Expansible Casing Patents (Class 166/207)
  • Publication number: 20080302540
    Abstract: A recess shoe system includes a recess shoe; an insert sleeve disposed radially inwardly adjacent of the recess shoe in a portion of the recess shoe the insert sleeve having a ring and a plurality of fingers extending from the ring, the fingers being radially outwardly deflectable in response to a radially outwardly directed force generated by a swage in a swaging position acting on an inside dimension of the insert sleeve and radially inwardly retractable when the radially outwardly directed force is removed such that the fingers define a tubular structure having an outside dimension smaller than an outside dimension of the swage in the swaging position and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Graham E. Farquhar, John Strachan Nicoll, Matthew J. Tabinor
  • Publication number: 20080302543
    Abstract: The expandable casing packing element systems for cased and open-hole wellbores include an expandable casing member having a sealing device comprising a sealing element disposed between at least two retainer rings. In one embodiment, both retainer rings have flat cross-sections and the sealing element is forced radially outward by the expansion of the expandable casing against the two retainer rings such that the sealing element protrudes outwardly beyond the retainer rings and engages the wall of a wellbore in three locations. In another embodiment, both of the two retainer rings include flares that extend outwardly from the body of the expandable casing to which they are attached. As the expandable casing is expanded, the flares are forced inward to compress the sealing element which is then extruded radially outward through a gap between the two retainer rings to engage and seal off the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Keven O'Connor, Mark K. Adam, Jeffrey C. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080302541
    Abstract: A first, expandable casing member, in an unexpanded state, is provided with a lower axial end that has a radially expanded upset or recess shoe and a locating profile. The first casing member is run into a wellbore, expanded, and secured in place within the wellbore. A second expandable casing member is then provided in an unexpanded state and disposed into the wellbore through the first casing member using a running tool. The second casing member is located with respect to the first casing member and expanded using an expansion member carried by the running tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Graham E. Farquhar, Mark K. Adam
  • Patent number: 7458426
    Abstract: (1) A steel pipe that is expanded radially in a state wherein it was inserted in a well such as an oil well, characterized in that the non-uniform wall thickness ratio E0 (%) before expanding satisfies the following expression {circle around (1)}. E0?30/(1+0.018?)??{circle around (1)} Wherein ? is the pipe expansion ratio (%) calculated by the following expression {circle around (2)}. ?=[(inner diameter of the pipe after expanding?inner diameter of the pipe before expanding)/inner diameter of the pipe before expanding]×100??{circle around (2)} (2) A steel pipe that should be expanded radially in a state wherein it is inserted in a well, such as an oil well, characterized in that the eccentric non-uniform wall thickness ratio is 10% or less. When the embedding-expanding method is performed with use of the steel pipe of (1) or (2), lowering of collapse strength of the expanded steel pipe is prevented and bending thereof can be decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Arai, Kunio Kondo, Hisashi Amaya, Akihito Yamane
  • Patent number: 7458422
    Abstract: A liner is inserted in the casing and is preferably expanded into sealing contact with the mounting location on the casing. After expansion a cement retainer positioned at the bottom of the expanded liner and the sliding sleeve located either above the mounting location of the liner in the casing shoe or in the liner below the mounted top section allow cement to be delivered outside the expanded liner and the displaced wellbore fluid to return into the casing through so that the liner can be cemented. The cement retainer can be delivered with either the liner or the expansion tools to allow expansion and cementing in a single trip. A shifting tool can be run on the expansion string to actuate the sliding sleeve and if necessary to allow for cement to be pumped from the drill string into the annulus through the sliding sleeve. The cement retainer can be milled out in a separate trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark K. Adam, Michael A. Carmody, Mathew J. Jabs, Robert S. O'Brien, Dennis G. Jiral, Harold E. Payne
  • Publication number: 20080289814
    Abstract: A very low carbon steel alloy is provided for use in manufacturing tubular members such as oil country tubular goods. The tubular members may be radially expanded from at least twenty percent to forty percent. Sections or joints of casing formed from the steel alloy may be installed within a wellbore and radially expanded during completion of the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Gary M. Reavis, Bluford W. Lowery, Ralph R. Myers, Bowman A. Urech
  • Patent number: 7455104
    Abstract: A method and apparatus includes providing an element formed of a superplastic material to perform a predetermined downhole task. In another arrangement, a method and apparatus includes a flowable element and a deformable element that can be expanded by flowing the flowable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Mark C. Duhon, Simon L. Farrant, Manish Kothari, John M. Corben
  • Patent number: 7452007
    Abstract: An expandable threaded connection between segments of expandable tubulars. The present invention utilizes two complementary thread segments. The first segment of the threaded connection utilizes standard box and pin threads. In the second segment of the threaded connection, material is removed from the stab flank of the pin threads to reduce the standard width of the pin threads, while the box threads of the second segment are standard thread width. The use of the reduced thread width in the pin threads of the second segment allows for a loose fit between the pin threads of the second segment and the box threads of the second segment. The loose fit between the pin and box threads of the second segment allows radial and axial movement between those threads without causing disengagement of the threaded connection during the expansion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Ghazi J. Hashem, Lev M. Ring, John R. Setterberg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7451811
    Abstract: A method of expanding a tubular element is provided, the tubular element having a first portion to be expanded to a first inner diameter and a second portion to be expanded to a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter. The method comprising: a) arranging an expandable sleeve of selected wall thickness in said second tubular element portion; b) positioning an expander in the tubular element; c) operating the expander so as to expand said first tubular element portion to the first inner diameter, and operating the expander so as to expand the sleeve to an inner diameter substantially equal to the second inner diameter minus double the wall thickness of the sleeve; and d) retrieving the sleeve from the tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Christianus Lohbeck, Paul Dirk Schilte, Djurre Hans Zijsling
  • Patent number: 7441606
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus create an attachment and a seal between two tubular members in a wellbore. An expandable assembly includes a packer and liner hanger to be expanded into a surrounding tubular. The packer can be a longitudinally corrugated packer and can have a sealing element disposed on an outer surface thereof. The liner hanger can include a plurality of formations extending outward along an outer surface of the liner hanger to form interspaces for longitudinal fluid flow between the formations. In operation, an expansion tool moves axially through an inner diameter of the expandable assembly to expand the liner hanger with a fluted expander and subsequently the packer with a substantially uniform outer diameter cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Maguire
  • Publication number: 20080257542
    Abstract: A low carbon steel expandable tubular (10, 100, 200).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: ENVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: David Paul Brisco, Brock Wayne Watson, Mark Shuster, Malcolm Gray, Grigoriy Grinberg, Scott Costa, Russell Wasson
  • Patent number: 7438133
    Abstract: An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member that includes a valve assembly for permitting the injection of a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the tubular member and a preexisting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventor: David Paul Brisco
  • Patent number: 7438132
    Abstract: A method of forming a wellhead including: drilling a wellbore; positioning an outer casing at least partially within an upper portion of the wellbore; positioning a first tubular member within the outer casing; expanding at least a portion of the first tubular member into contact with an interior surface of the outer casing; positioning a second tubular member within the outer casing and the first tubular member; and expanding at least a portion of the second tubular member into contact with an interior portion of the outer casing; wherein, after expanding the portions of the first and second tubular members into contact with the interior portion of the outer casing, at least a portion of the second tubular member is positioned within the first tubular member; and wherein, after expanding the portions of the first and second tubular members into contact with the interior portion of the outer casing, the first tubular member and the second tubular member define a passage there between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert Lance Cook, David Paul Brisco, R. Bruce Stewart, Lev Ring, Richard Carl Haut, Robert Donald Mack, Alan B. Duell
  • Publication number: 20080251261
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of sealing a liner top packer to a tubular The method includes, positioning the liner top packer within a tubular and moving a sleeve of the liner top packer in a first axial direction thereby radially deforming a first deformable metal member and a second deformable metal member. The method further includes sealably engaging the radially deformed first deformable metal member with a tubular and sealably engaging the radially deformed second deformable metal member with the first deformable metal member and a body of the liner top packer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David A. Arce, Sidney K. Smith
  • Patent number: 7434618
    Abstract: An apparatus for expanding a tubular member comprising a support member, an expansion device for radially expanding 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, and one or more releasable supports coupled to the support member adapted to support the tubular member, wherein the releasable supports are positioned above the expansion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert Lance Cook, David Paul Brisco, R. Bruce Stewart, Lev Ring, Richard Carl Haut, Robert Donald Mack, Alan B. Duell
  • Patent number: 7434622
    Abstract: An expander tool includes segments capable of deflecting inward in response to a restriction encountered while expanding a tubular downhole. The expander tool includes an inner mandrel having a tapered surface about its outside diameter, the segments disposed around the inner mandrel with corresponding tapered surfaces in contact with the tapered surface of the inner mandrel and a compression sleeve disposed around the inner mandrel. A compressive load on the compression sleeve applies a preload force biasing the segments to a raised position on the tapered surface and hence an extended position. This preload enables expansion of the tubular with the segments in the extended position. Upon reaching the restriction, an increased pull force on the expander tool forces the segments down the tapered surface of the inner mandrel against the bias of the preload to a retracted position such that the expander tool assumes a smaller maximum outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike A. Luke, Simon J. Harrall
  • Publication number: 20080245535
    Abstract: An actuation tool includes a mandrel; at least one protrusion in the mandrel representing a deformation of the material of the mandrel resulting in the mandrel having a lesser axial dimension than it does with the protrusion removed or diminished; and a fluid inlet positioned to facilitate application of pressure to one of an inside or outside surface of the mandrel and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Yvonne B. McAnally, Jesse A. Akande, Alvaro J. Arrazola
  • Patent number: 7431078
    Abstract: A downhole tool with a mandrel that is expanded downhole is further actuated due to relative longitudinal movement between the mandrel and a member that accommodates radial expansion without undergoing as much shrinkage as the expanded mandrel or any shrinkage at all. In a packer application, the packer can be set in open hole or cased hole and the relative longitudinal movement that results from mandrel expansion leaves a residual longitudinal compressive force on the sealing element and a tensile reaction force on the underlying mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael A. Carmody, Dennis G. Jiral
  • Patent number: 7424918
    Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore casing within a borehole that traverses a subterranean formation, is provided by assembling a tubular liner by coupling a multi-layer tubular insert assembly to a threaded portion of a first tubular member, and coupling a threaded portion of a second tubular member to the threaded portion of the first tubular member and the multi-layer tubular insert. The tubular liner assembly is positioned within the borehole; and the tubular liner assembly within the borehole is radially expanded and plastically deformed. The multi-layer tubular insert includes a first tubular insert having a first modulus of elasticity; and a second tubular insert coupled to the first tubular insert having a second modulus of elasticity. The first modulus of elasticity is different from the second modulus of elasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mark Shuster, Lev Ring, Scott Costa
  • Patent number: 7422068
    Abstract: A connection to a stub downhole is accomplished in a variety of ways. A string has a tapered lower end inserted into the stub and expansion occurs from within the tapered lower end into the stub to leave a connection without reduction of the internal diameter. An overshot fitting can be lowered outside the stub and the stub expanded from within against the overshot. Both options in a single tool can be used to get sealing around the inside and the outside of the stub. An adjustable swage can be used with the overshot configuration where the overshot has an internal groove. The adjustable swage expands from within the stub into the surrounding groove in the overshot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerald D. Lynde
  • Patent number: 7422069
    Abstract: A method of centralizing tubulars prior to cementing and subsequent expansion involves using a plurality of telescoping cylinders whose leading or trailing end is closed and which are extended by applied internal pressure in the tubular or some mechanical means. The tubular is expanded from its interior with the cylindrical telescoping members still extended. The cement is pushed all around the tubular due to the centralizers. After the cement is delivered the expansion of the tubular pushes the telescoping members into the borehole wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Bennett M. Richard, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20080210440
    Abstract: Expandable casing has an expandable slip used for completion of a mono-diameter wellbore. The expandable casing is run through the upper casing and has an upper end that overlaps a lower end of the upper casing to form a fluid flow path between the expandable casing and the upper casing. The operator expands the overlapping portion of the expandable casing to an intermediate position, causing the expandable slip to anchor the expandable casing to the upper causing without blocking the flow path. Cement is then pumped up around the outside of the expandable casing and wellbore fluid displaced by the cement and excess cement are permitted to flow through the fluid flow path and up the upper casing. After sufficient cement is in place, the expandable casing is further expanded, compressing the expandable slip into to the inner wall of the upper casing and sealing off the fluid flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: David John Stuart, Robert C. Smith
  • Patent number: 7419009
    Abstract: An apparatus and method according to which a tubular member is radially expanded and plastically deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert Lance Cook, David Paul Brisco, R. Bruce Stewart, Lev Ring, Richard Carl Haut, Robert Donald Mack
  • Patent number: 7419193
    Abstract: A method of coupling first and second expandable tubulars comprises providing a male tubular connector portion and a female tubular connection portion having greater yield strength, coupling the connector portions together, and expanding the coupled connector portions. The coupled connector portions may be expanded downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Andrew Abercrombie Simpson
  • Patent number: 7416027
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for radially expanding a tubular member. The apparatus includes a tubular support member, an adjustable expansion cone assembly coupled to the tubular support member and means for adjusting the expansion cone assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Lev Ring, David Paul Brisco, Kevin Waddell, Robert Lance Cook
  • Patent number: 7413020
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods and apparatus for forming a tubular-lined wellbore which does not decrease in diameter with increasing depth or length. Methods and apparatus for forming a substantially monobore well while drilling with casing are provided. In one aspect, a portion of a second casing is expanded into a portion of a first casing having a larger inner diameter than the remaining portion of the first casing string. In another aspect, the portion of the second casing is expanded into a portion of the first casing having a compressible member therearound. In another aspect, a lined lateral wellbore may be constructed by forming a lateral wellbore extending from a main wellbore lined with casing. A diameter of at least a portion of the lateral wellbore may be expanded. An expandable tubular element may be run into lateral wellbore and expanded to have an inner diameter equal to or larger than an inner diameter of the main wellbore casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Thurman B. Carter, David J. Brunnert, David M. Haugen
  • Publication number: 20080190624
    Abstract: When drilling or completing an oil or gas well, it is often desirable to drill a borehole at an angle to the initial borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicants: BP Exploration Operating Company Limited, XL Technology Limited
    Inventors: Philip Head, Paul George Lurie
  • Patent number: 7410000
    Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing. A tubular liner and an expansion cone are positioned within a new section of a wellbore with the tubular liner in an overlapping relationship with a pre-existing casing. A hardenable fluidic material is injected into the new section of the wellbore below the level of the expansion cone 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 expansion cone. The tubular liner is then extruded off of the expansion cone. The overlapping portion of the pre-existing casing and the tubular liner are then radially expanded using an expansion cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC.
    Inventors: Robert Lance Cook, Lev Ring
  • Patent number: 7410001
    Abstract: A method of sealing an expandable tubular within a bore comprises the steps of providing an expandable tubular describing a first diameter and having a sealing medium on its outer surface, running the tubular into a bore and expanding the tubular within the bore to describe a second larger diameter, and activating the sealing medium to facilitate provision of a seal between the tubular and the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon John Harrall, Neil Andrew Abercrombie Simpson
  • Patent number: 7407013
    Abstract: An expandable well screen system includes a screen assembly having a base pipe, a strut, and a screen expandable from a retracted position to an expanded position in the wellbore; and an insert guide disposed in the base pipe when the screen is in the expanded position, wherein the base pipe maintains substantially the same geometric dimensions when the screen is in the retracted position and the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: John Whitsitt
  • Patent number: 7404437
    Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Brezinski, Gregory B. Chitwood, Ralph H. Echols, Gary P. Funkhouser, John C. Gano, Paul I. Herman, Marion D. Kilgore, Ronald J. Powell, Thomas W. Ray, David J. Steele, Robert S. Taylor, Bradley L. Todd, Cynthia Tuckness
  • Patent number: 7404438
    Abstract: A very low carbon steel alloy is provided for use in manufacturing tubular members such as oil country tubular goods. The tubular members may be radially expanded from at least twenty percent to forty percent. Sections or joints of casing formed from the steel alloy may be installed within a wellbore and radially expanded during completion of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: United States Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Gary M. Reavis, Bluford W. Lowery, Ralph R. Myers, Bowman A. Urech
  • Patent number: 7404444
    Abstract: A protective sleeve for expandable tubulars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology
    Inventors: Scott Costa, Lev Ring, Jose Menchaca
  • Patent number: 7401650
    Abstract: Radially expanding a tubular such as a liner or casing, especially in a downward direction. The apparatus includes at least one driver device such as a piston that is typically fluid-actuated, and an expander device is attached to the or each driver device. Actuation of the or each driver device causes movement of the expander device to expand the tubular. One or more anchoring devices, which may be radially offset, are used to substantially prevent the tubular from moving during expansion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: E2 Tech Limited
    Inventor: Alan MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 7401647
    Abstract: Casing or other well tubulars that have failed are repaired in a manner that doesn't reduce the final inside diameter and doesn't further propagate the failure. The tubular needing repair is first expanded on at least one zone above and below the damaged area. This expansion in an undamaged area arrests failure propagation when the damaged area is then expanded. After the damaged area is expanded, the patch coupled preferably with exterior seals is positioned in the expanded zone of the damaged tubular and expanded. The procedure can also be accomplished in a single trip into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Perry D. Baycroft, Elmer R. Peterson, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 7398831
    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: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: L. McD. Schetky, Craig D. Johnson, Matthew R. Hackworth, Patrick W. Bixenman
  • Patent number: 7398832
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a monodiameter wellbore casing. The casing includes a second casing positioned in an overlapping relation to a first casing. The inside diameter of the overlapping portion and at least a portion of the second casing are substantially equal to the inside diameter of the non-overlapping portion of the first casing. The apparatus includes a support member, an adaptor coupled to the support member, an outer sleeve coupled to the adaptor, a hydraulic slip body coupled to the outer sleeve, a packer cup mandrel coupled to the hydraulic slip body, hydraulic slips coupled to the hydraulic slip body, a shoe coupled to the outer sleeve, an inner mandrel coupled to the shoe and hydraulic slip body, an expansion cone mandrel coupled to the inner mandrel, an expansion cone coupled to the expansion cone mandrel, and a guide nose coupled to the expansion cone mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventor: David Paul Brisco
  • Patent number: 7395857
    Abstract: A method of expanding tubing such as a section of casing includes locating the casing in a bore and expanding a portion of the casing to engage the bore wall using an expansion tool having at least one radially movable expansion member. The expansion member may be in the form of a roller of a rotary expander. The method additionally includes subsequently expanding a further portion of the casing by advancing a cone expander through the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: David John Hillis
  • Publication number: 20080156499
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable expanding tubing in a borehole of a hydrocarbon well. According to some embodiments, an expander device includes a collapsible swage formed of collets, at least one slip arrangement and a hydraulic jack to stroke the swage through tubing to be expanded. In operation, expanding tubing may include securing an expansion tool to the tubing, lowering the tool and tubing into a borehole, actuating a collapsible expander of the expansion tool to an extended configuration, and supplying fluid pressure to a jack coupled to the expander thereby moving the expander through the tubing which is held by at least one of first and second tubing holding devices disposed respectively ahead of the expander and behind the expander.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Lee Giroux, Mike A. Luke
  • Patent number: 7389822
    Abstract: An expander system for radially expanding a tubular element from a first inner diameter to a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter, the expander system including an expander movable between a radially retracted mode and a radially expanded mode, wherein the expander includes an expansion surface extending in axial direction of the expander and being operable to expand the tubular element upon movement of the expander from the retracted mode to the expanded mode thereof, the expansion surface being of increasing diameter in axial direction of the expander.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Christianus Maria Lohbeck, Djurre Hans Zijsling
  • Publication number: 20080142229
    Abstract: An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Enventure Global Technology
    Inventors: David Paul Brisco, Brock Wayne Watson, Harold Treece
  • Publication number: 20080142213
    Abstract: Radial expansion of a wellbore casing against a formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Enventure Global Technology, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Darrell Scott Costa, Kevin K. Waddell, Edwin A. Zwald, Charles Butterfield, Mark Holland, Akindele Olufowoshe, Gregory M. Noel, Donald B. Campo
  • Patent number: 7387168
    Abstract: The invention concerns the sealing of tubing, and in particular the sealing of a joint between expandable tubing sections. In one embodiment, there is disclosed expandable tubing such as an expandable liner comprising at least two expandable tubing sections which are adapted to be coupled together, and a seal adapted to be located around the expandable tubing sections, to seal a joint between the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Ellington, Paul David Metcalfe, Iain Cameron MacAulay, Simon John Harrall
  • Patent number: 7387169
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon J. Harrall, Robert J. Coon
  • Patent number: 7383889
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Lev Ring, David Paul Brisco, Brock Wayne Watson, Kevin K. Waddell
  • Patent number: 7383888
    Abstract: A tool for radially expanding casing having a tool body that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The tool includes at least one hydraulic channel disposed axially. The at least one hydraulic channel transmits hydraulic pressure from behind the expansion tool forward in the direction of travel of the expansion tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventor: Robert S. Sivley, IV
  • Patent number: 7380604
    Abstract: An apparatus protects the mounting area of casing and a locating profile and optionally a sliding sleeve valve and a flow path from the outside of the valve to the annulus when subsequent attachment of an expanded liner is intended and the expanded liner is to be cemented in place. A barrier sleeve, nose, and outer sleeve define a sealed cavity having a loose incompressible material inside that covers the mounting location on the casing. A locating profile and an optional sliding sleeve valve and a flow path from the outside of the valve to the annulus can be provided. The cementing of the casing takes place through the barrier sleeve. After the cementing, the sleeve and nose are drilled out and the incompressible material is removed to the surface with the drill cuttings. A liner is inserted in the casing and is preferably expanded into sealing contact with the mounting location on the casing. After expansion the liner can be cemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark K. Adam, Michael A. Carmody, Mathew J. Jabs, Robert S. O'Brien, Dennis G. Jiral, Harold E. Payne
  • Patent number: 7380595
    Abstract: A system that is usable with a wellbore includes a deployment tool that is attached to a conveyance device and has an unexpanded state and an expanded state. The system also includes a scrolled tubular, such as a sand screen, which is attached to the deployment tool. The tubular is scrolled around the deployment tool in the unexpanded state with the scrolled tubular having an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of a tubing that is located in the wellbore. The tubular is then unscrolled to expand against a surface in an expanded state of the tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney J. Wetzel, Don Eubank, Matthew R. Hackworth
  • Patent number: 7380593
    Abstract: An expandable tubular element for use in a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the tubular element having a first radially expandable tube and a second radially expandable tube. The tubes are arranged in a manner that an end portion of the second tube extends into an end portion of the first tube, wherein a selected one of the end portions has a reduced resistance to radial expansion per unit length compared to a remainder portion of the tube to which the selected end portion pertains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Christianus Maria Lohbeck
  • Patent number: 7380594
    Abstract: A method of installing an expandable tubular assembly in a wellbore, the tubular assembly including a plurality of expandable tubular elements, comprising: installing a first tubular element in the wellbore; installing a second tubular element in the wellbore such that an end part of the second tubular element extends into an end part of the first tubular element, arranging a radially deformable body around the overlapping portion; and radially expanding the end part of the second tubular element against the end part of the first tubular element such that the end part of the first tubular element becomes radially expanded and the deformable body becomes radially deformed, wherein a body of cement is present between the first tubular element and the wellbore wall, and wherein the deformable body is a fluidic volume that is pumped between the first tubular element and the wellbore wall before hardening of the cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Scott Anthony Benzie, Martin Gerard Rene Bosma, Mikhail Boris Geilikman, Andrei Gregory Filippov