Expansible Casing Patents (Class 166/207)
  • Patent number: 9494020
    Abstract: A tubular expansion system is configured to expand a tubular in a wellbore. The expansion system may include an expandable tubular having a lower section and an upper section; a first expansion member configured to expand the lower section; and a second expansion member configured to expand the upper section. The upper section may be expanded to have an inner diameter greater than an inner diameter of the expanded lower section. The second expansion member may be engaged and moved by the first expansion member and/or one or more support members to expand the upper section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory G. Galloway
  • Patent number: 9447651
    Abstract: The present invention relates to sealing method for sealing a zone of a casing in a well, the zone comprising several leaks, perforations and/or weakened casing parts, or other irregularities having a casing characteristic which, when measured, is found to be outside a predetermined interval. The sealing method comprises the steps of measuring the characteristics of the casing, determining a position of the zone, determining an extent of the zone in a longitudinal direction of the casing, determining a part of the zone and an extent of the part whose casing characteristic when measured is within the predetermined interval, the part extending in the longitudinal direction of the casing, positioning a first liner overlapping the first area of the part of the casing, positioning a second liner overlapping the second area of the part of the casing, expanding the first liner, and expanding the second liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jorgen Hallundbæk
  • Patent number: 9393601
    Abstract: A wiping device including a resilient body having a wiping surface. A support member is convertible between a first shape defined by a first center line of the support member and a second shape defined by a second center line of the support member. The support member is disposed relative to the resilient body to enable the resilient body to take a first set of dimensions when the support member is in the first shape and a second set of dimensions when the support member is in the second shape. A method of using a wiping device is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Benjamin Tyson Ronck
  • Patent number: 9383533
    Abstract: A probing cable for deployment inside a pipe formation has a resiliently deformable tip member which extends from the end of the cable at an angle from the length direction of the cable. The tip member helps to guide the probing cable around corners and junctions in the pipe formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Christopher John Barrett, Ashley Bryant, William Matthew Steging Boyle, Katherine May Carson
  • Patent number: 9206674
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying and releasing a liner downhole includes a tubular body; a latching member attached to the tubular body for coupling with the liner; and a release sleeve disposed between the tubular body and the latching member, wherein the release sleeve is axially movable relative to the tubular body to allow the latching member to disengage from the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Mike A. Luke
  • Patent number: 9188250
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is an assembly comprising an expandable tubular; a section of multiple O rings placed circumferentially over the tubular; and an adhesive between the O rings. In some embodiments, the multiple O rings are made of rubber or a rubber-like material. In some embodiments, the diameter of the O rings is determined by the expanded outer diameter (OD) of the tubular. In some embodiments, the adhesive is compressible and expandable. In some embodiments, the adhesive is able to withstand temperatures and chemicals found in downhole conditions. Also disclosed herein is a method of applying seals on an expandable tubular comprising: providing an expandable tubular; placing a section of multiple O rings circumferentially over the tubular; and applying an adhesive between the O rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ronald C. Parsons and Denise M. Parsons
    Inventor: Ronald C. Parsons
  • Patent number: 9169721
    Abstract: Expansion tools used to centralize a casing-casing annulus in a wellbore. Providing an elongate body having a first force multiplier case coupled to an expansion tool case. A piston may be arranged within the first force multiplier case and configured to translate axially therein. A ram may be arranged within the expansion tool case, the ram being coupled to the piston and configured to translate axially within the expansion tool case in response to a force applied by the piston. One or more lug assemblies are arranged within the expansion tool case and configured to radially expand once engaged by the ram as the ram translates axially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Eugene Rogers, David D. Szarka, Derrick Eugene Strickland
  • Patent number: 9109437
    Abstract: A method for centralizing an inner casing within an outer casing includes introducing an expansion tool into the inner casing, the expansion tool having an elongate body having a first force multiplier case coupled to an expansion tool case. A piston is arranged within the first force multiplier case and is actuated to move the piston axially in a first direction. A ram is arranged within the expansion tool case and engaged with the piston while moving in the first direction. One or more lug assemblies are arranged within the expansion tool case and are radially expanded with the ram as the ram axially translates in the first direction. The inner casing is plastically deformed with the one or more lug assemblies, which generate a corresponding one or more lugs in the inner casing configured to engage an inner surface of the outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Eugene Rogers, David D. Szarka, Derrick Eugene Strickland
  • Patent number: 9033059
    Abstract: A casing window assembly for completion of a lateral wellbore. The casing window assembly includes a tubular casing sleeve with a casing window and an inner sleeve releasably secured within the casing sleeve at a pre-released position adjacent the casing window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David Joe Steele
  • Patent number: 9022113
    Abstract: A tubular string is advanced with a bottom hole assembly as the hole is drilled and reamed in a desired direction with the aid of directional drilling equipment adjacent the bit. When the advanced tubular forms the desired lap to the existing tubular, the assembly can be configured to cement the tubular and expansion can then be accomplished to fill the annular space and enhance the cement bonding. The expansion equipment can create a bottom bell on the expanded tubular and expand the top end into a bell of the existing tubular so that a monobore is created as the process is repeated with each added string. Numerous variations are contemplated for each single trip including but not limited to the direction of expansion, whether cementing or expansion occurs first, reforming folded tubing in the hole as well as the nature of the expansion tool and pressure control when drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ines Rex, Joerg Lehr, Keven O'Connor
  • Patent number: 9010415
    Abstract: Disclosed is an expansion assembly and method to expand tubulars. In embodiments, an expansion assembly for disposition in a wellbore includes an expandable tubular and an expansion tool that has a swage and a thruster. In addition, the expansion tool has a front anchor assembly that has a front anchor having an open position providing an anchoring relationship with the internal wall and a closed position providing the front anchor with a diameter less than an internal diameter of the expandable tubular. The front anchor assembly also has a sensor positioned on an opposing side of the front anchor from the expansion swage providing that while the sensor is positioned inside the internal wall the front anchor may be in an open position or in a closed position while upon exit of the sensor from the end portion the sensor brings the front anchor in a permanently closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Mohawk Energy Ltd.
    Inventors: Scott A. Benzie, Alessandro O. Caccialupi, Andrei G. Filippov
  • Patent number: 8997856
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for anchoring an expandable tubular to a borehole wall. The system comprises a support member having a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end comprising a ramping surface. An anchor member has a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end extending toward the support member, said second end being movable relative to the outside of the tubular. Said support member includes a ramp surface that tapers in the direction of said anchor member. Expansion of the portion of the expandable tubular between the first support end and the first anchor end causes the axial device length to shorten, wherein the difference in length is sufficient to cause the second anchor end to move radially outward and engage the borehole wall as a result of engagement with said ramping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Antonius Leonardus Maria Wubben, Djurre Hans Zijsling
  • Patent number: 8997857
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for anchoring an expandable tubular to a borehole wall. The system comprises a support member having a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end comprising a ramping surface. An anchor member has a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end extending toward the support member, said second end being movable relative to the outside of the tubular. Said support member includes a ramp surface that tapers in the direction of said anchor member. Expansion of the portion of the expandable tubular between the first support end and the first anchor end causes the axial device length to shorten, wherein the difference in length is sufficient to cause the second anchor end to move radially outward and engage the borehole wall as a result of engagement with said ramping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Antonius Leonardus Maria Wubben, Djurre Hans Zijsling
  • Patent number: 8978776
    Abstract: An expandable tubular to be used within geologic structures and a method of manufacturing thereof has a substantially tubular shaped member with an axis extending therethrough. The tubular member has one or more helical member formed within a wall of the tubular member, and the helical member may be defined about the axis of the tubular shaped member. Further, a plurality of elongated perforations are formed within the wall of tubular member, and the tubular member is compressible from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter. When compressed, the tubular member stores expansive energy within the wall, in which the tubular member may then expand back to a larger diameter when the expansive energy is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dynamic Tubular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery A. Spray
  • Publication number: 20150068770
    Abstract: Downhole apparatus comprises a base pipe and a plurality of non-concentric pressure deformable chambers mounted externally on the pipe. The chambers may be inflated to increase the diameter of the apparatus and engage and support a surrounding bore wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: DARCY TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul David Metcalfe
  • Publication number: 20150068764
    Abstract: An expandable downhole tool for use in an oil well, including a flexible member rolled into a helix and comprising first and second lateral edges on opposing lateral ends of the member. The flexible member is selectively changeable between a compressed configuration wherein the transverse cross-section of the flexible member has a first diameter, and an expanded configuration wherein the transverse cross-section of the flexible member has a second diameter, the second diameter larger than the first diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Rafael Adolfo Lastra
  • Patent number: 8973654
    Abstract: A system for anchoring an expandable tubular to a borehole wall comprises a support member having a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end comprising a ramping surface. An anchor member has a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end extending toward the support member, the second end being movable relative to the outside of the tubular. The support member includes a ramp surface that tapers in the direction of the anchor member. Expansion of the portion of the expandable tubular between the first support end and the first anchor end causes the axial device length to shorten, wherein the difference in length is sufficient to cause the second anchor end to move radially outward and engage the borehole wall as a result of engagement with the ramping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Antonius Leonardus Maria Wubben, Djurre Hans Zijsling
  • Publication number: 20150021018
    Abstract: Well conduit system and methods using a first outer conduit wall and at least one second inner conduit wall positioned through a wellhead to define an annulus with radial loading surfaces extending across the annulus and radially between at least two of the conduit walls to form passageways through subterranean strata concentrically, wherein an inner pipe body of greater outer diameter is inserted into an outer pipe body of lesser inner diameter by elastically expanding the circumference of the outer pipe body and elastically compressing the circumference of the inner pipe body, using a hoop force exerted therebetween. Releasing the hoop force after insertion will release the elastic expansion and compression of the pipe bodies to abut the radial loading surfaces within the annulus for sharing elastic hoop stress resistance and thereby forming a greater effective wall thickness, capable of containing higher pressures than the conduit walls could otherwise bear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce A. TUNGET
  • Patent number: 8936077
    Abstract: A material that dissolves or disintegrates is secured to an inside surface of tubular goods before swaging or expansion takes place. The material remains in position as the swaging occurs and post expansion is removed leaving a recess of a desired shape to function for a variety of purposes depending on its shape and location. At the end of a tubular it can serve as a bell into which the next string is expanded for a monobore completion. In other locations in a tubular it can function as a landing collar for a variety of tools. It can also function as a seal bore as the added material is removed preferably with water. The preferred material is an alloy of aluminum, tin and zinc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Dennis G. Jiral
  • Patent number: 8925629
    Abstract: A down hole well tool (3) for installing a casing/liner (1) in a well bore (2), wherein the down hole well tool comprises a tool unit comprising at least one first fluid conduit (6) and a return fluid conduit (5) in use forming an annulus between the tool unit and the casing/liner. The tool unit further comprises at least one piston (7a, 7b) in the annulus dividing the annulus into annulus spaces (8a, 8b, 8c). At least two expansion modules (9a, 9b) for the expansion of the casing are positioned displaced in the axial direction of the casing. The expansion modules are arranged to be moved relative to each other in the axial direction of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Reelwell AS
    Inventors: Ola Vestavik, Harald Syse
  • Patent number: 8925630
    Abstract: A down hole well tool for installing a casing or liner in a well bore includes a tool unit and an expansion module for expansion of the casing or liner. The expansion module has at least two sets of rolling means arranged along an axial direction of the expansion module, and each set of rolling means is provided at an outer circumference of the expansion module. The diameter of the rolling means decreases at least between the two sets along the expansion module, providing the expansion module with a decreasing diameter in an axial down hole direction of the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Reelwell AS
    Inventors: Ola Vestavik, Harald Syse
  • Publication number: 20140367123
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole system (100) for sealing an opening (2) in a wall of a well tubular structure in a borehole (4) downhole by means of a downhole tubular assembly (1), comprising the downhole tubular assembly comprising an expandable tubular part (5) having an inner face (6) and an unexpanded expandable tubular thickness in an unexpanded state, and a helical spring (7) having a helical inner diameter, a radial helical spring thickness and a helical outer diameter in an unexpanded state, the helical spring being arranged inside the expandable tubular part and substantially concentrically with the expandable tubular part, an expansion tool (9) for expanding the tubular assembly inside the well tubular structure (3) in one direction, the expansion tool comprising an expansion part having a diameter, and the expansion tool being arranged substantially on an axis which is concentric and longitudinal with the tubular assembly, and positioned in a first position, wherein the expandable tubu
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jørgen Hallundbæk, Tomas Sune Andersen
  • Publication number: 20140367118
    Abstract: An expandable translating joint comprises a first expandable tubular member having a lower end with a recessed inner wall portion and a second expandable tubular member having an upper end with a recessed outer wall portion. The second expandable tubular member is partially disposed within the first expandable tubular member such that the recessed inner wall portion at least partially surrounds the recessed outer wall portion. A retainer is coupled to the recessed inner wall portion of the first expandable tubular member and disposed within the recessed outer wall portion of the lower second expandable tubular member. An expansion cone is operable to move axially through and radially expand the first and second expandable tubulars. The first expandable tubular can translate relative to the second tubular member both before and after expansion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Eric James CONNOR
  • Patent number: 8910709
    Abstract: A method of connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member located in a wellbore, the second tubular member including an upper end portion which has a greater diameter than the diameter of the first tubular member, the method comprising: lowering the first tubular member into the wellbore until the first tubular member is located at least within the bore of the upper end portion of the second tubular member; and expanding the first tubular member until the first tubular member is sealingly connected to the second tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Meta Downhole Limited
    Inventors: Neil Thomson, Peter Wood, Andrew Gorrara
  • Patent number: 8905149
    Abstract: Expandable seals have one or more conforming ribs to facilitate creation of a seal to a sealing surface disposed in the well. The conforming ribs comprise a core of material either capped, partially covered by, or entirely covered by a ring. The ring can be formed of a metal that is softer than the metallic core material of each rib. Suitable metals forming the rings include copper formed by metal spun methods. Disposed adjacent to the rings are one or more sealing elements. By moving the rings into the sealing surface during expansion of the expandable seals, the rings close the extrusion gaps between the internal surface of the casing and the expanded tubular member ribs. The rings better conform to the sealing surface of the casing, thereby facilitating the creation of the seal between this sealing surface and each of the sealing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: William M. Bailey, Steven R. Hayter
  • Patent number: 8899318
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of applying at least one aggregate to a tubular, comprising attaching the at least one aggregate to a flexible sheet; wrapping the flexible sheet around the tubular with the at least one aggregate between the sheet and tubular. Herein also disclosed is an assembly comprising a tubular, at least one aggregate, and a flexible sheet wrapped around the tubular with the at least one aggregate between the tubular and the sheet. In an embodiment, the at least one aggregate is adhered to the sheet by a first adhesive and the at least one aggregate is adhered to the tubular by a second adhesive, wherein the second adhesive has a higher adhering strength than the first adhesive. In an embodiment, the flexible sheet is removed and the at least one aggregate remains attached to the tubular. The use of such an assembly is discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald C. Parsons
  • Patent number: 8875783
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for expanding an expandable tubular assembly in a borehole. In one aspect, a system for expanding a tubular having an anchor portion in a borehole is provided. The system includes a running tool configured to position the tubular in the borehole. The running tool including a first expander configured to activate the anchor portion by expanding the tubular to a first diameter. The system further includes a second expander configured to expand the tubular to a second larger diameter, wherein the second expander is movable between a retracted position and an expanded position. In another aspect, a method of expanding a tubular having an anchor portion in a borehole is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Varadaraju Gandikota, Nader E. Abedrabbo, Larry A. Kendziora, Lev Ring
  • Patent number: 8863854
    Abstract: An apparatus for isolating at least a portion of a tubular for use in a wellbore comprising a first, inner tubular in the form of carrier tube and a second, outer tubular in the form of protective shroud, coupled to the carrier tube. One or more aperture is provided in a wall of the carrier tube for permitting fluid transfer through the tube and one or more aperture is provided to permit fluid transfer through the shroud. A sealing layer is disposed on a surface of the shroud, the sealing layer defining a first configuration permitting fluid flow through the apertures and, on exposure to a selected reactant, adopting a second configuration to restrict fluid flow through the apertures, the sealing layer adapted to return from the second configuration to the first configuration where concentration of the selected reactant falls below a selected threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Jones, John Alasdair MacDonald Cameron, Gary John Smart, David S. Grant
  • Publication number: 20140305631
    Abstract: A device for anchoring in a casing in a borehole in the ground. The device comprises a shaft oriented in an axial direction, the shaft having a torque transfer section. The torque transfer section has axially oriented outer cam surfaces extending radially outwardly in a rotational sense. The shaft further has a plurality of clamping bodies circumferentially distributed around the torque transfer section with a limited movability relative to the torque transfer section in rotational sense and in radial directions. The clamping bodies each have an inner, axially oriented clamping body surface facing one of the cam surfaces of the torque transfer section and an outer surface defining a segment of a cylinder coaxial with said shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Christian Schulte, Konrad Johannes Bührmann, Thomas Walburgis Bakker, Gerardus Godefridus Johannes van Og
  • Publication number: 20140299331
    Abstract: An expandable device comprising a plurality of expandable cells. The cells may be bistable cells or other types of cells that are expanded from a contracted position towards an expanded position. Additionally, the cells may be combined with locking mechanisms to hold the structure in an expanded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Barrie Hart, Craig D. Johnson, L. McDonald Schetky, Peter Besselink
  • Publication number: 20140299319
    Abstract: A mechanism for selectively activating a plurality of downhole pathways is disclosed. The method includes a casing segment which includes a plurality of casing ribs, a valve which includes a sleeve coupled for movement between an open and normally closed position, a rocker member mounted to the sleeve, a dart for pumping in hole including a dart profile matched to the rocker member profile such that the dart profile couples to the rocker member profile when in close proximity and, in turn, the sleeve moves from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: JAHIR PABON, KUO-CHIANG CHEN
  • Patent number: 8851171
    Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a string and a screen assembly, which is adapted to be run downhole on the string. The screen assembly includes a tubular carrier and a container. The container includes a gravel pack layer that includes gravel. The tubular carrier and the gravel pack layer are adapted to be radially expanded downhole; and the tubular carrier, container and the gravel pack layer are adapted to be run downhole as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Aleksandar Rudic
  • Patent number: 8850706
    Abstract: An expanded non-bonded mesh well screen. A method of manufacturing a well screen includes the steps of: expanding at least a portion of a screen jacket; and then securing the screen jacket onto a base pipe. A well screen system includes a base pipe and an at least partially expanded screen jacket surrounding the base pipe. The screen jacket is expanded prior to being positioned on the base pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron J. Bonner, Jean-Marc Lopez, Stephen M. Greci
  • Patent number: 8839870
    Abstract: A method of lining a wellbore includes deploying the liner into the wellbore using a workstring and a setting tool. The method further includes engaging the setting tool with a casing or liner previously installed in the wellbore. The method further includes pressurizing a chamber formed between a seal of the setting tool and a shoe of the liner, thereby driving the liner further into the wellbore, wherein reactionary force is transferred to the previously installed casing or liner by the engaged setting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Lev Ring
  • Publication number: 20140262213
    Abstract: An expandable tubular for use in a wellbore includes: a pin formed at a first longitudinal end of the expandable tubular; a box formed at a second longitudinal end of the expandable tubular; a tubular body connecting the pin and the box; and an elastomeric seal disposed in a groove of the box. Each of the pin and box has: a torque shoulder; and a thread. The pin has an asymmetric protrusion formed on an inner surface thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: Richard W. DELANGE, Scott H. OSBURN, Syed HOSSAIN
  • Patent number: 8826974
    Abstract: An additional string is run through an existing string using a running string. With the strings overlapping an upper inflatable secures them together leaving gaps. The upper inflatable creates an upper expanded zone where the swage assembly is then built. The swage assembly has a seal and upon pressure being applied between the upper inflatable and the seal the swage assembly releases the running string and is pushed to expand the additional string until tagging a cement shoe. The running string is rejoined to the swage assembly and after cementing a lower inflatable is deployed to make a bell and to set an external packer if used. If there is an external packer the shoe releases and on the way out of the hole the upper inflatable sets a seal in the lap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Joerg Lehr, Anja Erdmann, Keven O'Connor, Ines Gruetzmann
  • Patent number: 8800650
    Abstract: An expandable tubular includes a plurality of leaves formed from sheet material that have curved surfaces. The leaves extend around a portion or fully around the diameter of the tubular structure. Some of the adjacent leaves of the tubular are coupled together. The tubular is compressed to a smaller diameter so that it can be inserted through previously deployed tubular assemblies. Once the tubular is properly positioned, it is deployed and coupled or not coupled to a previously deployed tubular assembly. The tubular is useful for all types of wells and boreholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Dynamic Tubular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Spray, Steven Svedeman, David Walter, Peter Mckeighan, Shane Siebanaler, Peter Dewhurst, Steven Hobson, Doug Foss, Holger Wirz, Aaron Sharpe, Michael Apostal
  • Patent number: 8800669
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for expanding a tubular below a restriction in a wellbore. An expandable tubular may comprise a first end having a first wall thickness, a second end having a second wall thickness, and a middle section disposed between the first and second ends and having a third wall thickness that is less than the first and second wall thicknesses. The first and second ends may include grooves. A method for expanding a tubular below a restriction in a wellbore may comprise running the tubular past the restriction, wherein the tubular comprises a first end and a second end, each end having a wall thickness greater than a wall thickness of a middle section disposed between the ends. The method may include expanding the tubular, wherein the first and second ends of the expanded tubular have outer diameters greater than the outer diameter of the middle section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Lev Ring, Varadaraju Gandikota
  • Patent number: 8794339
    Abstract: A downhole apparatus having a radially expanding portion and a support structure are described. The support structure comprises an attachment means for coupling to the apparatus and a support portion configured to be deployed from a first unexpanded condition to a second expanded condition by expansion of the apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the downhole apparatus is expanded by exposing the swellable material to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support structure abuts the swellable material in its expanded form. A method of use and its application to a well packer, a hanging member, an anchor and a centralising apparatus are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Swelltec Limited
    Inventors: Kim Nutley, Brian Nutley
  • Patent number: 8776876
    Abstract: An expandable device comprising a plurality of expandable cells. The cells may be bistable cells or other types of cells that are expanded from a contracted position towards an expanded position. Additionally, the cells may be combined with locking mechanisms to hold the structure in an expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Barrie Hart, Craig D. Johnson, L. McD Schetky, Peter Besselink
  • Publication number: 20140190708
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier to be expanded in an annulus between a well tubular structure and an inside wall of a borehole downhole for providing zone isolation between a first zone and a second zone of the borehole. The annular barrier comprises a tubular part extending in a longitudinal direction for mounting as part of the well tubular structure; an expandable sleeve surrounding the tubular part and defining a space being in fluid communication with an inside of the tubular part; a first fluid passage for letting fluid into the space to expand the sleeve; and a connection unit comprising a connection part slidably connected with the tubular part, a first end of the expandable sleeve being connected with the connection part, wherein the connection unit further comprises a stationary part fixedly connected with the tubular part and an actuation mechanism adapted to induce an axial force on the first end of the expandable sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jørgen Hallundbaek
  • Patent number: 8770302
    Abstract: An anchoring and expanding unit comprising an anchoring device (20, 20?) and an expanding device (30, 30?), reciprocally removably constrained, the anchoring device (20, 20?) being of the expandable type, wherein the expanding device (30, 30?) includes a series of expanding means (33a, 33b) which can be extracted and blocked in at least two different operative positions, wherein the expanding means (33a, 33b) protrude radially from the expanding device (30, 30?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: ENI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Michele Spallini
  • Publication number: 20140166310
    Abstract: An expandable tubular member comprises a first portion having a first inner diameter and a first wall thickness. A second portion of the expandable tubular member has an increased inner diameter and an increased wall thickness. A transition portion of the expandable tubular member is defined by a wall thickness that varies non-linearly between the first wall thickness and the increased wall thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: EVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Eric James CONNOR, Harsh Vardhan Chowdhary, Frederick Cornell Bennett
  • Publication number: 20140158378
    Abstract: A radially expandable device including a tubular body formed from an extruded member having an extrusion direction. The extruded member is configured after extrusion of the extruded member so that the extrusion direction aligns with a resulting circumference of the tubular body during formation of the tubular body from the extruded member. The extruded member is formed from a material operatively arranged to disintegrate upon exposure to a selected borehole fluid. The tubular body is operatively arranged to be expanded from a first radial dimension to a second radial dimension. Methods of making and using a radially expandable device are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: YingQing Xu, Zhiyue Xu
  • Patent number: 8733453
    Abstract: An expandable structure for passive deployment in a well. The structure may be locked in a position determined by the inner dimensions of the well in which it is deployed. Practical uses for the structure may include production tubing or a host of other devices for affixing downhole with a final diameter as determined by the inner diameter of the well. Additionally, the structure may be configured for advancement to a targeted well location while in a collapsed state. Thus, upon deployment, subsequent structures may be advanced through the expanded/deployed structure. As such, affixed structures may be deployed downhole in both top-down and bottom-up fashions without concern over a prior deployed structure obstructing subsequent structure deployment downhole thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Julio C. Guerrero, Logan Munro, Nathan Wicks, Agathe Robisson
  • Patent number: 8733456
    Abstract: A monobore wellbore apparatus and method of construction. The apparatus includes a series of overlapping expandable liner sections. The overlapping liner sections may be expanded and pressed to provide no gaps along the length of the liner system. The liner sections may include centralizers and/or circumferential seals that provide sealing functions and spaces between the overlapping liner sections. The liner sections may be lined with a suitable sealing material, including an epoxy or may be filled with cement or another desired materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Joerg Lehr, Ines Gruetzmann, Detlev Benedict, Wiebke Schoenebeck, Keven O'Connor, Matthias R. Moeller
  • Patent number: 8726985
    Abstract: A method is provided of radially expanding a tubular element (56) in a well-bore using an expander located in the tubular element, the expander (40) comprising an expansion member (48) and a plurality of segments (50) spaced in circumferential direction around the expansion member, the segments being movable between a radially retracted position and a radially expanded position by axial movement of the expansion member relative to the segments. The method includes a plurality of successive expansion cycles, wherein each expansion cycle comprises the steps of: (a) moving the expander (40) in axially forward direction through the tubular element (56) whereby the segments (56) are in the radially retracted position; and (b) radially expanding the tubular element by moving the segments to the radially expanded position by axially moving the expansion member relative to the segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Johannes Louis Leonardus Hessels, Serge Mathieu Roggeband, Antonius Leonardus Maria Wubben, Djurre Hans Zijsling
  • Patent number: RE45011
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: L. McDonald Schetky, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman, Peter Besselink
  • Patent number: RE45099
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: L. McDonald Schetky, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman, Peter Besselink
  • Patent number: RE45244
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: L. McD. Schetky, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman, Peter Besselink