a wellbore casing by radially expanding a tubular liner having standoffs.

Abstract: A slip for an expanding hanger or patch is disclosed. The slip is mounted over the hanger body and has an internal profile that nests within a mating profile on the exterior of the hanger. When a compressive force is applied to the hanger, it shrinks longitudinally and as a result the slip is cammed radially to the extent the inside diameter of the surrounding tubing permits. When the swage is advanced, the diameter of the hanger increases forcing the slip into preferably penetrating contact with the inside wall of the surrounding tubular.

Abstract: This invention relates to a slotted expandable centraliser. In preferred embodiments, the centraliser is adapted to be used in conjunction with slotted casing, and can expand with the casing when an expander cone is propelled through the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an expanded connection in a wellbore, whereby the apparatus includes a first tubular being radially expandable outward into contact with an inner wall of a second tubular upon the application of an outwardly directed force supplied to an inner surface of the first tubular. The apparatus further includes a plurality of formations formed on an outer surface of the first tubular, the formations constructed and arranged to provide a frictional relationship between the first tubular and the second tubular while leaving a fluid path when the first tubular is expanded to engage the inner wall of the second tubular.

Abstract: Tools for expanding downhole tubulars into each other or in open hole are disclosed. One embodiment uses a movable cone biased by Bellville washers to move longitudinally against such bias and allow collets to move radially in or out to a predetermined maximum diameter. A release system allows collet retraction to avoid hang up on removal. In an alternate embodiment, more suitable for open hole applications, pressurized gas pushes a movable cone longitudinally against the collets. A stationary cone is on the opposite side of the collets from the movable cone. The collet rides out or in between the cones and raises the gas pressure when forced in. A pressure actuated release allows the lower cone to shift downwardly to allow the collets to retract for removal.

Abstract: A method of anchoring tubing in a bore comprising: providing tubing having a section with outer surface portions defining a tubing profile, and configured to describe an outer diameter less than a first diameter. The tubing is located within a bore having an internal diameter equal to the first diameter and defining a bore profile. The tubing is then reconfigured such that the tubing profile engages with the bore profile, anchoring the tubing within the bore.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for deforming a tubular body, running the tubular body through a restriction in a wellbore, reforming the tubular body, and expanding at least a portion of the tubular body past its elastic limit. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for forming a substantially monobore well involving deforming a tubular body, running the tubular body below a restricted inner diameter portion, reforming the tubular body, and expanding at least a portion of the tubular body past its elastic limit. The restricted inner diameter portion may comprise a casing string previously disposed within the wellbore or a casing patch. The at least the portion of the tubular body expanded past its elastic limit may be a lower portion of the tubular body. Subsequent tubular bodies may be reformed and expanded below previous tubular bodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expansion tool with hydraulically actuated, radially expandable members is disposed on a string of coil tubing. In another aspect of the invention the apparatus is utilized to expand a tubular lining a lateral wellbore into contact with a window of a larger tubular lining a central wellbore.

Abstract: The present system and method comprises an expandable device for use in wellbores. In one embodiment, the present device comprises a plurality of slots disposed within the device. The slots define expansion compensation portions, wherein the compensation portions facilitate radial expansion of the device while concurrently maintaining essentially constant the axial length of the device. The present technique also comprises a method of forming the device in accordance therewith.

Abstract: A method of anchoring tubing in a bore comprises: providing first tubing having a section with a wall configured to provide outer surface portions describing a diameter less than a first diameter. The tubing is located within a bore comprising a first section having an internal diameter greater than the first diameter and a second section having an internal diameter corresponding to the first diameter, with the tubing section in the first section of the bore. The tubing section is then reconfigured such that the outer surface portions describe a tubing diameter greater than the first diameter. The tubing is then axially translated relative to the bore to locate the tubing section in the second section of the bore such that the outer surface portions are restrained to the first diameter by the bore, and the outer surface portions engage with the bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubing expansion tool and to a method of expanding tubing. In one embodiment, a tubing expansion tool (10) is disclosed which comprises a body (14) and at least one expansion member (16) radially movably mounted on the body (14) for movement towards an extended configuration describing an expansion diameter for expanding tubing (12) to a predetermined diameter, the expansion member (16) being lockable in the extended configuration. In further embodiments, the expansion member (16) is biased radially inwardly; the expansion member (16) is moveable in response to both an applied mechanical force and an applied fluid pressure force; and the expansion member (16) is pivotably mounted with respect to the body (14).

Abstract: A method of inserting a tubular member into a wellbore.

Abstract: An oil well steel pipe for embedding-expanding excellent in the SSC resistance after expanding. The pipe is made of a steel consisting of, by mass %, C: 0.05 to 0.45%, Si: 0.1 to 1.5%, Mn: 0.1 to 3.0%, P: 0.03% or less, S: 0.01% or less, sol.Al: 0.05% or less, and the balance being Fe and impurities, with a soluble N content of 40 ppm or less. The steel can comprise one or more selected from V, Ti, Nb, B, Cr, Mo, Ni, Cu and Ca.

Abstract: A method of creating a casing in a borehole located in a subterranean formation including: supporting a tubular liner and an expansion device in the borehole using a support member; injecting fluidic material into the borehole; pressurizing an interior region of the expansion device; displacing a portion of the expansion device relative to the support member and the tubular liner in the longitudinal direction; and radially expanding the tubular liner.