Abstract: An expander tool for expanding a first tubular into a second surrounding tubular within a wellbore. The expander tool first comprises a body. Within the body is an expansion member capable of being actuated outwardly from the body when expansion of the first tubular is desired. In one aspect, the expander tool is a rotary expander tool, and the expansion members define a plurality of rollers. The expander tool further comprises at least one sensor for sensing a downhole condition during expansion of the tubular. The sensors in one aspect include at least one tool for sensing wall dimensions of the first tubular such as inner diameter or wall thickness. Examples include sonic logs, caliper logs, and electromagnetic wall thickness tools. A depth gauge may also be included. In one aspect, a data transmission device is provided between a surface server and the sensors downhole. In this way, the operator at the surface can monitor progress of the expansion operation downhole.

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 method of expanding tubing downhole comprises providing a section of expandable tubing of a first diameter, and axially compressing the tubing to induce buckling, such that the buckled portion describes a larger second diameter. The resulting diametric expansion may be utilised to anchor or seal the tubing within a larger bore. The buckled portion may be used to anchor the tubing within the wellbore prior to expansion of the length of the tubing into the wellbore.

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for deploying a line in a borehole using coiled tubing are presented. Methods are applicable for use in deploying a line in a coiled tubing when the coiled tubing is spooled on a reel or deployed in a wellbore. A line reel provided in a pressure housing is used to supply a line for deployment using fluid flow in coiled tubing. The line reel assembly and deployments methods are suitable for use under well pressure. The line may comprise fiber optics. Subsequent to deployment of coiled tubing with a line dispose therein, the coiled tubing may be withdrawn, leaving the line in the wellbore.

Abstract: A new class of sulfur scavenging or converting compositions is disclosed comprising diamine terminated, amine-aldehyde adducts, where the adducts are substantially bimolecular amine-aldehyde adducts and the composition is substantially free of trimer and/or triazines. Methods for making and using the new class of sulfur scavenging or converting composition are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting an injector assembly, such as an injector and a BOP, for coiled tubing to a wellhead may have a platform, such as a trailer, having a shaft attached thereto by at least one bracket. Pivotally on the bracket may be a boom, which may have telescopic sections, and at least one member, which may have a substantially boomerang shape. The member may be attachable to the bracket by an extendable boom fold actuator, and may be attachable to the boom via an extendable boom operating actuator. By selectively extending and contracting the boom fold actuators and the boom operating actuators, the boom may be selectively positioned between a transport mode, a vertical mode, and an operating mode. In this way, one assembly may be used to transport the coiled tubing and the injector assembly for connection to the wellhead, thus minimizing rig-up or set up time.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for moving a tubing along a path, according to which the tubing is engaged by an outer chain which is driven to advance the tubing. The chain is adapted to be deflected radially in response to an increase in the diameter of the tubing, and a plate is compressed in response to the deflection of the chain to accommodate the variation in diameter.

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

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

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for placing a tubular, braided sleeve in a well bore. The sleeve is positioned within an interior of a carrier configured to hold the sleeve in an undeployed position, followed by lowering the carrier into the well bore. The sleeve may be used in conjunction with a curable resin that can be solidified to set the sleeve into a tubular cross section. After securing the sleeve to the well bore, the carrier may be moved away from the bottom of the well bore, deploying the sleeve and extending it along the contour of the well bore. The tubular sleeve may then be subsequently expanded in situ to increase its diameter. The curable resin can then cured to make the sleeve substantially rigid.

Abstract: There is disclosed, in one embodiment of the invention an expandable downhole tubular (10) comprising an expandable inner support tube (14) an expandable outer tube (18); and a filter tube (22) located between said inner support tube (14) and said outer tube (18), the filter tube (22) comprising at least one filter portion (24) and at least one extendable portion (28) coupling axial edges of said filter portion (24), said extendable portion (28) being extendable to accommodate circumferential expansion of said filter tube (22).

Abstract: An expansion cone for radially expanding tubular members.

Abstract: A monobore wellbore (68) and method for completing the same are disclosed. The monobore wellbore (68) comprises a first casing (74) having an inner diameter (76) and a lap region (80). A second casing (90) is positioned within the wellbore (70) by passing through the first casing (74) such that an uphole end of the second casing (90) is positioned within the lap region (80) of the first casing (74). After downhole expansion, the second casing (90) has an inner diameter (114) that is substantially the same as the inner diameter (76) of the first casing. The uphole end of the second wellbore is coupled to the lap region (80) of the first casing (74) to create a mechanical connection and a hydraulic seal, thereby creating the monobore wellbore (68).

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for heating a hydrocarbon containing formation may include providing heat from one or more heaters to an opening in the formation. A first end of the opening may contact the earth's surface at a first location and a second end of the opening may contact the earth's surface at a second location. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the opening to at least a part of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the formation. In certain embodiments, providing the heat to the opening may include providing heat, heated materials, and/or oxidation products from at least one heater to the opening.

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: The invention discloses methods of, as well as apparatus and systems for, perforating and treating multiple intervals of one or more subterranean formations intersected by a wellbore by deploying within said wellbore a bottom-hole assembly (“BHA”) having a perforating device and a sealing mechanism, wherein pressure communication is established between the portions of the wellbore above and below the sealing mechanism. The BHA is positioned within the wellbore such that the sealing mechanism, when actuated, establishes a hydraulic seal in the wellbore to positively force fluid to enter the perforations corresponding to the interval to be treated. A treating fluid is pumped down the wellbore and into the perforations created in the perforated interval. The sealing mechanism is released, and the steps are repeated for as many intervals as desired, without having to remove the BHA from said wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect, a process of sealing an annular area in a wellbore is provided in which a tubular having perforations at a predetermined location and a sleeve concentrically covering substantially all of the perforations is expanded into substantial contact with an inner diameter of a tubular, such as a casing or a liner. In another aspect, a process of sealing an annular area in a wellbore is provided in which a tubular having perforation at a predetermined location and a sleeve concentrically coving substantially all of the perforations is expanded into substantial contact with a junction between two tubulars, such as a liner and a casing, or between two liners.

Abstract: A tubing injector (10) includes a traction device (12) having opposed grippers (14) laterally moveable so as to move a respective chain link member (16) of an endless loop chain into gripping engagement with the coiled tubing. A drive motor (11) is provided for powering the endless loop chain, and a plurality of roller bearings (20) each act between a respective chain link member and a gripper. A pressure compensating device (30) subjects fluid in a fluid passageway in the roller bearing (20) to a fluid pressure functionally related to subsea pressure. The tubing injector may be used for injecting the coiled tubing subsea into a wellhead or into another flowline.

Abstract: At least a first expandable tubular and a second expandable tubular are connected to each other by a connector system. The connector system is expandable and utilizes a plurality of extensions that may be used to create an interlocking engagement. The system design enables both the tubulars and the connector system to be expanded to an increased diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing a wellbore casing (100). An opening (115) in a wellbore casing (100) is located using a logging tool (310). An expandable tubular member (370) is then positioned in opposition to the opening (115) in the wellbore casing (100). The expandable tubular member (370) is then radially expanded into intimate contact with the wellbore casing (100).

Abstract: A method of selecting tubular members.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for sealing an expandable tubular in a wellbore wherein the methods basically comprise placing the expandable tubular in the wellbore, placing a resilient sealing composition into the wellbore, expanding the expandable tubular and allowing the sealing composition to set in the wellbore.

Abstract: A system and method for injecting or withdrawing a fluid into or from a well includes an injector vehicle having a longitudinal axis and operable to position tubing into the well. The system also includes a tubing supply vehicle operable to provide the tubing to the injector vehicle for positioning in the well. In one aspect of the invention, the tubing is mounted on at least one spool, wherein the longitudinal axis of the injector vehicle is transverse to an axis of rotation of the spool and transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tubing supply vehicle. In a separate aspect of the invention, a spiral guide is used to transition tubing during spooling and unspooling between a plurality of empty and full spools. In yet a separate aspect of the invention, a spool is vertically adjustable to allow rotation of the spool during spooling and unspooling.

Abstract: A method for expanding tubulars including providing an expandable tubing and a larger diameter tubing, wherein the larger diameter tubing has an expandable, tapering end portion; coupling an end portion of the expandable tubing to the expandable tapering end portion of the larger diameter tubing; running the connected tubing into a bore; and expanding the expandable tubing. Prior to the expanding of the expandable tubing, a wall thickness of the end portion of the expandable tubing coupled to the expandable tapering end portion of the larger diameter tubing is less than a wall thickness of another end portion of the expandable tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a tubular member within a liner or borehole has a seal means connected within the tubular member, and a pressure control device operable to increase the pressure within the tubular member, such that operation of the pressure control means causes the tubular member to move radially outwardly to bear against the inner surface of the liner or borehole wall. Also, a packer for use in a downhole annular space and an isolation plug for plugging a downhole tubular are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for expanding a first, smaller diameter tubular into frictional contact with a second, larger diameter tubular or wellbore. In an embodiment, annular formations formed on an inner surface of a split ring engage an outer surface of the smaller tubular. In one aspect, the smaller diameter tubular is provided with an annular recess there around, the annular recess including recessed grooves formed there around. Therefore, the split ring is disposable within the annular recess and the annular formations formed on the split ring are constructed and arranged to fit within the recessed grooves of the annular recess of the tubular. An outer surface of the split ring is provided with teeth or some other grip-enhancing material or formation. The split ring also includes a split portion permitting the ring to expand in diameter as that portion of the tubular is expanded in diameter.

Abstract: A structural support.

Abstract: There is provided a method of radially expanding a tubular element extending into a wellbore, the tubular element having a first section to be expanded to a first diameter and a second section to be expanded to a second diameter, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter. The method involves arranging an expander in the wellbore, the expander including a first expander member and a second expander member, wherein the first member has a larger outer diameter than the second member, said members being releasably interconnected. The expander is moved through the first tubular section thereby expanding the first tubular section to the first diameter, whereafter the second expander member is released from the first expander member. The second expander member is then moved through the second tubular section so as to expand the latter to the second diameter.

Abstract: A method is provided for activating a downhole system arranged in an annular space formed between a radially expandable tubular element extending into a borehole formed into an earth formation and a cylindrical wall surrounding the tubular element. The downhole system is arranged so as to be activated by movement of an annular movement device along the tubular element. The method involves arranging the annular moving device around the tubular element, the moving device having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tubular element in its unexpanded shape, and gradually expanding a portion of the tubular element by moving an expander through the tubular element in the direction of the moving device, whereby a transition zone of the tubular element is defined between the expanded an unexpanded portions of the tubular element.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for cutting tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, a cutting tool having radially disposed rolling element cutters is provided for insertion into a wellbore to a predetermined depth where a tubular therearound will be cut into an upper and lower portion. The cutting tool is constructed and arranged to be rotated while the actuated cutters exert a force on the inside wall of the tubular, thereby severing the tubular therearound. In one aspect, the apparatus is run into the well on wireline which is capable of bearing the weight of the apparatus while supplying a source of electrical power to at least one downhole motor which operates at least one hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump operates a slip assembly to fix the downhole apparatus within the wellbore prior to operation of the cutting tool. Thereafter, the pump operates a downhole motor to rotate the cutting tool while the cutters are actuated.

Abstract: A first tubular is disposed coaxially within a portion of a second, larger tubular. A portion of the first tubular is expanded into frictional contact with the second tubular, thereby creating a liner and a hanger. In one embodiment, a pattern of grooves and profile cuts are formed in the surface of a portion of the first tubular body. The grooves in one aspect define a continuous pattern about the circumference of the tubular body which intersect to form a plurality of substantially identical shapes, such as diamonds. The grooves and profile cuts serve to improve the tensile strength of the tubular body. At the same time, the grooves and profile cuts allow for expansion of the tubular body by use of less radial force. The grooves and profile cuts further provide additional frictional support for hanging the expanded tubular onto the inner surface of a surrounding second tubular.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a sealing apparatus for isolating a wellbore. In one aspect, the present invention provides an expandable sealing apparatus having an expandable tubular and a sealing element disposed around the tubular. A chamber for maintaining a fluid is defined between the sealing element and the tubular. The sealing apparatus also includes a self-isolating layer disposed in the chamber, wherein the self-isolating layer is adapted and arranged to regulate fluid flow through the chamber. Fluid supplied to the chamber may inflate the sealing element, thereby urging the sealing element into contact with the wellbore. When the pressure in the tubular is released, the pressure in the chamber causes the self-isolating layer to close off, thereby retaining the pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a connector arrangement for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for connecting the tubulars in such a way that the connection is prevented from becoming unmade in response to expansion of the tubulars. A connector mechanically mates a box end and a pin end of the tubulars together to form the connection. Additionally, mating castellations, surface finishes on the pin end and the box end, torque screws, and a variable pitch groove can provide resistance to relative rotation between the tubulars at the connection.

Abstract: A well configuration and method of increasing production from a hydrocarbon well having pre-existing production tube. A composite velocity string having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the production tube is installed in the production tube so that an annular gap is formed between the outer surface of the velocity string and the inner surface of the production tube. Production from the well is increased because the coefficient of fluid flow friction through the composite velocity string, and the amount of heat loss through the composite velocity string, are reduced compared to a steel velocity string. Installation efficiency is also increased because the composite velocity string is much lighter than a steel velocity string.

Abstract: A method of expanding tubing comprises locating an expansion tool in a section of tubing to be expanded, applying a fluid pressure to the tubing to create a fluid pressure expansion force and induce a hoop stress in the tubing, and applying a mechanical expansion force to the tubing via the expansion tool. The combined fluid pressure expansion force and mechanical expansion force is selected to be sufficient to induce expansion of the tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for preventing the accumulation of unwanted materials in an enlarged inner diameter portion of a casing or housing. In one aspect of the invention, a sleeve is disposed in the housing to isolate an annular area defined by the outer surface sleeve and the wall of the enlarged inner diameter portion. The sleeve prevents unwanted materials from being disposed in the annular area. The sleeve can later be expanded into the enlarged inner diameter portion, removed from the wellbore or destroyed. In another aspect of the invention, the sleeve is provided and disposed to cover the enlarged inner diameter portion. By covering the enlarged inner diameter portion, unwanted material is prevented from accumulating at said portion and from interfering with the expansion of the next casing into said portion to form a monobore. The sleeve can be made from materials that are dissolvable, elastically deformable, or retrievable.

Abstract: A distributed control system for local or remote control of equipment. The distributed control system provides a communication bridge through a local control panel between a non-real-time network, and a real-time network, such as a controller area network. Both soft real-time and hard real-time networks are suitable, but hard real-time is preferred. Multiple distributed control units are used to control various equipment components. The distributed control system may be applied in any environment. The distributed control system may be applied to a skid-mounted coiled tubing unit.

Abstract: In one variation, a tool is disclosed that can run cladding into casing where the cladding interior is closed off by opposed cup seals and access to the volume between the cup seals exists through the tool body. “Cladding” comprises sleeves, scrolls, casing, tubing and liner strings. Pressure is applied to the interior of the cladding to expand it into gripping and sealed contact with the casing. An exterior gripping surface can be provided on the cladding to enhance grip upon expansion. The tool can be repositioned to expand lengths of cladding including tubing or casing.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods of, as well as apparatus and systems for, perforating and treating multiple intervals of one or more subterranean formations intersected by a wellbore by deploying within said wellbore a bottom-hole assembly (“BHA”) having a perforating device and a sealing mechanisms, wherein pressure communication is established between the portions of the wellbore above and below the sealing mechanism. The BHA is positioned within the wellbore such that the sealing mechanism, when actuated, establishes a hydraulic seal in the wellbore to positively force fluid to enter the perforations corresponding to the interval to be treated. A treating fluid is pumped down the wellbore and into the perforations created in the perforated interval. The sealing mechanism is released, and the steps are repeated for as many intervals as desired, without having to remove the BHA from said wellbore.