Abstract: A system is provided for expanding a tubular element extending into a wellbore formed in an earth formation. The system includes an expander arranged to expand the tubular element by virtue of axial movement of the expander through the tubular element, an activating system for inducing the expander to move through the tubular element, the activating system including at least one activating tool, and a control system for controlling the activating system, including a remote control unit and for each activating tool a respective controller. The remote control unit is arranged to transmit an acoustic signal to an acoustic conductor selected from the tubular element and another elongate member extending into the borehole, each controller being arranged to receive the acoustic signal from the acoustic conductor and to control the corresponding activating tool upon receipt of the acoustic signal.

Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore casing within a borehole that traverses a subterranean formation includes the steps of assembling a tubular liner by coupling a threaded portion of a first tubular member to a threaded portion of a second tubular member and coupling a tubular sleeve to the threaded portions of the first and second tubular members. The method further includes positioning the wellbore casing within the borehole and radially expanding and plastically deforming the wellbore casing assembly within the borehole. The step of coupling the tubular sleeve through the threaded portions of the and second tubular members includes applying impulsive magnetic energy to the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus to protect 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.

Abstract: A seal arrangement comprises an expandable inner tubular and an outer tubular. The inner tubular comprises an axially extending lip seal. Expansion of the inner tubular serves to energise the lip seal, a free end of which will be urged into contact with the outer tubular.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and apparatus for expanding tubing downhole. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a method of expanding downhole tubing such as a liner (10), the method comprising the steps of locating the liner (10) in a borehole (12), expanding a part (16) of the liner (10) in the borehole (12), locating an expansion device such as an expandable cone (18) in said expanded part (16) of the liner (10), and translating the cone (18) relative to the liner (10) to expand a further part (20) of the liner (10).

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.

Abstract: An expander system for radially expanding a tubular element having an unexpanded portion of a first inner diameter, the expander system including an expander movable between a radially retracted mode and a radially expanded mode, the expander being operable to expand the tubular element from the first inner diameter to a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter by movement of the expander from the radially retracted mode to the radially expanded mode thereof, wherein the expander has a contact section of a diameter larger than the first inner diameter when the expander is in the radially retracted mode, and wherein the contact section is arranged to prevent axial movement of the expander through the unexpanded portion of the tubular element when the expander is in the radially retracted mode.

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.

Abstract: A method of lining a drilled bore comprises running a tubular into a drilled bore and then corrugating the tubular in the bore. The tubular may also be expanded in the bore. In other aspects of the invention the tubular is corrugated prior to running into the bore and may be rotated as it is run into the bore.

Abstract: A method for inserting a tool into a wellbore includes uncoiling a coiled tubing into the wellbore to a selected depth therein. When the tubing is at the selected depth, the tubing is uncoupled. A tool is inserted into the interior of the tubing. The tubing is reconnected, and the tool is moved along the interior of the tubing.

Abstract: A coiled tubing connection system is used in a well. A connector having an engagement end is used to couple a wellbore device to the end of a coiled tubing. The connector is spoolable, and the engagement end comprises engagement features that facilitate formation of a connection that is dependable and less susceptible to separation.

Abstract: In a well stimulation method, a subsurface formation is fractured by freezing a water-containing zone within the formation in the vicinity of a well, thereby generating expansive pressures which expand or created cracks and fissures in the formation. The frozen zone is then allowed to thaw. This freeze-thaw process causes rock particles in existing cracks and fissures to become dislodged and reoriented therewithin, and also causes new or additional rock particles to become disposed within both existing and newly-formed cracks and fissures. The particles present in the cracks and fissures act as natural proppants to help keep the cracks and fissures open, thereby facilitating the flow of fluids from the formation into the well after the formation has thawed. Preferably, the freeze-thaw steps are carried out on a cyclic basis. Optionally, propagation of the freezing front into the formation may be enhanced by the introduction of low-frequency wave energy into the formation.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing at least partially the structural integrity of a longitudinal portion of a deviated well bore are provided. The methods include providing a gravel matrix composition; providing a longitudinal portion of a deviated well bore; and placing a sufficient amount of the gravel matrix composition in the longitudinal portion to enhance the structural support of the longitudinal portion. Optional additives may include curable resins, tackifiers, and/or the incorporation of a degradable material in the gravel matrix composition.

Abstract: A method for lining tubular includes positioning an expandable liner in a wellbore at a depth of one or more perforations using a downhole depth locator tool. The expandable liner is expanded in the wellbore to line the one or more perforations.

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.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reverse-circulation cementing in subterranean formations are provided. An example of a method is a method of cementing casing in a subterranean well bore, comprising inserting a casing into the well bore, the casing comprising a casing shoe; equipping the casing with a well head, and a casing inner diameter pressure indicator; flowing an equilibrium fluid into the well bore; flowing a cement composition into the well bore after the equilibrium fluid; determining from the well-bore pressure indicator when the well bore pressure has reached a desired value; discontinuing the flow of cement composition into the well bore upon determining that the well bore pressure has reached a desired value; and permitting the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Examples of systems include systems for cementing casing in a well bore.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming packs in a plurality of perforations in a casing of a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: (a) forming a plug of a plugging particulate material in the wellbore of the casing, wherein the plug covers at least one perforation in the casing; (b) forming a pack of a first packing particulate material in at least one perforation located above the plug in the casing; (c) removing at least an upper portion of the plug to expose the at least one perforation in the casing that had been previously covered by at least the upper portion of the plug; and (d) forming a pack of a second packing particulate material in the at least one perforation exposed by removing at least the upper portion of the plug, wherein the second packing particulate material can be the same or different from the first packing particulate material.

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

Abstract: The end of an expandable liner hanger (120) provides a receptacle for another tubular liner (135).

Abstract: A drilling assembly (2) comprises upper (4) and lower (6) drill strings with a fluid passage (80) therethrough for distributing fluid to a bottom hole assembly (10). The upper drill string (4) has an upper end (11) connectable to a drilling apparatus (13) and fluid source (16) and a lower end (18) with an attached casing expander unit (20) that communicates the fluid passage (80) of the upper (4) and lower (6) drill strings. An upper end (22) of the lower drill string (6) is formed from a casing string (24) telescoped over the casing expander unit. A constriction (31) connects the casing string (24) with the rest of the lower drill string (6). A flow restriction device (35) in the lower drill string acts to control fluid flow through the fluid passage.

Abstract: An apparatus and automated control of the apparatus for use in coiled pipe operations is provided. The apparatus includes a mobile rig or trailer that carries a tower having attached thereto a reel of coiled tubing and a standard coiled tubing injector. The tower is positionable to support the reel of coiled tubing and the injector at a desired elevation above a wellhead. The reel of coiled tubing is supported upon a movable reel cart which is actively positioned by an automated control system to position the reel of coiled tube and ultimately the coiled tubing as it drawn from and drawn upon the reel during operation. The control system monitors the position of the coiled tube as it is passed through the injector and positions the reel cart to minimize the number of bends the coiled tubing is subjected to during one complete iteration of running in and withdrawal.

Abstract: A well completion having an expandable tubular. The expandable tubular having a tubular base and a conforming layer. The conforming layer being radially expandable singularly or in combination with expansion of the tubular base. The expandable tubular being perforated or non-perforated.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for moving tubulars into and out of a well bore, and particularly, a tubular injector with two or more gripping members which bind the outer surface of the tubular, two or more actuators which cause the gripping members to bind or release the tubular, and at least one reciprocator for translating a gripping member to move the tubular, or for repositioning the gripping member. A method of translating a tubular is also provided which includes the steps of binding the outer surface of a tubular with at least one gripping members by engagement with an actuator, and translating a gripping member by reciprocator to move the tubular.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of expanding tubular members are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a vibrating device that is capable of imparting a longitudinal and/or lateral and/or oblique vibration to a tubular member or string as it is being run into a borehole or wellbore. In another embodiment, the vibrating device imparts a longitudinal and/or lateral and/or oblique vibration to a tubular member and/or expander device, as the tubular member is being radially expanded by the expander device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars are disclosed. The tubulars may be part of a tubular string for isolating one or more zones within a wellbore. In one embodiment, the tubular string includes a first expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a first side of a zone to be isolated, a second expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a second side of the zone to be isolated, and a perforated tubular disposed in fluid communication with a producing zone. The tubular string may be expanded using an expansion assembly having a first expander for expanding the first and second expandable zone isolation units and a second expander for expanding the at least one perforated tubular. Tags or markers along the tubular string may indicate locations where expansion is desired such that connections or connectors between joints are not expanded.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying an assembly into a wellbore. The assembly includes at least one sensor. A fracturing fluid is injected under pressure into the wellbore to hydraulically fracture a subterranean formation of interest. The technique includes isolating the sensor from the fracturing and measuring acoustical energy that is generated by the hydraulic fracturing using the sensor(s).

Abstract: An apparatus (200) and method for repairing an opening (130) in a wellbore casing (110). The apparatus (200) and method couple a floating tubular (250) member in opposing relation to the opening (130) in the wellbore casing (110).

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and apparatus for expanding downhole tubing. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a method of expanding tubing comprising providing an assembly 40 comprising a section of expandable tubing (42) and an expansion device in the form of an expansion mandrel (44) located at least partially externally of the tubing (42), running the assembly (40) into a bore, translating the expansion mandrel (44) relative to the tubing (42) to expand an end section of the tubing (42), and further translating the expansion mandrel (44) relative to the tubing (42) to expand a further section of the tubing (42).

Abstract: A variety of approaches to reducing or eliminating “end effect” or the tendency of tubular ends to reduce in diameter after expansion are disclosed. Some involve pre-bending the ends outwardly while others involve removing material internally or/and externally near the ends. Yet other approaches feature weakening the ends in other ways including penetration of the tubular material using openings of various shapes including slots or/and holes where the openings are between the tube ends or where they can extend on one or both ends all the way to the end of the tubular. Inserts that are softer than the tube material can be placed near the ends. If there is an end effect, then the protruding material can be pushed out of the way or broken off.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wellscreen and a wellscreen that have the mechanical properties of a direct-wrap wellscreen and the precise slot tolerance of a slip-on wellscreen are provided. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a wellscreen for use in a wellbore is provided. The method includes disposing a filter subassembly on a base pipe sized so that there is annulus between the base pipe and the filter subassembly. The filter subassembly includes a length of wire wrapped and welded along a plurality of rods so that a slot is defined between adjacent coils of wire. The method further includes expanding the base pipe so that the slot is not substantially altered, thereby substantially reducing or eliminating the annulus.

Abstract: An apparatus for expanding a tubular member.

Abstract: An expansion apparatus for expanding a portion of a tubular comprises at least two expansion members adapted for selective deployment against a wall of a tubular. The expansion apparatus may be controlled to select a first expansion member to be deployed and the apparatus operated to expand a section of the tubular. The deployed expansion member may then be inactivated or retracted, such that the expansion member is no longer deployed against the wall of the tubular or is otherwise rendered inoperative, and a second expansion member can then be deployed and a further section of the tubular expanded.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of radial expansion of a tubular member, with embodiments of the apparatus including an expander device, for example an expansion cone, which has a driver device either attached to it or integral therewith. The driver device can be a pump for example, where the pump creates a differential pressure across the expander device to cause it to move.

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.

Abstract: A multi-layer deformable composite construction. In a described embodiment, a method of expanding a structure in a wellbore includes the steps of: positioning the structure in an unexpanded configuration in the wellbore, the structure including a wall made up of multiple layers; expanding the structure to an expanded configuration while permitting relative displacement between the layers; and then preventing relative displacement between the layers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a wellbore junction, wherein, in one embodiment, a first leg of a screen is fastened within a first tubular with a preformed window. The first tubular houses a whipstock with a cut-out portion containing a folded second leg of the screen. The first tubular is lowered into a junction of a central and a lateral wellbore. A second tubular is lowered within the first tubular and catches an end of the folded second leg of the screen thereby unfolding and expanding the screen as the second tubular is guided into the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: A borehole may be drilled utilizing the bottom hole assembly 10, 50 with a downhole motor 14, which may offset at a selected bend angle. A gauge section 34 is secured to the bit 16 has a uniform diameter bearing surface along an axial length of at least 60% of the bit diameter. The axial spacing between the bend and the bit face is controlled to less than fifteen times the bit diameter. After drilling a section of the well with the BHA according to the present invention, a tubular may be inserted in the well by passing the tubular through an upper tubular, then the inserted tubular expanded while downhole to a diameter substantially equal to the expanded tubular.

Abstract: A device for expansion and calibration of profile pipes, such as profile liners, with cylindrical threaded ends in their installation in a well. The device has a plurality of in-series connected mandrel assemblies, each of which has a housing with a central straight-through channel and inclined slots, in which rains are fastened and hinge-connected through pushers, tightened with respect to the housing, with a spring-loaded rod, accommodated in the central straight-through channel of the housing. Rods of an upper mandrel assembly are spring-loaded for holding the rams in nonoperating position, and rods of a lower assembly are spring-loaded for holding the rams in operating position. The lower mandrel assembly is provided with a choke. The Maximum diameter of a circle circumscribed about each mandrel assembly in its working position decreases from the upper assembly to the lower one.

Abstract: A movable arm 10 engages a flexible line 50 at a well site for positioning the flexible line between run-in position for passing the flexible line with a tubular through a well hole in the rig floor and a clamping position wherein the flexible line is adjacent the tubular above the rig floor for clamping the line to the tubular. The arm 10 extends upward from the rig floor 70, and includes a line guide, such as roller 12, for engaging the flexible line when in the run-in position. A powered drive 14 moves the arm between the run-in position and the clamping position. A spacer 82 may be used for positioning two or more flexible lines at a desired spacing relative to one another prior to positioning the lines within a clamp secured to the tubular. A slip bowl assembly 60 may be laterally movable so that slips do not engage the flexible line as it is run in the well.

Abstract: A tie back assembly that uses expansion for connection and sealing is disclosed. The male component does not have any wall portions removed to hold a resilient seal. A seal is an option as anchoring and sealing can be accomplished by the expansion alone. The pressure rating of the connection is not reduced by material removed to accommodate a seal. A variety of expansion techniques can be used and the expansion can be done in a single trip with the insertion of the tie back assembly into the receptacle or in a separate trip.

Abstract: A technique utilizes blocking members to resist contraction of expandables in wellbore environments. The technique comprises an expandable having a wall with a plurality of expandable cells. A plurality of blocking members cooperate with at least some of the cells to resist contraction of the expandable device once transitioned to a desired expanded state.

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.

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: The rig for selectively inserting coiled tubing or a threaded tubular through a rig floor 13 and into a well includes a mast 15 extending upward from the rig floor and movable between a threaded tubular position and a coiled tubing position. A top drive 21 is movable along an axis of the mast to insert the threaded tubular in the well when a top drive axis 42 is substantially aligned with the axis 44 of the well. Injector 17 supported on the mast inserts coiled tubing into the well, with the injector having an axis 46 offset from the top drive axis and substantially aligned with the axis of the well when the mast is in the coiled tubing position. A powered drive 54 is provided for selectively moving the mast between the threaded tubular position and the coiled tubing position.

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.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for stimulating hydrocarbon production in a subterranean formation, comprising: introducing a peroxide-generating compound into a desired location in a subterranean formation, wherein the peroxide-generating compound is substantially mechanically isolated from the subterranean formation until the peroxide-generating compound reaches the desired location; and allowing the peroxide-generating compound to generate peroxide in the desired location in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for facilitating coupling and cementing of downhole tubulars (12, 28) comprises a tubing section (12, 10) for use in lining a bore. The tubing section has upper and lower ends and defines a tubing wall having cement outlets (20) spaced from the lower end of the tubing. The lower end of the tubing is selectively closed, and swab cups (22) are provided externally of the lower end of the tubing below the cement outlets (20) for restricting passage of cement.

Abstract: A top entry sub (ES) includes a tubular member (TM) with a main body section (8) and an enlarged external diameter upper end portion (11). A single passage (15) extends through the main body section (8) and terminates in a pair of spaced passages (14) and (14a) that extend through the enlarged external diameter end portion (11), which passages terminate in a common upper surface on the top entry sub (ES) for receiving a well string and providing an entry into the top entry sub for members such as coiled tubing, snubbing members and cable.