APPARATUS FOR RADIALLY EXPANDING AND PLASTICALLY DEFORMING A TUBULAR MEMBER

Abstract

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to oil and gas exploration, and in particular to forming and repairing wellbore casings to facilitate oil and gas exploration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of an embodiment of a system for radially expanding and plastically deforming wellbore casing, including a tubular support member, a casing cutter, a ball gripper for gripping a wellbore casing, a force multiplier tension actuator, a safety sub, a cup sub, a casing lock, an extension actuator, a bell section adjustable expansion cone assembly, a casing section adjustable expansion cone assembly, a packer setting tool, a packer, a stinger, and an expandable wellbore casing, during the placement of the system within a wellbore.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of the system of FIG. 1 during the subsequent displacement of the bell section adjustable expansion cone assembly, the casing section adjustable expansion cone assembly, the packer setting tool, the packer, and the stinger downwardly out of the end of the expandable wellbore casing and the expansion of the size of the bell section adjustable expansion cone assembly and the casing section adjustable expansion cone assembly.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of the system of FIG. 2 during the subsequent operation of the tension actuator to displace the bell section adjustable expansion cone assembly upwardly into the end of the expandable wellbore casing to form a bell section in the end of the expandable wellbore casing.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of the system of FIG. 3 during the subsequent reduction of the bell section adjustable expansion cone assembly.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of the system of FIG. 4 during the subsequent upward displacement of the expanded casing section adjustable expansion cone assembly to radially expand the expandable wellbore casing.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of the system of FIG. 5 during the subsequent lowering of the tubular support member, casing cutter, ball gripper, a force multiplier tension actuator, safety sub, cup sub, casing lock, extension actuator, bell section adjustable expansion cone assembly, casing section adjustable expansion cone assembly, packer setting tool, packer, and stinger and subsequent setting of the packer within the expandable wellbore casing above the bell section.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of the system of FIG. 6 during the subsequent injection of fluidic materials into the system to displace the expanded casing section adjustable expansion cone assembly upwardly through the expandable wellbore casing to radially expand and plastically deform the expandable wellbore casing.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of the system of FIG. 7 during the subsequent injection of fluidic materials into the system to displace the expanded casing section adjustable expansion cone assembly upwardly through the expandable wellbore casing and a surrounding preexisting wellbore casing to radially expand and plastically deform the overlapping expandable wellbore casing and the surrounding preexisting wellbore casing.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of the system of FIG. 8 during the subsequent operation of the casing cutter to cut off an end of the expandable wellbore casing.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of the system of FIG. 9 during the subsequent removal of the cut off end of the expandable wellbore casing.

FIGS. 11-1 and 11-2, 11A1 to 11A2, 11B1 to 11B2, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G, 11H, 11I, 11j, 11K, 11L, 11M, 11N, 11O, 11P, 11Q, 11R, 11S, 11T, 11U, 11V, 11W, 11X, 11Y, 11Z1 to 11Z4, 11AA1 to 11AA4, 11AB1 to 11AB4, 11AC1 to 11AC4, 11AD, and 11AE are fragmentary cross-sectional and perspective illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of a casing cutter assembly.

FIGS. 12A1 to 12A4 and 12C1 to 12C4 are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of a ball gripper assembly.

FIG. 12B is a top view of a portion of the ball gripper assembly of FIGS. 12A1 to 12A4 and 12C1 to 12C4.

FIGS. 13A1 to 13A8 and 13B1 to 13B7 are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of a tension actuator assembly.

FIG. 14A is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of a safety sub assembly.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are fragmentary cross-sectional and perspective illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of a cup seal assembly.

FIGS. 15-1, 15-2, 15A1, 15A2, 15B1, 15B2, 15C1, 15C2, 15D, 15E1 to 15E5, 15F1 to 15F5, and 15G1 to 15G5 are fragmentary cross sectional illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of an extension actuator and casing lock assembly.

FIGS. 16-1 and 16-2, 16A1 to 16A2, 16B1 to 16B2, 16C, 16D, 16E, 16F, 16G, 16H, 161, 16j, 16K, 16L, 16M, 16N, 16O, 16P, 16R, 16S, 16T, 16U, 16V, 16W, 16X, 16Y, 16Z1 to 16Z4, 16AA1 to 16AA4, 16AB1 to 16AB4, 16AC1 to 16AC4, 16AD, and 16AE are fragmentary cross-sectional and perspective illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly.

FIGS. 17-1 and 17-2, 17A1 to 17A2, 17B1 to 17B2, 17C, 17D, 17E, 17F, 17G, 17H, 17I, 17j, 17K, 17L, 17M, 17N, 17O, 17P, 17R, 17S, 17T, 17U, 17V, 17W, 17X, 17Y, 17Z1-17Z4, 17AA1 to 17AA4, 17AB1 to 17AB4, 17AC1 to 17AC4, 17AD, and 17AE are fragmentary cross-sectional and perspective illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable casing expansion cone assembly.

FIGS. 18A to 18C is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a packer setting tool assembly.

FIGS. 19-1 to 19-5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a packer assembly.

FIGS. 20A1 to 20A5, 20B1 to 20B5, 20C1 to 20C5, 20D1 to 20D5, 20E1 to 20E6, 20F1 to 20F6, 20G1 to 20G6, and 20H1 to 20H5, are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the packer setting tool assembly of FIGS. 18A to 18C and the packer assembly of FIGS. 19-1 to 19-5.

FIGS. 21 and 21A to 21AX are fragmentary perspective and cross-sectional illustrations of an alternative embodiment of the packer assembly.

FIGS. 22A to 22D is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of another exemplary embodiment of a packer setting tool assembly.

FIGS. 23A to 23E, 24A to 24E, 25A to 25E, 26A to 26E, 27A to 27E, 28A to 28E, 29A to 29E, 30A to 30E, 31A to 31E, 32A to 32E and 33A to 33E, are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the packer setting tool assembly of FIGS. 22A to 22D and the packer assembly of FIGS. 19-1 to 19-5.

FIG. 34 is an elevational view of another exemplary embodiment of a tension actuator assembly.

FIGS. 35A to 35C is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a lower subassembly of the tension actuator assembly of FIG. 34.

FIGS. 36A to 36C is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a middle subassembly of the tension actuator assembly of FIG. 34.

FIGS. 37A to 37C is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an upper subassembly of the tension actuator assembly of FIG. 34.

FIGS. 38A and 38B is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a top subassembly of the tension actuator assembly of FIG. 34.

FIGS. 39A to 39T, 40A to 40T and 41A to 41X, are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the tension actuator assembly of FIG. 34.

FIGS. 42A and 42B are respective elevational and cross-sectional views of an exemplary embodiment of a device adapted to be coupled to, for example, one or more subassemblies of the tension actuator assembly of FIG. 34.

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional illustration of the exemplary embodiment of the device of FIGS. 42A and 42B coupled to the middle subassembly of FIGS. 36A to 36C.

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional illustration of the exemplary embodiment of the device of FIGS. 42A and 42B coupled to the upper subassembly of FIGS. 37A to 37C.

FIG. 45 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a system for radially expanding and plastically deforming a wellbore casing.

FIGS. 45 a, 45b, and 45c are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable expansion device of the system of FIG. 45.

FIG. 45 d is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable expansion device of the system of FIG. 45.

FIGS. 45 e and 45f are cross-sectional views of the adjustable expansion device of FIG. 45d.

FIGS. 46 to 51 are fragmentary cross sectional views of the system for radially expanding and plastically deforming a wellbore casing of FIG. 45 during continued operation.

FIGS. 51 a, 51b, and 51c are perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable expansion device of the system of FIG. 51.

FIG. 51 d is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the adjustable expansion device of the system of FIG. 51.

FIGS. 51 e, 51f and 51g are cross-sectional views of the adjustable expansion device of FIG. 51d.

FIG. 52 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the system for radially expanding and plastically deforming a wellbore casing of FIG. 51 during continued operation.

FIG. 53 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable expansion device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-10, an exemplary embodiment of a system 10 for radially expanding and plastically deforming a wellbore casing includes a conventional tubular support 12 having an end that is coupled to an end of a casing cutter assembly 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the casing cutter assembly 14 may be, or may include elements, of one or more conventional commercially available casing cutters for cutting wellbore casing, or equivalents thereof.

An end of a ball gripper assembly 16 is coupled to another end of the casing cutter assembly 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the ball gripper assembly 14 may be, or may include elements, of one or more conventional commercially available ball grippers, or other types of gripping devices, for gripping wellbore casing, or equivalents thereof.

An end of a tension actuator assembly 18 is coupled to another end of the ball gripper assembly 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the tension actuator assembly 18 may be, or may include elements, of one or more conventional commercially actuators, or equivalents thereof.

An end of a safety sub assembly 20 is coupled to another end of the tension actuator assembly 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the safety sub assembly 20 may be, or may include elements, of one or more conventional apparatus that provide quick connection and/or disconnection of tubular members, or equivalents thereof.

An end of a sealing cup assembly 22 is coupled to another end of the safety sub assembly 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing cup assembly 22 may be, or may include elements, of one or more conventional sealing cup assemblies, or other types of sealing assemblies, that sealingly engage the interior surfaces of surrounding tubular members, or equivalents thereof.

An end of a casing lock assembly 24 is coupled to another end of the sealing cup assembly 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the casing lock assembly 24 may be, or may include elements, of one or more conventional casing lock assemblies that lock the position of wellbore casing, or equivalents thereof.

An end of an extension actuator assembly 26 is coupled to another end of the casing lock assembly 24. In an exemplary embodiment, the extension actuator assembly 26 may be, or may include elements, of one or more conventional actuators, or equivalents thereof.

An end of an adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 is coupled to another end of the extension actuator assembly 26. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 may be, or may include elements, of one or more conventional adjustable expansion devices for radially expanding and plastically deforming wellbore casing, or equivalents thereof.

An end of an adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 is coupled to another end of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 may be, or may include elements, of one or more conventional adjustable expansion devices for radially expanding and plastically deforming wellbore casing, or equivalents thereof.

An end of a packer setting tool assembly 32 is coupled to another end of the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer setting tool assembly 32 may be, or may include elements, of one or more conventional adjustable expansion devices for controlling the operation of a conventional packer, or equivalents thereof.

An end of a stinger assembly 34 is coupled to another end of the packer setting tool assembly 32. In an exemplary embodiment, the stinger assembly 34 may be, or may include elements, of one or more conventional devices for engaging a conventional packer, or equivalents thereof.

An end of a packer control device or packer assembly 36 is coupled to another end of the stinger assembly 34. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly 36 may be, or may include elements, of one or more conventional packers.

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the elements of the system 10 may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements of the system.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system 10, an expandable wellbore casing 100 is coupled to and supported by the casing lock assembly 24 of the system. The system 10 is then positioned within a wellbore 102 that traverses a subterranean formation 104 and includes a preexisting wellbore casing 106.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in an exemplary embodiment, the extension actuator assembly 26 is then operated to move the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28, adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30, packer setting tool assembly 32, stinger assembly 34, packer assembly 36 downwardly in a direction 108 and out of an end of the expandable wellbore casing 100. After the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 and adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 have been moved to a position out of the end of the expandable wellbore casing 100, the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly and adjustable casing expansion cone assembly are then operated to increase the outside diameters of the expansion cone assemblies. In an exemplary embodiment, the increased outside diameter of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 is greater than the increased outside diameter of the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment, the ball gripper assembly 16 is then operated to engage and hold the position of the expandable tubular member 100 stationary relative to the tubular support member 12. The tension actuator assembly 18 is then operated to move the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28, adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30, packer setting tool assembly 32, stinger assembly 34, packer assembly 36 upwardly in a direction 110 into and through the end of the expandable wellbore casing 100. As a result, the end of the expandable wellbore casing 100 is radially expanded and plastically deformed by the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 to form a bell section 112. In an exemplary embodiment, during the operation of the system 10 described above with reference to FIG. 3, the casing lock assembly 24 may or may not be coupled to the expandable wellbore casing 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the end of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that is radially expanded and plastically deformed by the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 is limited by the stroke length of the tension actuator assembly 18. In an exemplary embodiment, once the tension actuator assembly 18 completes a stroke, the ball gripper assembly 16 is operated to release the expandable tubular member 100, and the tubular support 12 is moved upwardly to permit the tension actuator assembly to be re-set. In this manner, the length of the bell section 112 can be further extended by continuing to stroke and then re-set the position of the tension actuator assembly 18. Note, that, during the upward movement of the tubular support 12 to re-set the position of the tension actuator assembly 18, the expandable tubular wellbore casing 100 is supported by the expansion surfaces of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, in an exemplary embodiment, the casing lock assembly 24 is then operated to engage and maintain the position of the expandable wellbore casing 100 stationary relative to the tubular support 12. The adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28, adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30, packer setting tool assembly 32, stinger assembly 34, and packer assembly 36 are displaced downwardly into the bell section 112 in a direction 114 relative to the expandable wellbore casing 100 by operating the extension actuator 26 and/or by displacing the system 10 downwardly in the direction 114 relative to the expandable wellbore casing. After the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 and adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 have been moved downwardly in the direction 114 into the bell section 112 of the expandable wellbore casing 100, the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly is then operated to decrease the outside diameter of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the decreased outside diameter of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 is less than the increased outside diameter of the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30. In an exemplary embodiment, during the operation of the system illustrated and described above with reference to FIG. 4, the ball gripper 16 may or may not be operated to engage the expandable wellbore casing 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, in an exemplary embodiment, the casing lock assembly 24 is then disengaged from the expandable wellbore casing 100 and fluidic material 116 is then injected into the system 10 through the tubular support 12 to thereby pressurize an annulus 118 defined within the expandable wellbore casing below the cup sub assembly 22. As a result, a pressure differential is created across the cup seal assembly 22 that causes the cup seal assembly to apply a tensile force in the direction 120 to the system 10. As a result, the system 10 is displaced upwardly in the direction 120 relative to the expandable wellbore casing 100 thereby pulling the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 upwardly in the direction 120 through the expandable wellbore casing thereby radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable wellbore casing.

In an exemplary embodiment, the tension actuator assembly 16 may also be operated during the injection of the fluidic material 116 to displace the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 upwardly relative to the tubular support 12. As a result, additional expansion forces may be applied to the expandable wellbore casing 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, in an exemplary embodiment, the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable wellbore casing using the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 continues until the packer assembly 36 is positioned within a portion of the expandable tubular member above the bell section 112. The packer assembly 36 may then be operated to engage the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing 100 above the bell section 112.

In an exemplary embodiment, after the packer assembly 36 is operated to engage the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing 100 above the bell section 112, a hardenable fluidic sealing material 122 may then be injected into the system 10 through the tubular support 12 and then out of the system through the packer assembly to thereby permit the annulus between the expandable wellbore casing and the wellbore 102 to be filled with the hardenable fluidic sealing material. The hardenable fluidic sealing material 122 may then be allowed to cure to form a fluid tight annulus between the expandable wellbore casing 100 and the wellbore 102, before, during, or after the completion of the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable wellbore casing.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, in an exemplary embodiment, the fluidic material 116 is then re-injected into the system 10 through the tubular support 12 to thereby re-pressurize the annulus 118 defined within the expandable wellbore casing below the cup sub assembly 22. As a result, a pressure differential is once again created across the cup seal assembly 22 that causes the cup seal assembly to once again apply a tensile force in the direction 120 to the system 10. As a result, the system 10 is displaced upwardly in the direction 120 relative to the expandable wellbore casing 100 thereby pulling the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 upwardly in the direction 120 through the expandable wellbore casing thereby radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable wellbore casing and disengaging the stinger assembly 34 from the packer assembly 36. In an exemplary embodiment, during this operational mode, the packer assembly 36 prevents the flow of fluidic materials out of the expandable wellbore casing 100. As a result, the pressurization of the annulus 118 is rapid and efficient thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of the subsequent radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable wellbore casing 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, the tension actuator assembly 16 may also be operated during the re-injection of the fluidic material 116 to displace the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 upwardly relative to the tubular support 12. As a result, additional expansion forces may be applied to the expandable wellbore casing 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, in an exemplary embodiment, the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable wellbore casing using the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 continues until the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 reaches the portion 124 of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that overlaps with the preexisting wellbore casing 106. At which point, the system 10 may radially expand the portion 124 of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that overlaps with the preexisting wellbore casing 106 and the surrounding portion of the preexisting wellbore casing. Consequently, in an exemplary embodiment, during the radial expansion of the portion 124 of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that overlaps with the preexisting wellbore casing 106, the tension actuator assembly 16 is also operated to displace the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 upwardly relative to the tubular support 12. As a result, additional expansion forces may be applied to the expandable wellbore casing 100 and the preexisting wellbore casing 106 during the radial expansion of the portion 124 of the expandable wellbore casing that overlaps with the preexisting wellbore casing.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, in an exemplary embodiment, the entire length of the portion 124 of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that overlaps with the preexisting wellbore casing 106 is not radially expanded and plastically deformed. Rather, only part of the portion 124 of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that overlaps with the preexisting wellbore casing 106 is radially expanded and plastically deformed. The remaining part of the portion 124 of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that overlaps with the preexisting wellbore casing 106 is then cut away by operating the casing cutter assembly 14.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the remaining part of the portion 124 of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that overlaps with the preexisting wellbore casing 106 that is cut away by operating the casing cutter assembly 14 is then also carried out of the wellbore 102 using the casing cutter assembly.

Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the inside diameter of the expandable wellbore casing 100 above the bell section 112 is equal to the inside diameter of the portion of the preexisting wellbore casing 106 that does not overlap with the expandable wellbore casing 100. As a result, a wellbore casing is constructed that includes overlapping wellbore casings that together define an internal passage having a constant cross-sectional area.

In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the operational elements of the system 10 may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other operational elements of the system.

In several exemplary embodiments, the system 10 includes one or more of the methods and apparatus disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, attorney docket no. 25791.7.02, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,702, filed on Feb. 25, 1999, (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, attorney docket no. 25791.8.02, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/119,611, filed on Feb. 11, 1999, (4) U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, attorney docket number 25791.9.02, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on Nov. 16, 1998, (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/169,434, attorney docket no. 25791.10.04, filed on Jul. 1, 2002, which claims priority from provisional application 60/183,546, filed on Feb. 18, 2000, (6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (7) U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, filed on Feb. 26, 1999, (8) U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,240, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/511,941, attorney docket no. 25791.16.02, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,907, filed on Feb. 26, 1999, (9) U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on Jun. 7, 1999, (10) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/981,916, attorney docket no. 25791.18, filed on Oct. 18, 2001as a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, attorney docket number 25791.9.02, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on Nov. 16, 1998, (11) U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,763, which was filed as application Ser. No. 09/559,122, attorney docket no. 25791.23.02, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/131,106, filed on Apr. 26, 1999, (12) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/030,593, attorney docket no. 25791.25.08, filed on Jan. 8, 2002, which claims priority from provisional application 60/146,203, filed on Jul. 29, 1999, (13) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/143,039, attorney docket no. 25791.26, filed on 7/9/99, (14) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/111,982, attorney docket no. 25791.27.08, filed on Apr. 30, 2002, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/162,671, attorney docket no. 25791.27, filed on Nov. 1, 1999, (15) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/154,047, attorney docket no. 25791.29, filed on Sep. 16, 1999, (16) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/438,828, attorney docket no. 25791.31, filed on Jan. 9, 2003, (17) U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,875, which was filed as application Ser. No. 09/679,907, attorney docket no. 25791.34.02, on Oct. 5, 2000, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,082, attorney docket no. 25791.34, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (18) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/089,419, filed on Mar. 27, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.36.03, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,039, attorney docket no. 25791.36, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (19) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/679,906, filed on Oct. 5, 2000, attorney docket no. 25791.37.02, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,033, attorney docket no. 25791.37, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (20) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/303,992, filed on Nov. 22, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.38.07, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/212,359, attorney docket no. 25791.38, filed on Jun. 19, 2000, (21) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/165,228, attorney docket no. 25791.39, filed on Nov. 12, 1999, (22) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/455,051, attorney docket no. 25791.40, filed on Mar. 14, 2003, (23) PCT application US02/2477, filed on Jun. 26, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.44.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/303,711, attorney docket no. 25791.44, filed on Jul. 6, 2001, (24) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/311,412, filed on Dec. 12, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.45.07, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,443, attorney docket no. 25791.45, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (25) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/, filed on Dec. 18, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.46.07, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,645, attorney docket no. 25791.46, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (26) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/322,947, filed on Jan. 22, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.47.03, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/233,638, attorney docket no. 25791.47, filed on Sep. 18, 2000, (27) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/406,648, filed on Mar. 31, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.48.06, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/237,334, attorney docket no. 25791.48, filed on Oct. 2, 2000, (28) PCT application US02/04353, filed on Feb. 14, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.50.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/270,007, attorney docket no. 25791.50, filed on Feb. 20, 2001, (29) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/465,835, filed on Jun. 13, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.51.06, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/262,434, attorney docket no. 25791.51, filed on Jan. 17, 2001, (30) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/465,831, filed on Jun. 13, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.52.06, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/259,486, attorney docket no. 25791.52, filed on Jan. 3, 2001, (31) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/452,303, filed on Mar. 5, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.53, (32) U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,966, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/850,093, filed on May 7, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.55, as a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (33) U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,227, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/852,026, filed on May 9, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.56, as a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (34) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/852,027, filed on May 9, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.57, as a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (35) PCT Application US02/25608, attorney docket no. 25791.58.02, filed on Aug. 13, 2002, which claims priority from provisional application 60/318,021, filed on Sep. 7, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.58, (36) PCT Application US02/24399, attorney docket no. 25791.59.02, filed on Aug. 1, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/313,453, attorney docket no. 25791.59, filed on Aug. 20, 2001, (37) PCT Application US02/29856, attorney docket no. 25791.60.02, filed on Sep. 19, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/326,886, attorney docket no. 25791.60, filed on Oct. 3, 2001, (38) PCT Application US02/20256, attorney docket no. 25791.61.02, filed on Jun. 26, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/303,740, attorney docket no. 25791.61, filed on Jul. 6, 2001, (39) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,469, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.62, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (40) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,470, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.63, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (41) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,471, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.64, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (42) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,467, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.65, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (43) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,468, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.66, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (44) PCT application US02/25727, filed on Aug. 14, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.67.03, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/317,985, attorney docket no. 25791.67, filed on Sep. 6, 2001, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/318,386, attorney docket no. 25791.67.02, filed on Sep. 10, 2001, (45) PCT application US02/39425, filed on Dec. 10, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.68.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/343,674, attorney docket no. 25791.68, filed on Dec. 27, 2001, (46) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/969,922, attorney docket no. 25791.69, filed on Oct. 3, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. 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No. 10/262,009, attorney docket no. 25791.84, filed on Oct. 1, 2002, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on Jun. 7, 1999, (60) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/092,481, attorney docket no. 25791.85, filed on Mar. 7, 2002, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, filed on Feb. 26, 1999, (61) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/261,926, attorney docket no. 25791.86, filed on Oct. 1, 2002, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on Jun. 7, 1999, (62) PCT application US02/36157, filed on Nov. 12, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.87.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/338,996, attorney docket no. 25791.87, filed on Nov. 12, 2001, (63) PCT application US02/36267, filed on Nov. 12, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.88.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/339,013, attorney docket no. 25791.88, filed on Nov. 12, 2001, (64) PCT application US03/11765, filed on Apr. 16, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.89.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/383,917, attorney docket no. 25791.89, filed on May 29, 2002, (65) PCT application US03/15020, filed on May 12, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.90.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/391,703, attorney docket no. 25791.90, filed on Jun. 26, 2002, (66) PCT application US02/39418, filed on Dec. 10, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.92.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/346,309, attorney docket no. 25791.92, filed on Jan. 7, 2002, (67) PCT application US03/06544, filed on Mar. 4, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.93.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/372,048, attorney docket no. 25791.93, filed on Apr. 12, 2002, (68) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/331,718, attorney docket no. 25791.94, filed on Dec. 30, 2002, which is a divisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/679,906, filed on Oct. 5, 2000, attorney docket no. 25791.37.02, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,033, attorney docket no. 25791.37, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (69) PCT application US03/04837, filed on Feb. 29, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.95.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/363,829, attorney docket no. 25791.95, filed on Mar. 13, 2002, (70) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/261,927, attorney docket no. 25791.97, filed on Oct. 1, 2002, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on Jun. 7, 1999, (71) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/262,008, attorney docket no. 25791.98, filed on Oct. 1, 2002, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application Ser. 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No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (74) PCT application US03/10144, filed on Mar. 28, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.101.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/372,632, attorney docket no. 25791.101, filed on Apr. 15, 2002, (75) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,542, attorney docket no. 25791.102, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (76) PCT application US03/14153, filed on May 6, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.104.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/380,147, attorney docket no. 25791.104, filed on May 6, 2002, (77) PCT application US03/19993, filed on Jun. 24, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.106.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/397,284, attorney docket no. 25791.106, filed on Jul. 19, 2002, (78) PCT application US03/13787, filed on May 5, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.107.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/387,486, attorney docket no. 25791.107, filed on Jun. 10, 2002, (79) PCT application US03/18530, filed on Jun. 11, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.108.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/387,961, attorney docket no. 25791.108, filed on Jun. 12, 2002, (80) PCT application US03/20694, filed on Jul. 1, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.110.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/398,061, attorney docket no. 25791.110, filed on Jul. 24, 2002, (81) PCT application US 03/20870, filed on Jul. 2, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.111.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/399,240, attorney docket no. 25791.111, filed on Jul. 29, 2002, (82) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,487, attorney docket no. 25791.112, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (83) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,488, attorney docket no. 25791.114, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (84) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/280,356, attorney docket no. 25791.115, filed on Oct. 25, 2002, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,966, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/850,093, filed on May 7, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.55, as a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (85) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,177, attorney docket no. 25791.117, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (86) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,653, attorney docket no. 25791.118, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (87) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/405,610, attorney docket no. 25791.119, filed on Aug. 23, 2002, (88) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/405,394, attorney docket no. 25791.120, filed on Aug. 23, 2002, (89) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,544, attorney docket no. 25791.121, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (90) PCT application US03/24779, filed on Aug. 8, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.125.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/407,442, attorney docket no. 25791.125, filed on Aug. 30, 2002, (91) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/423,363, attorney docket no. 25791.126, filed on Dec. 10, 2002, (92) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,196, attorney docket no. 25791.127, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (93) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,187, attorney docket no. 25791.128, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (94) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,371, attorney docket no. 25791.129, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (95) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/382,325, attorney docket no. 25791.145, filed on Mar. 5, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on Jun. 7, 1999, (96) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/624,842, attorney docket no. 25791.151, filed on Jul. 22, 2003, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, attorney docket no. 25791.8.02, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/119,611, filed on Feb. 11, 1999, (97) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. 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No. 10/418,688, attorney docket no. 25791.257, which was filed on Apr. 18, 2003, as a division of U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (122) PCT patent application serial no. PCT/US04/06246, attorney docket no. 25791.238.02, filed on Feb. 26, 2004, (123) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/08170, attorney docket number 25791.40.02, filed on Mar. 15, 2004, (124) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/08171, attorney docket number 25791.236.02, filed on Mar. 15, 2004, (125) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/08073, attorney docket number 25791.262.02, filed on Mar. 18, 2004, (126) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/07711, attorney docket number 25791.253.02, filed on Mar. 11, 2004, (127) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/009434, attorney docket number 25791.260.02, filed on Mar. 26, 2004, (128) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010317, attorney docket number 25791.270.02, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, (129) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010712, attorney docket number 25791.272.02, filed on Apr. 7, 2004, and (130) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010762, attorney docket number 25791.273.02, filed on Apr. 6, 2004, and/or PCT application serial number PCT/US04/011973, attorney docket number 25791.277.02, filed on Apr. 15, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In an exemplary embodiment, the casing cutter assembly 14 is provided and operates substantially, at least in part, as disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/29858, attorney docket number 25791.112.02, filed on Sep. 22, 2003, and/or (2) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/07711, attorney docket number 25791.253.02, filed on Mar. 11, 2004, and/or (3) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/009434, attorney docket number 25791.260.02, filed on Mar. 26, 2004, and/or (4) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/10317, attorney docket number 25791.270.02, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, (5) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010712, attorney docket number 25791.272.02, filed on Apr. 7, 2004, and/or (6) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010762, attorney docket number 25791.273.02, filed on Apr. 6, 2004, and/or PCT application serial number PCT/US04/011973, attorney docket number 25791.277.02, filed on Apr. 15, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 11-1 and 11-2, 11A1 to 11A2, 11B1 to 11B2, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F, 11G, 11H, 11I, 11j, 11K, 11L, 11M, 11N, 11O, 11P, 11Q, 11R, 11S, 11T, 11U, 11V, 11W, 11X, 11Y, 11Z1 to 11Z4, 11AA1 to 11AA4, 11AB1 to 11AB4, 11AC1 to 11AC4, 11AD, and 11AE, the casing cutter assembly 14 includes an upper tubular tool joint 14002 that defines a longitudinal passage 14002a and mounting holes, 14002b and 14002c, and includes an internal threaded connection 14002d, an inner annular recess 14002e, an inner annular recess 14002f, and an internal threaded connection 14002g. A tubular torque plate 14004 that defines a longitudinal passage 14004a and includes circumferentially spaced apart teeth 14004b is received within, mates with, and is coupled to the internal annular recess 14002e of the upper tubular tool joint 14002.

Circumferentially spaced apart teeth 14006a of an end of a tubular lower mandrel 14006 that defines a longitudinal passage 14006b, a radial passage 14006ba, and a radial passage 14006bb and includes an external threaded connection 14006c, an external flange 14006d, an external annular recess 14006e having a step 14006f at one end, an external annular recess 14006g, external teeth 14006h, an external threaded connection 14006i, and an external annular recess 14006j engage the circumferentially spaced apart teeth 14004b of the tubular torque plate 14004. An internal threaded connection 14008a of an end of a tubular toggle bushing 14008 that defines a longitudinal passage 14008b, an upper longitudinal slot 14008c, a lower longitudinal slot 14008d, mounting holes, 14008e, 14008f, 14008g, 14008h, 14008i, 14008j, 14008k, 14008l, 14008m, 14008n, 14008o, 14008p, 14008q , 14008r, 14008s, 14008t, 14008u, 14008v, 14008w, 14008x, 14008xa, and 14008xb, and includes an external annular recess 14008y , internal annular recess 14008z, external annular recess 14008aa, and an external annular recess 14008ab receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 14006c of the tubular lower mandrel 14006.

A sealing element 14010 is received within the external annular recess 14008y of the tubular toggle bushing 14008 for sealing the interface between the tubular toggle bushing and the upper tubular tool joint 14002. A sealing element 14012 is received within the internal annular recess 14008z of the tubular toggle bushing 14008 for sealing the interface between the tubular toggle bushing and the tubular lower mandrel 14006.

Mounting screws, 14014a and 14014b, mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes, 14008w and 14008x, respectively, of the tubular toggle bushing 14008 are also received within the mounting holes, 14002b and 14002c, of the upper tubular tool joint 14002. Mounting pins, 14016a, 14016b, 14016c, 14016d, and 14016e, are mounted within the mounting holes, 14008e, 14008f, 14008g, 14008h, and 14008i, respectively. Mounting pins, 14018a, 14018b, 14018c, 14018d, and 14018e, are mounted within the mounting holes, 14008t, 14008s, 14008r, 14008q, and 14008p, respectively. Mounting screws, 14020a and 14020b, are mounted within the mounting holes, 14008u and 14008v, respectively.

A first upper toggle link 14022 defines mounting holes, 14022a and 14022b, for receiving the mounting pins, 14016a and 14016b, and includes a mounting pin 14022c at one end. A first lower toggle link 14024 defines mounting holes, 14024a, 14024b, and 14024c, for receiving the mounting pins, 14022c, 14016c, and 14016d, respectively and includes an engagement arm 14024d. A first trigger 14026 defines a mounting hole 14026a for receiving the mounting pin 14016e and includes an engagement arm 14026b at one end, an engagement member 14026c, and an engagement arm 14026d at another end.

A second upper toggle link 14028 defines mounting holes, 14028a and 14028b, for receiving the mounting pins, 14018a and 14018b, and includes a mounting pin 14028c at one end. A second lower toggle link 14030 defines mounting holes, 14030a, 14030b, and 14030c, for receiving the mounting pins, 14028c, 14018c, and 14018d, respectively and includes an engagement arm 14030d. A second trigger 14032 defines a mounting hole 14032a for receiving the mounting pin 14018e and includes an engagement arm 14032b at one end, an engagement member 14032c, and an engagement arm 14032d at another end.

An end of a tubular spring housing 14034 that defines a longitudinal passage 14034a, mounting holes, 14034b and 14034c, and mounting holes, 14034ba and 14034ca, and includes an internal flange 14034d and an internal annular recess 14034e at one end, and an internal flange 14034f, an internal annular recess 14034g, an internal annular recess 14034h, and an external threaded connection 14034i at another end receives and mates with the end of the tubular toggle bushing 14008. Mounting screws, 14035a and 14035b, are mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes, 14008xb and 14008xa, respectively, of the tubular toggle bushing 14008 and are received within the mounting holes, 14034ba and 14034ca, respectively, of the tubular spring housing 14034.

A tubular retracting spring ring 14036 that defines mounting holes, 14036a and 14036b, receives and mates with a portion of the tubular lower mandrel 14006 and is received within and mates with a portion of the tubular spring housing 14034. Mounting screws, 14038a and 14038b, are mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes, 14036a and 14036b, respectively, of the tubular retracting spring ring 14036 and extend into the mounting holes, 14034b and 14034c, respectively, of the tubular spring housing 14034.

Casing diameter sensor springs, 14040a and 14040b, are positioned within the longitudinal slots, 14008c and 1408d, respectively, of the tubular toggle bushing 14008 that engage the engagement members, 14026c and 14032c, and engagement arms, 14026d and 14032d, of the first and second triggers, 14026 and 14032, respectively. An inner flange 14042a of an end of a tubular spring washer 14042 mates with and receives a portion of the tubular lower mandrel 14006 and an end face of the inner flange of the tubular spring washer is positioned proximate and end face of the external flange 14006d of the tubular lower mandrel. The tubular spring washer 14042 is further received within the longitudinal passage 14034a of the tubular spring housing 14034.

An end of a retracting spring 14044 that receives the tubular lower mandrel 14006 is positioned within the tubular spring washer 14042 in contact with the internal flange 14042a of the tubular spring washer and the other end of the retracting spring is positioned in contact with an end face of the tubular retracting spring ring 14036.

A sealing element 14046 is received within the external annular recess 14006j of the tubular lower mandrel 14006 for sealing the interface between the tubular lower mandrel and the tubular spring housing 14034. A sealing element 14048 is received within the internal annular recess 14034h of the tubular spring housing 14034 for sealing the interface between the tubular spring housing and the tubular lower mandrel 14006.

An internal threaded connection 14050a of an end of a tubular upper hinge sleeve 14050 that includes an internal flange 14050b and an internal pivot 14050c receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 14034i of the end of the tubular spring housing 14034.

An external flange 14052a of a base member 14052b of an upper cam assembly 14052, that is mounted upon and receives the lower tubular mandrel 14006, that includes an internal flange 14052c that is received within the external annular recess 14006e of the lower tubular mandrel 14006 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 14052d extending from the base member mates with and is received within the tubular upper hinge sleeve 14050. The base member 14052b of the upper cam assembly 14052 further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth 14052f that mate with and are received within a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth 14034j provided on the end face of the tubular spring housing 14034 and an end face of the external flange 14052a of the base member of the upper cam assembly is positioned in opposing relation to an end face of the internal flange 14050b of the tubular upper hinge sleeve 14050. Each of the cam arms 14052d of the upper cam assembly 14052 include external cam surfaces 14052e. In an exemplary embodiment, the teeth 14052f of the base member 14052b of the upper cam assembly 14052 and the teeth 14034j provided on the end face of the tubular spring housing 14034 permit torsional loads to be transmitted between the tubular spring housing and the upper cam assembly.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart upper casing cutter segments 14054 are mounted upon and receive the lower tubular mandrel 14006 and each include an external pivot recess 14054a for mating with and receiving the internal pivot 14050c of the tubular upper hinge sleeve 14050 and an external flange 14054b and are pivotally mounted within the tubular upper hinge sleeve and are interleaved with the circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 14052d of the upper cam assembly 14052. A casing cutter element 14056 is coupled to and supported by the upper surface of each upper casing cutter segments 14054 proximate the external flange 14054b.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart lower casing cutter segments 14058 are mounted upon and receive the lower tubular mandrel 14006, are interleaved among the upper casing cutter segments 14054, are oriented in the opposite direction to the upper casing cutter segments 14054, each include an external pivot recess 14058a, and are positioned in opposing relation to corresponding circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 14052d of the upper cam assembly 14052.

A lower cam assembly 14060 is mounted upon and receives the lower tubular mandrel 14006 that includes a base member 14060a having an external flange 14060b, a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 14060d that extend from the base member that each include external cam surfaces 14060e and define mounting holes 14060f and 14060g. The base member 14060a of the lower cam assembly 14060 further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth 14060h. The circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 14060d of the lower cam assembly 14060 are interleaved among the lower casing cutter segments 14058 and the circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 14052d of the upper cam assembly 14052 and positioned in opposing relation to corresponding upper casing cutter segments 14054.

Mounting screws, 14062a, 14062b, 14062c, and 14062e, are mounted within the corresponding mounting holes, 14060f and 14060g, of the lower cam assembly 14060 and are received within the external annular recess 14006g of the lower cam assembly 14060.

A tubular lower hinge sleeve 14064 that receives the lower casing cutter segments 14058 and the lower cam assembly 14060 includes an internal flange 14064a for engaging the external flange 14060b of the base member of the lower cam assembly 14060, an internal pivot 14064b for engaging and receiving the external pivot recess 14058a of the lower casing cutter segments 14058 thereby pivotally mounting the lower casing cutter segments within the tubular lower hinge sleeve, and an internal threaded connection 14064c.

An external threaded connection 14066a of an end of a tubular sleeve 14066 that defines mounting holes, 14066b and 14066c, and includes an internal annular recess 14066d having a shoulder 14066e, an internal flange 14066f, and an internal threaded connection 14066g at another end is received within and coupled to the internal threaded connection 14064c of the tubular lower hinge sleeve 14064. An external threaded connection 14068a of an end of a tubular member 14068 that defines a longitudinal passage 14068b and mounting holes, 14068c and 14068d, and includes an external annular recess 14068e, and an external threaded connection 14068f at another end is received within and is coupled to the internal threaded connection 14066g of the tubular sleeve 14066.

Mounting screws, 14070a and 14070b, are mounted in and coupled to the mounting holes, 14068c and 14068d, respectively, of the tubular member 14068 that also extend into the mounting holes, 14066b and 14066c, respectively, of the tubular sleeve 14066. A sealing element 14072 is received within the external annular recess 14068e of the tubular member 14068 for sealing the interface between the tubular member and the tubular sleeve 14066.

An internal threaded connection 14074a of a tubular retracting piston 14074 that defines a longitudinal passage 14074b and includes an internal annular recess 14074c and an external annular recess 14074d receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 14006i of the tubular lower mandrel 14006. A sealing element 14076 is received within the external annular recess 14074d of the tubular retracting piston 14074 for sealing the interface between the tubular retracting piston and the tubular sleeve 14066. A sealing element 14078 is received within the internal annular recess 14074c of the tubular retracting piston 14074 for sealing the interface between the tubular retracting piston and the tubular lower mandrel 14006.

Locking dogs 14080 mate with and receive the external teeth 14006h of the tubular lower mandrel 14006. A spacer ring 14082 is positioned between an end face of the locking dogs 14080 and an end face of the lower cam assembly 14060. A release piston 14084 mounted upon the tubular lower mandrel 14006 defines a radial passage 14084a for mounting a burst disk 14086 includes sealing elements, 14084b, 14084c, and 14084d. The sealing elements, 14084b and 14084d, sealing the interface between the release piston 14084 and the tubular lower mandrel 14006. An end face of the release piston 14084 is positioned in opposing relation to an end face of the locking dogs 14080.

A release sleeve 14088 that receives and is mounted upon the locking dogs 14080 and the release piston 14084 includes an internal flange 14088a at one end that sealingly engages the tubular lower mandrel 14006. A bypass sleeve 14090 that receives and is mounted upon the release sleeve 14088 includes an internal flange 14090a at one end.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the casing cutter assembly 14, the retracting spring 14044 is compressed and thereby applies a biasing spring force in a direction 14092 from the lower tubular mandrel 14006 to the tubular spring housing 14034 that, in the absence of other forces, moves and/or maintains the upper cam assembly 14052 and the upper casing cutter segments 14054 out of engagement with the lower casing cutter segments 14058 and the lower cam assembly 14060. In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the casing cutter assembly 14, an external threaded connection 12a of an end of the tubular support member 12 is coupled to the internal threaded connection 14002d of the upper tubular tool joint 14002 and an internal threaded connection 16a of an end of the ball gripper assembly 16 is coupled to the external threaded connection 14068f of the tubular member 14068.

The upper cam assembly 14052 and the upper casing cutter segments 14054 may be brought into engagement with the lower casing cutter segments 14058 and the lower cam assembly 14060 by pressurizing an annulus 14094 defined between the lower tubular mandrel 14006 and the tubular spring housing 14034. In particular, injection of fluidic materials into the cam cutter assembly 14 through the longitudinal passage 14006b of the lower tubular mandrel 14006 and into the radial passage 14006ba may pressurize the annulus 14094 thereby creating sufficient operating pressure to generate a force in a direction 14096 sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the retracting spring 14044. As a result, the spring housing 14034 may be displaced in the direction 14096 relative to the lower tubular mandrel 14006 thereby displacing the tubular upper hinge sleeve 14050, upper cam assembly 14052 , and upper casing cutter segments 14054 in the direction 14096.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 11P, 11Q and 11R, the displacement of the upper cam assembly 14052 and upper casing cutter segments 14054 in the direction 14096 will cause the lower casing cutter segments 14058 to ride up the cam surfaces of the cam arms of the upper cam assembly 14052 while also pivoting about the lower tubular hinge segment 14064, and will also cause the upper casing cutter segments 14054 to ride up the cam surfaces of the cam arms of the lower cam assembly 14060 while also pivoting about the upper tubular hinge segment 14050.

In an exemplary embodiment, during the operation of the casing cutter assembly 14, when the upper and lower casing cutter segments, 14054 and 14058, brought into axial alignment in a radially expanded position, the casing cutter elements of the casing cutter segments are brought into intimate contact with the interior surface of a pre-selected portion of the expandable wellbore casing 100. The casing cutter assembly 14 may then be rotated to thereby cause the casing cutter elements to cut through the expandable wellbore casing. The portion of the expandable wellbore casing 100 cut away from the remaining portion on the expandable wellbore casing may then be carried out of the wellbore 102 with the cut away portion of the expandable wellbore casing supported by the casing cutter elements.

In an exemplary embodiment, the upper cam assembly 14052 and the upper casing cutter segments 14054 may be moved out of engagement with the lower casing cutter segments 14058 and the lower cam assembly 14060 by reducing the operating pressure within the annulus 14094.

In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 11S, 11T, 11U and 11V, during operation of the casing cutter assembly 14, the upper cam assembly 14052 and the upper casing cutter segments 14054 may also be moved out of engagement with the lower casing cutter segments 14058 and the lower cam assembly 14060 by sensing the operating pressure within the longitudinal passage 14006b of the lower tubular mandrel 14006. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 11T, if the operating pressure within the longitudinal passage 14006b and radial passage 14006bb of the lower tubular mandrel 14006 exceeds a predetermined value, the burst disc 14086 will open the passage 14084a thereby pressurizing the interior of the tubular release sleeve 14088 thereby displacing the tubular release sleeve 14088 downwardly in a direction 14092 away from engagement with the locking dogs 14080.

As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 11U, the locking dogs 14080 are displaced outwardly in the radial directed and thereby released from engagement with the lower tubular mandrel 14006 thereby permitting the lower casing cutter segments 14058 and the lower cam assembly 14060 to be displaced downwardly relative to the lower tubular mandrel.

As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 11V, the operating pressure within the lower tubular mandrel 14066 may then cause the lower tubular mandrel to be displaced downwardly in the direction 14094 relative to the tubular lower mandrel 14006 and the retracting piston 14074. As a result, the lower tubular mandrel 14066, the lower casing cutter segments 14058, the lower cam assembly 14060, and tubular lower hinge sleeve 14064 are displaced downwardly in the direction 14094 relative to the tubular spring housing 14034 thereby moving the lower casing cutter segments 14058 and the lower cam assembly 14060 out of engagement with the upper cam assembly 14052 and the upper casing cutter segments 14054.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 11W, 11X, and 11Y, during operation of the casing cutter assembly 14, the casing cutter assembly 14 senses the diameter of the expandable wellbore casing 100 using the upper toggle links, 14022 and 14028, lower toggle links, 14024 and 14030, and triggers, 14026 and 14032, and then prevents the engagement of the upper cam assembly 14052 and the upper casing cutter segments 14054 with the lower casing cutter segments 14058 and the lower cam assembly 14060.

In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 11W, anytime the upper toggle links, 14022 and 14028, and lower toggle links, 14024 and 14030, are positioned within a portion of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that has been radially expanded and plastically deformed by the system 10, the triggers, 14026 and 14032, will be pivoted by the engagement arms, 14024d and 14030d, of the lower toggle links, 14024 and 14030, to a position in which the triggers will no longer engage the internal flange 14034d of the end of the tubular spring housing 14034 thereby permitting the displacement of the tubular spring housing in the direction 14096. As a result, the upper cam assembly 14052 and the upper casing cutter segments 14054 can be brought into engagement with the lower casing cutter segments 14058 and the lower cam assembly 14060. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper toggle links, 14022 and 14028, and the lower toggle links, 14024 and 14030, are spring biased towards the position illustrated in FIG. 11W.

Conversely, as illustrated in FIG. 11X, anytime the upper toggle links, 14022 and 14028, and lower toggle links, 14024 and 14030, are positioned within a portion of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that has not been radially expanded and plastically deformed by the system 10, the triggers, 14026 and 14032, will be maintained in a position in which the triggers will engage the internal flange 14034d of the end of the tubular spring housing 14034 thereby preventing the displacement of the tubular spring housing in the direction 14096. As a result, the upper cam assembly 14052 and the upper casing cutter segments 14054 cannot be brought into engagement with the lower casing cutter segments 14058 and the lower cam assembly 14060. In an exemplary embodiment, the triggers, 14026 and 14032, are spring biased towards the position illustrated in FIG. 11X.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11Y, the tubular spring housing 14034 may be displaced upwardly in the direction 14098 even if the upper toggle links, 14022 and 14028, and lower toggle links, 14024 and 14030, are positioned within a portion of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that has not been radially expanded and plastically deformed by the system 10.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 11Z1 to 11Z4, 11AA1 to 11AA4, 11AB1 to 11AB4, 11AC1 to 11AC4, 11AD, and 11AE, the tubular spring housing 14034 of the casing cutter assembly 14 defines internal annular recesses 14034k and 140341, spaced apart by an internal flange 14034m, the tubular toggle bushing 14008 defines an external annular recess 14008ac, and the casing cutter assembly further includes pins, 14100a and 14100b and 14102a and 14102b, mounted in holes 14008j and 14008o and 14008k and 14008n, respectively, of the tubular toggle bushing, and a one-shot deactivation device 14104 mounted on the tubular toggle bushing between the pins, 14100a and 14100b and 14102a and 14102b.

The one-shot deactivation device 14104 includes a tubular body 14104a that defines radial holes, 14104b and 14014c, and includes an external annular recess 14104d at one end, a centrally positioned external flange 14104e, a centrally positioned internal annular recess 14104f, and an external annular recess 14104g at another end. An engagement member 14106 that includes a base member 14106a having a tapered end 14106b and a key member 14106c having a tapered end 14106d is received within a portion of the internal annular recess 14104f of the tubular body 14104a and an engagement member 14108 that includes a base member 14108a having a tapered end 14108b and a key member 14108c having a tapered end 14108d is received within an opposite portion of the internal annular recess 14104f of the tubular body 14104a. Spring members, 14110 and 14112, are received within the annular recess 14104f of the tubular body 14104a for biasing the base members, base member 14106a and 14108a, of the engagement members, 14106 and 14108, respectively, radially inwardly relative to the tubular body 14104a.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the casing cutter assembly 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 11Z1 to 11Z4, the one-shot deactivation device 14104 are positioned proximate and in intimate contact with the pins, 14102a and 14102b, with the tapered ends, 14106b and 14108b, of the base members, 14106a and 14108a, of the engagement members, 14106 and 14108, received within the external annular recess 14008ac of the tubular toggle bushing 14008. When the one-shot deactivation device 14104 is positioned as illustrated in FIG. 11Z, the external annular recess 14104d of the tubular body 14104a of the one-shot deactivation device is moved out of engagement with the engagement arms, 14026d and 14032d, of the triggers, 14026 and 14032, respectively. As a result, the triggers, 14026 and 14032, may operate normally as described above with reference to FIGS. 11W, 11X, and 11Y.

Conversely, in an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the casing cutter assembly 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 11AA1 to 11AA4, the one-shot deactivation device 14104 are positioned proximate and in intimate contact with the pins, 14100a and 14100b, with the tapered ends, 14106b and 14108b, of the base members, 14106a and 14108a, of the engagement members, 14106 and 14108, not received within the external annular recess 14008ac of the tubular toggle bushing 14008. When the one-shot deactivation device 14104 is positioned as illustrated in FIGS. 11AA1 to 11AA4, the external annular recess 14104d of the tubular body 14104a of the one-shot deactivation device is moved into engagement with the engagement arms, 14026d and 14032d, of the triggers, 14026 and 14032, respectively. As a result, the triggers, 14026 and 14032, are deactivated and may not operate normally as described above with reference to FIGS. 11W, 11X, and 11Y.

In an alternative embodiment, the elements of the casing cutter assembly 14 that sense the diameter of the expandable wellbore casing 100 may be disabled or omitted or adjusted to sense any pre-selected internal diameter of the expandable wellbore casing.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ball gripper assembly 16 is provided and operates substantially, at least in part, as disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/29859, attorney docket no. 25791.102.02, filed on Sep. 22, 2003, (2) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/14153, attorney docket number 25791.104.02, filed on Nov. 13, 2003, and/or (3) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/07711, attorney docket number 25791.253.02, filed on Mar. 11, 2004, and/or (4) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/009434, attorney docket number 25791.260.02, filed on Mar. 26, 2004, and/or (5) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010317, attorney docket number 25791.270.02, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, and/or (6) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010712, attorney docket number 25791.272.02, filed on Apr. 7, 2004, and/or (7) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010762, attorney docket number 25791.273.02, filed on Apr. 6, 2004, and/or PCT application serial number PCT/US04/011973, attorney docket number 25791.277.02, filed on Apr. 15, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A1 to 12A4, 12B and 12C1 to 12C4, the ball gripper assembly 16 includes an upper mandrel 1602 that defines a longitudinal passage 1602a and a radial passage 1602b and includes an internal threaded connection 1602c at one end, an external flange 1602d at an intermediate portion that includes an external annular recess 1602e having a shoulder 1602f and an external radial hole 1602g, an external annular recess 1602h, an external annular recess 1602i, an external annular recess 1602j having a tapered end 1602k including an external annular recess 1602ka, an external annular recess 16021, and an external annular recess 1602m, and an external annular recess 1602n, an external radial hole 1602o, an external annular recess 1602p, and an external annular recess 1602q at another end.

An upper tubular bushing 1604 defines an internally threaded radial opening 1604a and includes an external flange 1604b having an external annular recess 1604c and an internal annular recess 1604d mates with and receives the external flange 1602d of the upper mandrel 1602. In particular, the internal annular recess 1604d of the upper tubular bushing 1604 mates with the shoulder 1602f of the external annular recess 1602e of the upper mandrel 1602. A screw 1606 that is threadably coupled to the internally threaded radial opening 1604a of the upper tubular bushing 1604 extends into the external radial hole 1602g of the external flange 1602d of the upper mandrel 1602.

A deactivation tubular sleeve 1608 defines a radial passage 1608a and includes an internal annular recess 1608b that mates with and receives an end of the external annular recess 1604c of the external flange 1604b of the upper tubular bushing 1604, an internal annular recess 1608c that mates with and receives the external flange 1602d of the upper mandrel 1602, an internal annular recess 1608d, an internal annular recess 1608e, and an internal annular recess 1608f. A deactivation spring 1610 is received within an annulus 1612 defined between the internal annular recess 1608b of the deactivation tubular sleeve 1608, an end face of the external annular recess 1604c of the external flange 1604b of the upper tubular bushing 1604, and the external annular recess 1602h of the external flange 1602d of the upper mandrel 1602.

A sealing member 1614 is received with the external annular recess 1602i of the external flange 1602d of the upper mandrel 1602 for sealing the interface between the upper mandrel and the deactivation tubular sleeve 1608. An annular spacer element 1616 is received within the external annular recess 1602ka of the tapered end 1602k of the external annular recess 1602j of the upper mandrel 1602.

One or more inner engagement elements 1618a of a tubular coglet 1618 engage and are received within the external annular recess 1602ka of the tapered end 1602k of the external annular recess 1602j of the upper mandrel 1602 and one or more outer engagement elements 1618b of the coglet engage and are received within the internal annular recess 1608d of the deactivation tubular sleeve 1608.

An external annular recess 1620a of an end of a tubular coglet prop 1620 that includes an inner flange 1620b receives and mates with the inner surfaces of the outer engagement elements 1618b of the coglet 1618. The end of the tubular coglet prop 1620 further receives and mates with the external annular recess 1602j of the external flange 1602d of the upper mandrel 1602. A sealing element 1622 is received within the external annular recess 16021 of the upper mandrel 1602 for sealing the interface between the upper mandrel and the tubular coglet prop 1620.

An end of a tubular bumper sleeve 1624 that includes internal and external flanges, 1624a and 1624b, and a hole 1624c at another end mates with and receives the external annular recess 1602m of the external flange 1602d of the upper mandrel 1602. A coglet spring 1626 is received within an annulus 1628 defined between the external annular recess 1602m of the external flange 1602d of the upper mandrel 1602, the tubular coglet prop 1620, the inner flange 1620b of the tubular coglet prop, an end face of the tubular bumper sleeve 1624, and the internal annular recess 1608c of the deactivation tubular sleeve 1608.

A tubular ball race 1628 that defines a plurality of tapered annular recesses 1628a and an internally threaded radial opening 1628b and includes one or more axial engagement elements 1628c at one end and one or more axial engagement elements 1628d at another end receives and mates with the other end of the upper mandrel 1602. In an exemplary embodiment, the axial engagement elements 1628c of the tubular ball race 1628 are received within and are coupled to the hole 1624c of the tubular bumper sleeve 1624. An end of a tubular activation sleeve 1630 that defines a plurality of radial openings 1630a, a radial opening 1630b, a radial opening 1630c, and includes an internal annular recess 1630d receives and mates with the tubular ball race 1628. In an exemplary embodiment, an end face of an end of the tubular activation sleeve 1630 is positioned proximate and in opposing relation to an end face of an end of the deactivation sleeve 1608. In an exemplary embodiment, the radial openings 1630a are aligned with and positioned in opposing relation to corresponding of tapered annular recesses 1628a of the tubular ball race 1628, and the radial openings are also narrowed in cross section in the radial direction for reasons to be described.

Balls 1632 are received within each of the of tapered annular recesses 1628a and corresponding radial openings 1630a of the tubular ball race 1628 and tubular activation sleeve 1630, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the narrowed cross sections of the radial openings 1630a of the tubular activation sleeve 1630 will permit the balls 1632 to be displaced outwardly in the radial direction until at least a portion of the balls extends beyond the outer perimeter of the tubular activation sleeve to thereby permit engagement of the balls with an outer structure such as, for example, a wellbore casing.

A lower mandrel 1634 that defines a longitudinal passage 1634a and an internally threaded radial passage 1634b at one end and includes internal annular recesses, 1634c and 1634d, for receiving and mating with the external annular recesses, 1602p and 1602q, of the upper mandrel 1602, an internal annular recess 1634e, an external flange 1634f, and an externally threaded connection 1634g at another end. In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, the end of the lower mandrel 1634 further includes longitudinal recesses 1634h for receiving and mating with corresponding axial engagement elements 1628d of the tubular ball race 1628. A sealing element 1635 is received within the internal annular recess 1634d of the lower mandrel 1634 for sealing an interface between the lower mandrel and the external annular recess 1602p of the upper mandrel 1602.

A tubular spring retainer 1636 that defines a radial passage 1636a and includes an external annular recess 1636b at one end mates with and receives the end of the lower mandrel 1634 and is positioned proximate an end face of the external flange 1634f of the lower mandrel. A tubular spring retainer 1638 receives and mates with the end of the lower mandrel 1634 and is received and mates with the internal annular recess 1630d of the tubular activation sleeve 1630.

An activation spring 1640 is received within an annulus 1642 defined an end face of the tubular spring retainer 1638, an end face of the spring retainer 1636, the internal annular recess 1630d of the tubular activation sleeve 1630, and the end of the lower mandrel 1634. A retainer screw 1642 is received within and is threadably coupled to the internally threaded radial opening 1634b of the lower mandrel 1634 that also extends into the external radial hole 1602o of the upper mandrel 1602.

During operation of the ball gripper assembly 16, in an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A1 to 12A4, the ball gripper assembly may be positioned within the expandable wellbore casing 100 and the internally threaded connection 1602c of the upper mandrel 1602 may be coupled to an externally threaded connection 14a of an end of the casing cutter assembly 14 and the externally threaded connection 1634g of the lower mandrel 1634 may be coupled to an internally threaded connection 18a of an end of the tension actuator assembly 18.

In an alternative embodiment, the internally threaded connection 1602c of the upper mandrel 1602 may be coupled to an externally threaded connection of an end of the tension actuator assembly 18 and the externally threaded connection 1634g of the lower mandrel 1634 may be coupled to an internally threaded connection of an end of casing cutter assembly 14.

In an exemplary embodiment, the deactivation spring 1610 has a greater spring rate than the activation spring 1640. As a result, in an initial operating mode, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A1 to 12A4, a biasing spring force is applied to the deactivation sleeve 1608 and activation sleeve 1630 in a direction 1644 that maintains the activation sleeve in a position relative to the tubular ball race 1628 that maintains the balls 1632 within the radially inward portions of the corresponding tapered annular recesses 1628a of the tubular ball race such that the balls do not extend beyond the perimeter of the activation sleeve to engage the expandable wellbore casing 100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12C1 to 12C4, in an exemplary embodiment, the ball gripper 16 may be operated to engage the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing 100 by injecting a fluidic material 1650 into the ball gripper assembly through the longitudinal passages 1602a and 1634aa, of the upper and lower mandrels, 1602 and 1634, respectively.

In particular, when the longitudinal and radial passages, 1602a and 1602b, respectively, of the upper mandrel 1602 are pressurized by the injection of the fluidic material 1650, the internal annular recess 1608c of the deactivation tubular sleeve 1608 is pressurized. When the operating pressure of the fluidic material 1650 within the internal annular recess 1608c of the deactivation tubular sleeve 1608 is sufficient to overcome the biasing spring force of the deactivation spring 1610, the deactivation tubular sleeve is displaced in a direction 1652. As a result, the spring force provided by the activation spring 1640 then may displace the activation tubular sleeve 1630 in the direction 1652 thereby moving the balls 1632 on the corresponding tapered annular recesses 1628a of the tubular ball race 1628 outwardly in a radial direction into engagement with the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the operating pressure of the fluidic material 1650 sufficient to overcome the biasing spring force of the deactivation spring 1610 was about 100 psi.

In an exemplary embodiment, when the operating pressure of the fluidic material 1650 is reduced, the operating pressure of the fluidic material 1650 within the internal annular recess 1608c of the deactivation tubular sleeve 1608 is no longer sufficient to overcome the biasing spring force of the deactivation spring 1610, and the deactivation tubular sleeve and the activation tubular sleeve 1630 are displaced in a direction opposite to the direction 1652 thereby moving the balls 1632 radially inwardly and out of engagement with the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ball gripper assembly 16 is operated to engage the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing 100 in combination with the operation of the tension actuator assembly 18 to apply an upward tensile force to one or more elements of the system 10 coupled to and positioned below the tension actuator assembly. As a result, a reaction force comprising a downward tensile force is applied to the lower mandrel 1634 of the ball gripper assembly 16 in a direction opposite to the direction 1652 during the operation of the tension actuator assembly 18. Consequently, due to the geometry of the tapered 1628a of the tubular ball race 1628, the balls 1632 are driven up the tapered annular recesses 1628a of the tubular ball race 1628 with increased force and the contact force between the balls 1632 and the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing 100 is significantly increased thereby correspondingly increasing the gripping force and effect of the ball gripper assembly.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ball gripper assembly 16 may be operated to radially expand and plastically deform discrete portions of the expandable wellbore casing 100 by controlling the amount of contact force applied to the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing by the balls 1632 of the ball gripper assembly. In an experimental test of an exemplary embodiment of the ball gripper assembly 16, an expandable wellbore casing was radially expanded and plastically deformed. This was an unexpected result.

In an exemplary embodiment, the tension actuator assembly 18 operates and is provided substantially, at least in part, as disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US02/36267, attorney docket number 25791.88.02, filed on Nov. 12, 2002, and/or (2) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/29859, attorney docket no. 25791.102.02, filed on Sep. 22, 2003, and/or (3) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/14153, attorney docket number 25791.104.02, filed on Nov. 13, 2003, and/or (4) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/29460, attorney docket number 25791.114.02, filed on Sep. 23, 2003, and/or (5) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/07711, attorney docket number 25791.253.02, filed on Mar. 11, 2004, and/or (6) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/009434, attorney docket number 25791.260.02, filed on Mar. 26, 2004, and/or (7) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010317, attorney docket number 25791.270.02, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, and/or (8) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010712, attorney docket number 25791.272.02, filed on Apr. 7, 2004, and/or (9) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010762, attorney docket number 25791.273.02, filed on Apr. 6, 2004, and/or PCT application serial number PCT/US04/011973, attorney docket number 25791.277.02, filed on Apr. 15, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A1 to 13A8 and 13B1 to 13B7, the tension actuator assembly 18 includes an upper tubular support member 18002 that defines a longitudinal passage 18002a, and external internally threaded radial openings, 18002b and 18002c, and an external annular recess 18002d and includes an internally threaded connection 18002e at one end and an external flange 18002f, an external annular recess 18002g having an externally threaded connection, and an internal annular recess 18002h having an internally threaded connection at another end. An end of a tubular actuator barrel 18004 that defines radial passages, 18004a and 18004b, at one end and radial passages, 18004c and 18004d, includes an internally threaded connection 18004e at one end that mates with, receives, and is threadably coupled to the external annular recess 18002g of the upper tubular support member 18002 and abuts and end face of the external flange 18002f of the upper tubular support member and an internally threaded connection 18004f at another end.

Torsional locking pins, 18006a and 18006b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18002b and 18002c, respectively, of the upper tubular support member and received within the radial passages, 18004a and 18004b, of the end of the tubular actuator barrel 18004. The other end of the tubular actuator barrel 18004 receives and is threadably coupled to an end of a tubular barrel connector 18008 that defines an internal annular recess 18008a, external radial mounting holes, 18008b and 18008c, radial passages, 18008d and 18008e, and external radial mounting holes, 18008f and 18008g and includes circumferentially spaced apart teeth 18008h at one end. A sealing cartridge 18010 is received within and coupled to the internal annular recess 18008a of the tubular barrel connector 18008 for fluidicly sealing the interface between the tubular barrel connector and the sealing cartridge. Torsional locking pins, 18012a and 18012b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18008b and 18008c, respectively, of the tubular barrel connector 18008 and received within the radial passages, 18004c and 18004d, of the tubular actuator barrel 18004.

A tubular member 18014 that defines a longitudinal passage 18014a having one or more internal splines 18014b at one end and circumferentially spaced apart teeth 18014c at another end for engaging the circumferentially spaced apart teeth 18008h of the tubular barrel connector 18008 mates with and is received within the actuator barrel 18004 and the one end of the tubular member abuts an end face of the other end of the upper tubular support member 18002 and at another end abuts and end face of the tubular barrel connector 18008. A tubular guide member 18016 that defines a longitudinal passage 18016a having a tapered opening 18016aa, and radial passages, 18016b and 18016c, includes an external flange 18016d having an externally threaded connection at one end that is received within and coupled to the internal annular recess 18002h of the upper tubular support member 18002.

The other end of the tubular barrel connector 18008 is threadably coupled to and is received within an end of a tubular actuator barrel 18018 that defines a longitudinal passage 18018a, radial passages, 18018b and 18018c, and radial passages, 18018d and 18018e. Torsional locking pins, 18020a and 18020b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18008f and 18008g, respectively, of the tubular barrel connector 18008 and received within the radial passages, 18018b and 18018c, of the tubular actuator barrel 18018. The other end of the tubular actuator barrel 18018 receives and is threadably coupled to an end of a tubular barrel connector 18022 that defines an internal annular recess 18022a, external radial mounting holes, 18022b and 18022c, radial passages, 18022d and 18022e, and external radial mounting holes, 18022f and 18022g. A sealing cartridge 18024 is received within and coupled to the internal annular recess 18022a of the tubular barrel connector 18022 for fluidicly sealing the interface between the tubular barrel connector and the sealing cartridge. Torsional locking pins, 18024a and 18024b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18022b and 18022c, respectively, of the barrel connector 18022 and received within the radial passages, 18018d and 18018e, of the tubular actuator barrel 18018.

The other end of the tubular barrel connector 18022 is threadably coupled to and is received within an end of a tubular actuator barrel 18026 that defines a longitudinal passage 18026a, radial passages, 18026b and 18026c, and radial passages, 18026d and 18026e. Torsional locking pins, 18028a and 18028b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18022f and 18022g, respectively, of the tubular barrel connector 18022 and received within the radial passages, 18026b and 18026c, of the tubular actuator barrel 18026. The other end of the tubular actuator barrel 18026 receives and is threadably coupled to an end of a tubular barrel connector 18030 that defines an internal annular recess 18030a, external radial mounting holes, 18030b and 18030c, radial passages, 18030d and 18030e, and external radial mounting holes, 18030f and 18030g. A sealing cartridge 18032 is received within and coupled to the internal annular recess 18030a of the tubular barrel connector 18030 for fluidicly sealing the interface between the tubular barrel connector and the sealing cartridge. Torsional locking pins, 18034a and 18034b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18030b and 18030c, respectively, of the tubular barrel connector 18030 and received within the radial passages, 18026d and 18026e, of the tubular actuator barrel 18026.

The other end of the tubular barrel connector 18030 is threadably coupled to and is received within an end of a tubular actuator barrel 18036 that defines a longitudinal passage 18036a, radial passages, 18036b and 18036c, and radial passages, 18036d and 18036e. Torsional locking pins, 18038a and 18038b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18030f and 18030g, respectively, of the tubular barrel connector 18030 and received within the radial passages, 18036b and 18036c, of the tubular actuator barrel 18036. The other end of the tubular actuator barrel 18036 receives and is threadably coupled to an end of a tubular barrel connector 18040 that defines an internal annular recess 18040a, external radial mounting holes, 18040b and 18040c, radial passages, 18040d and 18040e, and external radial mounting holes, 18040f and 18040g. A sealing cartridge 18042 is received within and coupled to the internal annular recess 18040a of the tubular barrel connector 18040 for fluidicly sealing the interface between the tubular barrel connector and the sealing cartridge. Torsional locking pins, 18044a and 18044b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18040b and 18040c, respectively, of the tubular barrel connector 18040 and received within the radial passages, 18036d and 18036e, of the tubular actuator barrel 18036.

The other end of the tubular barrel connector 18040 is threadably coupled to and is received within an end of a tubular actuator barrel 18046 that defines a longitudinal passage 18046a, radial passages, 18046b and 18046c, and radial passages, 18046d and 18046e. Torsional locking pins, 18048a and 18048b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18040f and 18040g, respectively, of the tubular barrel connector 18040 and received within the radial passages, 18046b and 18046c, of the tubular actuator barrel 18046. The other end of the tubular actuator barrel 18046 receives and is threadably coupled to an end of a tubular barrel connector 18050 that defines an internal annular recess 18050a, external radial mounting holes, 18050b and 18050c, radial passages, 18050d and 18050e, and external radial mounting holes, 18050f and 18050g. A sealing cartridge 18052 is received within and coupled to the internal annular recess 18050a of the tubular barrel connector 18050 for fluidicly sealing the interface between the tubular barrel connector and the sealing cartridge. Torsional locking pins, 18054a and 18054b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18050b and 18050c, respectively, of the tubular barrel connector 18050 and received within the radial passages, 18046d and 18046e, of the tubular actuator barrel 18046.

The other end of the tubular barrel connector 18050 is threadably coupled to and is received within an end of a tubular actuator barrel 18056 that defines a longitudinal passage 18056a, radial passages, 18056b and 18056c, and radial passages, 18056d and 18056e. Torsional locking pins, 18058a and 18058b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18050f and 18050g, respectively, of the tubular barrel connector 18050 and received within the radial passages, 18056b and 18056c, of the tubular actuator barrel 18056. The other end of the tubular actuator barrel 18056 receives and is threadably coupled to an end of a tubular lower stop 18060 that defines an internal annular recess 18060a, external radial mounting holes, 18060b and 18060c, and an internal annular recess 18060d that includes one or more circumferentially spaced apart locking teeth 18060e at one end and one or more circumferentially spaced apart locking teeth 18060f at the other end. A sealing cartridge 18062 is received within and coupled to the internal annular recess 18060a of the tubular lower stop 18060 for fluidicly sealing the interface between the tubular lower stop and the sealing cartridge. Torsional locking pins, 18064a and 18064b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18060b and 18060c, respectively, of the tubular lower stop 18060 and received within the radial passages, 18056d and 18056e, of the tubular actuator barrel 18056.

A connector tube 18066 that defines a longitudinal passage 18066a and radial mounting holes, 18066b and 18066c, and includes external splines 18066d at one end for engaging the internal splines 18014b of the tubular member 18014 and radial mounting holes, 18066e and 18066f, at another end is received within and sealingly and movably engages the interior surface of the sealing cartridge 18010 mounted within the annular recess 18008a of the tubular barrel connector 18008. In this manner, during longitudinal displacement of the connector tube 18066 relative to the tubular barrel connector 18008, a fluidic seal is maintained between the exterior surface of the connector tube and the interior surface of the tubular barrel connector. An end of the connector tube 18066 also receives and mates with the other end of the tubular guide member 18016. Mounting screws, 18068a and 18068b, are coupled to and received within the radial mounting holes, 18066b and 18066c, respectively of the connector tube 18066.

The other end of the connector tube 18066 is received within and threadably coupled to an end of a tubular piston 18070 that defines a longitudinal passage 18070a, radial mounting holes, 18070b and 18070c, radial passages, 18070d and 18070e, and radial mounting holes, 18070f and 18070g, that includes a flange 18070h at one end. A sealing cartridge 18072 is mounted onto and sealingly coupled to the exterior of the tubular piston 18070 proximate the flange 18070h. The sealing cartridge 18072 also mates with and sealingly engages the interior surface of the tubular actuator barrel 18018. In this manner, during longitudinal displacement of the tubular piston 18070 relative to the actuator barrel 18018, a fluidic seal is maintained between the exterior surface of the piston and the interior surface of the actuator barrel. Mounting screws, 18074a and 18074b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18070b and 18070c, respectively, of the tubular piston 18070 and received within the radial passages, 18066e and 18066f, of the connector tube 18066.

The other end of the tubular piston 18070 receives and is threadably coupled to an end of a connector tube 18076 that defines a longitudinal passage 18076a, radial mounting holes, 18076b and 18076c, at one end and radial mounting holes, 18076d and 18076e, at another end. The connector tube 18076 is received within and sealingly and movably engages the interior surface of the sealing cartridge 18024 mounted within the annular recess 18022a of the tubular barrel connector 18022. In this manner, during longitudinal displacement of the connector tube 18076 relative to the tubular barrel connector 18022, a fluidic seal is maintained between the exterior surface of the connector tube and the interior surface of the barrel connector. Mounting screws, 18078a and 18078b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18070f and 18070g, respectively, of the tubular piston 18070 and received within the radial passages, 18076b and 18076c, of the connector tube 18076.

The other end of the connector tube 18076 is received within and threadably coupled to an end of a tubular piston 18080 that defines a longitudinal passage 18080a, radial mounting holes, 18080b and 18080c, radial passages, 18080d and 18080e, and radial mounting holes, 18080f and 18080g, that includes a flange 18080h at one end. A sealing cartridge 18082 is mounted onto and sealingly coupled to the exterior of the tubular piston 18080 proximate the flange 18080h. The sealing cartridge 18082 also mates with and sealingly engages the interior surface of the tubular actuator barrel 18026. In this manner, during longitudinal displacement of the tubular piston 18080 relative to the tubular actuator barrel 18026, a fluidic seal is maintained between the exterior surface of the piston and the interior surface of the actuator barrel. Mounting screws, 18084a and 18084b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18080b and 18080c, respectively, of the tubular piston 18080 and received within the radial passages, 18076e and 18076f, of the connector tube 18076.

The other end of the tubular piston 18080 receives and is threadably coupled to an end of a connector tube 18086 that defines a longitudinal passage 18086a, radial mounting holes, 18086b and 18086c, at one end and radial mounting holes, 18086d and 18086e, at another end. The connector tube 18086 is received within and sealingly and movably engages the interior surface of the sealing cartridge 18032 mounted within the annular recess 18030a of the tubular barrel connector 18030. In this manner, during longitudinal displacement of the connector tube 18086 relative to the tubular barrel connector 18030, a fluidic seal is maintained between the exterior surface of the connector tube and the interior surface of the barrel connector. Mounting screws, 18088a and 18088b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18080f and 18080g, respectively, of the tubular piston 18080 and received within the radial passages, 18086b and 18086c, of the connector tube 18086.

The other end of the connector tube 18086 is received within and threadably coupled to an end of a tubular piston 18090 that defines a longitudinal passage 18090a, radial mounting holes, 18090b and 18090c, radial passages, 18090d and 18090e, and radial mounting holes, 18090f and 18090g, that includes a flange 18090h at one end. A sealing cartridge 18092 is mounted onto and sealingly coupled to the exterior of the tubular piston 18090 proximate the flange 18090h. The sealing cartridge 18092 also mates with and sealingly engages the interior surface of the tubular actuator barrel 18036. In this manner, during longitudinal displacement of the tubular piston 18090 relative to the tubular actuator barrel 18036, a fluidic seal is maintained between the exterior surface of the piston and the interior surface of the actuator barrel. Mounting screws, 18094a and 18094b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18090b and 18090c, respectively, of the tubular piston 18090 and received within the radial passages, 18086e and 18086f, of the connector tube 18086.

The other end of the tubular piston 18090 receives and is threadably coupled to an end of a connector tube 18096 that defines a longitudinal passage 18096a, radial mounting holes, 18096b and 18096c, at one end and radial mounting holes, 18096d and 18096e, at another end. The connector tube 18096 is received within and sealingly and movably engages the interior surface of the sealing cartridge 18042 mounted within the annular recess 18040a of the tubular barrel connector 18040. In this manner, during longitudinal displacement of the connector tube 18096 relative to the tubular barrel connector 18040, a fluidic seal is maintained between the exterior surface of the connector tube and the interior surface of the barrel connector. Mounting screws, 18098a and 18098b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18090f and 18090g, respectively, of the tubular piston 18090 and received within the radial passages, 18096b and 18096c, of the connector tube 18096.

The other end of the connector tube 18096 is received within and threadably coupled to an end of a tubular piston 18100 that defines a longitudinal passage 18100a, radial mounting holes, 18100b and 18100c, radial passages, 18100d and 18100e, and radial mounting holes, 18100f and 18100g, that includes a flange 18100h at one end. A sealing cartridge 18102 is mounted onto and sealingly coupled to the exterior of the tubular piston 18100 proximate the flange 18100h. The sealing cartridge 18102 also mates with and sealingly engages the interior surface of the tubular actuator barrel 18046. In this manner, during longitudinal displacement of the tubular piston 18100 relative to the tubular actuator barrel 18046, a fluidic seal is maintained between the exterior surface of the piston and the interior surface of the actuator barrel. Mounting screws, 18104a and 18104b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18100b and 18100c, respectively, of the tubular piston 18100 and received within the radial passages, 18096e and 18096f, of the connector tube 18096.

The other end of the tubular piston 18100 receives and is threadably coupled to an end of a connector tube 18106 that defines a longitudinal passage 18106a, radial mounting holes, 18106b and 18106c, at one end and radial mounting holes, 18106d and 18106e, at another end. The connector tube 18106 is received within and sealingly and movably engages the interior surface of the sealing cartridge 18052 mounted within the annular recess 18050a of the tubular barrel connector 18050. In this manner, during longitudinal displacement of the connector tube 18106 relative to the tubular barrel connector 18050, a fluidic seal is maintained between the exterior surface of the connector tube and the interior surface of the barrel connector. Mounting screws, 18108a and 18108b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18100f and 18100g, respectively, of the tubular piston 18100 and received within the radial passages, 18106b and 18106c, of the connector tube 18106.

The other end of the connector tube 18106 is received within and threadably coupled to an end of a tubular piston 18110 that defines a longitudinal passage 18110a, radial mounting holes, 18110b and 18110c, radial passages, 18110d and 18110e, radial mounting holes, 18110f and 18110g, that includes a flange 18110h at one end and circumferentially spaced teeth 18110i at another end for engaging the one or more circumferentially spaced apart locking teeth 18060e of the tubular lower stop 18060. A sealing cartridge 18112 is mounted onto and sealingly coupled to the exterior of the tubular piston 18110 proximate the flange 18110h. The sealing cartridge 18112 also mates with and sealingly engages the interior surface of the actuator barrel 18056. In this manner, during longitudinal displacement of the tubular piston 18110 relative to the actuator barrel 18056, a fluidic seal is maintained between the exterior surface of the piston and the interior surface of the actuator barrel. Mounting screws, 18114a and 18114b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18110b and 18110c, respectively, of the tubular piston 18110 and received within the radial passages, 18106d and 18106e, of the connector tube 18106.

The other end of the tubular piston 18110 receives and is threadably coupled to an end of a connector tube 18116 that defines a longitudinal passage 18116a, radial mounting holes, 18116b and 18116c, at one end and radial mounting holes, 18116d and 18116e, at another end that includes an external flange 18116f that includes circumferentially spaced apart teeth 18116g that extend from an end face of the external flange for engaging the teeth 18060f of the tubular lower stop 18060, and an externally threaded connection 18116h at another end. The connector tube 18116 is received within and sealingly and movably engages the interior surface of the sealing cartridge 18062 mounted within the annular recess 18060a of the lower tubular stop 18060. In this manner, during longitudinal displacement of the connector tube 18116 relative to the lower tubular stop 18060, a fluidic seal is maintained between the exterior surface of the connector tube and the interior surface of the lower tubular stop. Mounting screws, 18118a and 18118b, are coupled to and mounted within the external radial mounting holes, 18110f and 18110g, respectively, of the tubular piston 18110 and received within the radial passages, 18116b and 18116c, of the connector tube 18116.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A1 to 13A8, the internally threaded connection 18002e of the upper tubular support member 18002 receives and is coupled to the externally threaded connection 1234g of the lower mandrel 1234 of the ball grabber assembly 16 and the externally threaded connection 18116h of the connector tube 18116 is received within and is coupled to an internally threaded connection 20a of an end of the safety sub assembly 20.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A1 to 13A8, during operation of the tension actuator assembly 18, the tension actuator assembly is positioned within the expandable wellbore casing 100 and fluidic material 18200 is injected into the tension actuator assembly through the passages 18002a, 18016a, 18066a, 18070a, 18076a, 18080a, 18086a, 18090a, 18096a, 18100a, 18106a, 18110a, and 18116a. The injected fluidic material 18200 will also pass through the radial passages, 18070d and 18070e, 18080d and 18080e, 18090d and 18090e, 18100d and 18100e, 18110d and 18110e, of the tubular pistons, 18070, 18080, 18090, 18100, and 18110, respectively, into annular piston chambers, 18202, 18204, 18206, 18208, 18208, and 18210.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13B1 to 13B7, the operating pressure of the fluidic material 18200 may then be increased by, for example, controllably blocking or limiting the flow of the fluidic material through the passage 18116a and/or increasing the operating pressure of the outlet of a pumping device for injecting the fluidic material 18200 into the tension actuator assembly 18. As a result, of the increased operating pressure of the fluidic material 18200 within the tension actuator assembly 18, the operating pressures of the annular piston chambers, 18202, 18204, 18206, 18208, 18208, and 18210, will be increased sufficiently to displace the tubular pistons, 18070, 18080, 18090, 18100, and 18110, upwardly in the direction 18212 thereby also displacing the connector tube 18116. As a result, a upward tensile force is applied to all elements of the system 10 coupled to and positioned below the connector tube 18116. In an exemplary embodiment, during the upward displacement of the tubular pistons, 18070, 18080, 18090, 18100, and 18110, fluidic materials displaced by the tubular pistons within discharge annular chambers, 18214, 18216, 18218, 18220, and 18222 are exhausted out of the tension actuator assembly 18 through the radial passages, 18008d and 18008e, 18022d and 18022e, 18030d and 18030e, 18040d and 18040e, 18050d and 18050e, respectively. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the upward displacement of the tubular pistons, 18070, 18080, 18090, 18100, and 18110, further causes the external splines 18066d of the connector tube 18066 to engage the internal splines 18014b of the tubular member 18014 and the circumferentially spaced apart teeth 18116g of the connector tube 18116 to engage the circumferentially spaced teeth 18060f of the tubular lower stop 18060. As a result of the interaction of the external splines 18066d of the connector tube 18066 to engage the internal splines 18014b of the tubular member 18014 and the circumferentially spaced apart teeth 18116g of the connector tube 18116 to engage the circumferentially spaced teeth 18060f of the tubular lower stop 18060, torsional loads may be transmitted through the tension actuator assembly 18.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 14A, the safety sub assembly 20 includes a tubular body 200a that defines a longitudinal passage 200b and includes an external flange 200c and an internal annular recess 200d at one end, and external annular recesses, 200e, 200f, 200g, and 200h at another end. A sealing member 202 is positioned within the external annular recess 200h at the other end of the tubular body 200a.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C, the sealing cup assembly 22 includes an upper tubular mandrel 2202 that defines a longitudinal passage 2202a and internally threaded radial mounting holes, 2202b and 2202c, and includes an internal annular recess 2202d at one end, an internal annular recess 2202e, an internal annular recess 2202f, an internal annular recess 2202g, and an internally threaded internal annular recess 2202h and an external flange 2202i at another end. The internal annular recesses, 2202d, 2202e, and 2202f, of the upper tubular mandrel 2202 of the sealing cup assembly 22 receive, mate with, and are coupled to the other end of the tubular body 200a of the safety sub assembly 20.

An externally threaded end of a lower tubular mandrel 2204 that defines a longitudinal passage 2204a and includes an external annular recess 2204b at one end, an external annular recess 2204c, an external flange 2204d, an external annular recess 2204e, an externally threaded external flange 2204f, and an external annular recess 2204g at another end mates with, is received within, and is coupled to the internal annular recesses, 2202g and 2202h, of the other end of the upper tubular mandrel 2202.

Mounting screws, 2250a and 2205b, are received within and coupled to the mounting holes, 2202c and 2202b, respectively, of the tubular mandrel 2202 that extend into and engage the external annular recess 2204c of the lower tubular mandrel 2204.

A tubular cup seal spacer 2206 receives and is mounted upon the lower tubular mandrel 2204 proximate the external flange 2202i of the upper tubular mandrel 2202. A tubular cup seal retainer 2208 that includes an internal flange 2208a at one end receives and is mounted upon the lower tubular mandrel 2204 proximate the tubular cup seal spacer 2206. A tubular cup seal retainer 2210 that includes an internal flange 2210a at one end receives and is mounted upon the lower tubular mandrel 2204 proximate the other end of the tubular cup seal retainer 2208. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular cup seal retainer 2210 is nested within the other end of the tubular cup seal retainer 2208. A tubular cup seal 2212 that includes an internal flange 2212a at one end receives and is mounted upon the lower tubular mandrel 2204 proximate the other end of the tubular cup seal retainer 2210. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular cup seal 2212 is nested within the other end of the tubular cup seal retainer 2210.

A sealing member 2211 is received within the external annular recess 2204b of the lower tubular mandrel 2204 for sealing the interface between the lower tubular mandrel and the upper tubular mandrel 2202.

A tubular spacer 2214 receives and is mounted upon the lower tubular mandrel 2204 proximate the other end of the tubular cup seal 2212.

A tubular cup seal spacer 2216 receives and is mounted upon the lower tubular mandrel 2204 proximate the other end of the tubular spacer 2214. A tubular cup seal retainer 2218 that includes an internal flange 2218a at one end receives and is mounted upon the lower tubular mandrel 2204 proximate the other end of the tubular cup seal spacer 2216. A tubular cup seal retainer 2220 that includes an internal flange 2220a at one end receives and is mounted upon the lower tubular mandrel 2204 proximate the other end of the tubular cup seal retainer 2218. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular cup seal retainer 2220 is nested within the other end of the tubular cup seal retainer 2218. A tubular cup seal 2222 that includes an internal flange 2222a at one end receives and is mounted upon the lower tubular mandrel 2204 proximate the other end of the tubular cup seal retainer 2220. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular cup seal 2222 is nested within the other end of the tubular cup seal retainer 2220.

A tubular spacer 2224 receives and is mounted upon the lower tubular mandrel 2204 proximate the other end of the tubular cup seal 2222 at one end and proximate the external flange 2204d of the lower tubular mandrel at another end. A retaining ring 2226 receives and is mounted upon the other end of the tubular spacer 2224 proximate the external flange 2204d of the lower tubular mandrel 2204.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system 10, the end of the tubular body 200a of the safety sub assembly 20 is coupled to and receives and is coupled to an end of the tension actuator assembly 18 and the other end of the lower tubular mandrel 2204 of the sealing cup assembly 22 is received within and is coupled to an end of the casing lock assembly 24.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system 10, the tubular cup seals, 2212 and/or 2222, sealingly engage the interior surface of the expandable tubular member 100. In this manner, when an annulus defined between the system 10 and the expandable wellbore casing 10, below the tubular cup seals, 2212 and/or 2222, is pressurized, the resulting pressure differential across the tubular cup seals applies an upward tensile force to the system thereby pulling the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 and/or the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 through the expandable wellbore casing. In this manner, the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 and/or the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30, if either or both are adjusted to an outside diameter suitable for a radial expansion operation, may radially expand and plastically deform the expandable wellbore casing 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing cup assembly 22 operates and is provided substantially, at least in part, as disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US02/36157, attorney docket number 25791.87.02, filed on Nov. 12, 2002, and/or (2) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US02/36267, attorney docket number 25791.88.02, filed on Nov. 12, 2002, and/or (3) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/04837, attorney docket number 25791.95.02, filed on Feb. 29, 2003, and/or (4) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/29859, attorney docket no. 25791.102.02, filed on Sep. 22, 2003, and/or (5) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/14153, attorney docket number 25791.104.02, filed on Nov. 13, 2003, and/or (6) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/18530, attorney docket number 25791.108.02, filed on Jun. 11, 2003, and/or (7) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/07711, attorney docket number 25791.253.02, filed on Mar. 11, 2004, and/or (8) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/009434, attorney docket number 25791.260.02, filed on Mar. 26, 2004, and/or (9) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010317, attorney docket number 25791.270.02, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, and/or (10) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010712, attorney docket number 25791.272.02, filed on Apr. 7, 2004, and/or (11) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010762, attorney docket number 25791.273.02, filed on Apr. 6, 2004, and/or PCT application serial number PCT/US04/011973, attorney docket number 25791.277.02, filed on Apr. 15, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In an exemplary embodiment, the casing lock assembly 24 operates and is provided substantially, at least in part, as disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US02/36267, attorney docket number 25791.88.02, filed on Nov. 12, 2002, and/or (2) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/29859, attorney docket no. 25791.102.02, filed on Sep. 22, 2003, and/or (3) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/14153, attorney docket number 25791.104.02, filed on Nov. 13, 2003, and/or (4) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/07711, attorney docket number 25791.253.02, filed on Mar. 11, 2004, and/or (5) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/009434, attorney docket number 25791.260.02, filed on Mar. 26, 2004, and/or (6) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010317, attorney docket number 25791.270.02, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, and/or (7) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010712, attorney docket number 25791.272.02, filed on Apr. 7, 2004, and/or (8) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010762, attorney docket number 25791.273.02, filed on Apr. 6, 2004, and/or PCT application serial number PCT/US04/011973, attorney docket number 25791.277.02, filed on Apr. 15, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In an exemplary embodiment, the extension actuator assembly 26 operates and is provided substantially, at least in part, as disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US02/36267, attorney docket number 25791.88.02, filed on Nov. 12, 2002, and/or (2) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/29859, attorney docket no. 25791.102.02, filed on Sep. 22, 2003, and/or (3) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/13787, attorney docket number 25791.107.02, filed on May 5, 2003, and/or (4) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/29460, attorney docket number 25791.114.02, filed on Sep. 22, 2003, and/or (5) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/07711, attorney docket number 25791.253.02, filed on Mar. 11, 2004, and/or (6) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/009434, attorney docket number 25791.260.02, filed on Mar. 26, 2004, and/or (7) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010317, attorney docket number 25791.270.02, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, and/or (8) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010712, attorney docket number 25791.272.02, filed on Apr. 7, 2003, and/or (9) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010762, attorney docket number 25791.273.02, filed on Apr. 6, 2003, and/or PCT application serial number PCT/US04/011973, attorney docket number 25791.277.02, filed on Apr. 15, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 15-1, 15-2, 15A1, 15A2, 15B1, 15B2, 15C1, 15C2, 15D, 15E1 to 15E5, 15F1 to 15F5, and 15G1 to 15G5, the extension actuator assembly 26, combines the functionality of the casing lock assembly 24 with the functionality of the extension actuator assembly, and includes a tubular upper tool joint 26002 that defines a longitudinal passage 26002a and mounting holes, 26002b and 26002c, and includes an internal threaded connection 26002d at one end, an external flange 26002e, an external recess 26002f having an external threaded connection, a tapered recess 26002g, and an external recess 26002h and an internal recess 26002i at another end. An end of an upper pull-nut tube 26004 that defines a longitudinal passage 26004a and includes an external recess 26004b and an internally threaded internal recess 26004c at another end is received within and mates with the longitudinal passage 26002a of the tubular upper tool joint 26002.

An externally threaded end of a tubular inner mandrel 26006 that defines a longitudinal passage 26006a and radial passages, 26006b, 26006c, 26006d, and 26006e, and includes an externally threaded connection 26006f at another end mates with, is received within, and is coupled to the internally threaded recess 26004c of the upper pull-nut tube 26004. An internally threaded end of an lower pull-nut tube 26008 that defines a longitudinal passage 26008a and includes an external recess 26008b receives, mates with, and is coupled to externally threaded connection 26006f of the tubular inner mandrel 26006.

An internal flange 26010a of an end of a tubular lock mandrel 26010 that defines a longitudinal passage 26010b, radial passages, 26010c and 26010d, a radial passage 26010e, and a radial passage 26010f having an internal annular recess 26016f a and includes an external flange 26010g that mates with and is received within the internal recess 26002i of the tubular upper tool joint 26002, an external annular recess 26010h, an external flange 26010i, an external flange 26010j, an external flange 26010k, an external flange 26010l, an external flange 26010m that includes an external annular recess 26010ma, an external flange 26010n that defines mounting holes, 26010o and 26010p, an external annular recess 26010q, an external annular recess 26010r, and a tapered annular recess 26010s at another end receives and mates with the tubular inner mandrel 26006. Internal flanges, 26012a and 26012b, of a first locking dog 26012 that defines a radial passage 26012c and includes spring arms, 26012d and 26012e, and an external flange 26012f including external teeth 26012g are positioned upon the external flanges, 26010i and 26010j, of the tubular lock mandrel 26010. Internal flanges, 26014a and 26014b, of a second locking dog 26014 that defines a radial passage 26014c and includes spring arms, 26014d and 26014e, and an external flange 26014f including external teeth 26014g are positioned upon the external flanges, 26010i and 26010j, of the tubular lock mandrel 26010.

An internally threaded end of a tubular retainer sleeve 26016 that defines a longitudinal passage 26016a, radial passages, 26016b and 26016c, at one end, radial passages, 26016d and 26016e, for receiving and mating with the external flanges, 26012f and 26014f, respectively, of the first and second locking dogs, 26012 and 26014, respectively, and radial passages, 26016f and 26016g, at another end and includes a tapered internal flange 26016h, a tapered internal recess 26016i that receives and mates with the spring arms, 26012d and 26014d, and ends of the first and second locking dogs, respectively, a tapered internal recess 26016j that receives and mates with the springs arms, 26012e and 26014e, and other ends of the first and second locking dogs, respectively, a tapered internal flange 26016k, and an internal threaded connection 260161 at another end receives, mates with, and is coupled to the externally threaded connection 26002f of the end of the tubular upper tool joint 26002. The ends of the spring arms, 26012d and 26014d, of the first and second locking dogs, 26012 and 26014, respectively, are held between the internal surface of the end of the tapered internal recess 26016i of the tubular retainer sleeve 26016 and the external surface of the end of the tapered external annular recess 26002h of the tubular upper tool joint 26002.

An externally threaded connection 26018a of an end of a tubular connector 26018 that defines mounting holes, 26018a and 26018b, and mounting holes, 26018c and 26018d, and includes a tapered external annular recess 26018e at one end, an external annular recess 26018f and an external annular recess 26018g at another end is received within, mates with, and is coupled to the internal threaded connection 260161 of the end of the tubular retainer sleeve 26016. The ends of the spring arms, 26012e and 26014e, of the first and second locking dogs, 26012 and 26014, respectively, are held between the internal surface of the end of the tapered internal recess 26016j of the tubular retainer sleeve 26016 and the external surface of the end of the tapered external annular recess 26018e of the tubular connector 26018.

A sealing member 26020 is received within the external annular recess 26010h of the tubular lock mandrel 26010 for sealing the interface between the tubular lock mandrel and the tubular upper tool joint 26002. A sealing member 26022 is received within the external annular recess 26010q of the tubular lock mandrel 26010 for sealing the interface between the tubular lock mandrel and the tubular connector 26018.

A tubular face seal 26024, tubular face seal back-up 26026, a spring 26028, and a plunger 26030 are mounted upon and retained upon the external annular recess 26018g of the tubular connector 26018 by a snap ring 26032 that is coupled to the external annular recess of the tubular connector. A burst disk 26034 and tubular burst disk bushing 26036 are mounted within the radial passage 26010f of the tubular lock mandrel 26010, and a sealing member 26038 is received within the internal annular recess 26010f a of the radial passage of the tubular lock mandrel for sealing the interface between the tubular burst disk bushing and the tubular lock mandrel.

An internally threaded end 26040a of a tubular release body 26040 that defines a longitudinal passage 26040b, radial passages, 26040c and 26040d, radial mounting holes, 26040e and 26040f, radial mounting holes, 26040g and 26040h, and includes an internal flange 26040i that mates with and receives the external flange 26010n of the tubular lock mandrel 26010, an internal flange 26040j that mates with and receives the tubular lock mandrel receives, and an external annular recess 26040k mates with, and is coupled to an externally threaded end 26018h of the tubular connector 26018. A sealing member 26042 received within the external annular recess 26018f of the tubular connector 26018 seals the interface between the tubular connector and the tubular release body 26040. A sealing member 26044 received within the external annular recess 26010ma of the tubular lock mandrel 26010 seals the interface between the tubular lock mandrel and the tubular release body 26040. Shear pins, 26046a and 26046b, are received within and coupled to the radial mounting holes, 26010o and 26040e, and 26010p and 26040f, respectively, of the tubular lock mandrel 26010 and tubular release body 26040, respectively. Torque pins, 26048a and 26048b, are received within and coupled to the radial mounting holes, 26018c and 26018d, respectively, of the tubular connector 26018 that also extend into the radial passages, 26040c and 26040d, respectively, of the tubular release body 26040. A sealing member 26050 received within the external annular recess 26010r of the tubular lock mandrel 26010 seals the interface between the tubular lock mandrel and the internal flange 26040j of the tubular release body 26040.

An internally threaded end 26052a of a tubular extender barrel 26052 that defines a longitudinal passage 26052b, radial passages, 26052c and 26052d, and radial passages, 26052e and 26052f, and includes receives, mates with, and is coupled to an external threaded connection 260401 of the tubular release body 26040. A sealing member 26054 received within the external annular recess 26040k of the tubular release body 26040 seals the interface between the tubular release body and the tubular extender barrel 26052.

An external threaded connection 26056a of an end of a tubular lower bushing 26056 that defines a longitudinal passage 26056b and mounting holes, 26056c and 26056d, and includes an internal annular recess 26056e, an internal annular recess 26056f, a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth 26056g at one end, a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth 26056h at another end, and an external annular recess 26056i is received within, mates with, and is coupled to an internal threaded connection 26052m of the tubular extender barrel 26052. Torque pins, 26058a and 26058b, are mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes, 26056c and 26056d, respectively, of the tubular lower bushing 26056 that also extend into the radial passages, 26052e and 26052f, respectively, of the tubular extender barrel 26052.

A tubular connecting rod 26060 that defines a longitudinal passage 26060a that receives and mates with the lower pull-nut tube 26008, radial passages, 26060b and 26060c, and radial mounting holes, 26060d and 26060e, and includes an external threaded connection 26060f at one end, and an external threaded connection 26060g at another end is slidably received within the longitudinal passage 25056b of the tubular lower bushing 26056. An internal threaded connection 26062a of an inner mandrel tubular piston 26062 that defines mounting holes, 26062b and 26062c, and includes an internal flange 26062d at one end that receives and mates with the tubular inner mandrel 26006, an external annular recess 26062e, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth 26062f at another end receives, mates with, and is coupled to the external threaded connection 26060f of the tubular connecting rod 26060.

Torque screws, 26064a and 26064b, are mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes, 26062b and 26062c, respectively, of the inner mandrel tubular piston 26062 that also extend into the radial passages, 26060b and 26060c, of the tubular connecting rod 26060. A sealing member 26066 positioned within the external annular recess 26062e of the inner mandrel tubular piston 26062 seals the interface between the inner tubular piston and the tubular extender barrel 26052. A sealing member 26068 positioned within the external annular recess 26056i of the tubular lower bushing 26056 seals the interface between the tubular lower bushing and the tubular extender barrel 26052.

A packing sealing element 26070 is received within the internal annular recess 25056f of the tubular lower bushing 26056, and a packing retainer 26072 is received within the internal annular recess 26056e of the tubular lower bushing for sealing the interface between the tubular lower bushing and the tubular connecting rod 26060. The packing sealing element 26070 and the packing retainer 26072 are retained within the internal annular recess 25056f of the tubular lower bushing 26056 and internal annular recess 26056e of the tubular lower bushing, respectively, by a snap ring 26074 that is coupled to the tubular connecting rod 26060.

An internally threaded connection 26076a of a tubular lower tool joint 26076 that defines a longitudinal passage 26076b, radial mounting holes, 26076c and 26076d, and radial mounting holes, 26076e and 26076f, and includes an internal annular recess 26076g and an external annular recess 26076h receives, mates with, and is coupled to an external threaded connection 26060g of the tubular connecting rod 26060. Torque screws, 26078a and 26078b, are mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes, 26076c and 26076d, respectively, of the tubular lower tool joint 26076 that also extend into the radial passages, 26060d and 26060e, of the tubular connecting rod 26060. A sealing member 26080 is received within the internal annular recess 26076g of the tubular lower tool joint 26076 for sealing the interface between the tubular lower tool joint and the tubular connecting rod 26060.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the extension actuator assembly 26, as illustrated in FIGS. 15E1 to 15E5, the extension actuator assembly is positioned within the wellbore 102, the internal threaded connection 26002d of the tubular upper tool joint 26002 receives, mates with, and is coupled to an end of the sealing cup assembly 22, and the end of the tubular lower tool joint 26076 is received within, mates with, and is coupled to an end of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28. In an exemplary embodiment, a portion 100a of the expandable wellbore casing 100 includes internal teeth 100b that engage with, and are coupled to, the external teeth, 26012g and 26014g, of the first and second locking dogs, 26012 and 26014, respectively. In this manner, the expandable wellbore casing 100 is locked to the extension actuator assembly 26 of the system 10.

In an exemplary embodiment, during the operation of the extension actuator assembly 26, a fluidic material 26100 may then be injected into the extension actuator assembly through the longitudinal passages 26004a, 26006a, and 26008a of the upper pull-nut tube 26004, tubular inner mandrel 26006, and lower pull-nut tube 26008, respectively, thereby pressurizing the longitudinal passages of the upper pull-nut tube, tubular inner mandrel, and lower pull-nut tube. As a result, the fluidic material 26100 is also conveyed through the radial passage 26006c of the tubular inner mandrel 26006 into and through an annulus 26102 defined between the tubular inner mandrel and the tubular lock mandrel 26010. The fluidic material 26100 is then conveyed into an annulus 26104 defined between the tubular inner mandrel 26006 and the tubular extender barrel 26052 proximate an end face of the inner mandrel tubular piston 26062.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 15F1 to 15F5, the continued injection of the fluidic material 26100 into the extension actuator assembly 26 will then displace the inner mandrel tubular piston 26062 downwardly in a direction 26106. As a result, the tubular connecting rod 26060 and the tubular lower tool joint 26076 are also displaced downwardly in the direction 26106.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 15G1 to 15G5, the continued injection of the fluidic material 26100 into the extension actuator assembly 26 will then further displace the inner mandrel tubular piston 26062 downwardly in the direction 26106 until an end face of the inner flange 26062d of the inner mandrel tubular piston engages an end face of the lower pull-nut tube 26008. As a result, the lower pull-nut tube 26008, the tubular inner mandrel 26006, the upper pull-nut tube 26004, and the tubular lock mandrel 26010 are also displaced downwardly in the direction 26106 thereby shearing the shear pins, 26064a and 26064b, and disengaging the tubular lock mandrel from the tubular release body 26040.

The continued injection of the fluidic material 26100 into the extension actuator assembly 26 will then further displace the tubular lock mandrel 26010 downwardly in the direction 26106 thereby displacing the external flanges, 26010i and 26010j, of the tubular lock mandrel out of engagement with the internal flanges, 26012a and 26012b, and 26014a and 26014b, of the first and second locking dogs, 26012 and 26014, respectively. As a result, a spring bias force in an inner radial direction is applied by the spring arms, 26012d and 26012e, and 26014d and 26014e, of the first and second locking dogs, 26012 and 26014, respectively, to the first and second locking dogs thereby displacing the first and second locking dogs in an inner radial direction out of engagement with the portion 100a of the expandable wellbore casing 100. As a result, the expandable wellbore casing 100 is no longer locked to the first and second locking dogs, 26012 and 26014, of the extension actuator assembly 26.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the extension actuator assembly 26, the expandable wellbore casing 100 may also be un-locked from engagement with the first and second locking dogs, 26012 and 26014, of the extension actuator assembly by increasing the operating pressure of the fluidic material 26100 above a predetermined level sufficient to rupture the burst disk 26034. As a result, the fluidic material 26100 will enter an annulus 26108 defined between the tubular lock mandrel 26010 and the tubular release body 26040. As a result, the tubular lock mandrel 26010 will be displaced downwardly in the direction 26106 thereby displacing the external flanges, 26010i and 26010j, of the tubular lock mandrel out of engagement with the internal flanges, 26012a and 26012b, and 26014a and 26014b, of the first and second locking dogs, 26012 and 26014, respectively. As a result, a spring bias force in an inner radial direction is applied by the spring arms, 26012d and 26012e, and 26014d and 26014e, of the first and second locking dogs, 26012 and 26014, respectively, to the first and second locking dogs thereby displacing the first and second locking dogs in an inner radial direction out of engagement with the portion 100a of the expandable wellbore casing 100. As a result, the expandable wellbore casing 100 is no longer locked to the first and second locking dogs, 26012 and 26014, of the extension actuator assembly 26. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined operating pressure of the fluidic material 26100 sufficient to rupture the burst disk 26034 is selected to provide a release of the expandable wellbore casing 100 from engagement with the first and second locking dogs, 26012 and 26104, in the event of an emergency operating condition during the operation of the system 10.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pressurization of the longitudinal passages 26004a, 26006a, and 26008a of the upper pull-nut tube 26004, tubular inner mandrel 26006, and lower pull-nut tube 26008, respectively, caused by the injection of the fluidic material 26100 may be further enhanced by blocking the flow of the fluidic material to those portions of the system 10 downstream from the extension actuator assembly 26 by, for example, blocking flow through a flow restriction defined in one or more of the elements of the system downstream of the extension actuator assembly by placing a ball or plug in one or more of those flow restrictions.

In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 operates and is provided substantially, at least in part, as disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US02/36157, attorney docket number 25791.87.02, filed on Nov. 12, 2002, and/or (2) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US02/36267, attorney docket number 25791.88.02, filed on Nov. 12, 2002, and/or (3) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/04837, attorney docket number 25791.95.02, filed on Feb. 29, 2003, and/or (4) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/29859, attorney docket no. 25791.102.02, filed on Sep. 22, 2003, and/or (5) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/14153, attorney docket number 25791.104.02, filed on Nov. 13, 2003, and/or (6) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/18530, attorney docket number 25791.108.02, filed on Jun. 11, 2003, and/or (7) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/07711, attorney docket number 25791.253.02, filed on Mar. 11, 2004, and/or (8) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/009434, attorney docket number 25791.260.02, filed on Mar. 26, 2004, and/or (9) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010317, attorney docket number 25791.270.02, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, and/or (10) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010712, attorney docket number 25791.272.02, filed on Apr. 7, 2004, and/or (11) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010762, attorney docket number 25791.273.02, filed on Apr. 6, 2004, and/or PCT application serial number PCT/US04/011973, attorney docket number 25791.277.02, filed on Apr. 15, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 16-1 and 16-2, 16A1 to 16A2, 16B1 to 16B2, 16C, 16D, 16E, 16F, 16G, 16H, 16I, 16j, 16K, 16L, 16M, 16N, 16O, 16P, 16R, 16S, 16T, 16U, 16V, 16W, 16X, 16Y, 16Z1 to 16Z4, 16AA1 to 16AA4, 16AB1 to 16AB4, 16AC1 to 16AC4, 16AD, and 16AE, the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 includes an upper tubular tool joint 28002 that defines a longitudinal passage 28002a and mounting holes, 28002b and 28002c, and includes an internal threaded connection 28002d, an inner annular recess 28002e, an inner annular recess 28002f, and an internal threaded connection 28002g. A tubular torque plate 28004 that defines a longitudinal passage 28004a and includes circumferentially spaced apart teeth 28004b is received within, mates with, and is coupled to the internal annular recess 28002e of the upper tubular tool joint 28002.

Circumferentially spaced apart teeth 28006a of an end of a tubular lower mandrel 28006 that defines a longitudinal passage 28006b, a radial passage 28006ba, and a radial passage 28006bb and includes an external threaded connection 28006c, an external flange 28006d, an external annular recess 28006e having a step 28006f at one end, an external annular recess 28006g, external teeth 28006h, an external threaded connection 28006i, and an external annular recess 28006j engage the circumferentially spaced apart teeth 28004b of the tubular torque plate 28004. An internal threaded connection 28008a of an end of a tubular toggle bushing 28008 that defines a longitudinal passage 28008b, an upper longitudinal slot 28008c, a lower longitudinal slot 28008d, mounting holes, 28008e, 28008f, 28008g, 28008h, 28008i, 28008j, 28008k, 28008l, 28008m, 28008n, 28008o, 28008p, 28008q, 28008r, 28008s, 28008t, 28008u, 28008v, 28008w, 28008x, 28008xa, and 28008xb, and includes an external annular recess 28008y , internal annular recess 28008z, external annular recess 28008aa, and an external annular recess 28008ab receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 28006c of the tubular lower mandrel 28006.

A sealing element 28010 is received within the external annular recess 28008y of the tubular toggle bushing 28008 for sealing the interface between the tubular toggle bushing and the upper tubular tool joint 28002. A sealing element 28012 is received within the internal annular recess 28008z of the tubular toggle bushing 28008 for sealing the interface between the tubular toggle bushing and the tubular lower mandrel 28006.

Mounting screws, 28014a and 28014b, mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes, 28008w and 28008x, respectively, of the tubular toggle bushing 28008 are also received within the mounting holes, 28002b and 28002c, of the upper tubular tool joint 28002. Mounting pins, 28016a, 28016b, 28016c, 28016d, and 28016e, are mounted within the mounting holes, 28008e, 28008f, 28008g, 28008h, and 28008i, respectively. Mounting pins, 28018a, 28018b, 28018c, 28018d, and 28018e, are mounted within the mounting holes, 28008t, 28008s, 28008r, 28008q, and 28008p, respectively. Mounting screws, 28020a and 28020b, are mounted within the mounting holes, 28008u and 28008v, respectively.

A first upper toggle link 28022 defines mounting holes, 28022a and 28022b, for receiving the mounting pins, 28016a and 28016b, and includes a mounting pin 28022c at one end. A first lower toggle link 28024 defines mounting holes, 28024a, 28024b, and 28024c, for receiving the mounting pins, 28022c, 28016c, and 28016d, respectively and includes an engagement arm 28024d. A first trigger 28026 defines a mounting hole 28026a for receiving the mounting pin 28016e and includes an engagement arm 28026b at one end, an engagement member 28026c, and an engagement arm 28026d at another end.

A second upper toggle link 28028 defines mounting holes, 28028a and 28028b, for receiving the mounting pins, 28018a and 28018b, and includes a mounting pin 28028c at one end. A second lower toggle link 28030 defines mounting holes, 28030a, 28030b, and 28030c, for receiving the mounting pins, 28028c, 28018c, and 28018d, respectively and includes an engagement arm 28030d. A second trigger 28032 defines a mounting hole 28032a for receiving the mounting pin 28018e and includes an engagement arm 28032b at one end, an engagement member 28032c, and an engagement arm 28032d at another end.

An end of a tubular spring housing 28034 that defines a longitudinal passage 28034a, mounting holes, 28034b and 28034c, and mounting holes, 28034ba and 28034ca,and includes an internal flange 28034d and an internal annular recess 28034e at one end, and an internal flange 28034f, an internal annular recess 28034g, an internal annular recess 28034h, and an external threaded connection 28034i at another end receives and mates with the end of the tubular toggle bushing 28008. Mounting screws, 28035a and 28035b, are mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes, 28008xb and 28008xa, respectively, of the tubular toggle bushing 28008 and are received within the mounting holes, 28034ba and 28034ca,respectively, of the tubular spring housing 28034.

A tubular retracting spring ring 28036 that defines mounting holes, 28036a and 28036b, receives and mates with a portion of the tubular lower mandrel 28006 and is received within and mates with a portion of the tubular spring housing 28034. Mounting screws, 28038a and 28038b, are mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes, 28036a and 28036b, respectively, of the tubular retracting spring ring 28036 and extend into the mounting holes, 28034b and 28034c, respectively, of the tubular spring housing 28034.

Casing diameter sensor springs, 28040a and 28040b, are positioned within the longitudinal slots, 28008c and 2808d, respectively, of the tubular toggle bushing 28008 that engage the engagement members, 28026c and 28032c, and engagement arms,28026d and 28032d, of the first and second triggers, 28026 and 28032, respectively. An inner flange 28042a of an end of a tubular spring washer 28042 mates with and receives a portion of the tubular lower mandrel 28006 and an end face of the inner flange of the tubular spring washer is positioned proximate and end face of the external flange 28006d of the tubular lower mandrel. The tubular spring washer 28042 is further received within the longitudinal passage 28034a of the tubular spring housing 28034.

An end of a retracting spring 28044 that receives the tubular lower mandrel 28006 is positioned within the tubular spring washer 28042 in contact with the internal flange 28042a of the tubular spring washer and the other end of the retracting spring is positioned in contact with an end face of the tubular retracting spring ring 28036.

A sealing element 28046 is received within the external annular recess 28006j of the tubular lower mandrel 28006 for sealing the interface between the tubular lower mandrel and the tubular spring housing 28034. A sealing element 28048 is received within the internal annular recess 28034h of the tubular spring housing 28034 for sealing the interface between the tubular spring housing and the tubular lower mandrel 28006.

An internal threaded connection 28050a of an end of a tubular upper hinge sleeve 28050 that includes an internal flange 28050b and an internal pivot 28050c receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 28034i of the end of the tubular spring housing 28034.

An external flange 28052a of a base member 28052b of an upper cam assembly 28052, that is mounted upon and receives the lower tubular mandrel 28006, that includes an internal flange 28052c that is received within the external annular recess 28006e of the lower tubular mandrel 28006 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tapered cam arms 28052d extending from the base member mates with and is received within the tubular upper hinge sleeve 28050. The base member 28052b of the upper cam assembly 28052 further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth 28052f that mate with and are received within a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth 28034j provided on the end face of the tubular spring housing 28034 and an end face of the external flange 28052a of the base member of the upper cam assembly is positioned in opposing relation to an end face of the internal flange 28050b of the tubular upper hinge sleeve 28050. Each of the cam arms 28052d of the upper cam assembly 28052 include external cam surfaces 28052e. In an exemplary embodiment, the teeth 28052f of the base member 28052b of the upper cam assembly 28052 and the teeth 28034j provided on the end face of the tubular spring housing 28034 permit torsional loads to be transmitted between the tubular spring housing and the upper cam assembly.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart upper expansion segments 28054 are mounted upon and receive the lower tubular mandrel 28006 and each include an external pivot recess 28054a at one end for mating with and receiving the internal pivot 28050c of the tubular upper hinge sleeve 28050 and an external tapered expansion surface 28054b at another end and are pivotally mounted within the tubular upper hinge sleeve and are interleaved with the circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 28052d of the upper cam assembly 28052. The upper expansion segments 28054 are interleaved among the cam arms 28052d of the upper cam assembly 28052.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart lower expansion segments 28058 are mounted upon and receive the lower tubular mandrel 28006, are interleaved among the upper expansion segments 28054, are oriented in the opposite direction to the upper expansion segments 28054, each include an external pivot recess 28058a at one end and an external tapered expansion surface 28054b at another end and are positioned in opposing relation to corresponding circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 28052d of the upper cam assembly 28052.

A lower cam assembly 28060 is mounted upon and receives the lower tubular mandrel 28006 that includes a base member 28060a having an external flange 28060b, a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 28060d that extend from the base member that each include external cam surfaces 28060e and define mounting holes 28060f and 28060g. The base member 28060a of the lower cam assembly 28060 further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth 28060h. The circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 28060d of the lower cam assembly 28060 are interleaved among the lower expansion segments 28058 and the circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 28052d of the upper cam assembly 28052 and positioned in opposing relation to corresponding upper expansion segments 28054.

Mounting screws, 28062a, 28062b, 28062c, and 28062e, are mounted within the corresponding mounting holes, 28060f and 28060g, of the lower cam assembly 28060 and are received within the external annular recess 28006g of the lower cam assembly 28060.

A tubular lower hinge sleeve 28064 that receives the lower expansion segments 28058 and the lower cam assembly 28060 includes an internal flange 28064a for engaging the external flange 28060b of the base member of the lower cam assembly 28060, an internal pivot 28064b for engaging and receiving the external pivot recess 28058a of the lower expansion segments 28058 thereby pivotally mounting the lower expansion segments within the tubular lower hinge sleeve, and an internal threaded connection 28064c.

An external threaded connection 28066a of an end of a tubular sleeve 28066 that defines mounting holes, 28066b and 28066c, and includes an internal annular recess 28066d having a shoulder 28066e, an internal flange 28066f, and an internal threaded connection 28066g at another end is received within and coupled to the internal threaded connection 28064c of the tubular lower hinge sleeve 28064. An external threaded connection 28068a of an end of a tubular member 28068 that defines a longitudinal passage 28068b and mounting holes, 28068c and 28068d, and includes an external annular recess 28068e, and an external threaded connection 28068f at another end is received within and is coupled to the internal threaded connection 28066g of the tubular sleeve 28066.

Mounting screws, 28070a and 28070b, are mounted in and coupled to the mounting holes, 28068c and 28068d, respectively, of the tubular member 28068 that also extend into the mounting holes, 28066b and 28066c, respectively, of the tubular sleeve 28066. A sealing element 28072 is received within the external annular recess 28068e of the tubular member 28068 for sealing the interface between the tubular member and the tubular sleeve 28066.

An internal threaded connection 28074a of a tubular retracting piston 28074 that defines a longitudinal passage 28074b and includes an internal annular recess 28074c and an external annular recess 28074d receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 28006i of the tubular lower mandrel 28006. A sealing element 28076 is received within the external annular recess 28074d of the tubular retracting piston 28074 for sealing the interface between the tubular retracting piston and the tubular sleeve 28066. A sealing element 28078 is received within the internal annular recess 28074c of the tubular retracting piston 28074 for sealing the interface between the tubular retracting piston and the tubular lower mandrel 28006.

Locking dogs 28080 mate with and receive the external teeth 28006h of the tubular lower mandrel 28006. A spacer ring 28082 is positioned between an end face of the locking dogs 28080 and an end face of the lower cam assembly 28060. A release piston 28084 mounted upon the tubular lower mandrel 28006 defines a radial passage 28084a for mounting a burst disk 28086 includes sealing elements, 28084b, 28084c, and 28084d. The sealing elements, 28084b and 28084d, sealing the interface between the release piston 28084 and the tubular lower mandrel 28006. An end face of the release piston 28084 is positioned in opposing relation to an end face of the locking dogs 28080.

A release sleeve 28088 that receives and is mounted upon the locking dogs 28080 and the release piston 28084 includes an internal flange 28088a at one end that sealingly engages the tubular lower mandrel 28006. A bypass sleeve 28090 that receives and is mounted upon the release sleeve 28088 includes an internal flange 28090a at one end.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28, the retracting spring 28044 is compressed and thereby applies a biasing spring force in a direction 28092 from the lower tubular mandrel 28006 to the tubular spring housing 28034 that, in the absence of other forces, moves and/or maintains the upper cam assembly 28052 and the upper expansion segments 28054 out of engagement with the lower expansion segments 28058 and the lower cam assembly 28060. In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28, an external threaded connection 26a of an end of the extension actuator assembly 26 is coupled to the internal threaded connection 28002d of the upper tubular tool joint 28002 and an internal threaded connection 30a of an end of the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 is coupled to the external threaded connection 28068f of the tubular member 28068.

The upper cam assembly 28052 and the upper expansion segments 28054 may be brought into engagement with the lower expansion segments 28058 and the lower cam assembly 28060 by pressurizing an annulus 28094 defined between the lower tubular mandrel 28006 and the tubular spring housing 28034. In particular, injection of fluidic materials into the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 through the longitudinal passage 28006b of the lower tubular mandrel 28006 and into the radial passage 28006ba may pressurize the annulus 28094 thereby creating sufficient operating pressure to generate a force in a direction 28096 sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the retracting spring 28044. As a result, the spring housing 28034 may be displaced in the direction 28096 relative to the lower tubular mandrel 28006 thereby displacing the tubular upper hinge sleeve 28050, upper cam assembly 28052, and upper expansion segments 28054 in the direction 28096.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 16P and 16R, the displacement of the upper cam assembly 28052 and upper expansion segments 28054 in the direction 28096 will cause the lower expansion segments 28058 to ride up the cam surfaces 28052e of the cam arms 28052d of the upper cam assembly 28052 while also pivoting about the lower tubular hinge segment 28064, and will also cause the upper expansion segments 28054 to ride up the cam surfaces 28060e of the cam arms 28060d of the lower cam assembly 28060 while also pivoting about the upper tubular hinge segment 28050. In an exemplary embodiment, when the upper and lower expansion segments, 28054 and 28058, are brought into axial alignment, they define an outer expansion surface that is approximately contiguous in a circumferential direction and which provides an outer expansion surface that at least approximates a conical surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, during the operation of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28, when the upper and lower expansion segments, 28054 and 28058, brought into axial alignment into a radially expanded position, the upper and lower expansion segments, 28054 and 28058, are displaced relative to the expandable wellbore casing 100 to thereby radially expand and plastically deform at least a portion of the expandable wellbore casing. In an exemplary embodiment, during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable wellbore casing 100, the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 may then be rotated relative to the expandable wellbore casing to enhance and/or modify the rate at which the expandable wellbore casing is radially expanded and plastically deformed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the upper cam assembly 28052 and the upper expansion segments 28054 may be moved out of engagement with the lower expansion segments 28058 and the lower cam assembly 28060 by reducing the operating pressure within the annulus 28094.

In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 16S, 16T, 16U and 16V, during operation of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28, the upper cam assembly 28052 and the upper expansion segments 28054 may also be moved out of engagement with the lower expansion segments 28058 and the lower cam assembly 28060 by sensing the operating pressure within the longitudinal passage 28006b of the lower tubular mandrel 28006. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 16T, if the operating pressure within the longitudinal passage 28006b and radial passage 28006bb of the lower tubular mandrel 28006 exceeds a predetermined value, the burst disc 28086 will open the passage 28084a thereby pressurizing the interior of the tubular release sleeve 28088 thereby displacing the tubular release sleeve 28088 downwardly in a direction 28092 away from engagement with the locking dogs 28080.

As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 16U, the locking dogs 28080 are displaced outwardly in the radial directed and thereby released from engagement with the lower tubular mandrel 28006 thereby permitting the lower expansion segments 28058 and the lower cam assembly 28060 to be displaced downwardly relative to the lower tubular mandrel.

As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 16V, the operating pressure within the lower tubular mandrel 28066 may then cause the lower tubular mandrel to be displaced downwardly in the direction 28094 relative to the tubular lower mandrel 28006 and the retracting piston 28074. As a result, the lower tubular mandrel 28066, the lower expansion segments 28058, the lower cam assembly 28060, and tubular lower hinge sleeve 28064 are displaced downwardly in the direction 28094 relative to the tubular spring housing 28034 thereby moving the lower expansion segments 28058 and the lower cam assembly 28060 out of engagement with the upper cam assembly 28052 and the upper expansion segments 28054.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 16W, 16X, and 16Y, during operation of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28, the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly senses the diameter of the expandable wellbore casing 100 using the upper toggle links, 28022 and 28028, lower toggle links, 28024 and 28030, and triggers, 28026 and 28032, and then prevents the engagement of the upper cam assembly 28052 and the upper expansion segments 28054 with the lower expansion segments 28058 and the lower cam assembly 28060.

In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 16W, anytime the upper toggle links, 28022 and 28028, and lower toggle links, 28024 and 28030, are positioned within a portion of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that has been radially expanded and plastically deformed by the system 10, the triggers, 28026 and 28032, will be pivoted by the engagement arms, 28024d and 28030d, of the lower toggle links, 28024 and 28030, to a position in which the triggers will no longer engage the internal flange 28034d of the end of the tubular spring housing 28034 thereby permitting the displacement of the tubular spring housing in the direction 28096. As a result, the upper cam assembly 28052 and the upper expansion segments 28054 can be brought into engagement with the lower expansion segments 28058 and the lower cam assembly 28060. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper toggle links, 28022 and 28028, and the lower toggle links, 28024 and 28030, are spring biased towards the position illustrated in FIG. 16W.

Conversely, as illustrated in FIG. 16X, anytime the upper toggle links, 28022 and 28028, and lower toggle links, 28024 and 28030, are positioned within a portion of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that has not been radially expanded and plastically deformed by the system 10, the triggers, 28026 and 28032, will be maintained in a position in which the triggers will engage the internal flange 28034d of the end of the tubular spring housing 28034 thereby preventing the displacement of the tubular spring housing in the direction 28096. As a result, the upper cam assembly 28052 and the upper expansion segments 28054 cannot be brought into engagement with the lower expansion segments 28058 and the lower cam assembly 28060. In an exemplary embodiment, the triggers, 28026 and 28032, are spring biased towards the position illustrated in FIG. 16X.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 16Y, the tubular spring housing 28034 may be displaced upwardly in the direction 28098 even if the upper toggle links, 28022 and 28028, and lower toggle links, 28024 and 28030, are positioned within a portion of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that has not been radially expanded and plastically deformed by the system 10.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 16Z1 to 16Z4, 16AA1 to 16AA4, 16AB1 to 16AB4, 16AC1 to 16AC4, 16AD, and 16AE, the tubular spring housing 28034 of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 defines internal annular recesses 28034k and 28034l, spaced apart by an internal flange 28034m, the tubular toggle bushing 28008 defines an external annular recess 28008ac, and the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly further includes pins, 28100a and 28100b and 28102a and 28102b, mounted in holes 28008j and 280080 and 28008k and 28008n, respectively, of the tubular toggle bushing, and a one-shot deactivation device 28104 mounted on the tubular toggle bushing between the pins, 28100a and 28100b and 28102a and 28102b.

The one-shot deactivation device 28104 includes a tubular body 28104a that defines radial holes, 28104b and 28014c, and includes an external annular recess 28104d at one end, a centrally positioned external flange 28104e, a centrally positioned internal annular recess 28104f, and an external annular recess 28104g at another end. An engagement member 28106 that includes a base member 28106a having a tapered end 28106b and a key member 28106c having a tapered end 28106d is received within a portion of the internal annular recess 28104f of the tubular body 28104a and an engagement member 28108 that includes a base member 28108a having a tapered end 28108b and a key member 28108c having a tapered end 28108d is received within an opposite portion of the internal annular recess 28104f of the tubular body 28104a. Spring members, 28110 and 28112, are received within the annular recess 28104f of the tubular body 28104a for biasing the base members, base member 28106a and 28108a, of the engagement members, 28106 and 28108, respectively, radially inwardly relative to the tubular body 28104a.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28, as illustrated in FIGS. 16Z1 to 16Z4, the one-shot deactivation device 28104 are positioned proximate and in intimate contact with the pins, 28102a and 28102b, with the tapered ends, 28106b and 28108b, of the base members, 28106a and 28108a, of the engagement members, 28106 and 28108, received within the external annular recess 28008ac of the tubular toggle bushing 28008. When the one-shot deactivation device 28104 is positioned as illustrated in FIGS. 16Z1 to 16Z4, the external annular recess 28104d of the tubular body 28104a of the one-shot deactivation device is moved out of engagement with the engagement arms, 28026d and 28032d, of the triggers, 28026 and 28032, respectively. As a result, the triggers, 28026 and 28032, may operate normally as described above with reference to FIGS. 16W, 16X, and 16Y.

Conversely, in an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28, as illustrated in FIGS. 16AA1 to 16AA4, the one-shot deactivation device 28104 are positioned proximate and in intimate contact with the pins, 28100a and 28100b, with the tapered ends, 28106b and 28108b, of the base members, 28106a and 28108a, of the engagement members, 28106 and 28108, not received within the external annular recess 28008ac of the tubular toggle bushing 28008. When the one-shot deactivation device 28104 is positioned as illustrated in FIG. 16AA, the external annular recess 28104d of the tubular body 28104a of the one-shot deactivation device is moved into engagement with the engagement arms, 28026d and 28032d, of the triggers, 28026 and 28032, respectively. As a result, the triggers, 28026 and 28032, are deactivated and may not operate normally as described above with reference to FIGS. 16W, 16X, and 16Y.

In an alternative embodiment, the elements of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28 that sense the diameter of the expandable wellbore casing 100 may be disabled or omitted or adjusted to sense any pre-selected internal diameter of the expandable wellbore casing.

In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 operates and is provided substantially, at least in part, as disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US02/36157, attorney docket number 25791.87.02, filed on Nov. 12, 2002, and/or (2) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US02/36267, attorney docket number 25791.88.02, filed on Nov. 12, 2002, and/or (3) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/04837, attorney docket number 25791.95.02, filed on Feb. 29, 2003, and/or (4) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/29859, attorney docket no. 25791.102.02, filed on Sep. 22, 2003, and/or (5) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/14153, attorney docket number 25791.104.02, filed on Nov. 13, 2003, and/or (6) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/18530, attorney docket number 25791.108.02, filed on Jun. 11, 2003, and/or (7) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/07711, attorney docket number 25791.253.02, filed on Mar. 11, 2004, and/or (8) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/009434, attorney docket number 25791.260.02, filed on Mar. 26, 2004, and/or (9) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010317, attorney docket number 25791.270.02, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, and/or (10) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010712, attorney docket number 25791.272.02, filed on Apr. 7, 2004, and/or (10) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010762, attorney docket number 25791.273.02, filed on Apr. 6, 2004, and/or PCT application serial number PCT/US04/011973, attorney docket number 25791.277.02, filed on Apr. 15, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 17-1 and 17-2, 17A1 to 17A2, 17B1 to 17B2, 17C, 17D, 17E, 17F, 17G, 17H, 171, 17j, 17K, 17L, 17M, 17N, 17O, 17P, 17R, 17S, 17T, 17U, 17V, 17W, 17X, 17Y, 17Z1-17Z4, 17AA1 to 17AA4, 17AB1 to 17AB4, 17AC1 to 17AC4, 17AD, and 17AE, the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 includes an upper tubular tool joint 30002 that defines a longitudinal passage 30002a and mounting holes, 30002b and 30002c, and includes an internal threaded connection 30002d, an inner annular recess 30002e, an inner annular recess 30002f, and an internal threaded connection 30002g. A tubular torque plate 30004 that defines a longitudinal passage 30004a and includes circumferentially spaced apart teeth 30004b is received within, mates with, and is coupled to the internal annular recess 30002e of the upper tubular tool joint 30002.

Circumferentially spaced apart teeth 30006a of an end of a tubular lower mandrel 30006 that defines a longitudinal passage 30006b, a radial passage 30006ba, and a radial passage 30006bb and includes an external threaded connection 30006c, an external flange 30006d, an external annular recess 30006e having a step 30006f at one end, an external annular recess 30006g, external teeth 30006h, an external threaded connection 30006i, and an external annular recess 30006j engage the circumferentially spaced apart teeth 30004b of the tubular torque plate 30004. An internal threaded connection 30008a of an end of a tubular toggle bushing 30008 that defines a longitudinal passage 30008b, an upper longitudinal slot 30008c, a lower longitudinal slot 30008d, mounting holes, 30008e, 30008f, 30008g, 30008h, 30008i, 30008j, 30008k, 30008l, 30008m, 30008n, 30008o, 30008p, 30008q , 30008r, 30008s, 30008t, 30008u, 30008v, 30008w, 30008x, 30008xa, and 30008xb, and includes an external annular recess 30008y , internal annular recess 30008z, external annular recess 30008aa, and an external annular recess 30008ab receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 30006c of the tubular lower mandrel 30006.

A sealing element 30010 is received within the external annular recess 30008y of the tubular toggle bushing 30008 for sealing the interface between the tubular toggle bushing and the upper tubular tool joint 30002. A sealing element 30012 is received within the internal annular recess 30008z of the tubular toggle bushing 30008 for sealing the interface between the tubular toggle bushing and the tubular lower mandrel 30006.

Mounting screws, 30014a and 30014b, mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes, 30008w and 30008x, respectively, of the tubular toggle bushing 30008 are also received within the mounting holes, 30002b and 30002c, of the upper tubular tool joint 30002. Mounting pins, 30016a, 30016b, 30016c, 30016d, and 30016e, are mounted within the mounting holes, 30008e, 30008f, 30008g, 30008h, and 30008i, respectively. Mounting pins, 30018a, 30018b, 30018c, 30018d, and 30018e, are mounted within the mounting holes, 30008t, 30008s, 30008r, 30008q, and 30008p, respectively. Mounting screws, 30020a and 30020b, are mounted within the mounting holes, 30008u and 30008v, respectively.

A first upper toggle link 30022 defines mounting holes, 30022a and 30022b, for receiving the mounting pins, 30016a and 30016b, and includes a mounting pin 30022c at one end. A first lower toggle link 30024 defines mounting holes, 30024a, 30024b, and 30024c, for receiving the mounting pins, 30022c, 30016c, and 30016d, respectively and includes an engagement arm 30024d. A first trigger 30026 defines a mounting hole 30026a for receiving the mounting pin 30016e and includes an engagement arm 30026b at one end, an engagement member 30026c, and an engagement arm 30026d at another end.

A second upper toggle link 30028 defines mounting holes, 30028a and 30028b, for receiving the mounting pins, 30018a and 30018b, and includes a mounting pin 30028c at one end. A second lower toggle link 30030 defines mounting holes, 30030a, 30030b, and 30030c, for receiving the mounting pins, 30028c, 30018c, and 30018d, respectively and includes an engagement arm 30030d. A second trigger 30032 defines a mounting hole 30032a for receiving the mounting pin 30018e and includes an engagement arm 30032b at one end, an engagement member 30032c, and an engagement arm 30032d at another end.

An end of a tubular spring housing 30034 that defines a longitudinal passage 30034a, mounting holes, 30034b and 30034c, and mounting holes, 30034ba and 30034ca,and includes an internal flange 30034d and an internal annular recess 30034e at one end, and an internal flange 30034f, an internal annular recess 30034g, an internal annular recess 30034h, and an external threaded connection 30034i at another end receives and mates with the end of the tubular toggle bushing 30008. Mounting screws, 30035a and 30035b, are mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes, 30008xb and 30008xa, respectively, of the tubular toggle bushing 30008 and are received within the mounting holes, 30034ba and 30034ca,respectively, of the tubular spring housing 30034.

A tubular retracting spring ring 30036 that defines mounting holes, 30036a and 30036b, receives and mates with a portion of the tubular lower mandrel 30006 and is received within and mates with a portion of the tubular spring housing 30034. Mounting screws, 30038a and 30038b, are mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes, 30036a and 30036b, respectively, of the tubular retracting spring ring 30036 and extend into the mounting holes, 30034b and 30034c, respectively, of the tubular spring housing 30034.

Casing diameter sensor springs, 30040a and 30040b, are positioned within the longitudinal slots, 30008c and 3008d, respectively, of the tubular toggle bushing 30008 that engage the engagement members, 30026c and 30032c, and engagement arms,30026d and 30032d, of the first and second triggers, 30026 and 30032, respectively. An inner flange 30042a of an end of a tubular spring washer 30042 mates with and receives a portion of the tubular lower mandrel 30006 and an end face of the inner flange of the tubular spring washer is positioned proximate and end face of the external flange 30006d of the tubular lower mandrel. The tubular spring washer 30042 is further received within the longitudinal passage 30034a of the tubular spring housing 30034.

An end of a retracting spring 30044 that receives the tubular lower mandrel 30006 is positioned within the tubular spring washer 30042 in contact with the internal flange 30042a of the tubular spring washer and the other end of the retracting spring is positioned in contact with an end face of the tubular retracting spring ring 30036.

A sealing element 30046 is received within the external annular recess 30006j of the tubular lower mandrel 30006 for sealing the interface between the tubular lower mandrel and the tubular spring housing 30034. A sealing element 30048 is received within the internal annular recess 30034h of the tubular spring housing 30034 for sealing the interface between the tubular spring housing and the tubular lower mandrel 30006.

An internal threaded connection 30050a of an end of a tubular upper hinge sleeve 30050 that includes an internal flange 30050b and an internal pivot 30050c receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 30034i of the end of the tubular spring housing 30034.

An external flange 30052a of a base member 30052b of an upper cam assembly 30052, that is mounted upon and receives the lower tubular mandrel 30006, that includes an internal flange 30052c that is received within the external annular recess 30006e of the lower tubular mandrel 30006 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tapered cam arms 30052d extending from the base member mates with and is received within the tubular upper hinge sleeve 30050. The base member 30052b of the upper cam assembly 30052 further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth 30052f that mate with and are received within a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth 30034j provided on the end face of the tubular spring housing 30034 and an end face of the external flange 30052a of the base member of the upper cam assembly is positioned in opposing relation to an end face of the internal flange 30050b of the tubular upper hinge sleeve 30050. Each of the cam arms 30052d of the upper cam assembly 30052 include external cam surfaces 30052e. In an exemplary embodiment, the teeth 30052f of the base member 30052b of the upper cam assembly 30052 and the teeth 30034j provided on the end face of the tubular spring housing 30034 permit torsional loads to be transmitted between the tubular spring housing and the upper cam assembly.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart upper expansion segments 30054 are mounted upon and receive the lower tubular mandrel 30006 and each include an external pivot recess 30054a at one end for mating with and receiving the internal pivot 30050c of the tubular upper hinge sleeve 30050 and an external tapered expansion surface 30054b at another end and are pivotally mounted within the tubular upper hinge sleeve and are interleaved with the circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 30052d of the upper cam assembly 30052. The upper expansion segments 30054 are interleaved among the cam arms 30052d of the upper cam assembly 30052.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart lower expansion segments 30058 are mounted upon and receive the lower tubular mandrel 30006, are interleaved among the upper expansion segments 30054, are oriented in the opposite direction to the upper expansion segments 30054, each include an external pivot recess 30058a at one end and an external tapered expansion surface 30054b at another end and are positioned in opposing relation to corresponding circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 30052d of the upper cam assembly 30052.

A lower cam assembly 30060 is mounted upon and receives the lower tubular mandrel 30006 that includes a base member 30060a having an external flange 30060b, a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 30060d that extend from the base member that each include external cam surfaces 30060e and define mounting holes 30060f and 30060g. The base member 30060a of the lower cam assembly 30060 further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth 30060h. The circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 30060d of the lower cam assembly 30060 are interleaved among the lower expansion segments 30058 and the circumferentially spaced apart cam arms 30052d of the upper cam assembly 30052 and positioned in opposing relation to corresponding upper expansion segments 30054.

Mounting screws, 30062a, 30062b, 30062c, and 30062e, are mounted within the corresponding mounting holes, 30060f and 30060g, of the lower cam assembly 30060 and are received within the external annular recess 30006g of the lower cam assembly 30060.

A tubular lower hinge sleeve 30064 that receives the lower expansion segments 30058 and the lower cam assembly 30060 includes an internal flange 30064a for engaging the external flange 30060b of the base member of the lower cam assembly 30060, an internal pivot 30064b for engaging and receiving the external pivot recess 30058a of the lower expansion segments 30058 thereby pivotally mounting the lower expansion segments within the tubular lower hinge sleeve, and an internal threaded connection 30064c.

An external threaded connection 30066a of an end of a tubular sleeve 30066 that defines mounting holes, 30066b and 30066c, and includes an internal annular recess 30066d having a shoulder 30066e, an internal flange 30066f, and an internal threaded connection 30066g at another end is received within and coupled to the internal threaded connection 30064c of the tubular lower hinge sleeve 30064. An external threaded connection 30068a of an end of a tubular member 30068 that defines a longitudinal passage 30068b and mounting holes, 30068c and 30068d, and includes an external annular recess 30068e, and an external threaded connection 30068f at another end is received within and is coupled to the internal threaded connection 30066g of the tubular sleeve 30066.

Mounting screws, 30070a and 30070b, are mounted in and coupled to the mounting holes, 30068c and 30068d, respectively, of the tubular member 30068 that also extend into the mounting holes, 30066b and 30066c, respectively, of the tubular sleeve 30066. A sealing element 30072 is received within the external annular recess 30068e of the tubular member 30068 for sealing the interface between the tubular member and the tubular sleeve 30066.

An internal threaded connection 30074a of a tubular retracting piston 30074 that defines a longitudinal passage 30074b and includes an internal annular recess 30074c and an external annular recess 30074d receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 30006i of the tubular lower mandrel 30006. A sealing element 30076 is received within the external annular recess 30074d of the tubular retracting piston 30074 for sealing the interface between the tubular retracting piston and the tubular sleeve 30066. A sealing element 30078 is received within the internal annular recess 30074c of the tubular retracting piston 30074 for sealing the interface between the tubular retracting piston and the tubular lower mandrel 30006.

Locking dogs 30080 mate with and receive the external teeth 30006h of the tubular lower mandrel 30006. A spacer ring 30082 is positioned between an end face of the locking dogs 30080 and an end face of the lower cam assembly 30060. A release piston 30084 mounted upon the tubular lower mandrel 30006 defines a radial passage 30084a for mounting a burst disk 30086 includes sealing elements, 30084b, 30084c, and 30084d. The sealing elements, 30084b and 30084d, sealing the interface between the release piston 30084 and the tubular lower mandrel 30006. An end face of the release piston 30084 is positioned in opposing relation to an end face of the locking dogs 30080.

A release sleeve 30088 that receives and is mounted upon the locking dogs 30080 and the release piston 30084 includes an internal flange 30088a at one end that sealingly engages the tubular lower mandrel 30006. A bypass sleeve 30090 that receives and is mounted upon the release sleeve 30088 includes an internal flange 30090a at one end.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30, the retracting spring 30044 is compressed and thereby applies a biasing spring force in a direction 30092 from the lower tubular mandrel 30006 to the tubular spring housing 30034 that, in the absence of other forces, moves and/or maintains the upper cam assembly 30052 and the upper expansion segments 30054 out of engagement with the lower expansion segments 30058 and the lower cam assembly 30060. In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28, an external threaded connection 20a of an end of the sealing cup assembly 20 is coupled to the internal threaded connection 30002d of the upper tubular tool joint 30002 and an internal threaded connection 30a of an end of the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 is coupled to the external threaded connection 30068f of the tubular member 30068.

The upper cam assembly 30052 and the upper expansion segments 30054 may be brought into engagement with the lower expansion segments 30058 and the lower cam assembly 30060 by pressurizing an annulus 30094 defined between the lower tubular mandrel 30006 and the tubular spring housing 30034. In particular, injection of fluidic materials into the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 through the longitudinal passage 30006b of the lower tubular mandrel 30006 and into the radial passage 30006ba may pressurize the annulus 30094 thereby creating sufficient operating pressure to generate a force in a direction 30096 sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the retracting spring 30044. As a result, the spring housing 30034 may be displaced in the direction 30096 relative to the lower tubular mandrel 30006 thereby displacing the tubular upper hinge sleeve 30050, upper cam assembly 30052 , and upper expansion segments 30054 in the direction 30096.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 17P, 17Q, and 17R, the displacement of the upper cam assembly 30052 and upper expansion segments 30054 in the direction 30096 will cause the lower expansion segments 30058 to ride up the cam surfaces 30052e of the cam arms 30052d of the upper cam assembly 30052 while also pivoting about the lower tubular hinge segment 30064, and will also cause the upper expansion segments 30054 to ride up the cam surfaces 30060e of the cam arms 30060d of the lower cam assembly 30060 while also pivoting about the upper tubular hinge segment 30050. In an exemplary embodiment, when the upper and lower expansion segments, 30054 and 30058, are brought into axial alignment, they define an outer expansion surface that is approximately contiguous in a circumferential direction and which provides an outer expansion surface that at least approximates a conical surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, during the operation of the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30, when the upper and lower expansion segments, 30054 and 30058, brought into axial alignment into a radially expanded position, the upper and lower expansion segments, 30054 and 30058, are displaced relative to the expandable wellbore casing 100 to thereby radially expand and plastically deform at least a portion of the expandable wellbore casing. In an exemplary embodiment, during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable wellbore casing 100, the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 may then be rotated relative to the expandable wellbore casing to enhance and/or modify the rate at which the expandable wellbore casing is radially expanded and plastically deformed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the upper cam assembly 30052 and the upper expansion segments 30054 may be moved out of engagement with the lower expansion segments 30058 and the lower cam assembly 30060 by reducing the operating pressure within the annulus 30094.

In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 17S, 17T, 17U and 17V, during operation of the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30, the upper cam assembly 30052 and the upper expansion segments 30054 may also be moved out of engagement with the lower expansion segments 30058 and the lower cam assembly 30060 by sensing the operating pressure within the longitudinal passage 30006b of the lower tubular mandrel 30006. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 17T, if the operating pressure within the longitudinal passage 30006b and radial passage 30006bb of the lower tubular mandrel 30006 exceeds a predetermined value, the burst disc 30086 will open the passage 30084a thereby pressurizing the interior of the tubular release sleeve 30088 thereby displacing the tubular release sleeve 30088 downwardly in a direction 30092 away from engagement with the locking dogs 30080.

As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 17U, the locking dogs 30080 are displaced outwardly in the radial directed and thereby released from engagement with the lower tubular mandrel 30006 thereby permitting the lower expansion segments 30058 and the lower cam assembly 30060 to be displaced downwardly relative to the lower tubular mandrel.

As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 17V, the operating pressure within the lower tubular mandrel 30066 may then cause the lower tubular mandrel to be displaced downwardly in the direction 30094 relative to the tubular lower mandrel 30006 and the retracting piston 30074. As a result, the lower tubular mandrel 30066, the lower expansion segments 30058, the lower cam assembly 30060, and tubular lower hinge sleeve 30064 are displaced downwardly in the direction 30094 relative to the tubular spring housing 30034 thereby moving the lower expansion segments 30058 and the lower cam assembly 30060 out of engagement with the upper cam assembly 30052 and the upper expansion segments 30054.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 17W, 17X, and 17Y, during operation of the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30, the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly senses the diameter of the expandable wellbore casing 100 using the upper toggle links, 30022 and 30028, lower toggle links, 30024 and 30030, and triggers, 30026 and 30032, and then prevents the engagement of the upper cam assembly 30052 and the upper expansion segments 30054 with the lower expansion segments 30058 and the lower cam assembly 30060.

In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 17W, anytime the upper toggle links, 30022 and 30028, and lower toggle links, 30024 and 30030, are positioned within a portion of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that has been radially expanded and plastically deformed by the system 10, the triggers, 30026 and 30032, will be pivoted by the engagement arms, 30024d and 30030d, of the lower toggle links, 30024 and 30030, to a position in which the triggers will no longer engage the internal flange 30034d of the end of the tubular spring housing 30034 thereby permitting the displacement of the tubular spring housing in the direction 30096. As a result, the upper cam assembly 30052 and the upper expansion segments 30054 can be brought into engagement with the lower expansion segments 30058 and the lower cam assembly 30060. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper toggle links, 30022 and 30028, and the lower toggle links, 30024 and 30030, are spring biased towards the position illustrated in FIG. 17W.

Conversely, as illustrated in FIG. 17X, anytime the upper toggle links, 30022 and 30028, and lower toggle links, 30024 and 30030, are positioned within a portion of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that has not been radially expanded and plastically deformed by the system 10, the triggers, 30026 and 30032, will be maintained in a position in which the triggers will engage the internal flange 30034d of the end of the tubular spring housing 30034 thereby preventing the displacement of the tubular spring housing in the direction 30096. As a result, the upper cam assembly 30052 and the upper expansion segments 30054 cannot be brought into engagement with the lower expansion segments 30058 and the lower cam assembly 30060. In an exemplary embodiment, the triggers, 30026 and 30032, are spring biased towards the position illustrated in FIG. 17X.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 17Y, the tubular spring housing 30034 may be displaced upwardly in the direction 30098 even if the upper toggle links, 30022 and 30028, and lower toggle links, 30024 and 30030, are positioned within a portion of the expandable wellbore casing 100 that has not been radially expanded and plastically deformed by the system 10.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 17Z1 to 17Z4, 17AA1 to 17AA4, 17AB1 to 17AB4, 17AC1 to 17AC4, 17AD, and 17AE, the tubular spring housing 30034 of the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 defines internal annular recesses 30034k and 300341, spaced apart by an internal flange 30034m, the tubular toggle bushing 30008 defines an external annular recess 30008ac, and the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly further includes pins, 30100a and 30100b and 30102a and 30102b, mounted in holes 30008j and 30008o and 30008k and 30008n, respectively, of the tubular toggle bushing, and a one-shot deactivation device 30104 mounted on the tubular toggle bushing between the pins, 30100a and 30100b and 30102a and 30102b.

The one-shot deactivation device 30104 includes a tubular body 30104a that defines radial holes, 30104b and 30014c, and includes an external annular recess 30104d at one end, a centrally positioned external flange 30104e, a centrally positioned internal annular recess 30104f, and an external annular recess 30104g at another end. An engagement member 30106 that includes a base member 30106a having a tapered end 30106b and a key member 30106c having a tapered end 30106d is received within a portion of the internal annular recess 30104f of the tubular body 30104a and an engagement member 30108 that includes a base member 30108a having a tapered end 30108b and a key member 30108c having a tapered end 30108d is received within an opposite portion of the internal annular recess 30104f of the tubular body 30104a. Spring members, 30110 and 30112, are received within the annular recess 30104f of the tubular body 30104a for biasing the base members, base member 30106a and 30108a, of the engagement members, 30106 and 30108, respectively, radially inwardly relative to the tubular body 30104a.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28, as illustrated in FIG. 17Z, the one-shot deactivation device 30104 are positioned proximate and in intimate contact with the pins, 30102a and 30102b, with the tapered ends, 30106b and 30108b, of the base members, 30106a and 30108a, of the engagement members, 30106 and 30108, received within the external annular recess 30008ac of the tubular toggle bushing 30008. When the one-shot deactivation device 30104 is positioned as illustrated in FIG. 17Z, the external annular recess 30104d of the tubular body 30104a of the one-shot deactivation device is moved out of engagement with the engagement arms, 30026d and 30032d, of the triggers, 30026 and 30032, respectively. As a result, the triggers, 30026 and 30032, may operate normally as described above with reference to FIGS. 17W, 17X, and 17Y.

Conversely, in an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30, as illustrated in FIGS. 17AA1 to 17AA4, the one-shot deactivation device 30104 are positioned proximate and in intimate contact with the pins, 30100a and 30100b, with the tapered ends, 30106b and 30108b, of the base members, 30106a and 30108a, of the engagement members, 30106 and 30108, not received within the external annular recess 30008ac of the tubular toggle bushing 30008. When the one-shot deactivation device 30104 is positioned as illustrated in FIGS. 17AA1 to 17AA4, the external annular recess 30104d of the tubular body 30104a of the one-shot deactivation device is moved into engagement with the engagement arms, 30026d and 30032d, of the triggers, 30026 and 30032, respectively. As a result, the triggers, 30026 and 30032, are deactivated and may not operate normally as described above with reference to FIGS. 17W, 17X, and 17Y.

In an alternative embodiment, the elements of the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 that sense the diameter of the expandable wellbore casing 100 may be disabled or omitted or adjusted to sense any pre-selected internal diameter of the expandable wellbore casing.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 18A to 18C, the packer setting tool assembly 32 includes a tubular adaptor 3202 that defines a longitudinal passage 3202a, radial external mounting holes, 3202b and 3202c, radial passages, 3202d and 3202e, and includes an external threaded connection 3202f at one end and an internal annular recess 3202g having an internal threaded connection at another end. An external threaded connection 3204a of an end of a tubular upper mandrel 3204 that defines a longitudinal passage 3204b, internally threaded external mounting holes, 3204c and 3204d, and includes an external annular recess 3204e, external annular recess 3204f, external annular recess 3204g, external flange 3204h, external splines 3204i, and an internal threaded connection 3204j at another end is received within and is coupled to the internally threaded connection of the internal annular recess 3202g of the other end of the tubular adaptor 3202. Mounting screws, 3205a and 3205b, are received within and coupled to the mounting holes, 3204c and 3204d, of the tubular upper mandrel 3204 that also extend into the radial passages, 3202d and 3202e, of the tubular adaptor 3202.

An external threaded connection 3206a of an end of a mandrel 3206 that defines a longitudinal passage 3206b and includes an external annular recess 3206c and an external annular recess 3206d having an external threaded connection is received within and is coupled to the internal threaded connection 3204j of the tubular upper mandrel 3204. An internal threaded connection 3208a of a tubular stinger 3208 that defines a longitudinal passage 3208b and includes an external annular recess 3208c, and an external tapered annular recess 3208d and an engagement shoulder 3208e at another end receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection of the external annular recess 3206d of the mandrel 3206. A sealing member 3210 is mounted upon and coupled to the external annular recess 3206d of the mandrel 3206.

An internal flange 3212a of a tubular key 3212 that includes an external annular recess 3212b at one end and an internal annular recess 3212c at another end is movably received within and engages the external annular recess 3204f of the tubular upper mandrel 3204. A garter spring 3214 is received within and engages the external annular recess 3212b of the tubular key 3212.

An end of a tubular bushing 3216 that defines a longitudinal passage 3216a for receiving and mating with the upper mandrel 3204, and radial passages, 3216b and 3216c, and includes an external threaded connection 3216d at an intermediate portion, and an external flange 3216e, an internal annular recess 3216f, circumferentially spaced apart teeth 3216g, and external flanges, 3216h and 3216i, at another end is received within and mates with the internal annular recess 3212c of the tubular key 3212. An internal threaded connection 3218a of a tubular drag block body 3218 that defines a longitudinal passage 3218b for receiving the tubular bushing 3216, mounting holes, 3218c and 3218d, mounting holes, 3218e and 3218f, and includes an internal threaded connection 3218g at one end, a centrally positioned external annular recess 3218h, and an external threaded connection 3218i at another end is received within and coupled to the external threaded connection 3216d of the tubular bushing 3216.

A first tubular keeper 3220 that defines mounting holes, 3220a and 3220b, is coupled to an end of the tubular drag block body 3218 by mounting screws, 3222a and 3222b, that are received within and are coupled to the mounting holes, 3218c and 3218d, of the tubular drag block body. A second tubular keeper 3224 that defines mounting holes, 3224a and 3224b, is coupled to an end of the tubular drag block body 3218 by mounting screws, 3226a and 3226b, that are received within and are coupled to the mounting holes, 3218e and 3218f, of the tubular drag block body.

Drag blocks, 3228 and 3230, that are received within the external annular recess 3218h of the tubular drag block body 3218, include ends that mate with and are received within the end of the first tubular keeper 3220, and other ends that mate with and are received within the end of the second tubular keeper 3224. The drag blocks, 3228 and 3230, further include internal annular recesses, 3228a and 3230a, respectively, that receive and mate with ends of springs, 3232 and 3234, respectively. The springs, 3232 and 3234, also receive and mate with the external annular recess 3218h of the tubular drag block body 3218.

An external threaded connection 3236a of an end of a tubular releasing cap extension 3236 that defines a longitudinal passage 3236b and includes an internal annular recess 3236c and an internal threaded connection 3236d at another end is received within and is coupled to the internal threaded connection 3218g of the tubular drag block body 3218. An external threaded connection 3238a of an end of a tubular releasing cap 3238 that defines a longitudinal passage 3238b and includes an internal annular recess 3238c is received within and coupled to the internal threaded connection 3236d of the tubular releasing cap extension 3236. A sealing element 3240 is received within the internal annular recess 3238c of the tubular releasing cap 3238 for fluidicly sealing the interface between the tubular releasing cap and the upper mandrel 3204.

An internal threaded connection 3242a of an end of a tubular setting sleeve 3242 that defines a longitudinal passage 3242b, radial passage 3242c, radial passages, 3242d and 3242e, radial passage 3242f, and includes an internal flange 3242g at another end receives the external threaded connection 3218i of the tubular drag block body 3218. An internal flange 3244a of a tubular coupling ring 3244 that defines a longitudinal passage 3244b and radial passages, 3244c and 3244d, receives and mates with the external flange 3216h of the tubular bushing 3216 and an end face of the internal flange of the tubular coupling ring is positioned proximate and in opposing relation to an end face of the external flange 3216i of the tubular bushing.

An internal flange 3246a of a tubular retaining collet 3246 that includes a plurality of axially extending collet fingers 3246b, each having internal flanges 3246c at an end of each collet finger, for engaging and receiving the tubular coupling ring 3244 receives and mates with external flange 3216e of the tubular bushing 3216 and an end face of the internal flange of the tubular retaining collet is positioned proximate and in opposing relation to an end face of the external flange 3216h of the tubular bushing.

In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly 36 operates and is provided substantially, at least in part, as disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/14153, attorney docket number 25791.104.02, filed on Nov. 13, 2003, and/or (2) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US03/29460, attorney docket number 25791.114.02, filed on Sep. 23, 2003, and/or (3) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/07711, attorney docket number 25791.253.02, filed on Mar. 11, 2004, and/or (4) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/009434, attorney docket number 25791.260.02, filed on Mar. 26, 2004, and/or (5) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010317, attorney docket number 25791.270.02, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, and/or (6) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010712, attorney docket number 25791.272.02, filed on Apr. 7, 2004, and/or (7) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US04/010762, attorney docket number 25791.273.02, filed on Apr. 6, 2004, and/or PCT application serial number PCT/US04/011973, attorney docket number 25791.277.02, filed on Apr. 15, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 19-1 to 19-5, the packer assembly 36 includes a tubular upper adaptor 3602 that defines a longitudinal passage 3602a having a tapered opening 3602b and mounting holes, 3602c and 3602d, that includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart teeth 3602e at one end, an external flange 3602f, and an internal threaded connection 3602g at another end. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular upper adaptor 3602 is fabricated from aluminum. An external threaded connection 3604a of an end of a tubular upper mandrel 3604 that defines a longitudinal passage 3604b, mounting holes, 3604c and 3604d, mounting holes, 3604e and 3604f, and mounting holes, 3604g and 3604h, and includes an external flange 3604i, an internal annular recess 3604j, and an internal threaded connection 3604k at another end is received within and coupled to the internal threaded connection 3602g of the tubular upper adaptor 3602. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular upper mandrel 3604 is fabricated from aluminum.

An upper tubular spacer ring 3606 that defines mounting holes, 3606a and 3606b, receives and mates with the end of the tubular upper mandrel 3604 and includes an angled end face 3606c and another end face that is positioned proximate to an end face of the tubular upper adaptor 3602 is coupled to the tubular upper mandrel by shear pins, 3608a and 3608b, that are mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes, 3604c and 3606a, and, 3604d and 3606b, respectively, of the tubular upper mandrel and upper tubular spacer ring, respectively. A lower tubular spacer ring 3610 that includes an angled end face 3610a receives, mates, and is coupled to the other end of the tubular upper mandrel 3604 and includes another end face that is positioned proximate to an end face of the external flange 3604i of the tubular upper mandrel 3604. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper and tubular spacer rings, 3606 and 3610, are fabricated from a composite material.

A sealing element or upper tubular slip 3612 that receives and is movably mounted upon the tubular upper mandrel 3604 defines a longitudinal passage 3612a having a tapered opening 3612b and includes external annular recesses, 3612c, 3612d, 3612e, 3612f, and 3612g, and an angled end face 3612h that mates with and is positioned proximate the angled end face 3606c of the upper tubular spacer ring 3606. Slip retaining bands, 3614a, 3614b, 3614c, 3614d, and 3614e, are received within and coupled to the external annular recesses, 3612c, 3612d, 3612e, 3612f, and 3612g, of the upper tubular slip 3612. A sealing element or lower tubular slip 3616 that receives and is movably mounted upon the tubular upper mandrel 3604 defines a longitudinal passage 3616a having a tapered opening 3616b and includes external annular recesses, 3616c, 3616d, 3616e, 3616f, and 3616g, and an angled end face 3616h that mates with and is positioned proximate the angled end face 3610a of the lower tubular spacer ring 3610. Slip retaining bands, 3618a, 3618b, 3618c, 3618d, and 3618e, are received within and coupled to the external annular recesses, 3616c, 3616d, 3616e, 3616f, and 3616g, of the lower tubular slip 3616. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper and lower tubular slips, 3612 and 3616, are fabricated from composite materials, and at least some of the slip retaining bands, 3614a, 3614b, 3614c, 3614d, 3614e, 3618a, 3618b, 3618c, 3618d, and 3618e are fabricated from carbide insert materials. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the slip retaining bands, 3614a, 3614b, 3614c, 3614d, and 3614e, and one or more of the respective external annular recesses, 3612c, 3612d, 3612e, 3612f, and 3612g, of the upper tubular slip 3612 may be removed from the packer assembly 36. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the slip retaining bands, 3618a, 3618b, 3618c, 3618d, and 3618e, and one or more of the respective external annular recesses, 3616c, 3616d, 3616e, 3616f, and 3616g, of the lower tubular slip 3616 may be removed from the packer assembly 36.

An upper tubular wedge 3620 that defines an longitudinal passage 3620a for receiving the tubular upper mandrel 3604 and mounting holes, 3620b and 3620c, and includes an angled end face 3620d at one end that is received within and mates with the tapered opening 3612b of the upper tubular slip 3612, and an angled end face 3620e at another end is coupled to the tubular upper mandrel by shear pins, 3622a and 3622b, mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes, 3604e and 3620b, and, 3604f and 3620c, respectively, of the tubular upper mandrel and upper tubular wedge, respectively. A lower tubular wedge 3624 that defines an longitudinal passage 3624a for receiving the tubular upper mandrel 3604 and mounting holes, 3624b and 3624c, and includes an angled end face 3624d at one end that is received within and mates with the tapered opening 3616b of the lower tubular slip 3616, and an angled end face 3624e at another end is coupled to the tubular upper mandrel by shear pins, 3626a and 3626b, mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes, 3604g and 3624b, and, 3604h and 3624c, respectively, of the tubular upper mandrel and lower tubular wedge, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper and lower tubular wedges, 3620 and 3624, are fabricated from composite materials.

An upper tubular extrusion limiter 3628 that defines a longitudinal passage 3628a for receiving the tubular upper mandrel 3604 includes an angled end face 3628b at one end that mates with the angled end face 3620e of the upper tubular wedge 3620, an angled end face 3628c at another end having recesses 3628d, and external annular recesses, 3628e, 3628f and 3628g. Retaining bands, 3630a, 3630b, and 3630c, are mounted within and coupled to the external annular recesses, 3628e, 3628f and 3628g, respectively, of the upper tubular extrusion limiter 3628. Circular disc-shaped extrusion preventers 3632 are coupled and mounted within the recesses 3628d. A lower tubular extrusion limiter 3634 that defines a longitudinal passage 3634a for receiving the tubular upper mandrel 3604 includes an angled end face 3634b at one end that mates with the angled end face 3624e of the lower tubular wedge 3624, an angled end face 3634c at another end having recesses 3634d, and external annular recesses, 3634e, 3634f and 3634g. Retaining bands, 3636a, 3636b, and 3636c, are mounted within and coupled to the external annular recesses, 3634e, 3634f and 3634g, respectively, of the lower tubular extrusion limiter 3634. Circular disc-shaped extrusion preventers 3638 are coupled and mounted within the recesses 3634d. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper and lower extrusion limiters, 3628 and 3634, are fabricated from composite materials. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the retaining bands, 3630a, 3630b, and 3630c, and one or more of the respective external annular recesses, 3628e, 3628f and 3628g of the upper tubular extrusion limiter 3628 may be removed from the packer assembly 36. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the retaining bands, 3636a, 3636b, and 3636c, and one or more of the respective external annular recesses, 3634e, 3634f and 3634g of the lower tubular extrusion limiter 3634 may be removed from the packer assembly 36.

A sealing element or upper tubular elastomeric packer element 3640 that defines a longitudinal passage 3640a for receiving the tubular upper mandrel 3604 includes an angled end face 3640b at one end that mates with and is positioned proximate the angled end face 3628c of the upper tubular extrusion limiter 3628 and an curved end face 3640c at another end. A lower tubular elastomeric packer element 3642 that defines a longitudinal passage 3642a for receiving the tubular upper mandrel 3604 includes an angled end face 3642b at one end that mates with and is positioned proximate the angled end face 3634c of the lower tubular extrusion limiter 3634 and an curved end face 3642c at another end.

A central tubular elastomeric packer element 3644 that defines a longitudinal passage 3644a for receiving the tubular upper mandrel 3604 includes a curved outer surface 3644b for mating with and engaging the curved end faces, 3640c and 3642c, of the upper and lower tubular elastomeric packer elements, 3640 and 3642, respectively.

An external threaded connection 3646a of a tubular lower mandrel 3646 that defines a longitudinal passage 3646b having throat passages, 3646c and 3646d, and flow ports, 3646e and 3646f, and a mounting hole 3646g, and includes an internal annular recess 3646h at one end, and an external flange 3646i, internal annular recess 3646j, and internal threaded connection 3646k at another end. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular lower mandrel 3646 is fabricated from aluminum. A sealing element 3648 is received within the inner annular recess 3604j of the other end of the tubular upper mandrel 3604 for sealing an interface between the tubular upper mandrel and the tubular lower mandrel 3646.

A tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650 that defines a longitudinal passage 3650a and radial flow ports, 3650b and 3650c, and includes collet fingers 3650d at one end for engaging the internal annular recess 3646h of the lower tubular mandrel 3646, an external annular recess 3650e, an external annular recess 3650f, an external annular recess 3650g, and circumferentially spaced apart teeth 3650h at another end is received within and is slidably coupled to the longitudinal passage 3646b of the tubular lower mandrel 3646. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650 is fabricated from aluminum. A set screw 3652 is mounted within and coupled to the mounting hole 3646g of the tubular lower mandrel 3646 that is received within the external annular recess 3650e of the tubular sliding sleeve 3650. Sealing elements, 3654 and 3656, are mounted within the external annular recesses, 3650f and 3650g, respectively, of the tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650 for sealing an interface between the tubular sliding sleeve valve and the tubular lower mandrel 3646.

An end of a tubular outer sleeve 3658 that defines a longitudinal passage 3658a, radial passages, 3658b and 3658c, upper flow ports, 3658d and 3658e, lower flow ports, 3658f and 3658g, and radial passages, 3658h and 3658i, receives, mates with, and is coupled to the other end of the tubular upper mandrel 3604 and an end face of the end of the tubular outer sleeve is positioned proximate and end face of the lower tubular spacer ring 3610. The other end of the tubular outer sleeve 3658 receives, mates with, and is coupled to the other end of the tubular lower mandrel 3646.

An external threaded connection 3660a of an end of a tubular bypass mandrel 3660 that defines a longitudinal passage 3660b, upper flow ports, 3660c and 3660d, lower flow ports, 3660e and 3660f, and a mounting hole 3660g and includes an internal annular recess 3660h and an external threaded connection 3660i at another end is received within and coupled to the internal threaded connection 3646k of the tubular lower mandrel 3646. A sealing element 3662 is received within the internal annular recess 3646j of the tubular lower mandrel 3646 for sealing an interface between the tubular lower mandrel and the tubular bypass mandrel 3660.

A tubular plug seat 3664 that defines a longitudinal passage 3664a having a tapered opening 3664b at one end, and flow ports, 3664c and 3664d, and includes an external annular recess 3664e, an external annular recess 3664f, an external annular recess 3664g, an external annular recess 3664h, and an external annular recess 3664i having an external threaded connection at another end is received within and is movably coupled to the longitudinal passage 3660b of the tubular bypass mandrel 3660. A tubular nose 3666 is threadably coupled to and mounted upon the external annular recess 3664i of the tubular plug seat 3664. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular plug seat 3664 is fabricated from aluminum. Sealing elements, 3668, 3670, and 3672, are received within the external annular recesses, 3664e, 3664g, and 3664h, respectively, of the tubular plug seat 3664 for sealing an interface between the tubular plug seat and the tubular bypass mandrel 3660. A set screw 3674 is mounted within and coupled to the mounting hole 3660g of the tubular bypass mandrel 3660 that is received within the external annular recess 3664f of the tubular plug seat 3664.

An end of a tubular bypass sleeve 3676 that defines a longitudinal passage 3676a and includes an internal annular recess 3676b at one end and an internal threaded connection 3676c at another end is coupled to the other end of the tubular outer sleeve 3658 and mates with and receives the tubular bypass mandrel 3660. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular bypass sleeve 3676 is fabricated from aluminum.

An external threaded connection 3678a of a tubular valve seat 3678 that defines a longitudinal passage 3678b including a valve seat 3678c and upjet flow ports, 3678d and 3678e, and includes a spring retainer 3678f and an external annular recess 3678g is received within and is coupled to the internal threaded connection 3676c of the tubular bypass sleeve 3676. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular valve seat 3678 is fabricated from aluminum. A sealing element 3680 is received within the external annular recess 3678g of the tubular valve seat 3678 for fluidicly sealing an interface between the tubular valve seat and the tubular bypass sleeve 3676.

A poppet valve 3682 mates with and is positioned within the valve seat 3678c of the tubular valve seat 3678. An end of the poppet valve 3682 is coupled to an end of a stem bolt 3684 that is slidingly supported for longitudinal displacement by the spring retainer 3678f A valve spring 3686 that surrounds a portion of the stem bolt 3684 is positioned in opposing relation to the head of the stem bolt and a support 3678f a of the spring retainer 3678f, for biasing the poppet valve 3682 into engagement with the valve seat 3678c of the tubular valve seat 3678.

An end of a composite nose 3688 that defines a longitudinal passage 3688a and mounting holes, 3688b and 3688c, and includes an internal threaded connection 3688d at another end receives, mates with, and is coupled to the other end of the tubular valve seat 3678. A tubular nose sleeve 3690 that defines mounting holes, 3690a and 3690b, is coupled to the composite nose 3688 by shear pins, 3692a and 3692b, that are mounted in and coupled to the mounting holes, 3688b and 3690a, and, 3688c and 3690b, respectively, of the composite nose and tubular nose sleeve, respectively.

An external threaded connection 3694a of a baffle nose 3694 that defines longitudinal passages, 3694b and 3694c, is received within and is coupled to the internal threaded connection internal threaded connection 3688d of the composite nose 3688.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 19A1 to 19A5, during the operation of the packer setting tool assembly 32 and packer assembly 36, the packer setting tool and packer assembly are coupled to one another by inserting the end of the tubular upper adaptor 3602 into the other end of the tubular coupling ring 3244, bringing the circumferentially spaced teeth 3216g of the other end of the tubular bushing 3216 into engagement with the circumferentially spaced teeth 3602e of the end of the tubular upper adaptor, and mounting shear pins, 36100a and 36100b, within the mounting holes, 3244c and 3602c, and, 3244d and 3602d, respectively, of the tubular coupling ring and tubular upper adaptor, respectively. As a result, the tubular mandrel 3206 and tubular stinger 3208 of the packer setting tool assembly 32 are thereby positioned within the longitudinal passage 3604a of the tubular upper mandrel 3604 with the 3208e of the tubular stinger positioned within the longitudinal passage 3646b of the tubular lower mandrel 3646 proximate the collet fingers 3650d of the tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650.

Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, during the operation of the packer setting tool 32 and packer assembly 36, as illustrated in FIGS. 20A1 to 20A5, the packer setting tool and packer assembly are positioned within the expandable wellbore casing 100 and an internal threaded connection 30a of an end of the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 3202f of the end of the tubular adaptor 3202 of the packer setting tool assembly. Furthermore, shear pins, 36102a and 36102b, mounted within the mounting holes, 3658b and 3658c, of the tubular outer sleeve 3658 couple the tubular outer sleeve to the expandable wellbore casing. As a result, torsion loads may transferred between the tubular outer sleeve 3658 and the expandable wellbore casing 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 20B1 to 20B5, a conventional plug 36104 is then injected into the setting tool assembly 32 and packer assembly 36 by injecting a fluidic material 36106 into the setting tool assembly and packer assembly through the longitudinal passages, 3202a, 3204b, 3206b, 3208b, 3650a, 3646a, 3660b, and 3664a of the tubular adaptor 3202, tubular upper mandrel 3204, tubular mandrel 3206, tubular stinger 3208, tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650, tubular lower mandrel 3646, tubular bypass mandrel 3660, and tubular plug seat 3664, respectively. The plug 36104 is thereby positioned within the longitudinal passage 3664a of the tubular plug seat 3664. Continued injection of the fluidic material 36106 following the seating of the plug 1606 within the longitudinal passage 3664a of the tubular plug seat 3664 causes the plug and the tubular plug seat to be displaced downwardly in a direction 36108 until further movement of the tubular plug seat is prevented by interaction of the set screw 3674 with the external annular recess 3664f of the tubular plug seat. As a result, the flow ports, 3664c and 3664d, of the tubular plug seat 3664 are moved out of alignment with the upper flow ports, 3660c and 3660d, of the tubular bypass mandrel 3660.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 20C1 to 20C5, after the expandable wellbore casing 100 has been radially expanded and plastically deformed to form at least the bell section 112 of the expandable wellbore casing 100 thereby shearing the shear pins, 36102a and 36102b, the setting tool assembly 32 and packer assembly 36 are then moved upwardly to a position within the expandable wellbore casing 100 above the bell section. The tubular adaptor 3202 is then rotated, by rotating the tool string of the system 10 above the setting tool assembly 32, to displace and position the drag blocks, 3228 and 3230, into engagement with the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing 100.

As a result of the engagement of the drag blocks, 3228 and 3230, with the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing 100, further rotation of the drag blocks relative to the wellbore casing is prevented. Consequently, due to the operation and interaction of the threaded connections, 3216d and 3218a, of the tubular bushing 3216 and tubular drag block body 3218, respectively, further rotation of the tubular adaptor 3202 causes the tubular drag block body and setting sleeve 3242 to be displaced downwardly in a direction 36112 relative to the remaining elements of the setting tool assembly 32 and packer assembly 36. As a result, the setting sleeve 3242 engages and displaces the upper tubular spacer ring 3606 thereby shearing the shear pins, 3622a and 3622b, and driving the upper tubular slip 3612 onto and up the angled end face 3620d of the upper tubular wedge 3620 and into engagement with the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing 100. As a result, longitudinal displacement of the upper tubular slip 3612 relative to the expandable wellbore casing 100 is prevented. Furthermore, as a result, the 3246b collet fingers of the tubular retaining collet 3246 are disengaged from the tubular upper adaptor 3602.

In an alternative embodiment, after the drag blocks, 3228 and 3230, engage the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing 100, an upward tensile force is applied to the tubular support member 12, and the ball gripper assembly 16 is then operate to engage the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing. The tension actuator assembly 18 is then operated to apply an upward tensile force to the tubular adaptor 3202 thereby pulling the upper tubular spacer ring 3606, lower tubular spacer ring 3610, upper tubular slip 3612, lower tubular slip 3616, upper tubular wedge 3620, lower tubular wedge 3624, upper tubular extrusion limiter 3628, lower tubular extrusion limiter 3634, and central tubular elastomeric element 3644 upwardly into contact with the 3242 thereby compressing the upper tubular spacer ring, lower tubular spacer ring, upper tubular slip, lower tubular slip, upper tubular wedge, lower tubular wedge, upper tubular extrusion limiter, lower tubular extrusion limiter, and central tubular elastomeric element. As a result, the upper tubular slip 3612, lower tubular slip 3616, and central tubular elastomeric element 3644 engage the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 20D1 to 20D5, an upward tensile force is then applied to the tubular adaptor 3202 thereby compressing the lower tubular slip 3616, lower tubular wedge 3624, central elastomeric packer element 3644, upper tubular extrusion limiter 3628, and upper tubular wedge 3620 between the lower tubular spacer ring 3610 and the stationary upper tubular slip 3612. As a result, the lower tubular slip 3616 is driven onto and up the angled end face 3624d of the lower tubular wedge 3624 and into engagement with the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing 100, and the central elastomeric packer element 3644 is compressed radially outwardly into engagement with the interior surface of the expandable tubular member. As a result, further longitudinal displacement of the upper tubular slip 3612, lower tubular slip 3616, and central elastomeric packer element 3644 relative to the expandable wellbore casing 100 is prevented.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 20E1 to 20E6, continued application of the upward tensile force to tubular adaptor 3202 will then shear the shear pins, 1602a and 1602b, thereby disengaging the setting tool assembly 32 from the packer assembly 36.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 20F1 to 20F6, with the drag blocks, 3228 and 3230, in engagement with the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing 100, the tubular adaptor 102 is further rotated thereby causing the tubular drag block body 3218 and setting sleeve 3242 to be displaced further downwardly in the direction 36113 until the tubular drag block body and setting sleeve are disengaged from the tubular stinger 3208. As a result, the tubular stinger 3208 of the setting tool assembly 32 may then be displaced downwardly into complete engagement with the tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 20G1 to 20G6, a fluidic material 36114 is then injected into the setting tool assembly 32 and the packer assembly 36 through the longitudinal passages 3202a, 3204b, 3206b, 3208b, 3604b, 3650a, and 3646b of the tubular adaptor 3202, tubular upper mandrel 3204, tubular mandrel 3206, tubular stinger 3208, tubular upper mandrel 3604, tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650, and tubular lower mandrel 3646, respectively. Because, the plug 36104 is seated within and blocks the longitudinal passage 3664a of the tubular plug seat 3664, the longitudinal passages 3604b, 3650a, and 3646b of the tubular upper mandrel 3604, tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650, and tubular lower mandrel 3646 are pressurized thereby displacing the tubular upper adaptor 3602 and tubular upper mandrel 3604 downwardly until the end face of the tubular upper mandrel impacts the end face of the upper tubular spacer ring 3606.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 20H1 to 20H5, the setting tool assembly 32 is brought back into engagement with the packer assembly 36 until the engagement shoulder 3208e of the other end of the tubular stinger 3208 engages the collet fingers 3650d of the end of the tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650. As a result, further downward displacement of the tubular stinger 3208 displaces the tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650 downwardly until the radial flow ports, 3650b and 3650c, of the tubular sliding sleeve valve are aligned with the flow ports, 3646e and 3646f, of the tubular lower mandrel 3646. A hardenable fluidic sealing material 36116 may then be injected into the setting tool assembly 32 and the packer assembly 36 through the longitudinal passages 3202a, 3204b, 3206b, 3208b, and 3650a of the tubular adaptor 3202, tubular upper mandrel 3204, tubular mandrel 3206, tubular stinger 3208, and tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650, respectively. The hardenable fluidic sealing material may then flow out of the packer assembly 36 through the upper flow ports, 3658d and 3658e, into the annulus between the expandable wellbore casing 100 and the wellbore 102.

The tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650 may then be returned to its original position, with the radial flow ports, 3650b and 3650c, of the tubular sliding sleeve valve out of alignment with the flow ports, 3646e and 3646f, of the tubular lower mandrel 3646. The hardenable fluidic sealing material 36116 may then be allowed to cure before, during, or after the continued operation of the system 10 to further radially expand and plastically deform the expandable wellbore casing.

In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 21 A to 21 AX, the packer assembly 36 includes an upper tubular spacer ring 36200 receives and mates with the end of the tubular upper mandrel 3604 and includes an angled end face 36200a that includes a plurality of spaced apart radial grooves 36200b and another end face that is positioned proximate to an end face of the tubular upper adaptor 3602 is coupled to the tubular upper mandrel by shear pins, 36202a, 36202b, 36202c, and 36202d. A lower tubular spacer ring 36204 that includes an angled end face 36204a that includes a plurality of spaced apart radial grooves 36204b receives, mates, and is coupled to the other end of the tubular upper mandrel 3604 and includes another end face that is positioned proximate to an end face of the external flange 3604i of the tubular upper mandrel 3604. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper and tubular spacer rings, 3606 and 3610, are fabricated from a composite material.

An upper tubular slip assembly 36206 that receives and is movably mounted upon the tubular upper mandrel 3604 includes a plurality of substantially identical slip elements 36206a that each include an exterior arcuate cylindrical surface 36206aa including mounting holes, 36206ab, 36206ac, 36206ad, 36206ae, 36206af, 36206ag, 36206ah, 36206ai, and 36206aj, and grooves, 36206aj and 36206ak, a front end face 36206al, a rear end face 36206am including a mounting hole 36206an, side faces, 36206ao and 36206ap, an interior arcuate cylindrical surface 36206aq that mates with the exterior surface of the tubular upper mandrel 3604, and an interior tapered surface 36206ar including a mounting hole 36206as. Mounting pins 36206at are received within and coupled to the mounting holes 36206an and are received within corresponding radial grooves 36200b of the angled end face 36200a of the upper tubular spacer ring 36200. Retaining pins 36206au are mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes 36206as that include heads 36206av. Slip retaining bands, 36206aw and 36206ax, are received within and coupled to grooves, 36206aj and 36206ak, respectively, of the slip elements 36206a. Slip gripping elements, 36206ay, 36206az, 36206aaa, 36206aab, 36206aac, 36206aad, 36206aae, 36206aaf, and 36206aag, are mounted within, coupled to, and extend out of the mounting holes, 36206ab, 36206ac, 36206ad, 36206ae, 36206af, 36206ag, 36206ah, 36206ai, and 36206aj, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjacent exterior arcuate cylindrical surfaces 36206aa of the identical slip elements 36206a of the upper tubular slip assembly 36206 together define a substantially contiguous cylindrical surface.

A lower tubular slip assembly 36208 that receives and is movably mounted upon the tubular upper mandrel 3604 includes a plurality of substantially identical slip elements 36208a that each include an exterior arcuate cylindrical surface 36208aa including mounting holes, 36208ab, 36208ac, 36208ad, 36208ae, 36208af, 36208ag, 36208ah, 36208ai, and 36208aj, and grooves, 36208aj and 36208ak, a front end face 36208al, a rear end face 36208am including a mounting hole 36208an, side faces, 36208ao and 36208ap, an interior arcuate cylindrical surface 36208aq that mates with the exterior surface of the tubular upper mandrel 3604, and an interior tapered surface 36208ar including a mounting hole 36208as. Mounting pins 36208at are received within and coupled to the mounting holes 36208an and are received within corresponding radial grooves 36204b of the angled end face 36204a of the lower tubular spacer ring 36204. Retaining pins 36208au are mounted within and coupled to the mounting holes 36208as that include heads 36208a v. Slip retaining bands, 36208aw and 36208ax, are received within and coupled to grooves, 36208aj and 36208ak, respectively, of the slip elements 36208a. Slip gripping elements, 36208ay, 36208az, 36208aaa, 36208aab, 36208aac, 36208aad, 36208aae, 36208aaf, and 36208aag, are mounted within, coupled to, and extend out of the mounting holes, 36208ab, 36208ac, 36208ad, 36208ae, 36208af, 36208ag, 36208ah, 36208ai, and 36208aj, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjacent exterior arcuate cylindrical surfaces 36208aa of the identical slip elements 36208a of the upper tubular slip assembly 36208 together define a substantially contiguous cylindrical surface.

An upper tubular wedge 36210 that receives the tubular upper mandrel 3604 includes an angled front end face 36210a including spaced apart radial grooves 36210b, a rear end face 36210c, an exterior cylindrical surface 36210d, a plurality of spaced apart faceted tapered exterior surface segments 36210e that mate with corresponding tapered internal surfaces 36206ar of corresponding slip elements 36206a of the upper tubular slip assembly 36206, and T-shaped exterior grooves 36210f aligned with the midline of corresponding faceted tapered exterior surface segments that extend from the angled end face to the rear end face that receive and mate with corresponding retaining pins 36206au of corresponding slip elements of the upper tubular slip assembly. The upper tubular wedge 36210 is releasably coupled to the tubular upper mandrel 3604 by shear pins 36211.

A lower tubular wedge 36212 that receives the tubular upper mandrel 3604 includes an angled front end face 36212a including spaced apart radial grooves 36212b, a rear end face 36212c, an exterior cylindrical surface 36212d, a plurality of spaced apart faceted tapered exterior surface segments 36212e that mate with corresponding tapered internal surfaces 36208ar of corresponding slip elements 36208a of the upper tubular slip assembly 36208, and T-shaped exterior grooves 36212f aligned with the midline of corresponding faceted tapered exterior surface segments that extend from the angled end face to the rear end face that receive and mate with corresponding retaining pins 36208au of corresponding slip elements of the lower tubular slip assembly. The lower tubular wedge 36212 is releasably coupled to the tubular upper mandrel 3604 by shear pins 36213.

An upper tubular extrusion limiter assembly 36214 that receives and is movably mounted upon the tubular upper mandrel 3604 includes a plurality of substantially identical extrusion limiter elements 36214a that each include an angled front end face 36214aa having a recessed portion 36214ab, an angled rear end face 36214ac that defines a mounting hole 36214ad, an interior arcuate cylindrical surface 36214ae that mates with the tubular upper mandrel, and an exterior arcuate cylindrical surface 36214af including grooves, 36214ag, 36214ah, and 36214ai. Disk extrusion preventers 36214aj are mounted within and coupled to the recessed portions 36214ab of adjacent extrusion limiter elements 36214a, and mounting pins 36214ak are mounted within and coupled to mounting holes 36214ad of corresponding extrusion limiter elements 36214a that are received within corresponding radial grooves 36210b of the front end face 36210a of the upper tubular wedge 36210. Retaining bands, 36214al, 36214am, and 36214an, are positioned within and coupled to the grooves, 36214ai, 36214ah, and 36214ag, respectively, of the extrusion limiter elements 36214a.

A lower tubular extrusion limiter assembly 36216 that receives and is movably mounted upon the tubular upper mandrel 3604 includes a plurality of substantially identical extrusion limiter elements 36216a that each include an angled front end face 36216aa having a recessed portion 36216ab, an angled rear end face 36216ac that defines a mounting hole 36216ad, an interior arcuate cylindrical surface 36216ae that mates with the tubular upper mandrel, and an exterior arcuate cylindrical surface 36216af including grooves, 36216ag, 36216ah, and 36216ai. Disk extrusion preventers 36216aj are mounted within and coupled to the recessed portions 36216ab of adjacent extrusion limiter elements 36216a, and mounting pins 36216ak are mounted within and coupled to mounting holes 36216ad of corresponding extrusion limiter elements 36216a that are received within corresponding radial grooves 36212b of the front end face 36212a of the lower tubular wedge 36212. Retaining bands, 36216al, 36216am, and 36216an, are positioned within and coupled to the grooves, 36216ag, 36216ah, and 36216ai, of the extrusion limiter elements 36216a.

The angled end face 3640b of the upper tubular elastomeric packer element 3640 mates with and is positioned proximate the angled end faces 36214aa and disk extrusion preventers 36214aj of the extrusion limiter elements 36214a of the upper tubular extrusion limiter assembly 36214, and the angled end face 3642b of the lower tubular elastomeric packer element 3642 mates with and is positioned proximate the angled end faces 36216aa and disk extrusion preventers 36216aj of the extrusion limiter elements 36216a of the lower tubular extrusion limiter assembly 36216.

During operation of the alternative embodiment of the packer assembly 36 described above with reference to FIGS. 21 and 21A to 21 AX, the first step in setting the packer assembly 36 includes pushing the slip elements, 36206a and 36208a, of the upper and lower slip assemblies, 36206 and 36208, respectively, up the upper and lower tubular wedges, 36210 and 36212, respectively, which breaks the retaining rings, 36206aw and 36206ax, and 36208aw and 36208ax, respectively, and moves the slip elements outwardly against the interior surface of the expandable wellbore casing 100. In an exemplary embodiment, during the radial displacement of the slip elements, 36206a and 36208a, the retaining pins, 36206au and 36208au, respectively, and the mounting pins, 36206at and 36208at, respectively, maintain the slip elements in an evenly spaced apart configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, during the operation of the packer assembly 36, the mounting pins, 36214ak and 36216ak, maintain the extrusion limiter elements, 36214a and 36216a, of the upper and lower tubular extrusion limiter assemblies, 36214 and 36216, respectively, in an evenly spaced apart configuration. The operation of the alternative embodiment of the packer assembly 36 described above with reference to FIGS. 21 and 21A to 21AX is otherwise substantially identical to the operation of the packer assembly described above with reference to FIGS. 20A1 to 20A5, 20B1 to 20B5, 20C1 to 20C5, 20D1 to 20D5, 20E1 to 20E6, 20F1 to 20F6, 20G1 to 20G6, and 20H1 to 20H5.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 22A to 22D, a packer setting tool assembly 38 includes a tubular adapter 3802 that defines a longitudinal passage 3802a, radial external mounting holes, 3802b and 3802c, radial passages, 3802d and 3802e, and includes an external threaded connection 3802f at one end and an internal annular recess 3802g having an internal threaded connection at the other end.

An external threaded connection 3804a of an end of a tubular support or tubular upper mandrel 3804 that defines a longitudinal passage 3804b, external mounting holes, 3804c and 3804d, and includes an external annular recess 3804e, an external annular recess 3804f, external splines 3804g, an external flange 3804h, external splines 3804i, and an internal threaded connection 3804j at another end is received within and is coupled to the internally threaded connection of the internal annular recess 3802g of the other end of the tubular adaptor 3802. The tubular upper mandrel 3804 further includes external mounting holes, 3804k and 38041, radial passages, 3804m and 3804n, and external mounting holes, 3804o and 3804p.

Torque pins, 3805a and 3805b, are received within and coupled to the mounting holes, 3804c and 3804d, respectively, of the tubular upper mandrel 3804 and also extend into the radial passages, 3802d and 3802e, respectively, of the tubular adaptor 3802.

An external threaded connection 3806a of an end of a tubular support or tubular mandrel 3806 that defines a longitudinal passage 3806b and includes an external annular recess 3806c and an external annular recess 3806d having an external threaded connection is received within and is coupled to the internal threaded connection 3804j of the tubular upper mandrel 3804.

An internal threaded connection 3808a of a tubular stinger 3808 that defines a longitudinal passage 3808b and includes an external annular recess 3808c, and an external tapered annular recess 3808d and an engagement shoulder 3808e at another end receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection of the external annular recess 3806d of the mandrel 3806. A sealing member 3810 is mounted upon and coupled to the external annular recess 3806d of the mandrel 3806.

Internal splines 3812aa of a key 3812a that includes an internal annular recess 3812ab at one end are movably received within and engage the external splines 3804g of the tubular upper mandrel 3804. Similarly, internal splines 3812ba of a key 3812b that includes an internal annular recess 3812bb at one end are movably received within and engage the external splines 3804g of the tubular upper mandrel 3804.

An end of a tubular support or tubular bushing 3816 that defines a longitudinal passage 3816a for receiving and mating with the upper mandrel 3804, and radial passages, 3816b and 3816c, and includes an external flange 3816d, an internal annular recess 3816e, circumferentially spaced apart teeth 3816f, and external flanges, 3816g and 3816h, at another end mates with the other ends of the keys, 3812a and 3812b. The external flange 3804h of the upper mandrel 3804 extends within the internal annular recess 3816e of the tubular bushing 3816 so that the tubular bushing 3816 is retained between the keys, 3812a and 3812b, and the external flange 3804h of the upper mandrel 3804. The tubular bushing 3816 further includes radial holes, 3816i and 3816j, through which the keys, 3812a and 3812b, respectively, radially extend so that the keys, 3812a and 3812b, lock the bushing 3816 to the upper mandrel 3804. The tubular bushing 3816 further includes an external annular recess 3816k.

A tubular support or tubular spacer 3818 defines a longitudinal passage 3818a for receiving the upper mandrel 3804, includes an annular portion 3818b at one end that is near or adjacent the other end of the tubular adaptor 3802, further defines radial passages, 3818c and 3818d, and further includes an external annular recess 3818e, an external annular recess 3818f, an internal annular recess 3818g, and counterbores, 3818h and 3818i, that are axially aligned with the holes, 3804k and 38041, respectively, of the upper mandrel 3804. The external annular recesses, 3818e and 3818f, define an annular protrusion 3818j. Screws 3820a and 3820b are threadably engaged with the counterbores, 3818h and 3818i, respectively, of the tubular spacer 3818, and extend into the holes 3804m and 38041, respectively, of the upper mandrel 3804, thereby coupling the tubular spacer 3818 to the upper mandrel 3804.

An end of a tubular packer cup sleeve 3822 that defines a longitudinal passage 3822a for receiving the upper mandrel 3804 and includes an external annular recess 3822b and an internal annular recess 3822c, extends into the internal annular recess 3818g of the tubular spacer 3818. A retaining ring 3824 is disposed in the external annular recess 3804e of the upper mandrel 3804 and extends into the internal annular recess 3822c of the packer cup sleeve 3822, retaining the end of the packer cup sleeve 3822 in the internal annular recess 3818g of the tubular spacer 3818, thereby coupling the packer cup sleeve 3822 to the upper mandrel 3804.

A packer cup 3824 is disposed in the external annular recess 3822b of the packer cup sleeve 3822, and a packer ring 3825 is disposed in the external annular recess 3822b of the packer cup sleeve 3822 and is axially positioned between the packer cup 3824 and the tubular spacer 3818.

An end of a tubular support or tubular upper sleeve 3826 that defines a longitudinal passage 3826a and includes an internal annular recess 3826b, an internal annular recess 3826c, an internal annular recess 3826d, an internal annular recess 3826e, an internal annular recess 3826f, and an internal threaded connection 3826g, is positioned near or adjacent the annular portion 3818b of the tubular spacer 3818 so that the annular portion 3818b of the tubular spacer 3818 is axially positioned between the tubular adaptor 3802 and the upper sleeve 3826. Radial holes, 3826h and 3826i, extend through the internal annular recess 3826b, and radial holes, 3826j and 3286k, extend through the internal annular recess 3826d. The packer cup 3824 sealingly engages the internal annular recess 3826c of the upper sleeve 3826.

Upper retaining dogs, 3828a and 3828b, including internal annular recesses 3828aa and 3828ba, respectively, extend through the radial holes 3826h and 3826i, respectively, and are coupled to the tubular upper sleeve 3826. The upper retaining dogs, 3828a and 3828b, are adapted to further extend into the external annular recess 3818e to releasably engage the tubular spacer 3818, as shown in FIG. 22A and under conditions to be described.

A retaining ring 3829 extends into the external annular recess 3804f of the upper mandrel 3804 and extends into an internal annular recess 3830a of a lower dog retainer 3830. The lower dog retainer 3830 further includes an internal annular recess 3830b, an external annular recess 3830c, counterbores, 3830d and 3830e, that are axially aligned with the external mounting holes, 3804o and 3804p, respectively, of the upper mandrel 3804, and radial holes 3830f and 3830g. Screws, 3832a and 3832b, are threadably engaged with the counterbores, 3830d and 3830e, respectively, of the lower dog retainer 3830, and extend into the external mounting holes, 3804o and 3804p, respectively, of the upper mandrel 3804, which, along with the retaining ring 3829, couple the lower dog retainer 3830 to the upper mandrel 3804.

A tubular support or tubular retaining sleeve 3834 includes an external annular recess 3834a and an external annular recess 3834b, and mates with the exterior surface of the upper mandrel 3804 and with the interior surface of the upper sleeve 3826. Lower retaining dogs, 3836a and 3836b, including respective internal annular recesses, 3836aa and 3836ab, engage the internal annular recess 3826d and extend through the radial holes, 3830f and 3830g, respectively, to mate with the retaining sleeve 3834. It is understood that the retaining sleeve 3834 retains the lower retaining dogs, 3836a and 3836b, so that any relative movement between the lower retaining dogs, 3836a and 3836b, and the upper mandrel 3804 is substantially prevented. Rupture discs, 3838a and 3838b, are received and mounted within the radial passages, 3804m and 3804n.

An external threaded connection 3840a of an external annular recess 3840b of a tubular support or spring mandrel 3840 is received within the internal annular recess 3826f of the upper sleeve 3826 and is coupled to the internal threaded connection 3826g of the upper sleeve 3826. The spring mandrel 3840 further includes an external annular recess 3840c, an external annular recess 3840d, an external annular recess 3840e, an external threaded connection 3840f, an internal annular recess 3840g and an internal annular recess 3840h. A locking dog 3841 is received within the internal annular recess 3840h of the spring mandrel 3840 and engages the exterior surface of the bushing 3816.

An internal threaded connection 3842a of a tubular support or tubular spring retainer 3842 is coupled to the external threaded connection 3840f of the spring mandrel 3840, and includes a external flange 3842b. A tubular spring sleeve 3844 engages the external flange 3842b of the spring retainer 3842 and includes an internal annular recess 3844a, radial passages, 3844b and 3844c, an external annular recess 3844d and an external threaded connection 3844e. A compressible element such as a spring 3846 is retained and extends within an annular region 3848 defined by the internal annular recess 3844a of the spring sleeve 3844, the exterior of the spring retainer 3842 and at least an end of the spring mandrel 3840, thereby circumferentially extending about the tubular upper mandrel 3804.

A tubular locking dog retainer 3843 is received within the internal annular recess 3826f of the upper sleeve 3826 and includes an internal flange 3843a that engages the keys, 3812a and 3812b, and is received within the internal annular recess 3840g of the spring mandrel 3840.

An internal threaded connection 3850a of an end of a tubular setting sleeve 3850 that defines a longitudinal passage 3850b, radial passages, 3850c and 3850d, radial passages, 3850e and 3850f, and includes an internal flange 3850g at another end, engages the external threaded connection 3844e of the spring retainer 3842.

An internal flange 3852a of a tubular coupling ring 3852 that defines a longitudinal passage 3852b and radial passages, 3852c and 3852d, and includes an external annular recess 3852e, receives and mates with the external flange 3816h of the bushing 3816. An internal flange 3854a of a tubular retaining collet 3854 that includes a plurality of axially extending collet fingers 3854b, each finger 3854b having internal flanges 3854c at an end of each collet finger, receives the tubular coupling ring 3852 and engages the external annular recess 3852e of the tubular coupling ring 3852.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 23A to 23E, during the operation of the packer setting tool assembly 38 and the packer assembly 36, the packer setting tool assembly 38 and the packer assembly 36 are coupled to one another by inserting the end of the tubular upper adaptor 3602 into the other end of the tubular coupling ring 3852, bringing the circumferentially spaced teeth 3816f of the other end of the tubular bushing 3816 into engagement with the circumferentially spaced teeth 3602e of the end of the tubular upper adaptor 3602, and mounting shear pins, 36100a and 36100b, within the radial passages, 3852c and 3852d, respectively, of the tubular coupling ring 3852 and within the mounting holes, 3602c and 3602d, respectively, of the tubular upper adaptor 3602. As a result, the tubular mandrel 3806 and the tubular stinger 3808 of the packer setting tool assembly 38 are thereby positioned within the longitudinal passage 3604b of the tubular upper mandrel 3604 with the engagement shoulder 3808e of the tubular stinger 3808 positioned within the longitudinal passage 3646b of the tubular lower mandrel 3646 proximate the collet fingers 3650d of the tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650.

In an exemplary embodiment, the packer setting tool assembly 38 and the packer assembly 36 are positioned within the expandable wellbore casing 100, and the internal threaded connection 30a of an end of the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30 receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 3802f of the tubular adaptor 3802 of the packer setting tool assembly 38. The upper retaining dogs, 3828a and 3828b, and/or the outer diameter of the tubular upper sleeve 3826, are sized so that the upper retaining dogs, 3828a and 3828b, and/or at least a portion of the exterior surface of the tubular upper sleeve 3826, engage the wellbore casing 100, and the tubular upper sleeve 3826 is radially inwardly biased so that the upper retaining dogs, 3828a and 3828b, extend into the external annular recess 3818e and are forced to mate with the tubular spacer 3818, thereby releasably engaging the tubular spacer 3818, including releasably engaging the annular protrusion 3818j. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, torque pins, 3676d and 3676e, may be mounted within mounting holes, 3676f and 3676g, respectively, of the tubular bypass sleeve 3676 to couple the tubular bypass sleeve 3676 to the expandable wellbore casing 100. As a result, torsion loads may be transferred between the tubular bypass sleeve 3676 and the expandable wellbore casing 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 24A to 24E, the plug 36104 is then injected into the setting tool assembly 38 and the packer assembly 36 by injecting the fluidic material 36106 into the setting tool assembly 38 and the packer assembly 36 through the longitudinal passages, 3802a, 3804b, 3806b, 3808b, 3650a, 3646b and 3664a of the tubular adaptor 3802, tubular upper mandrel 3804, tubular mandrel 3806, tubular stinger 3808, tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650, tubular lower mandrel 3646, and tubular plug seat 3664, respectively. The plug 36104 is thereby positioned within the longitudinal passage 3664a of the tubular plug seat 3664. The flow ports, 3664c and 3664d, of the tubular plug seat 3664 are aligned with the upper flow ports, 3660c and 3660d, respectively, of the tubular bypass mandrel 3660.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 25A to 25E, continued injection of the fluidic material 36106 following the seating of the plug 36104 within the longitudinal passage 3664a of the tubular plug seat 3664 causes the plug and the tubular plug seat to be displaced downwardly in the direction 36108 until further movement of the tubular plug seat is prevented by the interaction of the circumferentially-spaced set screws 3674 and 3675 with the external annular recess 3664f of the tubular plug seat. As a result, the flow ports, 3664c and 3664d, of the tubular plug seat 3664 are moved out of alignment with the upper flow ports, 3660c and 3660d, respectively, of the tubular bypass mandrel 3660.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 26A to 26E, continued injection of the fluidic material 36106 following the prevention of further movement of the tubular plug seat 3664 actuates the extension actuator assembly 26 in a manner substantially similar to that described above so that the extension actuator assembly 26 pushes the adjustable bell section expansion cone assembly 28, the adjustable casing expansion cone assembly 30, the packer setting tool assembly 38 and the packer assembly 36 out of the wellbore casing 100. Since the packer setting tool assembly 38 extends outside of the wellbore casing 100, the upper retaining dogs, 3828a and 3828b, and the tubular upper sleeve 3826 no longer engage the wellbore casing 100 and thus the tubular upper sleeve 3826 is no longer radially inwardly biased. As a result, the upper retaining dogs, 3828a and 3828b, are released from mating with the tubular spacer 3818 and engaging the annular protrusion 3818j.

In an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that if it is desired to cease further operation of the packer assembly 36 when the packer setting tool assembly 38 and the packer assembly 36 extend outside of the wellbore casing 100, the upper sleeve 3826 is displaced in a direction toward the packer assembly 36 in a manner to be described below, thereby causing the spring sleeve 3844, the setting sleeve 3850 and the upper tubular spacing ring 3606 of the packer assembly 36 to move in a direction towards the upper tubular wedge 3620 in a manner described below. As a result, the upper tubular slip 3612 is forced to move along the upper tubular wedge 3620 until the upper tubular slip 3612 is pushed off of the packer assembly 36, thereby permitting the packer setting tool assembly 38 and the packer assembly 36 to be retrieved.

In an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that if the packer setting tool assembly 38 and the packer assembly 36 are not able to be extended outside of the wellbore casing 100, the upper retaining dogs, 3828a and 3828b, continue to mate with the tubular spacer 3818 and to engage the annular protrusion 3818j, thereby preventing the upper sleeve 3826 from moving in a direction towards the packer assembly 36 in a manner, and for reasons, to be described below, and permitting the packer setting tool assembly 38 and the packer assembly 36 to be retrieved.

In an exemplary embodiment, the wellbore casing 100 is radially expanded and plastically deformed using the ball gripper assembly 16, the tension actuator assembly 18, the casing lock assembly 24, the extension actuator assembly 26 and the expansion cone assemblies, 28 and 30, in a manner of operation substantially similar to any one of the manners of operation described and/or referenced above, and/or any combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 27A to 27E, after the expandable wellbore casing 100 has been radially expanded and plastically deformed to form at least the bell section 112 of the expandable wellbore casing 100, thereby shearing the torque pins, 3676d and 3676e, the packer setting tool assembly 38 and the packer assembly 36 are then moved upwardly to a position within the expandable wellbore casing 100 above the bell section 112.

Continued injection of the fluidic material 36106, with any further movement of the tubular plug seat 3664 still being prevented, increases the operating pressure of the fluidic material 36106 above a predetermined level sufficient to rupture the rupture discs, 3838a and 3838b. As a result, the fluidic material 36106 enters an annulus 3856 defined by the tubular upper mandrel 3804 and the tubular upper sleeve 3826. As a result, the retaining sleeve 3834 is displaced downwardly in the direction 36108, and engages the internal annular recess 3830b of the lower dog retainer 3830. As a result, the lower retaining dogs, 3836a and 386b, no longer engage the internal annular recess 3826d of the upper sleeve 3826, but instead move radially inward to engage the external annular recesses, 3834a and 3834b, of the tubular retaining sleeve 3834. Thus, it is understood that the lower retaining dogs, 3836a and 3836b, are released from the upper sleeve 3826.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 28A to 28E, the operating pressure of the fluidic material 36106 in the annulus 3856 causes the upper sleeve 3826, the spring mandrel 3840, the spring sleeve 3844 and the setting sleeve 3850 to be displaced in the downward direction 36108 until the setting sleeve 3850 engages the upper tubular spacer ring 3606 of the packer assembly 36, which is mated with the upper tubular slip 3612 of the packer assembly 36.

The operating pressure of the fluidic material 36106 in the annulus 3856 continues to cause the upper sleeve 3826, the spring mandrel 3840 and the spring sleeve 3844 to be displaced in the downward direction 36108, relative to the setting sleeve 3850. As a result, the external annular recess 3840d of the spring mandrel 3840 compresses the spring 3846 against an end face 3844aa defined by the internal annular recess 3844a of the spring sleeve 3844.

When the spring 3846 is fully compressed, the operating pressure of the fluidic material 36106 in the annulus 3856 causes the upper sleeve 3826 to force the upper tubular slip 3612 of the packer assembly 36, via force transmission across the spring mandrel 3840, the compressed spring 3846, the spring sleeve 3844, the setting sleeve 3850 and the upper tubular spacer ring 3606, to move along the upper tubular wedge 3620 of the packer assembly 36. In an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the shear pins, 3608a and 3608b, may be broken to enable the upper tubular slip 3612 to move along the upper tubular wedge 3620. In an exemplary embodiment, it is further understood that one or more of the slip retaining bands, 3612c, 3612d, 3612e, 3612f, 3612g, 3614a, 3614b, 3614c, 3614d, and 3614e, if present, may be broken to enable the upper tubular slip 3612 to move along the upper tubular wedge 3620.

The upper sleeve 3826 continues to force the upper tubular slip 3612 to move along the upper tubular wedge 3620 until the spring mandrel 3840 engages the external flange 3816d of the tubular bushing 3816, the end of which, in turn, is engaged with the external flange 3804h of the upper mandrel 3804. Thus, any further displacement of the upper sleeve 3826 in the downward direction 36108 is substantially prevented.

As a result of the displacement of the upper sleeve 3826 in the downward direction 36108, the keys, 3812a and 3812b, are released from their engagement with the internal flange 3843a of the locking dog retainer 3843. As another result of the displacement of the upper sleeve 3826 in the downward direction 36108, the locking dog 3841 is displaced in the downward direction 36018 so that the locking dog 3841 is received within the external annular recess 3816k of the bushing 3816.

In an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the keys, 3812a and 3812b, lock the bushing 3816 to the upper mandrel 3804, and allow torque and load top to be transmitted from the upper mandrel 3804 to the tubular bushing 3816, and to the packer assembly 36 via the above-described coupling between the packer setting tool assembly 38 and the packer assembly 36. In an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the keys, 3812a and 3812b, prevent the stinger 3808 from engaging and displacing the sliding sleeve valve 3650, thereby preventing the radial flow ports, 3650b and 3650c, of the sliding sleeve valve 3650 from being axially aligned with the flow ports, 3646e and 3646f, of the tubular lower mandrel 3646 of the packer assembly 36.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 29A through 29E, although any further displacement of the upper sleeve 3826 in the downward direction 36108 is prevented, the fully compressed spring 3846 begins to uncompress, and extends to force the spring sleeve 3844, the setting sleeve 3850 and the upper tubular spacing ring 3606 of the packer assembly 36 in the downward direction 36108, thereby causing the upper tubular slip 3612 to further move along the upper tubular wedge 3620 and against the interior surface of the wellbore casing 100, until the upper tubular slip 3612 is set against the wellbore casing 100. As a result, further longitudinal displacement of the upper tubular slip 3612 relative to the wellbore casing 100 is prevented.

In an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that, by preventing any further displacement of the upper sleeve 3826 in the downward direction and by permitting the compressed spring 3846 to uncompress and force the upper tubular slip 3612 to set against the wellbore casing 100, the upper tubular slip 3612 is substantially prevented from applying an impact load against the interior surface of the wellbore casing 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 30A through 30E, after the upper tubular slip 3612 is set against the wellbore casing 100, an upward tensile force is applied to the tubular support member 12, and the ball gripper assembly 16 is then operated to engage the interior surface of the wellbore casing 100 in a manner of operation substantially similar to any one of the manners of operation described and/or referenced above, and/or any combination thereof. The tension actuator assembly 18 is then operated to apply a tensile force to the tubular adaptor 3802 in an upward direction 3860, in any one of the manners of operation described and/or referenced above, and/or any combination thereof, thereby compressing the lower tubular slip 3616, the lower tubular wedge 3624, the lower tubular extrusion limiter 3634, the central elastomeric packer element 3644, the upper tubular extrusion limiter 3628 and the upper tubular wedge 3620 between the lower tubular spacer ring 3610 and the stationary upper tubular slip 3612. As a result, the lower tubular slip 3616 moves along the lower tubular wedge 3624 and into engagement with the interior surface of the wellbore casing 100, forcing the lower tubular slip 3616 to set against the interior surface of the wellbore casing 100. As another result, the elastomeric packer element 3644 is compressed radially outwardly into engagement with the interior surface of the wellbore casing 100, forcing the packer element 3644 to set against the interior surface of the wellbore casing 100. As a result, further longitudinal displacement of the upper tubular slip 3612, the lower tubular slip 3616 and the packer element 3644, relative to the wellbore casing 100, is prevented.

Continued application of the upward tensile force to the tubular adaptor 3802 will then shear the shear pins, 36100a and 36100b, thereby disengaging and releasing the packer setting tool assembly 38 from the packer assembly 36.

In an exemplary embodiment, the packer setting tool assembly 38 continues to move away from the packer assembly 36, in the direction 3860, at least until at least a portion of the stinger 3808 no longer extends within the longitudinal passage 3602a of the tubular upper adaptor 3602 of the packer assembly 36, and the adjustable expansion cone assembly 30 engages and mates with at least a portion of the interior surface of the unexpanded portion of the wellbore casing 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 31A through 31E, continued injection of the fluidic material 36106 causes the packer setting tool assembly 38 to move in the direction 36108 until the tubular spacer ring 3606 engages the stationary upper tubular slip 3612. The continued injection of the fluidic material 36106 also causes the packer assembly 36, including the tubular upper mandrel 3604, to move in the direction 36108 so that the lower tubular spacer ring 3610 moves away from the stationary lower tubular slip 3616. As a result of the continued injection of the fluidic material 36106, the portion of the interior of the wellbore casing 100 within which at least a portion of the packer assembly 36 extends is pressurized, thereby testing the ability of the engagement between the wellbore casing 100 and one or more of the upper tubular slip 3612, the upper tubular extrusion limiter 3628, the elastomeric packer element 3644, the lower tubular extrusion limiter 3634 and the lower tubular slip 3616 to maintain a pressure seal against the interior surface of the wellbore casing 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 32A through 32E, the continued injection of the fluidic material 36106 is stopped, and the operating pressure within the longitudinal passages, 3802a, 3804b, 3806b, 3808b, 3650a, 3646b and 3664a of the tubular adaptor 3802, tubular upper mandrel 3804, tubular mandrel 3806, tubular stinger 3808, tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650, tubular lower mandrel 3646, and tubular plug seat 3664, respectively, is released. The packer setting tool assembly 38 is brought back into engagement with the packer assembly 36 until the engagement shoulder 3808e of the other end of the tubular stinger 3808 engages the collet fingers 3650d of the end of the tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650. As a result, further downward displacement of the tubular stinger 3808 displaces the tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650 downwardly until the radial flow ports, 3650b and 3650c, of the tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650 are aligned with the radial flow ports, 3646e and 3646f, of the tubular lower mandrel 3646. During the downward displacement of the tubular stinger 3808, the locking dog 3841 engages the external annular recess 3816k of the bushing 3816 and the internal annular recess 3840h of the spring mandrel 3840 to further separate the bushing 3816, the coupling ring 3852 and the retaining collet 3854 from the packer assembly 36.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 33A through 33E, a hardenable fluidic sealing material 36116 may then be injected into the packer setting tool assembly 38 and the packer assembly 36 through the longitudinal passages 3802a, 3804b, 3806b, 3808b and 3650a of the tubular adaptor 3802, tubular upper mandrel 3804, tubular mandrel 3806, tubular stinger 3808 and the tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650, respectively. The hardenable fluidic sealing material 3116 may then flow out of the longitudinal passage 3650a, through the radial ports, 3650b and 3650c, of the tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650, through the radial ports, 3646e and 3646f, of the tubular lower mandrel 3646, and into an annulus 36118 defined by the exterior surface of the tubular lower mandrel 3646 and the interior surface of the tubular outer sleeve 3658. The hardenable sealing material 3116 may then flow out of the annulus 36118, through the upper flow ports, 3658d and 3658e, and the lower flow ports, 3658f and 3658g, and into the annulus between the wellbore casing 100 and the wellbore 102. In an exemplary embodiment, in addition to, or instead of the injection of the hardenable fluidic sealing material 36116, it is understood that other well fluids may be injected into the packer setting tool assembly 38 and the packer assembly 36 in a manner similar to the injection of the hardenable fluidic sealing material 36116.

The tubular sliding sleeve valve 3650 may then be returned to its original position, with the radial flow ports, 3650b and 3650c, of the tubular sliding sleeve valve out of alignment with the flow ports, 3646e and 3646f, of the tubular lower mandrel 3646. The hardenable fluidic sealing material 36116 may then be allowed to cure before, during, or after the continued operation of the system 10 to further radially expand and plastically deform the expandable wellbore casing 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that if it is desired to retrieve the packer setting tool assembly 38 when the packer assembly 36 is in the bell section 112 of the wellbore casing 100, the packer setting tool assembly 38 and the packer assembly 36 are operated in the above-described manner so that the upper tubular slip 3612, the lower tubular slip 3616 and the packer element 3644 engage and set against the interior surface of the bell section 112 of the wellbore casing 100, thereby permitting the packer setting tool assembly 38 to be retrieved, that is, to be moved in a direction away from the upper tubular slip 3612, the lower tubular slip 3614 and the packer element 3644.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 34, a tension actuator assembly 40 includes a lower subassembly 40200 having an end that is coupled to an end of a middle subassembly 40400. A middle subassembly 40600 is coupled to the other end of the middle subassembly 40400 and includes an end that is coupled to a middle subassembly 40800. A middle subassembly 401000 is coupled to the other end of the middle subassembly 40800 and includes an end that is coupled to an upper subassembly 401200. A top subassembly 401400 is coupled to the other end of the upper subassembly 401200.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 35A through 35C, the lower subassembly 40200 includes a tubular support or adapter 40202 that defines a longitudinal passage 40202a, and includes radial passages, 40202b and 40202c, an external threaded connection 40202d, an external shoulder 40202e, and an internal annular recess 40202f having an internal threaded connection 40202g, radial openings, 40202h, 40202i, 40202j and 40202k, and a plurality of torque lugs 40202l. The adapter 40202 further includes an external annular recess 40202m.

A plurality of torque lugs 40204a at an end of a tubular support or lower lift adapter 40204 that defines a longitudinal passage 40204b, having a variable inside diameter, and radial openings, 40204c and 40204d, and includes an external threaded connection 40204e, an external shoulder 40204f, an external annular recess 40204g and an internal threaded connection 40204h at the other end, is adapted to engage and mesh with the plurality of torque lugs 40202l of the adapter 40202 under conditions to be described. The lower lift adapter 40204 further includes an internal shoulder 40204i and blind openings, 40204j and 40204k. In an exemplary embodiment, the external annular recess 40204g may be employed to place rig elevators or slips to run or retrieve the lower subassembly 40200 in a wellbore.

An external threaded connection 40206a at an end of a tubular support or torque retainer 40206 that defines a longitudinal passage 40206b and radial openings, 40206c and 40206d, and includes an external shoulder 40206e and a plurality of torque lugs 40206f at the other end, is coupled to the internal threaded connection 40204h of the lower lift adapter 40204 so that the other end of the lower lift adapter engages or is proximate the external shoulder 40206e of the torque retainer 40206, and so that the radial openings, 40204c and 40204d, and the radial openings, 40206c and 40206d, respectively, are generally axially aligned. Torque pins, 40208a and 40208b, extend within the generally axially aligned openings, 40204c and 40206c, and 40204d and 40206d, respectively, to lock the torque retainer 40206 to the lower lift adapter 40204.

An external threaded connection 40210a at an end of a tubular support or lower connecting rod 40210 that defines a longitudinal passage 40210b and radial openings, 40210c, 40210d, 40210e and 40210f, and includes an external threaded connection 40210g and a plurality of torque lugs 40210h at the other end, is coupled to the internal threaded connection 40202g of the adapter 40202 so that the lower connecting rod 40210 is received by and at least partially extends within the longitudinal passages 40202a, 40204b and 40206b of the adapter 40202, the lower lift adapter 40204 and the torque retainer 40206, respectively, and so that the radial openings, 40202h, 40202i, 40202j and 40202k, are generally axially aligned with the radial openings, 40210c, 40210d, 40210e and 40210f, respectively. Torque pins 40212a, 40212b, 40212c and 40212d, extend within the generally axially aligned openings, 40202h and 40210c, 40202i and 40210d, 40202j and 40210e, and 40202k and 40210f, respectively, to lock the lower connecting rod 40210 to the adapter 40202.

An annular region 40214 is defined between the outside surface of the lower connecting rod 40210 and the inside surface of the lower lift adapter 40204, and is generally axially defined between the external annular recess 40204g and the torque retainer 4026. A tubular sleeve or upper sleeve 40216 extends within the annular region 40214 and about the lower connecting rod 40210, and abuts the internal shoulder 40204i of the lower lift adapter 40204. A cup 40218 extends within the annular region 40214 and about the lower connecting rod 40210, and includes a ring 40218a and a shoulder 40218b that abuts the upper sleeve 40216, and a distal end 40218c. An inside thimble 40220 extends within the annular region 40214 and about the lower connecting rod 40210, and abuts and supports the cup 40218. A backup ring 40222 extends within the annular region 40214 and about the lower connecting rod 40210, and abuts the inside thimble 40220. An outside thimble 40224 extends within the annular region 40214 and about the lower connecting rod 40210, and abuts the backup ring 40222. A tubular sleeve 40226 extends within the annular region 40214 and about the lower connecting rod 40210, and abuts the outside thimble 40224. A cup 40228 extends within the annular region 40214 and about the lower connecting rod 40210, and includes a ring 40228a and a shoulder 40228b that abuts the sleeve 40226, and a distal end 40228c. An inside thimble 40230 extends within the annular region 40214 and about the lower connecting rod 40210, and abuts and supports the cup 40228. A backup ring 40232 extends within the annular region 40214 and about the lower connecting rod 40210, and abuts the inside thimble 40230. An outside thimble 40234 extends within the annular region 40214 and about the lower connecting rod 40210, and abuts the backup ring 40232. The torque retainer 40206 abuts the outside thimble 40234 and thereby holds the sleeve 40216, the cup 40218, the inside thimble 40220, the backup ring 40222, the outside thimble 40224, the sleeve 40226, the cup 40228, the inside thimble 40230, the backup ring 40232 and the outside thimble 40234 in place within the annular region 40214.

The distal ends 40218c and 40228c of the cups 40218 and 40228, respectively, axially extend towards the adapter 40202, and the cups sealingly engage the outside surface of the lower connecting rod 40210. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower lift adapter 40204 is free to move in either axial direction relative to the lower connecting rod 40210, under conditions to be described, while the cups 40218 and 40228 continue to sealingly engage the outside surface of the lower connecting rod 40210.

In several exemplary embodiments, the backup rings, 40222 and 40322, may be composed of Teflon and filled with glass and/or other types of materials, and/or may prevent extrusion of the cups, 40218 and 40228, during, for example, relative movement between the lower lift adapter 40204 and the lower connecting rod 40210. In an exemplary embodiment, the outside thimbles, 40224 and 40234, may be composed of steel. In several exemplary embodiments, the outside thimbles, 40224 and 40234, may be composed of bronze and/or any other bearing material suitable to prevent abrasion of the lower connecting rod 40210 during, for example, relative movement between the lower lift adapter 40204 and the lower connecting rod 40210. In an exemplary embodiment, the inside thimbles, 40220 and 40230, may be composed of steel and may provide support to the cups, 40218 and 40228.

In several exemplary embodiments, one or more cups may be added to the subassembly 40200 so that the one or more additional cups extend within the annular region 40214, with the distal ends of the additional cups axially extending towards the adapter 40202, or axially extending away from the adapter 40202 in order to, for example, act as a wiper to remove any debris from the outside surface of the lower connection rod 40210 during, for example, relative movement between the lower lift adapter 40204 and the lower connecting rod 40210. In several exemplary embodiments, for each additional cup, an inside thimble, a backup ring and an outside thimble may also be added to the subassembly 40200.

An internal threaded connection 40236a of a tubular support or coupling 40236 that defines a longitudinal passage 40236b and radial openings, 40236c and 40236d, and includes an internal annular recess 40236e having an internal threaded connection 40236f, is coupled to the external threaded connection 40210g of the lower connecting rod 40210 so that the lower connecting rod 40210 at least partially extends within the longitudinal passage 40236b. The coupling 40236 further includes a plurality of torque lugs 40236g. In several exemplary embodiments, the torque lugs 40236g are adapted to engage and mesh with the torque lugs 40206f of the torque retainer 40206 under conditions to be described.

An external threaded connection 40238a of a tubular support or lower nipple 40238 that defines a longitudinal passage 40238b and openings, 40238c and 40238d, and includes a plurality of torque lugs 40238e at an end, an external shoulder 40238f and an external threaded connection 40238g at the other end, is coupled to the internal threaded connection 40236f of the coupling 40236 so that the lower nipple 40238 at least partially extends within the longitudinal passage 40236b of the coupling 40236, the torque lugs 40238b engage and mesh with the torque lugs 40210h of the lower connecting rod 40210, and the openings, 40236c and 40236d, are generally axially aligned with the openings, 40238c and 40238d, respectively. The lower nipple 40238 further includes openings, 40238h and 40238i.

In an exemplary embodiment, the external threaded connection 40210g of the lower connecting rod 40210 and the internal threaded connection 40236a of the coupling 40236 may each be a right-hand threaded connection, and the internal threaded connection 40236f of the coupling 40236 and the external threaded connection 40238a may each be a left-hand threaded connection. The coupling 40236 may then be coupled to the lower connecting rod 40210 and the lower nipple 40238 at the same time so that, as the coupling 40236 is rotated clockwise, the threaded coupling between the external threaded connection 40210g and the internal threaded connection 40236a pulls the torque lugs 40210h towards the torque lugs 40238e, and the threaded coupling between the internal threaded connection 40236f and the external threaded connection 40238a pulls the torque lugs 40238e towards the torque lugs 40210h, until the pluralities of torque lugs 40210h and 40238e engage and mesh with each other.

Torque pins, 40240a and 40240b, extend into the generally axially aligned openings, 40236c and 40238c, and 40236d and 40238d, respectively, to lock the coupling 40236 to the lower nipple 40238.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 36A through 36C, the middle subassembly 40400 includes a tubular support or middle lift adapter 40402 that defines a longitudinal passage 40402a, having a variable inside diameter, and radial openings, 40402b and 40402c, and includes an external threaded connection 40402d and an external shoulder 40402e at an end, an external annular recess 40402f, and an internal threaded connection 40402g at the other end. The middle lift adapter 40402 further includes an internal shoulder 40402h, an internal shoulder 40402i, and blind openings, 40402j and 40402k. In an exemplary embodiment, the external annular recess 40402f may be employed to place rig elevators or slips to run or retrieve the middle subassembly 40400 in a wellbore.

An external threaded connection 40404a of a tubular support or retainer 40404 that defines a longitudinal passage 40404b, radial openings, 40404c and 40404d, a plurality of circumferentially-spaced radial openings 40404e, one of which is shown, and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced ports 40404f, one of which is shown, that are circumferentially interspersed with the openings 40404e, and includes an external shoulder 40404g, an external shoulder 40404h and an external threaded connection 40404i, is coupled to the internal threaded connection 40402g of the middle lift adapter 40402 so that the radial openings, 40402b and 40402c, are generally axially aligned with the radial openings, 40404c and 40404d, respectively. A torque pin 40405a extends through the generally axially aligned openings 40402b and 40404c, and a torque pin 40405b extends through the generally axially aligned openings 40402c and 40404d, to lock the retainer 40404 to the middle lift adapter 40402.

An internal threaded connection 40406a at an end of a tubular support or barrel 40406 that defines a longitudinal passage 40406b, a plurality of radial openings 40406c, one of which is shown, a plurality of radial openings 40406d, one of which is shown, that are circumferentially interspersed with the openings 40406c, and includes an internal threaded connection 40406e at the other end, is coupled to the external threaded connection 40404i of the retainer 40404 so that the openings, 40404e and 40404f, are generally axially aligned with respective radial openings of the plurality of radial openings, 40406c and 40406d, respectively. The barrel 4046 further defines radial openings, 40406f and 40406g. A plurality of torque pins 40407, one of which is shown, extends through each pair of generally axially aligned openings, 40404e and 40406c, to lock the barrel 40406 to the retainer 40404.

A tubular support or connecting rod 40408 that defines a longitudinal passage 40408a, radial openings, 40408b and 40408c, and radial openings, 40408d and 40408e, and includes an external threaded connection 40408f and an external annular recess 40408g at an end, external teeth 40408h, and an external threaded connection 40408i at the other end, at least partially extends within the longitudinal passage 40402a, 40404b, 40406b of the middle lift adapter 40402, the retainer 40404 and the barrel 40406, respectively. The connecting rod 40408 further includes an external annular recess 40408j.

A retaining ring 40410 is disposed in the external annular recess 40408g and is adapted to engage the internal shoulder 40402i of the middle lift adapter 40402 to prevent the connecting rod 40408 from moving axially downward and out of the barrel 40406 during, for example, the coupling of the middle subassembly 40400 to the lower subassembly 40200.

An annular region 40412 is defined between the outside surface of the connecting rod 40408 and the inside surface of the middle lift adapter 40402, and is generally axially defined between the internal shoulder 40402h and the retainer 40404. A tubular sleeve or upper sleeve 40414 extends within the annular region 40412 and about the connecting rod 40408, and abuts the internal shoulder 40402h of the middle lift adapter 40402. A cup 40416 extends within the annular region 40412 and about the connecting rod 40408, and includes a ring 40416a and a shoulder 40416b that abuts the upper sleeve 40414, and a distal end 40416c. An inside thimble 40418 extends within the annular region 40412 and about the connecting rod 40408, and abuts and supports the cup 40416. A backup ring 40420 extends within the annular region 40412 and about the connecting rod 40408, and abuts the inside thimble 40418. An outside thimble 40422 extends within the annular region 40422 and about the connecting rod 40408, and abuts the backup ring 40420. A tubular sleeve 40424 extends within the annular region 40422 and about the connecting rod 40408, and abuts the outside thimble 40422. A cup 40426 extends within the annular region 40412 and about the connecting rod 40408, and includes a ring 40426a and a shoulder 40426b that abuts the sleeve 40424, and a distal end 40416c. An inside thimble 40428 extends within the annular region 40412 and about the connecting rod 40408, and abuts and supports the cup 40426. A backup ring 40430 extends within the annular region 40412 and about the connecting rod 40408, and abuts the inside thimble 40428. An outside thimble 40432 extends within the annular region 40422 and about the connecting rod 40408, and abuts the backup ring 40430. The retainer 40404 abuts the outside thimble 40432 and thereby holds the sleeve 40414, the cup 40416, the inside thimble 40418, the backup ring 40420, the outside thimble 40422, the sleeve 40424, the cup 40426, the inside thimble 40428, the backup ring 40430 and the outside thimble 40432 in place within the annular region 40412.

The distal ends 40416c and 40426c of the cups 40416 and 40426, respectively, axially extend towards the internal shoulder 40402h of the middle lift adapter 40402, and the cups sealingly engage the outside surface of the connecting rod 40408. In an exemplary embodiment, the middle lift adapter 40402 is free to move in either axial direction relative to the connecting rod 40408, under conditions to be described, while the cups 40416 and 40426 continue to sealingly engage the outside surface of the connecting rod 40408.

In several exemplary embodiments, the backup rings, 40420 and 40430, may be composed of Teflon and filled with glass and/or other types of materials, and/or may prevent extrusion of the cups, 40416 and 40426, during, for example, relative movement between the middle lift adapter 40402 and the connecting rod 40408. In an exemplary embodiment, the outside thimbles, 40422 and 40432, may be composed of steel. In several exemplary embodiments, the outside thimbles, 40422 and 40432, may be composed of bronze and/or any other bearing material suitable to prevent abrasion of the connecting rod 40408 during, for example, relative movement between the middle lift adapter 40402 and the connecting rod 40408. In an exemplary embodiment, the inside thimbles, 40418 and 40428, may be composed of steel and may provide support to the cups, 40416 and 40426.

Internal teeth, 40434a and 40436a, of retaining dogs, 40434 and 40436, respectively, engage and mesh with the external teeth 40408h of the connecting rod 40408. An annular region 40438 is defined between the outside surface of the connecting rod 40408 and the inside surface of the barrel 40406. An internal annular recess 40440a of an upper thimble 40440 abuts the retaining dogs, 40434 and 40436, so that the upper thimble extends within the annular region 40438 and about the connecting rod 40408.

A backup ring 40442 extends within the annular region 40438 and about the connecting rod 40408, and abuts the upper thimble 40440. An inside thimble 40444 extends within the annular region 40438 and about the connecting rod 40408, and abuts the backup ring 40442. A cup 40446 extends within the annular region 40438 and about the connecting rod 40408, includes a ring 40446a, a shoulder 40446b and a distal end 40446c, and abuts and is supported by the inside thimble 40444. A sleeve 40448 extends within the annular region 40438 and about the connecting rod 40408, and abuts the shoulder 40446b of the cup 40446. An outside thimble 40450 extends within the annular region 40438 and about the connecting rod 40408, and abuts the sleeve 40448. A backup ring 40452 extends within the annular region 40438 and about the connecting rod 40408, and abuts the outside thimble 40450. An inside thimble 40454 extends within the annular region 40438 and about the connecting rod 40408, and abuts the backup ring 40452. A cup 40456 extends within the annular region 40438 and about the connecting rod 40408, includes a ring 40456a, a shoulder 40456b and a distal end 40456c, and abuts and is supported by the inside thimble 40454. A tubular sleeve 40458 at least partially extends within the annular region 40438 and about the connecting rod 40408, and abuts the shoulder 40456b of the cup 40456.

The distal ends 40446c and 40456c of the cups 40446 and 40456, respectively, axially extend away from the internal shoulder 40402h of the middle lift adapter 40402, and the cups sealingly engage the outside surface of the connecting rod 40408. In an exemplary embodiment, the middle lift adapter 40402 is free to move in either axial direction relative to the connecting rod 40408, under conditions to be described.

In several exemplary embodiments, the backup rings, 40442 and 40452, may be composed of Teflon and filled with glass and/or other types of materials, and/or may prevent extrusion of the cups, 40446 and 40456, during, for example, relative movement between the middle lift adapter 40402 and the connecting rod 40408. In an exemplary embodiment, the outside thimbles, 40440 and 40450, may be composed of steel. In several exemplary embodiments, the outside thimbles, 40440 and 40450, may be composed of bronze and/or any other bearing material suitable to prevent abrasion of the connecting rod 40408 during, for example, relative movement between the middle lift adapter 40402 and the connecting rod 40408. In an exemplary embodiment, the inside thimbles, 40444 and 40454, may be composed of steel and may provide support to the cups, 40446 and 40456.

An internal threaded connection 40460a at an end of a tubular support or coupling 40460 that defines a longitudinal passage 40460b, radial openings, 40460c and 40460d, and radial openings, 40460e and 40460f, and includes an internal threaded connection 40460g at the other end, is coupled to the external threaded connection 40408i of the connecting rod 40408 so that the radial openings, 40460c and 40460d, are generally axially aligned with the radial openings, 40408d and 40408e, respectively, and so that the end of the coupling 40460 abuts the sleeve 40458 to hold the sleeve 40458, the cup 40456, the inside thimble 40454, the backup ring 40452, the outside thimble 40450, the sleeve 40448, the cup 40446, the inside thimble 40444, the backup ring 40442 and the upper thimble 40440 in place.

Set screws, 40462a and 40462b, extend within the openings 40460e and 40460f, respectively. A torque pin 40464a extends through the generally axially aligned radial openings 40460c and 40408d, and a torque pin 40464b extends through the generally axially aligned radial openings 40460d and 40408e, to lock the connecting rod 40408 to the coupling 40460.

In an exemplary embodiment, the middle subassemblies 40600, 40800 and 401000 are each substantially identical to the middle subassembly 40400 and therefore will not be described in detail. In the description below, any reference numeral used to refer to one or more features of one or more of the middle subassemblies 40600, 40800 and 401000 will correspond to the reference numeral for the one or more features of the middle subassembly 40400, except that the third numeral position, that is, 4, will be replaced by 6, 8 or 10 for the middle subassembly 40600, 40800 or 401000, respectively.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 37A through 37C, the upper subassembly 401200 is substantially similar to the middle subassembly 40400. More particularly, the upper subassembly 401200 includes a tubular support or upper lift adapter 401202 that defines a longitudinal passage 401202a, having a variable inside diameter, and radial openings, 401202b and 401202c, and includes an external threaded connection 401202d and an external shoulder 401202e at an end, an external annular recess 401202f, and an internal threaded connection 401202g at the other end. The upper lift adapter 401202 further includes an internal shoulder 401202h, an internal shoulder 401202i, and blind openings, 401202j and 401202k. In an exemplary embodiment, the external annular recess 401202f may be employed to place rig elevators or slips to run or retrieve the middle subassembly 401200 in a wellbore.

An external threaded connection 401204a of a tubular support or retainer 401204 that defines a longitudinal passage 401204b, radial openings, 401204c and 401204d, a plurality of circumferentially-spaced radial openings 401204e, one of which is shown, and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced ports 401204f, one of which is shown, that are circumferentially interspersed with the openings 401204e, and includes an external shoulder 401204g, an external shoulder 401204h and an external threaded connection 401204i, is coupled to the internal threaded connection 401202g of the upper lift adapter 401202 so that the radial openings, 401202b and 401202c, are generally axially aligned with the radial openings, 401204c and 401204d, respectively. A torque pin 401205a extends through the generally axially aligned openings 401202b and 401204c, and a torque pin 401205b extends through the generally axially aligned openings 401202c and 401204d, to lock the retainer 401204 to the upper lift adapter 401202.

An internal threaded connection 401206a at an end of a tubular support or barrel 401206 that defines a longitudinal passage 401206b, a plurality of radial openings 401206c, one of which is shown, a plurality of radial openings 401206d, one of which is shown, that are circumferentially interspersed with the openings 401206c, and includes an internal threaded connection 401206e at the other end, is coupled to the external threaded connection 401204i of the retainer 401204 so that the openings, 401204e and 401204f, are generally axially aligned with respective radial openings of the plurality of radial openings, 401206c and 401206d, respectively. The barrel 401206 further defines radial openings, 401206f and 401206g. A plurality of torque pins 401207, one of which is shown, extends through each pair of generally axially aligned openings 401204e and 401206c, to lock the barrel 401206 to the retainer 401204.

A tubular support or connecting rod 401208 that defines a longitudinal passage 401208a, radial openings, 401208b and 401208c, and radial openings, 401208d and 401208e, and includes an external threaded connection 401208f and an external annular recess 401208g at an end, external teeth 401208h, and an external threaded connection 401208i at the other end, at least partially extends within the longitudinal passage 401202a, 401204b, 401206b of the upper lift adapter 401202, the retainer 401204 and the barrel 401206, respectively.

A retaining ring 401210 is disposed in the external annular recess 401208g and is adapted to engage the internal shoulder 401202i of the upper lift adapter 401202 to prevent the connecting rod 401208 from moving axially downward and completely out of the barrel 401206 during, for example, the coupling of the upper subassembly 401200 to the middle subassembly 401000.

An annular region 401212 is defined between the outside surface of the connecting rod 401208 and the inside surface of the upper lift adapter 401202, and is generally axially defined between the internal shoulder 401202h and the retainer 401204. A tubular sleeve or upper sleeve 401214 extends within the annular region 401212 and about the connecting rod 401208, and abuts the internal shoulder 401202h of the upper lift adapter 401202. A cup 401216 extends within the annular region 401212 and about the connecting rod 401208, and includes a ring 401216a and a shoulder 401216b that abuts the upper sleeve 401214, and a distal end 401216c. An inside thimble 401218 extends within the annular region 401212 and about the connecting rod 401208, and abuts and supports the cup 401216. A backup ring 401220 extends within the annular region 401212 and about the connecting rod 401208, and abuts the inside thimble 401218. An outside thimble 401222 extends within the annular region 401222 and about the connecting rod 401208, and abuts the backup ring 401220. A tubular sleeve 401224 extends within the annular region 401222 and about the connecting rod 401208, and abuts the outside thimble 401222. A cup 401226 extends within the annular region 401212 and about the connecting rod 401208, and includes a ring 401226a and a shoulder 401226b that abuts the sleeve 401224, and a distal end 401216c. An inside thimble 401228 extends within the annular region 401212 and about the connecting rod 401208, and abuts and supports the cup 401226. A backup ring 401230 extends within the annular region 401212 and about the connecting rod 401208, and abuts the inside thimble 401228. An outside thimble 401232 extends within the annular region 401222 and about the connecting rod 401208, and abuts the backup ring 401230. The retainer 401204 abuts the outside thimble 401232 and thereby holds the sleeve 401214, the cup 401216, the inside thimble 401218, the backup ring 401220, the outside thimble 401222, the sleeve 401224, the cup 401226, the inside thimble 401228, the backup ring 401230 and the outside thimble 401232 in place within the annular region 401212.

The distal ends 401216c and 401226c of the cups 401216 and 401226, respectively, axially extend towards the internal shoulder 401202h of the upper lift adapter 401202, and the cups sealingly engage the outside surface of the connecting rod 401208. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper lift adapter 401202 is free to move in either axial direction relative to the connecting rod 401208, under conditions to be described, while the cups 401216 and 401226 continue to sealingly engage the outside surface of the connecting rod 401208.

In several exemplary embodiments, the backup rings, 401220 and 401230, may be composed of Teflon and filled with glass and/or other types of materials, and/or may prevent extrusion of the cups, 401216 and 401226, during, for example, relative movement between the upper lift adapter 401202 and the connecting rod 401208. In an exemplary embodiment, the outside thimbles, 401222 and 401232, may be composed of steel. In several exemplary embodiments, the outside thimbles, 401222 and 401232, may be composed of bronze and/or any other bearing material suitable to prevent abrasion of the connecting rod 401208 during, for example, relative movement between the upper lift adapter 401202 and the connecting rod 401208. In an exemplary embodiment, the inside thimbles, 401218 and 401228, may be composed of steel and may provide support to the cups, 401216 and 401226.

Internal teeth, 401234a and 401236a, of retaining dogs, 401234 and 401236, respectively, engage and mesh with the external teeth 401208h of the connecting rod 401208. An annular region 401238 is defined between the outside surface of the connecting rod 401208 and the inside surface of the barrel 401206. An internal annular recess 401240a of an upper thimble 401240 abuts the retaining dogs, 401234 and 401236, so that the upper thimble extends within the annular region 401238 and about the connecting rod 401208.

A backup ring 401242 extends within the annular region 401238 and about the connecting rod 401208, and abuts the upper thimble 401240. An inside thimble 401244 extends within the annular region 401238 and about the connecting rod 401208, and abuts the backup ring 401242. A cup 401246 extends within the annular region 401238 and about the connecting rod 401208, includes a ring 401246a, a shoulder 401246b and a distal end 401246c, and abuts and is supported by the inside thimble 401244. A sleeve 401248 extends within the annular region 401238 and about the connecting rod 401208, and abuts the shoulder 401246b of the cup 401246. An outside thimble 401250 extends within the annular region 401238 and about the connecting rod 401208, and abuts the sleeve 401248. A backup ring 401252 extends within the annular region 401238 and about the connecting rod 401208, and abuts the outside thimble 401250. An inside thimble 401254 extends within the annular region 401238 and about the connecting rod 401208, and abuts the backup ring 401252. A cup 401256 extends within the annular region 401238 and about the connecting rod 401208, includes a ring 401256a, a shoulder 401256b and a distal end 401256c, and abuts and is supported by the inside thimble 401254. A tubular sleeve 401258 at least partially extends within the annular region 401238 and about the connecting rod 401208, and abuts the shoulder 401256b of the cup 401256.

The distal ends 401246c and 401256c of the cups 401246 and 401256, respectively, axially extend away from the internal shoulder 401202h of the upper lift adapter 401202, and the cups sealingly engage the outside surface of the connecting rod 401208. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper lift adapter 401202 is free to move in either axial direction relative to the connecting rod 401208, under conditions to be described.

In several exemplary embodiments, the backup rings, 401242 and 401252, may be composed of Teflon and filled with glass and/or other types of materials, and/or may prevent extrusion of the cups, 401246 and 401256, during, for example, relative movement between the upper lift adapter 401202 and the connecting rod 401208. In an exemplary embodiment, the outside thimbles, 401240 and 401250, may be composed of steel. In several exemplary embodiments, the outside thimbles, 401240 and 401250, may be composed of bronze and/or any other bearing material suitable to prevent abrasion of the connecting rod 401208 during, for example, relative movement between the upper lift adapter 401202 and the connecting rod 401208. In an exemplary embodiment, the inside thimbles, 401244 and 401254, may be composed of steel and may provide support to the cups, 401246 and 401256.

An internal threaded connection 401260a at an end of a tubular support or collar 401260 that defines a longitudinal passage 401260b, radial openings, 401260c and 401260d, and radial openings, 401260e and 401260f, and includes an internal threaded connection 401260g at the other end, is coupled to the external threaded connection 401208i of the connecting rod 401208 so that the radial openings, 401260c and 401260d, are generally axially aligned with the radial openings, 401208d and 401208e, respectively, and so that the end of the collar 401260 abuts the sleeve 401258 to hold the sleeve 401258, the cup 401256, the inside thimble 401254, the backup ring 401252, the outside thimble 401250, the sleeve 401248, the cup 401246, the inside thimble 401244, the backup ring 401242 and the upper thimble 401240 in place.

Set screws, 401262a and 401262b, extend within the openings 401260e and 401260f, respectively. A torque pin 401264a extends through the generally axially aligned radial openings 401260c and 401208d, and a torque pin 401264b extends through the generally axially aligned radial openings 401260d and 401208e, to lock the connecting rod 401208 to the collar 401260.

An internal threaded connection 401266a at an end of a tubular support or guide 401266 that defines a longitudinal passage 401266b and an internal tapered surface 401266c at the other end, and includes an internal annular recess 401266d and a plurality of radial openings 401266e, is coupled to the external threaded connection 401208f of the connecting rod 401208 so that the connecting rod 401208 is at least partially received by the internal annular recess 401266d. A plurality of fasteners 401266f, such as set screws, extend through the respective openings 401266e and into the external annular recess 410208j to lock the guide 401266 to the connecting rod 401208.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 38A and 38B, the top subassembly 401400 includes a tubular support or top barrel 401402 that defines a longitudinal passage 401402a and includes an external annular recess 401402b, and an internal annular recess 401402c that defines an internal shoulder 401402d, and includes an internal threaded connection 401402e at an end and an external threaded connection 401402f at the other end. The top barrel 401402 further defines blind openings, 401402g and 401402h, and openings 401402i and 401402j. In an exemplary embodiment, the external annular recess 401402b may be employed to place rig elevators or slips to run or retrieve the top subassembly 401400 in a wellbore.

An internal threaded connection 401404a at an end of a tubular support or coupling 401404 that defines a longitudinal passage 401404b having a varying diameter and including a throat portion 401404c, radial openings, 401404d and 401404e, and radial openings, 401404f and 401404g at the other end, and includes an internal threaded connection 401404h at the other end, is coupled to the external threaded connection 401402f of the top barrel 401402 so that the openings, 401404d and 401404e, are generally axially aligned with the openings, 401402g and 401402h, respectively. A torque pin 401406a extends through the generally aligned openings 401404d and 401402g, and a torque pin 401406b extends through the generally aligned openings 401404e and 401402h, to lock the top barrel 401402 to the coupling 401404.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 39A through 39T, the internal threaded connection 401404h of the coupling 401404 of the top subassembly 401400 receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 1634g of the lower mandrel 1634 of the ball grabber assembly 16. The internal threaded connection 401402e of the top barrel 401402 of the top subassembly 401400 receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 401202d of the upper subassembly 401200 so that the openings, 401402i and 401402j, are generally aligned with the openings, 401202j and 401202k, respectively. A torque pin 42a extends through the openings 401402i and 401202j, and a torque pin 42b extends through the openings 401402j and 401202k, to lock the top subassembly 401400 to the upper subassembly 401200.

The internal threaded connection 401260g of the collar 401260 of the upper subassembly 401200 receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 401008f of the connecting rod 401008 of the middle subassembly 401000. The set screws, 401262a and 401262b, extend through the openings, 401260e and 401260f, respectively, and into the external annular recess 401008j to lock the collar 401260 to the connecting rod 401008. The internal threaded connection 401206e of the barrel 401206 of the upper subassembly 401200 receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 401002d of the middle lift adapter 401002 of the middle subassembly 401000 so that the openings, 401206f and 401206g, are generally axially aligned with the openings, 401002j and 401002k, respectively. A torque pin 44a extends through the openings 401206f and 401002j, and a torque pin 44b extends through the openings 401206g and 401002k, to lock the barrel 401206 to the middle lift adapter 401002.

The internal threaded connection 401060g of the coupling 401060 of the middle subassembly 401000 receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 40808f of the connecting rod 40808 of the middle subassembly 40800. The set screws, 401062a and 401062b, extend through the openings, 401060e and 401060f, respectively, and into the external annular recess 40808j to lock the coupling 401060 to the connecting rod 40808. The internal threaded connection 401006e of the barrel 401006 of the middle subassembly 401000 receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 40802d of the middle lift adapter 40802 of the middle subassembly 40800 so that the openings, 401006f and 401006g, are generally axially aligned with the openings, 40802j and 40802k, respectively. A torque pin 46a extends through the openings 401006f and 40802j, and a torque pin 46b extends through the openings 401006g and 40802k, to lock the barrel 401006 to the middle lift adapter 40802.

The internal threaded connection 40860g of the coupling 40860 of the middle subassembly 40800 receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 40608f of the connecting rod 40608 of the middle subassembly 40600. The set screws, 40862a and 40862b, extend through the openings, 40860e and 40860f, respectively, and into the external annular recess 40608j to lock the coupling 40860 to the connecting rod 40608. The internal threaded connection 40806e of the barrel 40806 of the middle subassembly 40800 receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 40602d of the middle lift adapter 40602 of the middle subassembly 40600 so that the openings, 40806f and 40806g, are generally axially aligned with the openings, 40602j and 40602k, respectively. A torque pin 48a extends through the openings 40806f and 40602j, and a torque pin 48b extends through the openings 40806g and 40602k, to lock the barrel 40806 to the middle lift adapter 40602.

The internal threaded connection 40660g of the coupling 40660 of the middle subassembly 40600 receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 40406f of the connecting rod 40406 of the middle subassembly 40400. The set screws, 40662a and 40662b, extend through the openings, 40660e and 40660f, respectively, and into the external annular recess 40406j to lock the coupling 40660 to the connecting rod 40406. The internal threaded connection 40606e of the barrel 40606 of the middle subassembly 40600 receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 40402d of the middle lift adapter 40402 of the middle subassembly 40400 so that the openings, 40606f and 40606g, are generally axially aligned with the openings, 40402j and 40402k, respectively. A torque pin 50a extends through the openings 40606f and 40402j, and a torque pin 50b extends through the openings 40606g and 40402k, to lock the barrel 40606 to the middle lift adapter 40402.

The internal threaded connection 40460g of the coupling 40460 of the middle subassembly 40400 receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 40202d of the adapter 40202 of the lower subassembly 40200. The set screws, 40462a and 40462b, extend through the openings, 40460e and 40460f, respectively, and into the external annular recess 40202m to lock the coupling 40460 to the adapter 40202. The internal threaded connection 40406e of the barrel 40406 of the middle subassembly 40400 receives and is coupled to the external threaded connection 40204e of the lower lift adapter 40204 of the lower subassembly 40200 so that the openings, 40406f and 40406g, are generally axially aligned with the openings, 40204j and 40204k, respectively. A torque pin 52a extends through the openings 40406f and 40204j, and a torque pin 52b extends through the openings 40406g and 40204k, to lock the barrel 40406 to the lower lift adapter 40204.

The external threaded connection 40238g of the lower nipple 40238 of the lower subassembly 40200 is received within and coupled to the internal threaded connection 20a of the end of the safety sub assembly 20 so that the openings, 40238h and 40238i, of the lower nipple 40238 are generally aligned with openings, 20b and 20c, of the safety sub assembly 20. A torque pin 54a extends through the openings 40238h and 20b, and a torque pin 54b extends through the openings 40238i and 20c, to lock the lower nipple 40238 to the safety sub assembly 20.

In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the elements of the system 10 coupled to and positioned below the lower nipple 40238 may be removed from the system 10, or may be repositioned relative to one or more other elements of the system 10. For example, the safety sub assembly 20, the sealing cup assembly 22, the casing lock assembly 24 and the extension actuator assembly 26 may be removed from the system 10 so that the lower nipple 40238 of the lower subassembly 40200 of the tension actuator assembly 40 is directly coupled, rather than indirectly coupled, to the expansion cone assembly 28. For another example, the safety sub assembly 20, the sealing cup assembly 22, the casing lock assembly 24, the extension actuator assembly 26 and the expansion cone assembly 28 may be removed from the system 10 so that the lower nipple 40238 of the lower subassembly 40200 of the tension actuator assembly 40 is directly coupled, rather than indirectly coupled, to the expansion cone assembly 30.

In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the above-described elements of the tension actuator assembly 40 may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more other elements, or sub-elements thereof, of the tension actuator assembly 40 and/or the system 10.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 39a through 39T, during operation of the tension actuator assembly 40, the tension actuator assembly is positioned within the casing 100. The tension actuator assembly 40 is initially placed in an extended configuration by pulling the expansion cone assembly 28 and/or the expansion cone assembly 30 against the inside surface of the casing 100 and/or against the end of the casing 100. More particularly, the tubular support member 12 is moved upwardly in a direction 56, causing the cutter assembly 14 and the ball gripper assembly 16 to also move upwardly in the direction 56, and causing the top subassembly 401400, the upper lift adapter 401202 of the upper subassembly 401200, the middle lift adapters 401002, 40802, 40602 and 40402 of the middle subassemblies 401000, 40800, 40600 and 40400, respectively, the retainers 401004, 40804, 40604 and 40404 of the middle subassemblies 401000, 40800, 40600 and 40400, respectively, the barrels 401006, 40806, 40606 and 40406 of the middle subassemblies 401000, 40800, 40600 and 40400, respectively, and the lower lift adapter 40204 and the torque retainer 40206 of the lower subassembly 40200 to also move upwardly in the direction 56. As a result, the torque lugs 40204a of the lower lift adapter 40204 of the lower subassembly 40200 engage and mesh with torque lugs 40202l of the adapter 40202 of the lower subassembly. As a result of the engagement and meshing of the torque lugs 40204a with the torque lugs 40202l, the continued movement of the tubular support 12 in the direction 56 causes all of the elements of the lower subassembly 40200, the middle subassemblies 40400, 40600, 40800 and 401000, the upper subassembly 401200, and the top subassembly 401400, to move upwardly in the direction 56 until the expansion cone assembly 28 and/or the expansion cone assembly 30 is pulled against the inside surface of the casing 100 and/or against the end of the casing 100. As a result, the tension actuator assembly 40 is in an extended configuration.

When the tension actuator assembly 40 is in its extended configuration, an axial distance 58 is defined between the end of the internal tapered surface 401266c of the guide 401266 of the upper subassembly 401200 and the internal threaded connection 401404a of the coupling 401404 of the top subassembly 401400, and an axial distance 60 is defined between the torque lugs 40206f of the torque retainer 40206 of the lower subassembly 40200 and the torque lugs 40236g of the coupling 40236 of the lower subassembly 40200. In an exemplary embodiment, the distances, 58 and 60, may be about equal to one another.

When the tension actuator assembly 40 is in its extended configuration, the engagement and meshing of the torque lugs 40204a with the torque lugs 40202l permits torque to be transmitted through the tension actuator assembly 40. For example, torque may be applied to the top subassembly 401400, thereby transmitting torque through the upper lift adapter 401202, the retainer 401204 and the barrel 401206 of the upper subassembly 401200; the middle lift adapters 401002, 40802, 40602 and 40402 of the middle subassemblies 401000, 40800, 40600 and 40400, respectively; the retainers 401004, 40804, 40604 and 40404 of the middle subassemblies 401000, 40800, 40600 and 40400, respectively; the barrels 401006, 40806, 40606 and 40406 of the middle subassemblies 401000, 40800, 40600 and 40400, respectively; and the lower lift adapter 40204 of the lower subassembly 40200, due to the above-described couplings between these elements, and the torque is transmitted from the lower lift adapter 40204 to the lower connecting rod 40210 via the engagement and meshing of the torque lugs 40204a with the torque lugs 40202l and the above-described coupling of the adapter 40202 with the lower connecting rod 40210. As a result, the torque is transmitted from the lower connecting rod 40210 to one or more of the elements of the system 10 coupled to and positioned below the lower nipple 40238 via the above-described coupling between the lower connecting rod 40210 and the coupling 40236, and the coupling between the coupling 40236 and the lower nipple 40238.

In an exemplary embodiment, the ball gripper assembly 16 is operated to engage and hold the position of the casing 100, relative to the tubular support member 12, in a manner of operation substantially similar to any one of the manners of operation described and/or referenced above, and/or any combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 40A through 40T, during operation of the tension actuator assembly 40, and after the tension actuator assembly 40 is positioned in the casing 100, the tension actuator assembly 40 is placed in its extended configuration, and the ball gripper assembly 16 is operated, fluidic material 62 is injected into the tension actuator assembly 40 through the passages 401404b, 401402a, 401266b, 401208a, 401008a, 40808a, 40608a, 40408a, 40202a, 40210b and 40238b. The injected fluidic material 62 will also pass through the radial openings, 401008b and 401008c, and into an adjustable annular region 64 generally defined by the inside surface of the barrel 401206 and the outside surface of the connecting rod 401008, through the radial openings, 40808b and 40808c, and into an adjustable annular region 66 generally defined by the inside surface of the barrel 401006 and the outside surface of the connecting rod 40808, through the radial openings, 40608b and 40608c, and into an adjustable annular region 68 generally defined by the inside surface of the barrel 40806 and the outside surface of the connecting rod 40608, through the radial openings, 40408b and 40408c, and into an adjustable annular region 70 generally defined by the inside surface of the barrel 40606 and the outside surface of the connecting rod 40408. The fluidic material 62 will also pass through the radial passages, 40202b and 40202c, and into an adjustable annular region 72 generally defined by the inside surface of the barrel 40406 and the outside surface of the connecting rod 40210.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 41A through 41X, the operating pressure of the fluidic material 62 may then be increased by, for example, controllably blocking or limiting the flow of the fluidic material 62 through the passage 40238b and/or increasing the operating pressure of the outlet of a pumping device for injecting the fluidic material 62 into the tension actuator assembly 40. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more plug elements or operating plugs such as, for example, the plug 36104, may be injected into the tension actuator assembly 40 and through the passages 401404b, 401402a, 401266b, 401208a, 401008a, 40808a, 40608a, 40408a, 40202a, 40210b and 40238b, and the internal tapered surface 401266c of the guide 401266 may facilitate the guiding of the plug 36104 into the passage 401208a of the connecting rod 401208.

As a result of the increased operating pressure of the fluidic material 62, the operating pressure within each of the annular regions 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72 is increased so that the total of the forces generated within each of the annular regions is sufficient to displace the guide 401266, the connecting rod 401208, the retaining dogs 401234 and 401236, the upper thimble 401240, the backup ring 401242, the inside thimble 401244, the cup 401246, the sleeve 401248, the outside thimble 401250, the backup ring 401252, the inside thimble 401254, the cup 401256, the tubular sleeve 401258 and the collar 401260 of the upper subassembly 401200 in an upward direction 74. During this displacement, the upper lift adapter 401202, the retainer 401204, the barrel 401206, the upper sleeve 401214, the cup 401216, the inside thimble 401218, the backup ring 401220, the outside thimble 401222, the sleeve 401222, the cup 401226, the inside thimble 401228, the backup ring 401230 and the outside thimble 401232 remain stationary, the volumetric space or size of the annular region 64 increases, the cups 401216 and 401226 continue to sealingly engage the outside surface of the connecting rod 401208, and the cups 401246 and 401256 continue to sealingly engage the inside surface of the barrel 401206.

Moreover, the connecting rod 401008, the retaining dogs 401034 and 401036, the upper thimble 401040, the backup ring 401042, the inside thimble 401044, the cup 401046, the sleeve 401048, the outside thimble 401050, the backup ring 401052, the inside thimble 401054, the cup 401056, the tubular sleeve 401058 and the coupling 401060 of the middle subassembly 40100 are also displaced in the upward direction 74. During this displacement, the middle lift adapter 401002, the retainer 401004, the barrel 401006, the upper sleeve 401014, the cup 401016, the inside thimble 401018, the backup ring 401020, the outside thimble 401022, the sleeve 401022, the cup 401026, the inside thimble 401028, the backup ring 401030 and the outside thimble 401032 remain stationary, the volumetric space or size of the annular region 64 increases as noted above, the cups 401016 and 401026 continue to sealingly engage the outside surface of the connecting rod 401008, and the cups 401046 and 401056 continue to sealingly engage the inside surface of the barrel 401006.

Moreover, the connecting rod 40808, the retaining dogs 40834 and 40836, the upper thimble 40840, the backup ring 40842, the inside thimble 40844, the cup 40846, the sleeve 40848, the outside thimble 40850, the backup ring 40852, the inside thimble 40854, the cup 40856, the tubular sleeve 40858 and the coupling 40860 of the middle subassembly 40800 are also displaced in the upward direction 74. During this displacement, the middle lift adapter 40802, the retainer 40804, the barrel 40806, the upper sleeve 40814, the cup 40816, the inside thimble 40818, the backup ring 40820, the outside thimble 40822, the sleeve 40822, the cup 40826, the inside thimble 40828, the backup ring 40830 and the outside thimble 40832 remain stationary, the volumetric space or size of the annular region 66 increases, the cups 40816 and 40826 continue to sealingly engage the outside surface of the connecting rod 40808, and the cups 40846 and 40856 continue to sealingly engage the inside surface of the barrel 40806.

Moreover, the connecting rod 40608, the retaining dogs 40634 and 40636, the upper thimble 40640, the backup ring 40642, the inside thimble 40644, the cup 40646, the sleeve 40648, the outside thimble 40650, the backup ring 40652, the inside thimble 40654, the cup 40656, the tubular sleeve 40658 and the coupling 40660 of the middle subassembly 40600 are also displaced in the upward direction 74. During this displacement, the middle lift adapter 40602, the retainer 40604, the barrel 40606, the upper sleeve 40614, the cup 40616, the inside thimble 40618, the backup ring 40620, the outside thimble 40622, the sleeve 40622, the cup 40626, the inside thimble 40628, the backup ring 40630 and the outside thimble 40632 remain stationary, the volumetric space or size of the annular region 68 increases, the cups 40616 and 40626 continue to sealingly engage the outside surface of the connecting rod 40608, and the cups 40646 and 40656 continue to sealingly engage the inside surface of the barrel 40606.

Moreover, the connecting rod 40408, the retaining dogs 40434 and 40436, the upper thimble 40440, the backup ring 40442, the inside thimble 40444, the cup 40446, the sleeve 40448, the outside thimble 40450, the backup ring 40452, the inside thimble 40454, the cup 40456, the tubular sleeve 40458 and the coupling 40460 of the middle subassembly 40400 are also displaced in the upward direction 74. During this displacement, the middle lift adapter 40402, the retainer 40404, the barrel 40406, the upper sleeve 40414, the cup 40416, the inside thimble 40418, the backup ring 40420, the outside thimble 40422, the sleeve 40422, the cup 40426, the inside thimble 40428, the backup ring 40430 and the outside thimble 40432 remain stationary, the volumetric space or size of the annular region 70 increases, the cups 40416 and 40426 continue to sealingly engage the outside surface of the connecting rod 40408, and the cups 40446 and 40456 continue to sealingly engage the inside surface of the barrel 40406.

Moreover, the adapter 40202, the connecting rod 40210, the coupling 40236 and the lower nipple 40238 of the lower subassembly 40200 are also displaced in the upward direction 74. During this displacement, the lower lift adapter 40204, the upper sleeve 40216, the cup 40218, the inside thimble 40220, the backup ring 40222, the outside thimble 40224, the sleeve 40226, the cup 40228, the inside thimble 40230, the backup ring 40232, the outside thimble 40234 and the torque retainer 40206 remain stationary, the volumetric space or size of the annular region 72 increases, and the cups 40218 and 40228 continue to sealingly engage the outside surface of the connecting rod 40210.

During the above-described displacement of several components of the tension actuator assembly 40 in the direction 74, an upward tensile force is applied to all elements of the system 10 coupled to and positioned below the lower nipple 40238. As a result, the expansion cone assembly 28 and/or 30 radially expands and plastically deforms at least a portion of the casing 100, in a manner of operation substantially similar to any of the manners of operation of the expansion cone assembly 28 and/or 30 described and/or referenced above, and/or any combination thereof.

As a result of the above-described displacement of several components of the tension actuator assembly 40 in the direction 74, the tension actuator assembly 40 is in a retracted configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, when the tension actuator assembly 40 is in a retracted configuration, the torque lugs 40206f engage and mesh with the torque lugs 40236g, and the respective values of the distances 58 and 60 are negligible, that is, equal to, or nearly equal to, zero. In an exemplary embodiment, when the distances 58 and 60 are each about equal to the other when the tension actuator assembly 40 is in the extended configuration, and when the distances 58 and 60 are each negligible when the tension actuator assembly 40 is in the retracted configuration, the distances 58 and 60 are each about equal to the stroke length of the tension actuator assembly 40 when the tension actuator assembly 40 is in the extended configuration; that is, the stroke length of the tension actuator assembly 40 is about equal to the overall axial distance that each of the connecting rods 401208, 401008, 40808, 40608, 40408 and 40210 travels during the above-described displacement of several components of the tension actuator assembly 40 in the direction 74.

In an exemplary embodiment, the stroke length of the tension actuator assembly 40 may be about 35 feet. In several exemplary embodiments, the casing 100 may be in the form of a wide variety of types and configurations of casing, including a wide variety of sizes of casing. In an exemplary embodiment, the casing 100 may be, for example, 7⅝ inch casing. In an exemplary embodiment, the transportable length of each of the above-described subassemblies 40200, 40400, 40600, 40800, 401000, 401200 and 401400 in the tension actuator assembly 40 may be, for example, equal to or less than about 45 feet.

In an exemplary embodiment, the stroke length of the tension actuator assembly 40 may be increased by coupling, with flush joint connections, connecting-rod extensions and barrel extensions between, for example, the lower subassembly 40200 and the middle subassembly 40400, the middle subassembly 40400 and the middle subassembly 40600, the middle subassembly 40600 and the middle subassembly 40800, the middle subassembly 40800 and the middle subassembly 401000, and the middle subassembly 401000 and the upper subassembly 401200, of the tension actuator assembly 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the stroke length of the tension actuator assembly 40 may be increased up to, for example, 90 feet. In an exemplary embodiment, a connecting-rod extension may be coupled to the lower connecting rod 40210 of the lower subassembly 40200, a connecting-rod extension may be coupled to each of the connecting rods 40408, 40608, 40808 and 401008, a barrel extension may be coupled to each of the barrels 40406, 40606, 40806 and 401006, and a barrel extension may be coupled to the barrel 401206. In an exemplary embodiment, the stroke length of the tension actuator assembly 40 may be increased up to, for example, 90 feet, while the transportable length of each of the above-described subassemblies 40200, 40400, 40600, 40800, 401000, 401200 and 401400 in the tension actuator assembly 40 may be, for example, equal to or less than about 45 feet.

When the tension actuator assembly 40 is in its retracted configuration, the engagement and meshing of the torque lugs 40206f with the torque lugs 40236g permits torque to be transmitted through the tension actuator assembly 40. For example, torque may be applied to the top subassembly 401400, thereby transmitting torque through the upper lift adapter 401202, the retainer 401204 and the barrel 401206 of the upper subassembly 401200; the middle lift adapters 401002, 40802, 40602 and 40402 of the middle subassemblies 401000, 40800, 40600 and 40400, respectively; the retainers 401004, 40804, 40604 and 40404 of the middle subassemblies 401000, 40800, 40600 and 40400, respectively; the barrels 401006, 40806, 40606 and 40406 of the middle subassemblies 401000, 40800, 40600 and 40400, respectively; and the lower lift adapter 40204 and the torque retainer 40206 of the lower subassembly 40200, due to the above-described couplings between these elements, and the torque is transmitted from the torque retainer 40206 to the coupling 40236 via the engagement and meshing of the torque lugs 40206f with the torque lugs 40236g. As a result, the torque is transmitted from the coupling 40236 to one or more elements of the system 10 coupled to and positioned below the lower nipple 40238 via the above-described coupling between the coupling 40236 and the lower nipple 40238. The torque may also be transmitted from the coupling 40236 to the lower connecting rod 40210 via the above-described coupling between the coupling 40236 and the lower connecting rod 40210.

In an exemplary embodiment, after the tension actuator assembly 40 has been placed in its retracted configuration from its extended configuration, thereby causing radial expansion and plastic deformation of the casing 100 as described above, the ball gripper assembly 16 may then be operated to release the casing 100, and the tubular support 12 may be moved upwardly to permit the tension actuator assembly 40 to again be placed in its extended configuration. The above-described operation of the tension actuator assembly 40 may then be repeated to radially expand and plastically deform at least another portion of the casing 100. As a result, in an exemplary embodiment, the casing 100 may be radially expanded and plastically deformed without subjecting the casing 100 to the increased operating pressure of the fluidic material 62, and/or the increased operating pressure within each of the annular regions 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72. As a result, in an exemplary embodiment, the casing 100 may be generally prevented from bursting in response to the increased operating pressure of the fluidic material 62, and/or the increased operating pressure within each of the annular regions 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72, especially if the increased operating pressure of the fluidic material 62, and/or the increased operating pressure within each of the annular regions 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72, is higher than the burst pressure of the casing 100 and/or is higher than the pressure rating of the casing connections in the casing 100. As another result, in an exemplary embodiment, the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the casing 100 does not require the casing 100 to maintain pressure integrity. That is, the tension actuator assembly 40 may be operated to radially expand and plastically deform the casing 100 even if the casing 100 has lost pressure integrity, or has negligible pressure integrity, due to, for example, one or more holes or openings in the casing 100, one or more parted portions of the casing 100 and/or other causes.

In several exemplary embodiments, during the operation of the tension actuator assembly 40, the ball gripper assembly 16 may or may not be operated to engage the casing 100. In several exemplary embodiments, slips may be substituted for the ball gripper assembly 16.

In several exemplary embodiments, during the operation of the tension actuator assembly 40 and, in particular, the placement of the tension actuator assembly 40 in its retracted configuration from its extended configuration, the use of the above-described cups 401246 and 401256, 401046 and 401056, 40846 and 40856, 40646 and 40656, and 40446 and 40456, to sealingly engage the inside surfaces of the barrels 401206, 401006, 40806, 40606 and 40406, respectively, permits the use of a non-machined finish on these inside surfaces with no special coatings. In an exemplary embodiment, in addition to, or instead of the cups 401246 and 401256, 401046 and 401056, 40846 and 40856, 40646 and 40656, and 40446 and 40456, other seal systems such as, for example, V-packing, may be used when, for example, the inside surfaces of the barrels 401206, 401006, 40806, 40606 and 40406 are machined to a seal finish and/or are coated or plated with an abrasion-resistant material.

In several exemplary embodiments, during the operation of the tension actuator assembly 40 and, in particular, the placement of the tension actuator assembly 40 in its retracted configuration from its extended configuration, the use of the above-described cups 401216 and 401226, 401016 and 401026, 40816 and 40826, 40616 and 40626, 40416 and 40426, and 40218 and 40228, to sealingly engage the outside surfaces of the connecting rods 401208, 401008, 40808, 40608, 40408 and 40210, respectively, permits the use of a non-machined finish on these outside surfaces with no special coatings. In an exemplary embodiment, in addition to, or instead of the cups 401216 and 401226, 401016 and 401026, 40816 and 40826, 40616 and 40626, 40416 and 40426, and 40218 and 40228, other seal systems such as, for example, V-packing, may be used when, for example, the outside surfaces of the connecting rods 401208, 401008, 40808, 40608, 40408 and 40210 are machined to a seal finish and/or are coated or plated with an abrasion-resistant material.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 42A and 42B, a device 80 includes a generally partially cylindrical body 80a defining an end surface 80b, and an opening 80c formed in the body 80a and defining an internal arcuate surface 80ca and parallel-spaced surfaces 80cb and 80cc extending from the internal arcuate surface 80ca. An internal recess 80d is formed in the body 80a and defines an internal arcuate surface 80da and parallel-spaced surfaces 80db and 80dc extending from the internal arcuate surface 80da, and further defines an internal shoulder 80e. Circumferentially-spaced and aligned counterbores 80f and 80g having internal threaded connections 80fa and 80ga, respectively, extend through the body 80a, and set screws 80ha and 80hb extend through the counterbores 80f and 80f, respectively, and threadably engage the internal threaded connections 80fa and 80fg, respectively. Handles 80ia and 80ib are connected to the surface 80b. In an exemplary embodiment, the handles 80i and 80ib may each be connected to the surface 80b via one or more weld joints.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 43, the device 80 may be coupled to the middle subassembly 40400. When the device 80 is coupled to the middle subassembly 40400, the device 80 is positioned so that the barrel 40406 at least partially extends within the internal recess 80d of the device 80, and the coupling 40460 at least partially extends within the opening 80c. As a result, the internal shoulder 80e is adjacent the barrel 40406 and the surface 80b is adjacent the coupling 40460. The set screws 80ha and 80hb extend through the radial openings 40406f and 40406g, respectively, of the barrel 40406, thereby holding the device 80 in place.

In several exemplary embodiments, the device 80 may be coupled to each of the middle subassemblies 40600, 40800 and 40100 in a manner identical to the manner in which the device 80 is coupled to the middle subassembly 40400, as described above.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 44, the device 80 may be coupled to the upper subassembly 401200. When the device 80 is coupled to the upper subassembly 401200, the device 80 is positioned so that the barrel 401206 at least partially extends within the internal recess 80d of the device 80, and the collar 401260 at least partially extends within the opening 80c. As a result, the internal shoulder 80e is adjacent the barrel 401260 and the surface 80b is adjacent the collar 401260. The set screws 80ha and 80h b extend through the radial openings 401206f and 401206g, respectively, of the barrel 401206, thereby holding the device 80 in place.

In an exemplary embodiment, the lower subassembly 40200, the middle subassemblies 40400, 40600, 40800 and 401000, the upper subassembly 401200 and the top subassembly 401400 may each be transported to the vicinity of the wellbore 102 by, for example, a truck, and may then be coupled together in the above-described manner on, for example, a rig floor.

In an exemplary embodiment, the tension actuator assembly 40 may be positioned in the casing 100, in order to operate the tension actuator assembly 40 as described above, by first running the lower subassembly 40200 in the wellbore 102. The middle subassembly 40400 is then coupled to the lower subassembly 40200. In an exemplary embodiment, the device 80 may be coupled to the middle subassembly 40400, in the manner described above, before the middle subassembly 40400 is coupled to the lower subassembly 40200. As a result, the device 80 is held in place, relative to the barrel 40406 of the middle subassembly 40400, and serves as a safety device, preventing the middle lift adapter 40402, the retainer 40404 and the barrel 40406 from accidentally moving downward during the coupling of the middle subassembly 40400 to the lower subassembly 40200, and/or the coupling of any one or more elements of the system 10 positioned below the middle subassembly 40400 to any one or more other elements of the system 10 positioned below the middle subassembly 40400. The device 80 is decoupled from the middle subassembly 40400 during or after the middle subassembly 40400 is coupled to the lower subassembly 40200.

The middle lift adapter 40402, the retainer 40404 and the barrel 40406 of the middle subassembly 40400 are then lowered, and the middle subassembly 40600 is coupled to the middle subassembly 40400. In an exemplary embodiment, the device 80 may be coupled to the middle subassembly 40600, in the manner described above, before the middle subassembly 40600 is coupled to the middle subassembly 40400. As a result, the device 80 is held in place, relative to the barrel 40606 of the middle subassembly 40600, and serves as a safety device, preventing the middle lift adapter 40602, the retainer 40604 and the barrel 40606 from accidentally moving downward during the coupling of the middle subassembly 40600 to the middle subassembly 40400, and/or the coupling of any one or more elements of the system 10 positioned below the middle subassembly 40600 to any one or more other elements of the system 10 positioned below the middle subassembly 40600. The device 80 is decoupled from the middle subassembly 40600 during or after the middle subassembly 40600 is coupled to the middle subassembly 40400. The middle subassembly 40400 is lowered into the wellbore 102.

The middle lift adapter 40602, the retainer 40604 and the barrel 40606 of the middle subassembly 40600 are then lowered, and the middle subassembly 40800 is coupled to the middle subassembly 40600. In an exemplary embodiment, the device 80 may be coupled to the middle subassembly 40800, in the manner described above, before the middle subassembly 40800 is coupled to the middle subassembly 40600. As a result, the device 80 is held in place, relative to the barrel 40806 of the middle subassembly 40800, and serves as a safety device, preventing the middle lift adapter 40802, the retainer 40804 and the barrel 40806 from accidentally moving downward during the coupling of the middle subassembly 40800 to the middle subassembly 40600, and/or the coupling of any one or more elements of the system 10 positioned below the middle subassembly 40800 to any one or more other elements of the system 10 positioned below the middle subassembly 40800. The device 80 is decoupled from the middle subassembly 40800 during or after the middle subassembly 40800 is coupled to the middle subassembly 40600. The middle subassembly 40600 is lowered into the wellbore 102.

The middle subassembly 401000 is coupled to the middle subassembly 40800, and the middle subassembly 40800 is lowered into the wellbore 102, in manners similar to the manners in which the middle subassembly 40800 is coupled to the middle subassembly 40600, and the middle subassembly 40600 is lowered into the wellbore 102, respectively, as described above. The upper subassembly 401200 is coupled to the middle subassembly 401000, and the middle subassembly 401000 is lowered into the wellbore 102, in manners similar to the manners in which the middle subassembly 40800 is coupled to the middle subassembly 40600, and the middle subassembly 40600 is lowered into the wellbore 102, respectively, as described above. The top subassembly 401400 is coupled to the upper subassembly 401200, and the upper subassembly 401200 is lowered into the wellbore 102. The top subassembly 401400 is lowered into the wellbore 102. As a result, the tension actuator assembly 40 is positioned in the casing 100.

In several exemplary embodiments, and instead of the above-described positioning procedure, the tension actuator assembly 40 may be positioned in the casing 100 using a wide variety of techniques, steps, procedures, and/or combinations thereof, including, for example, any positioning techniques, steps and/or procedures described and/or referenced above.

In an exemplary embodiment, another ball grabber assembly such as, for example, any of the ball grabber assemblies described and/or referenced above, and at least one other tension actuator assembly such as, for example, a tension actuator assembly similar to the tension actuator assembly 18, may be run between the tension actuator assembly 40 and the expansion cone assemblies 28 and/or 30. As a result, and during operation of the system 10, if the ball grabber assembly 16 above the tension actuator assembly 40 is positioned outside of the unexpanded portion of the casing 100 when, for example, the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the casing 100 is almost completed, and, as a result, the ball grabber assembly 16 is not able to operate in one or more of the manners described and/or referenced above, the at least one other tension actuator assembly may be operated to complete the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the casing 100.

Referring to FIG. 45, an exemplary embodiment of a system 4500 for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member includes a safety sub 4502. An end of the safety sub 4502 is coupled to an end of a gripper assembly 4504 and another end of the gripper assembly is coupled to an end of a casing lock assembly 4506.

In an exemplary embodiment, the safety sub 4502 may include one or more elements of conventional safety subs that permit quick connection and/or disconnection of tubular members and/or the safety sub 20, or equivalents thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gripper assembly 4504 may include one or more elements of conventional devices for gripping tubular members and/or the ball gripper assembly 16, or equivalents thereof.

Another end of the casing lock assembly 4506 is coupled to an end of a tension actuator assembly 4508, and another end of the tension actuator assembly 4508 is coupled to an end of an an adjustable expansion device 4510.

In an exemplary embodiment, the casing lock assembly 4506 may include one or more elements of conventional casing lock assemblies that permit the position of a tubular member to be locked in position and/or the casing lock assembly 24, or equivalents thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, the tension actuator assembly 4508 may include one or more elements of conventional actuating devices and/or the tension actuator assembly 18, or equivalents thereof.

Another end of the adjustable expansion device 4510 is coupled to an end of a float shoe assembly 4512.

In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable expansion device 4510 may include one or more elements of conventional adjustable expansion devices, the adjustable expansion cone assemblies, 28 and 30, or equivalents thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment, the float shoe assembly 4512 may include one or more elements of conventional float shoe assemblies and/or the packer assembly 36, or equivalents thereof.

A wellbore casing assembly 4514 receives the safety sub 4502, the gripper assembly 4504, the casing lock assembly 4506, the tension actuator assembly 4508, and the adjustable expansion device 4510. In an exemplary embodiment, the wellbore casing 4514 is releasably coupled to the casing lock assembly 4506 and an end of the wellbore casing sealingly engages the float shoe assembly 4512.

Referring to FIGS. 45a, 45b, 45c, 45d, 45e, 45f, and 45g, in an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable expansion device 4510 includes a tubular support member 45100 that defines an internal passage 45100a and having an end that is coupled to an end of the tension actuator assembly 4508 and another end that includes an internal flange 45100b and an internal threaded connection 45100c.

An externally threaded end 45102a of a tubular support member 45102 that defines an internal passage 45102b is coupled to the internal threaded connection 45100c of the tubular support member 45100. The tubular support member 45102 further includes an internal flange 45102c and a tapered groove 45102d having an internal flange 45102e at another end of the tubular support member.

An actuator 45104 is positioned within the internal passage 45102b of the tubular support member 45102 between the internal flanges, 45100b and 45102c, of the tubular support members, 45100 and 45102, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator 45104 may be, for example, a conventional hydraulically actuated device. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator 45104 includes an internal passage that permits fluidic materials to be conveyed through the actuator thereby permitting fluidic materials to pass through the adjustable expansion device 4510.

An end of a tubular support member 45106 that defines an internal passage 45106a is coupled to the actuator 45104 and another end of the tubular support member includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart ramp members 45106b and is coupled to an end of the float shoe 4512. In this manner, the tubular support member 45106 may be displaced in an axial direction relative to the tubular support member 45100 by operation of the actuator 45104.

An expansion cone assembly 45108 is movably mounted upon the tubular support member 45106 that includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart expansion cone elements 45108a that are each coupled to a guide assembly 45108b.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of expansion cone elements 45108a include an end that defines an outer channel 45108aa that mates with and receives the internal flange 45102e of the tubular support member 45102. In this manner, the expansion cone elements 45108a may pivot with respect to the internal flange 45102e of the tubular support member 45102. Another end of each of the expansion cone elements 45108a include external surfaces, 45108ab, 45108ac, and 45108ad.

In an exemplary embodiment, the external surface 45108ab of the expansion cone elements 45108a are arcuate segments of a conical surface that increases in diameter in a direction 45108ae. In an exemplary embodiment, the external surface 45108ac of the expansion cone elements 45108a are arcuate segments of a cylindrical surface having a substantially constant diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the external surface 45108ad of the expansion cone elements 45108a are arcuate segments of a conical surface that decreases in diameter in the direction 45018ae.

In an exemplary embodiment, the external surfaces, 45108ab and 45108ac, of each of the expansion cone elements 45108a include an insert 45108af that has increased surface hardness such as, for example, tungsten carbide, or equivalents thereof. In this manner, during operation of the system 4510, the expansion cone elements 45108a may engage and radially expand the wellbore casing assembly 4514 without excessive wear of the external surfaces, 45108ab and 45108ac, of the expansion cone elements.

In an exemplary embodiment, the guide assembly 45108b includes a retaining ring 45108ba that receives and is slidably mounted upon the external surface of the end of the tubular support member 45106. Extending from the retaining ring 45108ba, in a direction opposite the direction 45018ae, are a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart coupling elements 45108bb having ends that are coupled to ends of corresponding expansion cone elements 45018a. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling elements 45108bb are interleaved with the circumferentially spaced apart ramp members 45106b of the tubular support member 45106. In this manner, the ends of the expansion cone elements 45018a are coupled to the retaining ring 45108ba.

In an exemplary embodiment, cup seals, 45110a and 45110b, are coupled to an external surface of the tubular support member 45100. In this manner, the interface between the tubular support member 45100 and the wellbore casing 4514 may be fluidicly sealed.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system 4510, when the tubular support member 45106 is displaced in a direction opposite the direction 45018ae relative to the tubular support members, 45100 and 45102, by operation of the actuator 45104, the expansion cone elements 45018a pivot in an outer radial direction relative to the tubular support member 45102 and are driven up the circumferentially spaced apart ramp members 45106b of the tubular support member 45106. As a result, in an exemplary embodiment, the retaining ring 45108ba and the circumferentially spaced apart coupling elements 45108bb are displaced in the direction 45018ae and the ends of the coupling elements that are coupled to the ends of the corresponding expansion cone elements 45018a are also displaced in a radial outer direction. As a result, in an exemplary embodiment, the circumferentially spaced apart coupling elements 45108bb are elastically deformed in an outer radial direction and the resulting spring force maintains the corresponding expansion cone elements 45018a in intimate contact with the corresponding circumferentially spaced apart ramp members 45106b of the tubular support member 45106.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system 4500, as illustrated in FIG. 45, the system 4500 is initially positioned within a wellbore 4516 that traverses a subterranean formation 4518.

In an exemplary embodiment, during further operation of the system 4500, as illustrated in FIGS. 46 and 47, an end of a conventional drill pipe 4602 may then be coupled to an end of the safety sub 4502 of the system in a conventional manner.

In an exemplary embodiment, during further operation of the system 4500, as illustrated in FIG. 48, the system is positioned within the wellbore 4516 until the end of the float shoe 4512 is positioned proximate a bottom end 4516a of the wellbore.

In an exemplary embodiment, during further operation of the system 4500, as illustrated in FIG. 49, a hardenable fluidic sealing material 4520 may then be injected into and through the system. In an exemplary embodiment, the hardenable fluidic sealing material 4520 may then be exhausted from the system through the float shoe 4512 to thereby fill an annulus 4522, defined between the wellbore casing 4514 and the wellbore 4516 with an annular column of the hardenable fluidic sealing material. In an exemplary embodiment, the hardenable fluidic sealing material is cement.

In an exemplary embodiment, during further operation of the system 4500, as illustrated in FIG. 50, a ball, dart, or other equivalent device may then introduced into the system 4500 by injecting a fluidic material 5002 into the system. As a result, in an exemplary embodiment, the ball, dart, or equivalent device may be positioned within a restriction provided within the float shoe 4512 to thereby prevent further flow of fluidic materials out of the system through the float shoe.

In an exemplary embodiment, during further operation of the system 4500, as illustrated in FIGS. 51, 51a, 51b, 51c, and 51d, continued injection of the fluidic material 5002 into the system 4500 may then pressurize the interior passages of the system sufficient to operate the actuator 45104 to displace the tubular support member 45106 in a direction opposite the direction 45108ae. As a result, in an exemplary embodiment, the expansion cone elements 45018a pivot in an outer radial direction relative to the tubular support member 45102 and are driven up the circumferentially spaced apart ramp members 45106b of the tubular support member 45106. As a result, in an exemplary embodiment, the retaining ring 45108ba and the circumferentially spaced apart coupling elements 45108bb are displaced in the direction 45018ae and the ends of the coupling elements that are coupled to the ends of the corresponding expansion cone elements 45018a are also displaced in a radial outer direction. As a result, in an exemplary embodiment, the circumferentially spaced apart coupling elements 45108bb are elastically deformed in an outer radial direction and the resulting spring force maintains the corresponding expansion cone elements 45018a in intimate contact with the corresponding circumferentially spaced apart ramp members 45106b of the tubular support member 45106.

In an exemplary embodiment, during further operation of the system 4500, as illustrated in FIG. 52, continued injection of fluidic materials into the system 4500 may pressurize an interior region 4514a of the wellbore casing 4514. As a result, the 4510 may be decoupled from the 4512, and the remainder of the 4500 may be displaced upwardly in a direction 5202 relative to the 4512. As a result, the wellbore casing 4514 may be radially expanded and plastically deformed. In an exemplary embodiment, during the further operation of the system 4500, a pressure differential is created within the wellbore casing 4514 across one or both of the cup seals 45110a and 45110b. As a result, the system 4500 is pulled upwardly through the wellbore casing 4514. In an exemplary embodiment, the system 4500 may also, or in the alternative, be pulled upwardly through the wellbore casing by pulling on the drill pipe 4602 and/or by operating the tension actuator assembly 4508.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 53, the actuator 45104 includes an hydraulic actuator 5302 that is operably coupled to a variable orifice 5304 and a sensor 5306. In an exemplary embodiment, the variable orifice 5304 and sensor 5306 are also operably coupled to a controller 5308.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic actuator 5302, variable orifice 5304, and sensor 5306 may be of conventional design. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 5308 may be a conventional programmable controller.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the actuator 45104, the size of the variable orifice 5304 is controllably varied by the controller 5308 to thereby control the movement and rate of movement of the hydraulic actuator 5302. In an exemplary embodiment, the size of the adjustable expansion device 4510 is controlled by the controller 5308 as a function of the feeback signals provided by the sensor 5306. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 5306 may, for example, include a position sensor for sensing a degree of displacement of the hydraulic actuator, a pressure sensor for sensing an operating pressure of the fluidic material 5002, and/or a radial expansion sensor for sensing a degree of radial expansion of the wellbore casing 4514. In this manner, the degree of displacement of the expansion cone elements 45018a relative to the tubular support member 45106 may be controlled as a function of one or more operational parameters.

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member has been described that includes a support member, a cutting device for cutting the tubular member coupled to the support member, and an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a gripping device for gripping the tubular member coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping device comprises a plurality of movable gripping elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in a radial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in a radial and an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member, and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in a radial and an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in a radial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, if the tubular member is displaced in a first axial direction, the gripping device grips the tubular member; and, if the tubular member is displaced in a second axial direction, the gripping device does not grip the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, the gripping elements are biased to remain in the first position. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping device further includes an actuator for moving the gripping elements from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein the actuator is a fluid powered actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sealing device for sealing an interface with the tubular member coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing device seals an annulus defines between the support member and the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a locking device for locking the position of the tubular member relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a packer assembly coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly includes a packer; and a packer control device for controlling the operation of the packer coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer includes: a support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve movably positioned within the passage of the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer control device includes a support member; one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and a stinger coupled to the support member for engaging the packer. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer includes a support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the support member; and wherein the packer control device includes: a support member; one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and a stinger coupled to the support member for engaging the sliding sleeve valve. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a first actuator for pulling the expansion device; and a second actuator for pushing the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes means for transferring torsional loads between the support member and the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second actuators include means for transferring torsional loads between the support member and the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a plurality of pistons positioned within corresponding piston chambers. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting device includes a support member; and a plurality of movable cutting elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the cutting elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the cutting elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the cutting elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the cutting elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting elements includes a first set of cutting elements; and a second set of cutting elements; wherein the first set of cutting elements are interleaved with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of cutting elements are not axially aligned with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of cutting elements are axially aligned with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a support member; and a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the expansion elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the expansion elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion elements include a first set of expansion elements; and a second set of expansion elements; wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes an adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a plurality of expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the expansion devices includes an adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable expansion device includes a support member; and a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the expansion elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the expansion elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion elements include a first set of expansion elements; and a second set of expansion elements; wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member has been described that includes a support member, an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member, and an actuator coupled to the support member for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a cutting device coupled to the support member for cutting the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting device includes a support member; and a plurality of movable cutting elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the cutting elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the cutting elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the cutting elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the cutting elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting elements include a first set of cutting elements; and a second set of cutting elements; wherein the first set of cutting elements are interleaved with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of cutting elements are not axially aligned with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of cutting elements are axially aligned with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a gripping device for gripping the tubular member coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping device includes a plurality of movable gripping elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in a radial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in a radial and an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in a radial and an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in a radial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, if the tubular member is displaced in a first axial direction, the gripping device grips the tubular member; and wherein, if the tubular member is displaced in a second axial direction, the gripping device does not grip the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, the gripping elements are biased to remain in the first position. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping device further includes an actuator for moving the gripping elements from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein the actuator is a fluid powered actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sealing device for sealing an interface with the tubular member coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing device seals an annulus defines between the support member and the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a locking device for locking the position of the tubular member relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a packer assembly coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly includes a packer; and a packer control device for controlling the operation of the packer coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer includes a support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve movably positioned within the passage of the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer control device includes a support member; one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and a stinger coupled to the support member for engaging the packer. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer includes a support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the support member; and wherein the packer control device comprises: a support member; one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and a stinger coupled to the support member for engaging the sliding sleeve valve. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a support member; and a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the expansion elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the expansion elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion elements include a first set of expansion elements; and a second set of expansion elements; wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes an adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a plurality of expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the expansion devices includes an adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable expansion device includes a support member; and a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the expansion elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the expansion elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion elements include a first set of expansion elements; and a second set of expansion elements; wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member has been described that includes a support member; an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member; and a sealing assembly for sealing an annulus defined between the support member and the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a gripping device for gripping the tubular member coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping device includes a plurality of movable gripping elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in a radial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in a radial and an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in a radial and an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in a radial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the if the tubular member is displaced in a first axial direction, the gripping device grips the tubular member; and wherein, if the tubular member is displaced in a second axial direction, the gripping device does not grip the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, the gripping elements are biased to remain in the first position. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping device further includes an actuator for moving the gripping elements from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein the actuator is a fluid powered actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a locking device for locking the position of the tubular member relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a packer assembly coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly includes a packer; and a packer control device for controlling the operation of the packer coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer includes a support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve movably positioned within the passage of the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer control device includes a support member; one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and a stinger coupled to the support member for engaging the packer. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer includes a support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the support member; and wherein the packer control device includes a support member; one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and a stinger coupled to the support member for engaging the sliding sleeve valve. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a first actuator for pulling the expansion device; and a second actuator for pushing the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes means for transferring torsional loads between the support member and the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second actuators comprise means for transferring torsional loads between the support member and the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a plurality of pistons positioned within corresponding piston chambers. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting device includes a support member; and a plurality of movable cutting elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the cutting elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the cutting elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the cutting elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the cutting elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting elements include a first set of cutting elements; and a second set of cutting elements; wherein the first set of cutting elements are interleaved with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of cutting elements are not axially aligned with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of cutting elements are axially aligned with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a support member; and a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the expansion elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the expansion elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion elements includes a first set of expansion elements; and a second set of expansion elements; wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes an adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a plurality of expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the expansion devices includes an adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable expansion device includes a support member; and a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the expansion elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the expansion elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion elements include a first set of expansion elements; and a second set of expansion elements; wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member has been described that includes a support member; a first expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member; and a second expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a gripping device for gripping the tubular member coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping device includes a plurality of movable gripping elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in a radial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in a radial and an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in a radial and an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in a radial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, if the tubular member is displaced in a first axial direction, the gripping device grips the tubular member; and wherein, if the tubular member is displaced in a second axial direction, the gripping device does not grip the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, the gripping elements are biased to remain in the first position. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping device further includes an actuator for moving the gripping elements from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein the actuator is a fluid powered actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sealing device for sealing an interface with the tubular member coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing device seals an annulus defines between the support member and the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a locking device for locking the position of the tubular member relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a packer assembly coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly includes a packer; and a packer control device for controlling the operation of the packer coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer includes a support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve movably positioned within the passage of the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer control device includes a support member; one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and a stinger coupled to the support member for engaging the packer. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer includes a support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the support member; and wherein the packer control device comprises: a support member; one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and a stinger coupled to the support member for engaging the sliding sleeve valve. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a first actuator for pulling the expansion device; and a second actuator for pushing the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes means for transferring torsional loads between the support member and the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second actuators include means for transferring torsional loads between the support member and the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a plurality of pistons positioned within corresponding piston chambers. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a cutting device for cutting the tubular member coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting device includes a support member; and a plurality of movable cutting elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the cutting elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the cutting elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the cutting elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the cutting elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting elements include a first set of cutting elements; and a second set of cutting elements; wherein the first set of cutting elements are interleaved with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of cutting elements are not axially aligned with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of cutting elements are axially aligned with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first second expansion devices include a support member; and a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the expansion elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the expansion elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion elements include a first set of expansion elements; and a second set of expansion elements; wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first and second expansion devices comprise a plurality of expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first and second expansion device comprise an adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable expansion device includes a support member; and a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the expansion elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the expansion elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion elements include a first set of expansion elements; and a second set of expansion elements; wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member has been described that includes a support member; an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member; and a packer coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a gripping device for gripping the tubular member coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping device comprises a plurality of movable gripping elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in a radial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in a radial and an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in a radial and an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in a radial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, if the tubular member is displaced in a first axial direction, the gripping device grips the tubular member; and wherein, if the tubular member is displaced in a second axial direction, the gripping device does not grip the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, the gripping elements are biased to remain in the first position. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping device further includes an actuator for moving the gripping elements from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein the actuator is a fluid powered actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sealing device for sealing an interface with the tubular member coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing device seals an annulus defines between the support member and the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a locking device for locking the position of the tubular member relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly includes a packer; and a packer control device for controlling the operation of the packer coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer includes a support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve movably positioned within the passage of the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer control device includes a support member; one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and a stinger coupled to the support member for engaging the packer. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer includes a support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the support member; and wherein the packer control device includes a support member; one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and a stinger coupled to the support member for engaging the sliding sleeve valve. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a first actuator for pulling the expansion device; and a second actuator for pushing the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes means for transferring torsional loads between the support member and the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second actuators include means for transferring torsional loads between the support member and the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a plurality of pistons positioned within corresponding piston chambers. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a cutting device coupled to the support member for cutting the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting device includes a support member; and a plurality of movable cutting elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the cutting elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the cutting elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the cutting elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the cutting elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting elements include a first set of cutting elements; and a second set of cutting elements; wherein the first set of cutting elements are interleaved with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of cutting elements are not axially aligned with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of cutting elements are axially aligned with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a support member; and a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the expansion elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the expansion elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion elements include a first set of expansion elements; and a second set of expansion elements; wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes an adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a plurality of expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the expansion devices comprises an adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable expansion device includes a support member; and a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the expansion elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the expansion elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion elements include a first set of expansion elements; and a second set of expansion elements; wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member has been described that includes a support member; a cutting device for cutting the tubular member coupled to the support member; a gripping device for gripping the tubular member coupled to the support member; a sealing device for sealing an interface with the tubular member coupled to the support member; a locking device for locking the position of the tubular member relative to the support member; a first adjustable expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member; a second adjustable expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member; a packer coupled to the support member; and an actuator for displacing one or more of the sealing assembly, first and second adjustable expansion devices, and packer relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping device includes a plurality of movable gripping elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in a radial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in a radial and an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in a radial and an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in a radial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in an axial direction relative to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, if the tubular member is displaced in a first axial direction, the gripping device grips the tubular member; and wherein, if the tubular member is displaced in a second axial direction, the gripping device does not grip the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, the gripping elements are biased to remain in the first position. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping device further includes an actuator for moving the gripping elements from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein the actuator is a fluid powered actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing device seals an annulus defines between the support member and the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly includes a packer; and a packer control device for controlling the operation of the packer coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer includes a support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve movably positioned within the passage of the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer control device includes a support member; one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and a stinger coupled to the support member for engaging the packer. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer includes a support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the support member; and wherein the packer control device includes a support member; one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and a stinger coupled to the support member for engaging the sliding sleeve valve. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a first actuator for pulling the expansion device; and a second actuator for pushing the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes means for transferring torsional loads between the support member and the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second actuators include means for transferring torsional loads between the support member and the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a plurality of pistons positioned within corresponding piston chambers. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting device includes a support member; and a plurality of movable cutting elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the cutting elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the cutting elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the cutting elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the cutting elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting elements include a first set of cutting elements; and a second set of cutting elements; wherein the first set of cutting elements are interleaved with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of cutting elements are not axially aligned with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of cutting elements are axially aligned with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the adjustable expansion devices include a support member; and a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the expansion elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the expansion elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion elements include a first set of expansion elements; and a second set of expansion elements; wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the adjustable expansion devices comprise a plurality of expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the adjustable expansion devices include a support member; and a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the expansion elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the expansion elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion elements include a first set of expansion elements; and a second set of expansion elements; wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

An apparatus for cutting a tubular member has been described that includes a support member; and a plurality of movable cutting elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the cutting elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the cutting elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the cutting elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the cutting elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting elements include a first set of cutting elements; and a second set of cutting elements; wherein the first set of cutting elements are interleaved with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of cutting elements are not axially aligned with the second set of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of cutting elements are axially aligned with the second set of cutting elements.

An apparatus for engaging a tubular member has been described that includes a support member; and a plurality of movable elements coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the elements between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the elements do not engage the tubular member; and wherein in the second position, the elements engage the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing the internal diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor prevents the elements from being moved to the second position if the internal diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, the elements include a first set of elements; and a second set of elements; wherein the first set of elements are interleaved with the second set of elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the first position, the first set of elements are not axially aligned with the second set of elements. In an exemplary embodiment, in the second position, the first set of elements are axially aligned with the second set of elements.

An apparatus for gripping a tubular member has been described that includes a plurality of movable gripping elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in a radial direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable in an axial direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in a radial and an axial direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in a radial direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements are moveable from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the gripping elements do not engage the tubular member; wherein in the second position, the gripping elements do engage the tubular member; and wherein, during the movement from the first position to the second position, the gripping elements move in an axial direction. In an exemplary embodiment, in a first axial direction, the gripping device grips the tubular member; and wherein, in a second axial direction, the gripping device does not grip the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes an actuator for moving the gripping elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping elements include a plurality of separate and distinct gripping elements.

An actuator has been described that includes a tubular housing; a tubular piston rod movably coupled to and at least partially positioned within the housing; a plurality of annular piston chambers defined by the tubular housing and the tubular piston rod; and a plurality of tubular pistons coupled to the tubular piston rod, each tubular piston movably positioned within a corresponding annular piston chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator further includes means for transmitting torsional loads between the tubular housing and the tubular piston rod.

An apparatus for controlling a packer has been described that includes a tubular support member; one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the tubular support member; and a tubular stinger coupled to the tubular support member for engaging the packer. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a tubular sleeve coupled to the drag blocks. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular support member includes one or more axially aligned teeth for engaging the packer.

A packer has been described that includes a support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve movably positioned within the passage of the support member.

A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole having a preexisting wellbore casing has been described that includes positioning the tubular member within the borehole in overlapping relation to the wellbore casing; radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member to form a bell section; and radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section comprising a portion of the tubular member that overlaps with the wellbore casing; wherein the inside diameter of the bell section is greater than the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed portion of the tubular member above the bell section. In an exemplary embodiment, radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member to form a bell section includes positioning an adjustable expansion device within the expandable tubular member; supporting the expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within the borehole; lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the expandable tubular member; increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device; and displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the expandable tubular member, wherein n is greater than or equal to 1.

A method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing has been described that includes positioning an adjustable expansion device within a first expandable tubular member; supporting the first expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within a borehole; lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the first expandable tubular member; increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device; displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member m times to radially expand and plastically deform m portions of the first expandable tubular member within the borehole; positioning the adjustable expansion device within a second expandable tubular member; supporting the second expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within the borehole in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular member; lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the second expandable tubular member; increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device; and displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the second expandable tubular member within the borehole.

A method for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole has been described that includes positioning an adjustable expansion device within the expandable tubular member; supporting the expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within the borehole; lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the expandable tubular member; increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device; displacing the adjustable expansion mandrel upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the expandable tubular member within the borehole; and pressurizing an interior region of the expandable tubular member above the adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member within the borehole.

A method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing has been described that includes positioning an adjustable expansion device within a first expandable tubular member; supporting the first expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within a borehole; lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the first expandable tubular member; increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device; displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member m times to radially expand and plastically deform m portions of the first expandable tubular member within the borehole; pressurizing an interior region of the first expandable tubular member above the adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first expandable tubular member within the borehole; positioning the adjustable expansion mandrel within a second expandable tubular member; supporting the second expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion mandrel within the borehole in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular member; lowering the adjustable expansion mandrel out of the second expandable tubular member; increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion mandrel; displacing the adjustable expansion mandrel upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the second expandable tubular member within the borehole; and pressurizing an interior region of the second expandable tubular member above the adjustable expansion mandrel during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the second expandable tubular member within the borehole.

A method for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole has been described that includes positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within the expandable tubular member; supporting the expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within the borehole; lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the expandable tubular member; increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device; displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the expandable tubular member; displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the expandable tubular member; decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device; displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the expandable tubular member; wherein the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device is greater than the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device.

A method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing has been described that includes positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within a first expandable tubular member; supporting the first expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within a borehole; lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the first expandable tubular member; increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device; displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the first expandable tubular member; displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member; decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device; displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the first expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the expandable tubular member; positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within a second expandable tubular member; supporting the first expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within the borehole in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular member; lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the second expandable tubular member; increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device; displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the second expandable tubular member; displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member; decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device; and displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the second expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the second expandable tubular member; wherein the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device is greater than the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device.

A method for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole has been described that includes positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within the expandable tubular member; supporting the expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within the borehole; lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the expandable tubular member; increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device; displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the expandable tubular member; pressurizing an interior region of the expandable tubular member above the first adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the lower portion of the expandable tubular member by the first adjustable expansion device; displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the expandable tubular member; decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device; displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the expandable tubular member; and pressurizing an interior region of the expandable tubular member above the second adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the portions of the expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the expandable tubular member by the second adjustable expansion device; wherein the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device is greater than the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device.

A method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing has been described that includes positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within a first expandable tubular member; supporting the first expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within a borehole; lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the first expandable tubular member; increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device; displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the first expandable tubular member; pressurizing an interior region of the first expandable tubular member above the first adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the lower portion of the first expandable tubular member by the first adjustable expansion device; displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member; decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device; displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the first expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the expandable tubular member; pressurizing an interior region of the first expandable tubular member above the second adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the portions of the first expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the first expandable tubular member by the second adjustable expansion device; positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within a second expandable tubular member; supporting the first expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within the borehole in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular member; lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the second expandable tubular member; increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device; displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the second expandable tubular member; pressurizing an interior region of the second expandable tubular member above the first adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the lower portion of the second expandable tubular member by the first adjustable expansion device; displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member; decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device; displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the second expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the second expandable tubular member; and pressurizing an interior region of the second expandable tubular member above the second adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the portions of the second expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the second expandable tubular member by the second adjustable expansion device; wherein the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device is greater than the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device.

A method for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole has been described that includes supporting the expandable tubular member, an hydraulic actuator, and an adjustable expansion device within the borehole; increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device; and displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform a portion of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device after the portion of the expandable tubular member has been radially expanded and plastically deformed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member after reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator after fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and a preexisting structure after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform another portion of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes if the end of the other portion of the expandable tubular member overlaps with a preexisting structure, then not permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator; and displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform the end of the other portion of the expandable tubular member that overlaps with the preexisting structure.

A method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing within a borehole that includes a preexisting wellbore casing has been described that includes supporting the expandable tubular member, an hydraulic actuator, and an adjustable expansion device within the borehole; increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device; displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform a portion of the expandable tubular member; and displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member and a portion of the preexisting wellbore casing that overlaps with an end of the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device after the portion of the expandable tubular member has been radially expanded and plastically deformed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member after reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator after fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and the borehole after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes not permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator; and displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform the end of the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member that overlaps with the preexisting wellbore casing after not permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator.

A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member has been described that includes positioning the tubular member within a preexisting structure; radially expanding and plastically deforming a lower portion of the tubular member to form a bell section; and radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section. In an exemplary embodiment, positioning the tubular member within a preexisting structure includes locking the tubular member to an expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the outside diameter of the expansion device is less than the inside diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device is positioned within the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes an adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a plurality of expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the expansion devices includes an adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the adjustable expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, radially expanding and plastically deforming a lower portion of the tubular member to form a bell section includes lowering an expansion device out of an end of the tubular member; and pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, lowering an expansion device out of an end of the tubular member includes lowering the expansion device out of the end of the tubular member; and adjusting the size of the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a plurality of adjustable expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the adjustable expansion devices is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes gripping the tubular member; and pulling an expansion device through an end of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, gripping the tubular member includes permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a first direction; and not permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a second direction. In an exemplary embodiment, pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using an actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section includes lowering an expansion device out of an end of the tubular member; and pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, lowering an expansion device out of an end of the tubular member includes lowering the expansion device out of the end of the tubular member; and adjusting the size of the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a plurality of adjustable expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the adjustable expansion devices is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes gripping the tubular member; and pulling an expansion device through an end of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, gripping the tubular member includes permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a first direction; and not permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a second direction. In an exemplary embodiment, pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using an actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using fluid pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using fluid pressure includes pressurizing an annulus within the tubular member above the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section includes fluidicly sealing an end of the tubular member; and pulling the expansion device through the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device is adjustable. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device comprises a plurality of adjustable expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the adjustable expansion devices is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes gripping the tubular member; and pulling an expansion device through an end of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, gripping the tubular member includes permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a first direction; and not permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a second direction. In an exemplary embodiment, pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using an actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using fluid pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using fluid pressure includes pressurizing an annulus within the tubular member above the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section includes overlapping the portion of the tubular member above the bell section with an end of a preexisting tubular member; and pulling an expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device is adjustable. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a plurality of adjustable expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the adjustable expansion devices is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member includes gripping the tubular member; and pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, gripping the tubular member includes permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a first direction; and not permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a second direction. In an exemplary embodiment, pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member includes pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member using an actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member includes pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member using fluid pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member using fluid pressure includes pressurizing an annulus within the tubular member above the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes cutting an end of the portion of the tubular member that overlaps with the preexisting tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes removing the cut off end of the expandable tubular member from the preexisting structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and the preexisting structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes cutting off an end of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes removing the cut off end of the expandable tubular member from the preexisting structure.

A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member has been described that includes applying internal pressure to the inside surface of the tubular member at a plurality of discrete location separated from one another.

A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole having a preexisting wellbore casing has been described that includes means for positioning the tubular member within the borehole in overlapping relation to the wellbore casing; means for radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member to form a bell section; and means for radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section comprising a portion of the tubular member that overlaps with the wellbore casing; wherein the inside diameter of the bell section is greater than the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed portion of the tubular member above the bell section. In an exemplary embodiment, means for radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member to form a bell section includes means for positioning an adjustable expansion device within the expandable tubular member; means for supporting the expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within the borehole; means for lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the expandable tubular member; means for increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device; and means for displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the expandable tubular member, wherein n is greater than or equal to 1.

A system for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing has been described that includes means for positioning an adjustable expansion device within a first expandable tubular member; means for supporting the first expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within a borehole; means for lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the first expandable tubular member; means for increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member m times to radially expand and plastically deform m portions of the first expandable tubular member within the borehole; means for positioning the adjustable expansion device within a second expandable tubular member; means for supporting the second expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within the borehole in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular member; means for lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the second expandable tubular member; means for increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device; and means for displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the second expandable tubular member within the borehole.

A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole has been described that includes means for positioning an adjustable expansion device within the expandable tubular member; means for supporting the expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within the borehole; means for lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the expandable tubular member; means for increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the adjustable expansion mandrel upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the expandable tubular member within the borehole; and means for pressurizing an interior region of the expandable tubular member above the adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member within the borehole.

A system for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing has been described that includes means for positioning an adjustable expansion device within a first expandable tubular member; means for supporting the first expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within a borehole; means for lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the first expandable tubular member; means for increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member m times to radially expand and plastically deform m portions of the first expandable tubular member within the borehole; means for pressurizing an interior region of the first expandable tubular member above the adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first expandable tubular member within the borehole; means for positioning the adjustable expansion mandrel within a second expandable tubular member; means for supporting the second expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion mandrel within the borehole in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular member; means for lowering the adjustable expansion mandrel out of the second expandable tubular member; means for increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion mandrel; means for displacing the adjustable expansion mandrel upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the second expandable tubular member within the borehole; and means for pressurizing an interior region of the second expandable tubular member above the adjustable expansion mandrel during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the second expandable tubular member within the borehole.

A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole has been described that includes means for positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within the expandable tubular member; means for supporting the expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within the borehole; means for lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the expandable tubular member; means for increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the expandable tubular member; means for displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the expandable tubular member; means for decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the expandable tubular member; wherein the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device is greater than the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device.

A system for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing has been described that includes means for positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within a first expandable tubular member; means for supporting the first expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within a borehole; means for lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the first expandable tubular member; means for increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device; displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the first expandable tubular member; means for displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member; means for decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the first expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the expandable tubular member; means for positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within a second expandable tubular member; means for supporting the first expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within the borehole in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular member; means for lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the second expandable tubular member; means for increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the second expandable tubular member; means for displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member; means for decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device; and means for displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the second expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the second expandable tubular member; wherein the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device is greater than the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device.

A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole has been described that includes means for positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within the expandable tubular member; means for supporting the expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within the borehole; means for lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the expandable tubular member; means for increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the expandable tubular member; means for pressurizing an interior region of the expandable tubular member above the first adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the lower portion of the expandable tubular member by the first adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the expandable tubular member; means for decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the expandable tubular member; and means for pressurizing an interior region of the expandable tubular member above the second adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the portions of the expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the expandable tubular member by the second adjustable expansion device; wherein the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device is greater than the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device.

A system for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing has been described that includes means for positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within a first expandable tubular member; means for supporting the first expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within a borehole; means for lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the first expandable tubular member; means for increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the first expandable tubular member; means for pressurizing an interior region of the first expandable tubular member above the first adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the lower portion of the first expandable tubular member by the first adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member; means for decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the first expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the expandable tubular member; means for pressurizing an interior region of the first expandable tubular member above the second adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the portions of the first expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the first expandable tubular member by the second adjustable expansion device; means for positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within a second expandable tubular member; means for supporting the first expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within the borehole in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular member; means for lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the second expandable tubular member; means for increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the second expandable tubular member; means for pressurizing an interior region of the second expandable tubular member above the first adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the lower portion of the second expandable tubular member by the first adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member; means for decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the second expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the second expandable tubular member; and means for pressurizing an interior region of the second expandable tubular member above the second adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the portions of the second expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the second expandable tubular member by the second adjustable expansion device; wherein the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device is greater than the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device.

A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole has been described that includes means for supporting the expandable tubular member, an hydraulic actuator, and an adjustable expansion device within the borehole; means for increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device; and means for displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform a portion of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device after the portion of the expandable tubular member has been radially expanded and plastically deformed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member after reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator after fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and a preexisting structure after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, system further includes means for displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform another portion of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes if the end of the other portion of the expandable tubular member overlaps with a preexisting structure, then means for not permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator; and means for displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform the end of the other portion of the expandable tubular member that overlaps with the preexisting structure.

A system for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing within a borehole that includes a preexisting wellbore casing has been described that includes means for supporting the expandable tubular member, an hydraulic actuator, and an adjustable expansion device within the borehole; means for increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device; means for displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform a portion of the expandable tubular member; and means for displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member and a portion of the preexisting wellbore casing that overlaps with an end of the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device after the portion of the expandable tubular member has been radially expanded and plastically deformed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member after reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator after fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and the borehole after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for not permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator; and means for displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform the end of the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member that overlaps with the preexisting wellbore casing after not permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator.

A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member has been described that includes means for positioning the tubular member within a preexisting structure; means for radially expanding and plastically deforming a lower portion of the tubular member to form a bell section; and means for radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section. In an exemplary embodiment, positioning the tubular member within a preexisting structure includes means for locking the tubular member to an expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the outside diameter of the expansion device is less than the inside diameter of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device is positioned within the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes an adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a plurality of expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the expansion devices includes an adjustable expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the adjustable expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, means for radially expanding and plastically deforming a lower portion of the tubular member to form a bell section includes means for lowering an expansion device out of an end of the tubular member; and means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, means for lowering an expansion device out of an end of the tubular member includes means for lowering the expansion device out of the end of the tubular member; and means for adjusting the size of the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a plurality of adjustable expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the adjustable expansion devices is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes means for gripping the tubular member; and means for pulling an expansion device through an end of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, means for gripping the tubular member includes means for permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a first direction; and means for not permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a second direction. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using an actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, means for radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section includes means for lowering an expansion device out of an end of the tubular member; and means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, means for lowering an expansion device out of an end of the tubular member includes means for lowering the expansion device out of the end of the tubular member; and means for adjusting the size of the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustable expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device comprises a plurality of adjustable expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the adjustable expansion devices is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes means for gripping the tubular member; and means for pulling an expansion device through an end of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, means for gripping the tubular member includes means for permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a first direction; and means for not permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a second direction. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using an actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using fluid pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using fluid pressure includes means for pressurizing an annulus within the tubular member above the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, means for radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section includes means for fluidicly sealing an end of the tubular member; and means for pulling the expansion device through the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device is adjustable. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a plurality of adjustable expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the adjustable expansion devices is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes means for gripping the tubular member; and means for pulling an expansion device through an end of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, means for gripping the tubular member includes means for permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a first direction; and means for not permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a second direction. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using an actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member includes means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using fluid pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using fluid pressure includes means for pressurizing an annulus within the tubular member above the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, means for radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section includes means for overlapping the portion of the tubular member above the bell section with an end of a preexisting tubular member; and means for pulling an expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device is adjustable. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device includes a plurality of adjustable expansion devices. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the adjustable expansion devices is adjustable to a plurality of sizes. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member includes means for gripping the tubular member; and means for pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, means for gripping the tubular member includes means for permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a first direction; and means for not permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a second direction. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member includes means for pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member using an actuator. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member includes means for pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member using fluid pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member using fluid pressure includes means for pressurizing an annulus within the tubular member above the expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for cutting an end of the portion of the tubular member that overlaps with the preexisting tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for removing the cut off end of the expandable tubular member from the preexisting structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and the preexisting structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for cutting off an end of the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for removing the cut off end of the expandable tubular member from the preexisting structure.

A system of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member has been described that includes a support member; and means for applying internal pressure to the inside surface of the tubular member at a plurality of discrete location separated from one another coupled to the support member.

A method of cutting a tubular member has been described that includes positioning a plurality of cutting elements within the tubular member; and bringing the cutting elements into engagement with the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting elements include a first group of cutting elements; and a second group of cutting elements; wherein the first group of cutting elements are interleaved with the second group of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, bringing the cutting elements into engagement with the tubular member includes bringing the cutting elements into axial alignment. In an exemplary embodiment, bringing the cutting elements into engagement with the tubular member further includes pivoting the cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, bringing the cutting elements into engagement with the tubular member further includes translating the cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, bringing the cutting elements into engagement with the tubular member further includes pivoting the cutting elements; and translating the cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, bringing the cutting elements into engagement with the tubular member includes rotating the cutting elements about a common axis. In an exemplary embodiment, bringing the cutting elements into engagement with the tubular member includes pivoting the cutting elements about corresponding axes; translating the cutting elements; and rotating the cutting elements about a common axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes preventing the cutting elements from coming into engagement with the tubular member if the inside diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, preventing the cutting elements from coming into engagement with the tubular member if the inside diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value includes sensing the inside diameter of the tubular member.

A method of gripping a tubular member has been described that includes positioning a plurality of gripping elements within the tubular member; bringing the gripping elements into engagement with the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, bringing the gripping elements into engagement with the tubular member includes displacing the gripping elements in an axial direction; and displacing the gripping elements in a radial direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes biasing the gripping elements against engagement with the tubular member.

A method of operating an actuator has been described that includes pressurizing a plurality of pressure chamber. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes transmitting torsional loads.

A method of injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between a tubular member and a preexisting structure has been described that includes positioning the tubular member into the preexisting structure; sealing off an end of the tubular member; operating a valve within the end of the tubular member; and injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material through the valve into the annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure.

A system for cutting a tubular member has been described that includes means for positioning a plurality of cutting elements within the tubular member; and means for bringing the cutting elements into engagement with the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting elements include a first group of cutting elements; and a second group of cutting elements; wherein the first group of cutting elements are interleaved with the second group of cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, means for bringing the cutting elements into engagement with the tubular member includes means for bringing the cutting elements into axial alignment. In an exemplary embodiment, means for bringing the cutting elements into engagement with the tubular member further includes means for pivoting the cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, means for bringing the cutting elements into engagement with the tubular member further includes means for translating the cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, means for bringing the cutting elements into engagement with the tubular member further includes means for pivoting the cutting elements; and means for translating the cutting elements. In an exemplary embodiment, means for bringing the cutting elements into engagement with the tubular member includes means for rotating the cutting elements about a common axis. In an exemplary embodiment, means for bringing the cutting elements into engagement with the tubular member includes means for pivoting the cutting elements about corresponding axes; means for translating the cutting elements; and means for rotating the cutting elements about a common axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for preventing the cutting elements from coming into engagement with the tubular member if the inside diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, means for preventing the cutting elements from coming into engagement with the tubular member if the inside diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value includes means for sensing the inside diameter of the tubular member.

A system for gripping a tubular member has been described that includes means for positioning a plurality of gripping elements within the tubular member; and means for bringing the gripping elements into engagement with the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, means for bringing the gripping elements into engagement with the tubular member includes means for displacing the gripping elements in an axial direction; and means for displacing the gripping elements in a radial direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for biasing the gripping elements against engagement with the tubular member.

An actuator system has been described that includes a support member; and means for pressurizing a plurality of pressure chambers coupled to the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for transmitting torsional loads.

A system for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between a tubular member and a preexisting structure has been described that includes means for positioning the tubular member into the preexisting structure; means for sealing off an end of the tubular member; means for operating a valve within the end of the tubular member; and means for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material through the valve into the annulus between the tubular member and the preexisting structure.

A method of engaging a tubular member has been described that includes positioning a plurality of elements within the tubular member; and bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the elements include a first group of elements; and a second group of elements; wherein the first group of elements are interleaved with the second group of elements. In an exemplary embodiment, bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member includes bringing the elements into axial alignment. In an exemplary embodiment, bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member further includes pivoting the elements. In an exemplary embodiment, bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member further includes translating the elements. In an exemplary embodiment, bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member further includes pivoting the elements; and translating the elements. In an exemplary embodiment, bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member includes rotating the elements about a common axis. In an exemplary embodiment, bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member includes pivoting the elements about corresponding axes; translating the elements; and rotating the elements about a common axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes preventing the elements from coming into engagement with the tubular member if the inside diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, preventing the elements from coming into engagement with the tubular member if the inside diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value includes sensing the inside diameter of the tubular member.

A system for engaging a tubular member has been described that includes means for positioning a plurality of elements within the tubular member; and means for bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the elements include a first group of elements; and a second group of elements; wherein the first group of elements are interleaved with the second group of elements. In an exemplary embodiment, means for bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member includes means for bringing the elements into axial alignment. In an exemplary embodiment, means for bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member further includes means for pivoting the elements. In an exemplary embodiment, means for bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member further includes means for translating the elements. In an exemplary embodiment, means for bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member further includes means for pivoting the elements; and means for translating the elements. In an exemplary embodiment, means for bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member includes means for rotating the elements about a common axis. In an exemplary embodiment, means for bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member includes means for pivoting the elements about corresponding axes; means for translating the elements; and means for rotating the elements about a common axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes means for preventing the elements from coming into engagement with the tubular member if the inside diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value. In an exemplary embodiment, means for preventing the elements from coming into engagement with the tubular member if the inside diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value includes means for sensing the inside diameter of the tubular member.

A locking device for locking a tubular member to a support member has been described that includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart locking elements coupled to the support member for engaging an interior surface of the tubular member; a plurality of spring elements coupled to the support member for biasing corresponding locking elements out of engagement with the interior surface of the tubular member; a releasable retaining element releasably coupled to the support member for releasably retaining the locking elements in engagement with the interior surface of the tubular member; an actuator coupled to the support member for controllably displacing the retaining element relative to the locking elements; and a sensor coupled to the support member for sensing an operating condition within the tubular member for controllably displacing the retaining element relative to the locking elements.

A method of locking a tubular member to a support member has been described that includes engaging the interior surface of the tubular member at a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart locations using one or more engagement members; and disengaging the engagement members from the interior surface of the tubular member if an operating condition within the tubular member exceeds a predetermined amount; wherein the engagement members are biased out of engagement with the tubular member.

A system for locking a tubular member to a support member has been described that includes means for engaging the interior surface of the tubular member at a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart locations using one or more engagement members; and means for disengaging the engagement members from the interior surface of the tubular member if an operating condition within the tubular member exceeds a predetermined amount; wherein the engagement members are biased out of engagement with the tubular member.

A method has been described that includes positioning a packer assembly comprising a sealing element within a tubular member; setting the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member; and preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises coupling a packer control device to the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member extends within a wellbore; and the method further comprises positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly outside of the tubular member and in the wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises moving the packer control device and the packer assembly so that the packer control device and the packer assembly extend within the at least a portion of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly further comprises at least one other sealing element; and the method further comprises setting the at least one other sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises decoupling the packer control device from the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises testing the ability of at least one of the sealing element and the at least one other sealing element to maintain a pressure seal against the interior surface of the tubular member.

A system has been described that includes means for positioning a packer assembly comprising a sealing element within a tubular member; means for setting the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member; and means for preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises means for applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and means for applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises means for preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for coupling a packer control device to the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member extends within a wellbore; and the system further comprises means for positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly outside of the tubular member and in the wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for moving the packer control device and the packer assembly so that the packer control device and the packer assembly extend within the at least a portion of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly comprises at least one other sealing element; and the system further comprises means for setting the at least one other sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for decoupling the packer control device from the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for testing the ability of at least one of the sealing element and the at least one other sealing element to maintain a pressure seal against the interior surface of the tubular member.

A method has been described that includes positioning a packer assembly comprising a sealing element within a tubular member; applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element. In an exemplary embodiment, preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element prevents the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises coupling a packer control device to the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member extends within a wellbore; and the method further comprises positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly outside of the tubular member and in the wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises moving the packer control device and the packer assembly so that the packer control device and the packer assembly extend within the at least a portion of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly further comprises at least one other sealing element; and the method further comprises setting the at least one other sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises decoupling the packer control device from the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises testing the ability of at least one of the sealing element and the at least one other sealing element to maintain a pressure seal against the interior surface of the tubular member.

A system has been described that includes means for positioning a packer assembly comprising a sealing element within a tubular member; means for applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and means for applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element. In an exemplary embodiment, preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element prevents the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for coupling a packer control device to the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member extends within a wellbore; and the system comprises means for positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly outside of the tubular member and in the wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for moving the packer control device and the packer assembly so that the packer control device and the packer assembly extend within the at least a portion of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly comprises at least one other sealing element; and the system comprises means for setting the at least one other sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for decoupling the packer control device from the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for testing the ability of at least one of the sealing element and the at least one other sealing element to maintain a pressure seal against the interior surface of the tubular member.

A method has been described that includes coupling a packer control device to a packer assembly comprising a sealing element; positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly within a tubular member that extends within a wellbore; radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member; setting the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member, wherein setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member; and preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member by preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element.

A system has been described that includes means for coupling a packer control device to a packer assembly comprising a sealing element; means for positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly within a tubular member that extends within a wellbore; means for radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member; means for setting the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member, wherein the means for setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises means for applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and means for applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member; and means for preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member by preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element.

A method has been described that includes coupling a packer control device to a packer assembly comprising a sealing element and at least one other sealing element; positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly within a tubular member that extends within a wellbore; positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly outside of the tubular member and in the wellbore; radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member; moving the packer control device and the packer assembly so that the packer control device and the packer assembly extend within the at least a portion of the tubular member; setting the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member, wherein setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member; preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member by preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element; setting the at least one other sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member; decoupling the packer control device from the packer assembly; and testing the ability of at least one of the sealing element and the at least one other sealing element to maintain a pressure seal against the interior surface of the tubular member.

A system has been described that includes means for coupling a packer control device to a packer assembly comprising a sealing element and at least one other sealing element; means for positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly within a tubular member that extends within a well bore; means for positioning the packer control device and the packer outside of the tubular member and in the wellbore; means for radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member; means for moving the packer control device and the packer assembly so that the packer control device and the packer assembly extend within the at least a portion of the tubular member; means for setting the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member, wherein the means for setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises means for applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and means for applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member; means for preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member by preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element; means for setting the at least one other sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member; means for decoupling the packer control device from the packer assembly; and means for testing the ability of at least one of the sealing element and the at least one other sealing element to maintain a pressure seal against the interior surface of the tubular member.

An apparatus for controlling the operation of a packer assembly has been described that includes a first tubular support; a second tubular support at least partially extending within the first tubular support; one or more first retaining dogs coupled to the first tubular support for releasably engaging the second tubular support; and a stinger coupled to the second tubular support for releasably engaging the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more first retaining dogs and the first tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises one or more second retaining dogs releasably engaged with the first tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more first retaining dogs and the first tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support and the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the first tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a third tubular support coupled to the second tubular support and the stinger. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a compressible element at least partially circumferentially extending about the third tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the compressible element comprises a first configuration in which the compressible element is uncompressed; and a second configuration in which the compressible element is at least partially compressed. In an exemplary embodiment, when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support, the one or more first retaining dogs and the first tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support to place the compressible element in the second configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, when the compressible element is in the second configuration, the first tubular support is movable in a direction relative to the second tubular support to cause a first force to be applied against at least one sealing element of the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the third tubular support comprises an external flange for preventing further movement of the first tubular support in the direction when the compressible element is in the second configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the compressible element further comprises a third configuration in which the compressible element is permitted to uncompress to cause a second force to be applied against the at least one sealing element of the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one sealing element is adapted to be set against an interior surface of a tubular member in response to the second force applied against the at least one sealing element. In an exemplary embodiment, the compressible element comprises a spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a fourth tubular support coupled to the third tubular support and through which the third tubular support extends, the fourth tubular support comprising an external flange and engaging the external flange of the third tubular support; a spring mandrel coupled to the first tubular support and through which the fourth tubular support extends, the spring mandrel at least partially defining an annular region in which the spring extends; and a spring sleeve at least partially circumferentially extending about the spring for retaining the spring within the annular region; wherein the spring mandrel is movable in the direction relative to the spring sleeve to place the spring in the second configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring mandrel is adapted to engage the external flange of the fourth tubular support when the spring is in the second configuration; and movement of the first tubular support and the spring mandrel in the direction is prevented in response to the engagement of the spring mandrel with the external flange of the fourth tubular support and the engagement of the fourth tubular support with the external flange of the third tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring mandrel comprises an internal annular recess and the fourth tubular support comprises an external annular recess; and the apparatus further comprises a locking dog received within the internal annular recess of the spring mandrel, the locking dog comprising a first configuration in which the locking dog engages an exterior surface of the fourth tubular support; and a second configuration in which the locking dog is received within the external annular recess of the fourth tubular support to limit movement of the spring mandrel relative to the fourth tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises one or more rupture discs coupled to the third tubular support; wherein an exterior surface of the third tubular support and an interior surface of the first tubular support define an annular region; wherein, when the one or more rupture discs rupture, fluidic material is permitted to flow into the annular region; and wherein the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the first tubular support in response to the flow of the fluidic material into the annular region. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tubular member within which the packer assembly at least partially extends. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly comprises a support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; one or more sealing elements movably coupled to the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the support member; wherein the stinger engages the sliding sleeve valve.

An apparatus for controlling the operation of a packer assembly has been described that includes a first tubular support; a second tubular support at least partially extending within the first tubular support; one or more first retaining dogs coupled to the first tubular support for releasably engaging the second tubular support; a stinger coupled to the second tubular support for releasably engaging the packer assembly; and one or more second retaining dogs releasably engaged with the first tubular support; wherein the one or more first retaining dogs and the first tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support and the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the first tubular support.

An apparatus for controlling the operation of a packer assembly has been described that includes a first tubular support; a second tubular support at least partially extending within the first tubular support; one or more first retaining dogs coupled to the first tubular support for releasably engaging the second tubular support; a stinger coupled to the second tubular support for releasably engaging the packer assembly; one or more second retaining dogs releasably engaged with the first tubular support, wherein the one or more first retaining dogs and the first tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support and the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the first tubular support; a third tubular support coupled to the second tubular support and the stinger; a compressible element at least partially circumferentially extending about the third tubular support, wherein the compressible element comprises a first configuration in which the compressible element is uncompressed; a second configuration in which the compressible element is at least partially compressed; wherein, when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support and the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the first tubular support, the one or more first retaining dogs and the first tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support to place the compressible element in the second configuration; wherein, when the compressible element is in the second configuration, the first tubular support is movable in a direction relative to the second tubular support to cause a first force to be applied against at least one sealing element of the packer assembly; wherein the third tubular support comprises an external flange for preventing further movement of the first tubular support in the direction when the compressible element is in the second configuration; wherein the compressible element further comprises a third configuration in which the compressible element is permitted to uncompress to cause a second force to be applied against the at least one sealing element of the packer assembly; and wherein the at least one sealing element is adapted to be set against an interior surface of a tubular member in response to the second force applied against the at least one sealing element. In an exemplary embodiment, the compressible element comprises a spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a fourth tubular support coupled to the third tubular support and through which the third tubular support extends, the fourth tubular support comprising an external flange and engaging the external flange of the third tubular support; a spring mandrel coupled to the first tubular support and through which the fourth tubular support extends, the spring mandrel at least partially defining an annular region in which the spring extends; and a spring sleeve at least partially circumferentially extending about the spring for retaining the spring within the annular region; wherein the spring mandrel is movable in the direction relative to the spring sleeve to place the spring in the second configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring mandrel is adapted to engage the external flange of the fourth tubular support when the spring is in the second configuration; and movement of the first tubular support and the spring mandrel in the direction is prevented in response to the engagement of the spring mandrel with the external flange of the fourth tubular support and the engagement of the fourth tubular support with the external flange of the third tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring mandrel comprises an internal annular recess and the fourth tubular support comprises an external annular recess; and the apparatus further comprises a locking dog received within the internal annular recess of the spring mandrel, the locking dog comprising a first configuration in which the locking dog engages an exterior surface of the fourth tubular support; and a second configuration in which the locking dog is received within the external annular recess of the fourth tubular support to limit movement of the spring mandrel relative to the fourth tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises one or more rupture discs coupled to the third tubular support; wherein an exterior surface of the third tubular support and the interior surface of the first tubular support define an annular region; wherein, when the one or more rupture discs rupture, fluidic material is permitted to flow into the annular region; and wherein the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the first tubular support in response to the flow of the fluidic material into the annular region. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tubular member within which the packer assembly at least partially extends. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly comprises a support member to which the at least one sealing element is movably coupled, the support member defining a passage; and a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly further comprises a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the support member; wherein the stinger engages the sliding sleeve valve.

An apparatus for controlling the operation of a packer assembly has been described that includes a first tubular support; a second tubular support at least partially extending within the first tubular support; one or more first retaining dogs coupled to the first tubular support for releasably engaging the second tubular support; a stinger coupled to the second tubular support for releasably engaging the packer assembly; one or more second retaining dogs releasably engaged with the first tubular support, wherein the one or more first retaining dogs and the first tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support and the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the first tubular support; a third tubular support coupled to the second tubular support and the stinger; a compressible element at least partially circumferentially extending about the third tubular support, wherein the compressible element comprises a first configuration in which the compressible element is uncompressed; and a second configuration in which the compressible element is at least partially compressed; wherein, when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support and the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the first tubular support, the one or more first retaining dogs and the first tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support to place the compressible element in the second configuration; wherein, when the compressible element is in the second configuration, the first tubular support is movable in a direction relative to the second tubular support to cause a first force to be applied against at least one sealing element of the packer assembly; wherein the third tubular support comprises an external flange for preventing further movement of the first tubular support in the direction when the compressible element is in the second configuration; wherein the compressible element further comprises a third configuration in which the compressible element is permitted to uncompress to cause a second force to be applied against the at least one sealing element of the packer assembly; and wherein the at least one sealing element is adapted to be set against an interior surface of a tubular member in response to the second force applied against the at least one sealing element; wherein the compressible element comprises a spring; wherein the apparatus further comprises a fourth tubular support coupled to the third tubular support and through which the third tubular support extends, the fourth tubular support comprising an external flange and engaging the external flange of the third tubular support; a spring mandrel coupled to the first tubular support and through which the fourth tubular support extends, the spring mandrel at least partially defining a first annular region in which the spring extends; and a spring sleeve at least partially circumferentially extending about the spring for retaining the spring within the first annular region; wherein the spring mandrel is movable in the direction relative to the spring sleeve to place the spring in the second configuration; wherein the spring mandrel is adapted to engage the external flange of the fourth tubular support when the spring is in the second configuration; and wherein movement of the first tubular support and the spring mandrel in the direction is prevented in response to the engagement of the spring mandrel with the external flange of the fourth tubular support and the engagement of the fourth tubular support with the external flange of the third tubular support; wherein the spring mandrel comprises an internal annular recess and the fourth tubular support comprises an external annular recess; wherein the apparatus further comprises a locking dog received within the internal annular recess of the spring mandrel, the locking dog comprising a first configuration in which the locking dog engages an s of the fourth tubular support; and a second configuration in which the locking dog is received within the external annular recess of the fourth tubular support to limit movement of the spring mandrel relative to the fourth tubular support; one or more rupture discs coupled to the third tubular support; and the packer assembly; wherein an exterior surface of the third tubular support and the interior surface of the first tubular support define a second annular region; wherein, when the one or more rupture discs rupture, fluidic material is permitted to flow into the second annular region; wherein the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the first tubular support in response to the flow of the fluidic material into the second annular region; and wherein the packer assembly comprises a support member to which the at least one sealing element is movably coupled, the support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the support member; wherein the stinger engages the sliding sleeve valve.

An apparatus for controlling the operation of a packer assembly has been described that includes a first tubular support; a stinger coupled to the first tubular support for releasably engaging the packer assembly; and a compressible element at least partially circumferentially extending about the first tubular support; wherein the compressible element comprises a first configuration in which the compressible element is uncompressed; and a second configuration in which the compressible element is at least partially compressed. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a second tubular support coupled to the first tubular support and within which the first tubular support at least partially extends; and a third tubular support within which the second tubular support at least partially extends; wherein, when the compressible element is in the second configuration, the third tubular support is movable in a direction relative to the second tubular support to cause a first force to be applied against at least one sealing element of the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the first tubular support comprises an external flange for preventing further movement of the third tubular support in the direction when the compressible element is in the second configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the compressible element further comprises a third configuration in which the compressible element is permitted to uncompress to cause a second force to be applied against the at least one sealing element of the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one sealing element is adapted to be set against an interior surface of a tubular member in response to the second force applied against the at least one sealing element. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises one or more first retaining dogs coupled to the third tubular support for releasably engaging the second tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more first retaining dogs and the third tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises one or more second retaining dogs releasably engaged with the third tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more first retaining dogs and the third tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support and the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the third tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the compressible element comprises a spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a fourth tubular support coupled to the first tubular support and through which the first tubular support extends, the fourth tubular support comprising an external flange and engaging the external flange of the first tubular support; a spring mandrel coupled to the third tubular support and through which the fourth tubular support extends, the spring mandrel at least partially defining an annular region in which the spring extends; and a spring sleeve at least partially circumferentially extending about the spring for retaining the spring within the annular region; wherein the spring mandrel is movable in the direction relative to the spring sleeve to place the spring in the second configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring mandrel is adapted to engage the external flange of the fourth tubular support when the spring is in the second configuration; and movement of the third tubular support and the spring mandrel in the direction is prevented in response to the engagement of the spring mandrel with the external flange of the fourth tubular support and the engagement of the fourth tubular support with the external flange of the first tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring mandrel comprises an internal annular recess and the fourth tubular support comprises an external annular recess; and the apparatus comprises a locking dog received within the internal annular recess of the spring mandrel, the locking dog comprising a first configuration in which the locking dog engages an exterior surface of the fourth tubular support; and a second configuration in which the locking dog is received within the external annular recess of the fourth tubular support to limit movement of the spring mandrel relative to the fourth tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises one or more rupture discs coupled to the first tubular support; wherein an exterior surface of the first tubular support and an interior surface of the third tubular support define an annular region; wherein, when the one or more rupture discs rupture, fluidic material is permitted to flow into the annular region; and wherein the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the third tubular support in response to the flow of the fluidic material into the annular region. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tubular member within which the packer assembly at least partially extends. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly comprises a support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; one or more sealing elements movably coupled to the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the support member; wherein the stinger engages the sliding sleeve valve.

An apparatus for controlling the operation of a packer assembly has been described that includes a first tubular support; a stinger coupled to the first tubular support for releasably engaging the packer assembly; a compressible element at least partially circumferentially extending about the first tubular support, wherein the compressible element comprises a first configuration in which the compressible element is uncompressed; and a second configuration in which the compressible element is at least partially compressed; a second tubular support coupled to the first tubular support and within which the first tubular support at least partially extends; and a third tubular support within which the second tubular support at least partially extends; wherein, when the compressible element is in the second configuration, the third tubular support is movable in a direction relative to the second tubular support to cause a first force to be applied against at least one sealing element of the packer assembly; wherein the first tubular support comprises an external flange for preventing further movement of the third tubular support in the direction when the compressible element is in the second configuration; wherein the compressible element further comprises a third configuration in which the compressible element is permitted to uncompress to cause a second force to be applied against the at least one sealing element of the packer assembly; wherein the at least one sealing element is adapted to be set against an interior surface of a tubular member in response to the second force applied against the at least one sealing element.

An apparatus for controlling the operation of a packer assembly has been described that includes a first tubular support; a stinger coupled to the first tubular support for releasably engaging the packer assembly; a compressible element at least partially circumferentially extending about the first tubular support, wherein the compressible element comprises a first configuration in which the compressible element is uncompressed; and a second configuration in which the compressible element is at least partially compressed; a second tubular support coupled to the first tubular support and within which the first tubular support at least partially extends; and a third tubular support within which the second tubular support at least partially extends; wherein, when the compressible element is in the second configuration, the third tubular support is movable in a direction relative to the second tubular support to cause a first force to be applied against at least one sealing element of the packer assembly; wherein the first tubular support comprises an external flange for preventing further movement of the third tubular support in the direction when the compressible element is in the second configuration; wherein the compressible element further comprises a third configuration in which the compressible element is permitted to uncompress to cause a second force to be applied against the at least one sealing element of the packer assembly; wherein the at least one sealing element is adapted to be set against an interior surface of a tubular member in response to the second force applied against the at least one sealing element; and wherein the apparatus further comprises one or more first retaining dogs coupled to the third tubular support for releasably engaging the second tubular support; and one or more second retaining dogs releasably engaged with the third tubular support; wherein the one or more first retaining dogs and the third tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support and the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the third tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the compressible element comprises a spring. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a fourth tubular support coupled to the first tubular support and through which the first tubular support extends, the fourth tubular support comprising an external flange and engaging the external flange of the first tubular support; a spring mandrel coupled to the third tubular support and through which the fourth tubular support extends, the spring mandrel at least partially defining an annular region in which the spring extends; and a spring sleeve at least partially circumferentially extending about the spring for retaining the spring within the annular region; wherein the spring mandrel is movable in the direction relative to the spring sleeve to place the spring in the second configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring mandrel is adapted to engage the external flange of the fourth tubular support when the spring is in the second configuration; and movement of the third tubular support and the spring mandrel in the direction is prevented in response to the engagement of the spring mandrel with the external flange of the fourth tubular support and the engagement of the fourth tubular support with the external flange of the first tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the spring mandrel comprises an internal annular recess and the fourth tubular support comprises an external annular recess; and the apparatus further comprises a locking dog received within the internal annular recess of the spring mandrel, the locking dog comprising a first configuration in which the locking dog engages an exterior surface of the fourth tubular support; and a second configuration in which the locking dog is received within the external annular recess of the fourth tubular support to limit movement of the spring mandrel relative to the fourth tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises one or more rupture discs coupled to the first tubular support; wherein an exterior surface of the first tubular support and an interior surface of the third tubular support define an annular region; wherein, when the one or more rupture discs rupture, fluidic material is permitted to flow into the annular region; and wherein the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the third tubular support in response to the flow of the fluidic material into the annular region. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises the packer assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tubular member within which the packer assembly at least partially extends. In an exemplary embodiment, the packer assembly comprises a support member to which the at least one sealing element is movably coupled, the support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; and a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the support member; wherein the stinger engages the sliding sleeve valve.

An apparatus has been described that includes a packer control device for controlling the operation of a packer, the packer control device comprising a first support member; one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and a stinger coupled to the first support member for engaging the packer. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises the packer comprising a second support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the second support member; one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the second support member; and a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the second support member; wherein the stinger engages the sliding sleeve valve.

An apparatus has been described that includes a packer control device for controlling the operation of a packer, the packer control device comprising a first support member; one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and a stinger coupled to the first support member for engaging the packer; and the packer comprising a second support member defining a passage; a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the second support member; one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the second support member; and a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the second support member; wherein the stinger engages the sliding sleeve valve.

A method has been described that includes positioning an actuator assembly in a tubular member, the actuator assembly comprising one or more adjustable annular regions; placing the actuator assembly in a first configuration; and placing the actuator assembly in a second configuration, comprising pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member during placing the actuator assembly in the second configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises coupling the actuator assembly to an expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises displacing the expansion device to radially expand and plastically deform at least a portion of the tubular member during placing the actuator assembly in the second configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions comprises fluidicly pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly comprises one or more first tubular supports; and one or more second tubular supports at least partially extending within the one or more first tubular supports; wherein the one or more adjustable annular regions are at least partially defined between the one or more first tubular supports and the one or more second tubular supports. In an exemplary embodiment, placing the actuator assembly in the second configuration comprises displacing the one or more second tubular supports relative to the one or more first tubular supports in response to pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions. In an exemplary embodiment, pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions comprises fluidicly pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions. In an exemplary embodiment, fluidicly pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions comprises introducing fluidic material into one or more passages defined by the one or more second tubular supports; and permitting the fluidic material to flow from the one or more passages and into the one or more adjustable annular regions. In an exemplary embodiment, fluidicly pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions further comprises sealingly engaging an outside surface of each of the one or more second tubular supports with one or more first sealing elements; and sealingly engaging an inside surface of each of the one or more first tubular supports with one or more second sealing elements. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more first sealing elements and the one or second sealing elements comprises a cup. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly comprises at least five adjustable annular regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises transmitting torque through the actuator assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises transmitting torque through the actuator assembly in the first configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises transmitting torque through the actuator assembly in the second configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises transmitting torque through the actuator assembly in the first configuration; and transmitting torque through the actuator assembly in the second configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises coupling a gripping device to the actuator assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, placing the actuator assembly in the second configuration comprises gripping the tubular member using the gripping device.

A method has been described that includes positioning an actuator assembly in a tubular member, the actuator assembly comprising one or more first tubular supports; one or more second tubular supports at least partially extending within the one or more first tubular supports; and one or more adjustable annular regions at least partially defined between the one or more first tubular supports and the one or more second tubular supports; placing the actuator assembly in a first configuration; and placing the actuator assembly in a second configuration, comprising fluidicly pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions, comprising sealingly engaging an outside surface of each of the one or more second tubular supports with one or more first sealing elements; sealingly engaging an inside surface of each of the one or more first tubular supports with one or more second sealing elements; introducing fluidic material into one or more passages defined by the one or more second tubular supports; and permitting the fluidic material to flow from the one or more passages and into the one or more adjustable annular regions; and displacing the one or more second tubular supports relative to the one or more first tubular supports in response to fluidicly pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions; coupling the actuator assembly to an expansion device; radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member during placing the actuator assembly in the second configuration, comprising displacing the expansion device to radially expand and plastically deform the at least a portion of the tubular member during placing the actuator assembly in the second configuration; permitting torque to be transmitted through the actuator assembly in the first configuration; permitting torque to be transmitted through the actuator assembly in the second configuration; and coupling a gripping device to the actuator assembly; wherein placing the actuator assembly in the second configuration comprises gripping the tubular member using the gripping device.

A system has been described that includes means for positioning an actuator assembly in a tubular member, the actuator assembly comprising one or more adjustable annular regions; means for placing the actuator assembly in a first configuration; and means for placing the actuator assembly in a second configuration, comprising means for pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member during placing the actuator assembly in the second configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for coupling the actuator assembly to an expansion device. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for displacing the expansion device to radially expand and plastically deform at least a portion of the tubular member during placing the actuator assembly in the second configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions comprises means for fluidicly pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly comprises one or more first tubular supports; and one or more second tubular supports at least partially extending within the one or more first tubular supports; wherein the one or more adjustable annular regions are at least partially defined between the one or more first tubular supports and the one or more second tubular supports. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for placing the actuator assembly in the second configuration comprises means for displacing the one or more second tubular supports relative to the one or more first tubular supports in response to pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions. In an exemplary embodiment, means for pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions comprises fluidicly pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions. In an exemplary embodiment, means for fluidicly pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions comprises means for introducing fluidic material into one or more passages defined by the one or more second tubular supports; and means for permitting the fluidic material to flow from the one or more passages and into the one or more adjustable annular regions. In an exemplary embodiment, means for fluidicly pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions further comprises means for sealingly engaging an outside surface of each of the one or more second tubular supports with one or more first sealing elements; and means for sealingly engaging an inside surface of each of the one or more first tubular supports with one or more second sealing elements. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more first sealing elements and the one or second sealing elements comprises a cup. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly comprises at least five adjustable annular regions. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for transmitting torque through the actuator assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for transmitting torque through the actuator assembly in the first configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for transmitting torque through the actuator assembly in the second configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises transmitting torque through the actuator assembly in the first configuration; and transmitting torque through the actuator assembly in the second configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for coupling a gripping device to the actuator assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, means for placing the actuator assembly in the second configuration comprises means for gripping the tubular member using the gripping device.

A system has been described that includes means for positioning an actuator assembly in a tubular member, the actuator assembly comprising one or more first tubular supports; one or more second tubular supports at least partially extending within the one or more first tubular supports; and one or more adjustable annular regions at least partially defined between the one or more first tubular supports and the one or more second tubular supports; means for placing the actuator assembly in a first configuration; and means for placing the actuator assembly in a second configuration, comprising means for fluidicly pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions, comprising means for sealingly engaging an outside surface of each of the one or more second tubular supports with one or more first sealing elements; means for sealingly engaging an inside surface of each of the one or more first tubular supports with one or more second sealing elements; means for introducing fluidic material into one or more passages defined by the one or more second tubular supports; and means for permitting the fluidic material to flow from the one or more passages and into the one or more adjustable annular regions; and means for displacing the one or more second tubular supports relative to the one or more first tubular supports in response to fluidicly pressurizing the one or more adjustable annular regions; means for coupling the actuator assembly to an expansion device; means for radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member during placing the actuator assembly in the second configuration, comprising means for displacing the expansion device to radially expand and plastically deform the at least a portion of the tubular member during placing the actuator assembly in the second configuration; means for permitting torque to be transmitted through the actuator assembly in the first configuration; means for permitting torque to be transmitted through the actuator assembly in the second configuration; and means for coupling a gripping device to the actuator assembly; wherein means for placing the actuator assembly in the second configuration comprises means for gripping the tubular member using the gripping device.

An apparatus has been described that includes an actuator assembly comprising at least one first tubular support; at least one second tubular support at least partially extending within the at least one first tubular support, the at least one second tubular support is movable between a first position and a second position; and at least one adjustable annular region at least partially defined between the at least one first tubular support and the at least one second tubular support and adapted to be pressurized; wherein the at least one second tubular support is placed in the second position from the first position in response to the pressurization of the at least one adjustable annular region. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly further comprises at least one first sealing element sealingly engaging the outside surface of the at least one second tubular support; and at least one second sealing element coupled to the at least one second tubular support and sealingly engaging the inside surface of the at least one first tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one adjustable annular region is at least partially defined by the at least one second sealing element. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one second sealing element is movable between a first position and a second position to adjust the size of the at least one adjustable annular region; and wherein the at least one first sealing element remains stationary during the movement of the at least one second sealing element between the first and second positions. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the at least one first sealing element and the at least one second sealing element comprises a cup. In an exemplary embodiment, a passage is defined by the at least one second tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one second tubular support comprises at least one radial opening via which the passage defined by the at least one second tubular support is in fluid communication with the at least one adjustable annular region. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly further comprises one or more torque lugs for transmitting torque through the actuator assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly further comprises one or more first torque lugs for transmitting torque through the actuator assembly when the at least one second tubular support is in the first position; and one or more second torque lugs for transmitting torque through the actuator assembly when the at least one second tubular support is in the second position. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises an expansion device coupled to the actuator assembly; wherein the expansion device moves in response to the movement of the at least one second tubular support between the first and second positions. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a gripping device coupled to the actuator assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly comprises a plurality of first tubular supports, each first tubular support in the plurality of first tubular supports is coupled to at least one other first tubular support in the plurality of first tubular supports; and a plurality of second tubular supports, each second tubular support in the plurality of second tubular supports at least partially extends within at least one first tubular support in the plurality of first tubular supports. In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator assembly comprises a plurality of adjustable annular regions; wherein each adjustable annular region in the plurality of adjustable annular regions is at least partially defined between one first tubular support in the plurality of first tubular supports and one second tubular support in the plurality of second tubular supports. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of adjustable annular regions comprises at least five adjustable annular regions.

An apparatus has been described that includes an actuator assembly comprising at least one first tubular support; at least one second tubular support at least partially extending within the at least one first tubular support, the at least one second tubular support is movable between a first position and a second position; at least one first sealing element sealingly engaging the outside surface of the at least one second tubular support; at least one second sealing element coupled to the at least one second tubular support and sealingly engaging the inside surface of the at least one first tubular support; at least one adjustable annular region at least partially defined between the at least one first tubular support and the at least one second tubular support and adapted to be pressurized; wherein the at least one second tubular support is placed in the second position from the first position in response to the pressurization of the at least one adjustable annular region; wherein the at least one adjustable annular region is at least partially defined by the at least one second sealing element; wherein the at least one second sealing element is movable between a first position and a second position to adjust the size of the at least one adjustable annular region; wherein the at least one first sealing element remains stationary during the movement of the at least one second sealing element between the first and second positions; wherein each of the at least one first sealing element and the at least one second sealing element comprises a cup; wherein a passage is defined by the at least one second tubular support; wherein the at least one second tubular support comprises at least one radial opening via which the passage defined by the at least one second tubular support is in fluid communication with the at least one adjustable annular region; and wherein the actuator assembly further comprises one or more first torque lugs for transmitting torque through the actuator assembly when the at least one second tubular support is in the first position; and one or more second torque lugs for transmitting torque through the actuator assembly when the at least one second tubular support is in the second position; and wherein the apparatus further comprises an expansion device coupled to the actuator assembly, the expansion device moves in response to the movement of the at least one second tubular support between the first and second positions; and a gripping device coupled to the actuator assembly.

A device has been described that is adapted to be coupled to a first tubular support within which a second tubular support at least partially extends, the device comprising a body member; an opening in the body member within which the second tubular support is adapted to at least partially extend when the device is coupled to the first tubular support; and an internal recess in the body member within which the first tubular support is adapted to at least partially extend when the device is coupled to the first tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal recess defines an internal shoulder with which the first tubular support is adjacent when the device is coupled to the first tubular support and the first tubular support at least partially extends within the internal recess. In an exemplary embodiment, movement of the first tubular support, in an axial direction and relative to the second tubular support, is generally prevented when the device is coupled to the first tubular support and the first tubular support at least partially extends within the internal recess. In an exemplary embodiment, the body member defines an end surface with which at least a portion of the second tubular support is adjacent when the second tubular support at least partially extends within the opening. In an exemplary embodiment, movement of the second tubular support, in another axial direction and relative to the first tubular support, is generally prevented when the device is coupled to the first tubular support, the first tubular support at least partially extends within the internal recess and the second tubular support at least partially extends within the opening. In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises first and second bores formed through the body member; and first and second fasteners extending through the first and second bores, respectively, and into the internal recess. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second fasteners are adapted to further extend into first and second radial openings, respectively, in the first tubular support when the device is coupled to the first tubular support and the first tubular support at least partially extends within the internal recess. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening defines a first internal arcuate surface of the body member and first and second parallel-spaced surfaces of the body member extending from the first internal arcuate surface of the body member. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal recess defines a second internal arcuate surface of the body member and third and fourth parallel-spaced surfaces of the body member extending from the second internal arcuate surface of the body member. In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises one or more handles connected to the body member.

A device has been described that is adapted to be coupled to a first tubular support within which a second tubular support at least partially extends, the device comprising a body member; an opening in the body member within which the second tubular support is adapted to at least partially extend when the device is coupled to the first tubular support; and an internal recess in the body member within which the first tubular support is adapted to at least partially extend when the device is coupled to the first tubular support; wherein the internal recess defines an internal shoulder with which the first tubular support is adjacent when the device is coupled to the first tubular support and the first tubular support at least partially extends within the internal recess; wherein movement of the first tubular support, in an axial direction and relative to the second tubular support, is generally prevented when the device is coupled to the first tubular support and the first tubular support at least partially extends within the internal recess; wherein the device further comprises first and second bores formed through the body member; first and second fasteners extending through the first and second bores, respectively, and into the internal recess; and one or more handles connected to the body member; wherein the first and second fasteners are adapted to further extend into first and second radial openings, respectively, in the first tubular support when the device is coupled to the first tubular support and the first tubular support at least partially extends within the internal recess; wherein the opening defines a first internal arcuate surface of the body member and first and second parallel-spaced surfaces of the body member extending from the first internal arcuate surface of the body member; and wherein the internal recess defines a second internal arcuate surface of the body member and third and fourth parallel-spaced surfaces of the body member extending from the second internal arcuate surface of the body member.

A method has been described that includes assembling a tension actuator assembly, comprising coupling at least one subassembly to at least one other subassembly; and positioning the tension actuator assembly within a wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, positioning the tension actuator assembly within the wellbore comprises positioning at least a portion of the at least one other subassembly within the wellbore during assembling the tension actuator assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one subassembly comprises a first tubular support and a second tubular support at least partially positioned within the first tubular support; and wherein coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly comprises coupling the at least one other subassembly to the at least one subassembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises preventing the first tubular support from moving in an axial direction relative to the second tubular support during coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises preventing the second tubular support from moving in the axial direction relative to the first tubular support during coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the first tubular support comprises an internal shoulder; and wherein preventing the second tubular support from moving in the axial direction relative to the first tubular support during coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly comprises coupling a retaining ring to the second tubular support; and engaging the retaining ring with the internal shoulder of the first tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises preventing the first tubular support from moving in the axial direction relative to the second tubular support during coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly comprises coupling a device to the first tubular support, the device comprising a body member; an opening in the body member within which the second tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support; and an internal recess in the body member within which the first tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises decoupling the device from the first tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, positioning the tension actuator assembly within the wellbore further comprises positioning at least a portion of the at least one subassembly within the wellbore during assembling the tension actuator assembly.

A method has been described that includes assembling a tension actuator assembly, comprising coupling at least one subassembly to at least one other subassembly; and positioning the tension actuator assembly within a wellbore; wherein coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly comprises coupling the at least one other subassembly to the at least one subassembly; wherein the at least one subassembly comprises a first tubular support and a second tubular support at least partially positioned within the first tubular support; wherein the method further comprises preventing the first tubular support from moving in an axial direction relative to the second tubular support during coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly wherein the method further comprises preventing the second tubular support from moving in the axial direction relative to the first tubular support during coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly; wherein the first tubular support comprises an internal shoulder; wherein preventing the first tubular support from moving in the axial direction relative to the second tubular support during coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly comprises coupling a device to the first tubular support, the device comprising a body member; an opening in the body member within which the second tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support; and an internal recess in the body member within which the first tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support; and wherein the method further comprises decoupling the device from the first tubular support.

A method has been described that includes coupling a first subassembly to a second subassembly, the first subassembly comprising a first tubular support and a second tubular support at least partially positioned within the first tubular support; preventing the first tubular support from moving in an axial direction relative to the second tubular support during coupling the first subassembly to the second subassembly, comprising coupling a device to the first tubular support, the device comprising a body member; an opening in the body member within which the second tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support; and an internal recess in the body member within which the first tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal recess defines an internal shoulder with which the first tubular support is adjacent when the device is coupled to the first tubular support and the first tubular support at least partially extends within the internal recess. In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises first and second bores formed through the body member; and first and second fasteners extending through the first and second bores, respectively, and into the internal recess. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second fasteners are adapted to further extend into first and second radial openings, respectively, in the first tubular support when the device is coupled to the first tubular support and the first tubular support at least partially extends within the internal recess. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening defines a first internal arcuate surface of the body member and first and second parallel-spaced surfaces of the body member extending from the first internal arcuate surface of the body member. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal recess defines a second internal arcuate surface of the body member and third and fourth parallel-spaced surfaces of the body member extending from the second internal arcuate surface of the body member.

A method has been described that includes coupling a first subassembly to a second subassembly, the first subassembly comprising a first tubular support and a second tubular support at least partially positioned within the first tubular support; preventing the first tubular support from moving in an axial direction relative to the second tubular support during coupling the first subassembly to the second subassembly, comprising coupling a device to the first tubular support, the device comprising a body member; an opening in the body member within which the second tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support; and an internal recess in the body member within which the first tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support wherein the internal recess defines an internal shoulder with which the first tubular support is adjacent when the device is coupled to the first tubular support and the first tubular support at least partially extends within the internal recess; wherein the device further comprises first and second bores formed through the body member; and first and second fasteners extending through the first and second bores, respectively, and into the internal recess; wherein the first and second fasteners are adapted to further extend into first and second radial openings, respectively, in the first tubular support when the device is coupled to the first tubular support and the first tubular support at least partially extends within the internal recess; wherein the opening defines a first internal arcuate surface of the body member and first and second parallel-spaced surfaces of the body member extending from the first internal arcuate surface of the body member; and wherein the internal recess defines a second internal arcuate surface of the body member and third and fourth parallel-spaced surfaces of the body member extending from the second internal arcuate surface of the body member.

A system has been described that includes means for assembling a tension actuator assembly, comprising means for coupling at least one subassembly to at least one other subassembly; and means for positioning the tension actuator assembly within a wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, means for positioning the tension actuator assembly within the wellbore comprises means for positioning at least a portion of the at least one other subassembly within the wellbore during assembling the tension actuator assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one subassembly comprises a first tubular support and a second tubular support at least partially positioned within the first tubular support; and means for coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly comprises means for coupling the at least one other subassembly to the at least one subassembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the system further comprises means for preventing the first tubular support from moving in an axial direction relative to the second tubular support during coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for preventing the second tubular support from moving in the axial direction relative to the first tubular support during coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the first tubular support comprises an internal shoulder; and wherein means for preventing the second tubular support from moving in the axial direction relative to the first tubular support during coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly comprises means for coupling a retaining ring to the second tubular support; and means for engaging the retaining ring with the internal shoulder of the first tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for preventing the first tubular support from moving in the axial direction relative to the second tubular support during coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly comprises means for coupling a device to the first tubular support, the device comprising a body member; an opening in the body member within which the second tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support; and an internal recess in the body member within which the first tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises means for decoupling the device from the first tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, means for positioning the tension actuator assembly within the wellbore further comprises means for positioning at least a portion of the at least one subassembly within the wellbore during assembling the tension actuator assembly.

A system has been described that includes means for assembling a tension actuator assembly, comprising means for coupling at least one subassembly to at least one other subassembly; and means for positioning the tension actuator assembly within a wellbore; wherein the at least one subassembly comprises a first tubular support and a second tubular support at least partially positioned within the first tubular support; wherein means for coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly comprises means for coupling the at least one other subassembly to the at least one subassembly; wherein the system further comprises means for preventing the first tubular support from moving in an axial direction relative to the second tubular support during coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly; wherein the system further comprises means for preventing the second tubular support from moving in the axial direction relative to the first tubular support during coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly; wherein the first tubular support comprises an internal shoulder; wherein means for preventing the first tubular support from moving in the axial direction relative to the second tubular support during coupling the at least one subassembly to the at least one other subassembly comprises means for coupling a device to the first tubular support, the device comprising a body member; an opening in the body member within which the second tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support; and an internal recess in the body member within which the first tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support; and wherein the system further comprises means for decoupling the device from the first tubular support.

A system has been described that includes means for coupling a first subassembly to a second subassembly, the first subassembly comprising a first tubular support and a second tubular support at least partially positioned within the first tubular support; means for preventing the first tubular support from moving in an axial direction relative to the second tubular support during coupling the first subassembly to the second subassembly, comprising means for coupling a device to the first tubular support, the device comprising a body member; an opening in the body member within which the second tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support; and an internal recess in the body member within which the first tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal recess defines an internal shoulder with which the first tubular support is adjacent when the device is coupled to the first tubular support and the first tubular support at least partially extends within the internal recess. In an exemplary embodiment, the device further comprises first and second bores formed through the body member; and first and second fasteners extending through the first and second bores, respectively, and into the internal recess. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second fasteners are adapted to further extend into first and second radial openings, respectively, in the first tubular support when the device is coupled to the first tubular support and the first tubular support at least partially extends within the internal recess. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening defines a first internal arcuate surface of the body member and first and second parallel-spaced surfaces of the body member extending from the first internal arcuate surface of the body member. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal recess defines a second internal arcuate surface of the body member and third and fourth parallel-spaced surfaces of the body member extending from the second internal arcuate surface of the body member.

A system has been described that includes means for coupling a first subassembly to a second subassembly, the first subassembly comprising a first tubular support and a second tubular support at least partially positioned within the first tubular support; means for preventing the first tubular support from moving in an axial direction relative to the second tubular support during coupling the first subassembly to the second subassembly, comprising means for coupling a device to the first tubular support, the device comprising a body member; an opening in the body member within which the second tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support; and an internal recess in the body member within which the first tubular support at least partially extends after the device is coupled to the first tubular support; wherein the internal recess defines an internal shoulder with which the first tubular support is adjacent when the device is coupled to the first tubular support and the first tubular support at least partially extends within the internal recess; wherein the device further comprises first and second bores formed through the body member; and first and second fasteners extending through the first and second bores, respectively, and into the internal recess; wherein the first and second fasteners are adapted to further extend into first and second radial openings, respectively, in the first tubular support when the device is coupled to the first tubular support and the first tubular support at least partially extends within the internal recess; wherein the opening defines a first internal arcuate surface of the body member and first and second parallel-spaced surfaces of the body member extending from the first internal arcuate surface of the body member; and wherein the internal recess defines a second internal arcuate surface of the body member and third and fourth parallel-spaced surfaces of the body member extending from the second internal arcuate surface of the body member.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the teachings of the present illustrative embodiments may be used to provide a wellbore casing, a pipeline, or a structural support. Furthermore, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, changes and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. In some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

Claims

1. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: a support member; and an adjustable expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member; wherein the adjustable expansion device comprises: a tubular support member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart inclined surfaces; a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart expansion segments movably coupled to the tubular support member; and an actuator for displacing the expansion segments relative to the tubular support member to thereby displace each of the expansion segments onto corresponding inclined surfaces.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a sensor operably coupled to the actuator adapted to sense one or more operational conditions proximate the actuator.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a controller operably coupled to the sensor and the actuator adapted to control the operation of the actuator as a function of one or more of the operational conditions proximate the actuator.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a controller operably coupled to the sensor and the actuator adapted to control the operation of the actuator.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises an hydraulic actuator.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: a variable orifice operably coupled to the hydraulic actuator adapted to control a flow of fluidic materials into the hydraulic actuator.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a sensor operably coupled to the hydraulic actuator adapted to sense one or more operational conditions proximate the hydraulic actuator.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a controller operably coupled to the sensor and the actuator adapted to control the operation of the variable orifice as a function of one or more of the operational conditions proximate the actuator.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a controller operably coupled to the variable orifice and the actuator adapted to control the operation of the variable orifice.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a retaining device movably coupled to the tubular support member and coupled to each of the expansion segments adapted to maintain each of the expansion segments proximate the corresponding inclined surfaces.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the retaining device comprises: a tubular retaining member movably coupled to the tubular support member; and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart retaining arms extending from the tubular retaining member coupled to corresponding expansion segments.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the expansion segments comprises: a body member; and an insert member coupled to the body member having increased surface hardness.

13. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: a support member; and an adjustable expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member; wherein the adjustable expansion device comprises: a tubular support member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart inclined surfaces; a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart expansion segments movably coupled to the tubular support member; an hydraulic actuator for displacing the expansion segments relative to the tubular support member to thereby displace each of the expansion segments onto corresponding inclined surfaces; a variable orifice operably coupled to the hydraulic actuator adapted to control a flow of fluidic materials into the hydraulic actuator; a sensor operably coupled to the hydraulic actuator adapted to sense one or more operational conditions proximate the hydraulic actuator; a controller operably coupled to the sensor and the variable orifice adapted to control the operation of the variable orifice as a function of one or more of the operational conditions proximate the hydraulic actuator; a tubular retaining member movably coupled to the tubular support member; and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart retaining arms extending from the tubular retaining member coupled to corresponding expansion segments; wherein each of the expansion segments comprises: a body member; and an insert member coupled to the body member having increased surface hardness; and wherein the body member of the expansion segment comprises: a first portion comprising an arcuate cylindrical outer surface; and a second portion coupled to the first portion comprising an arcuate conical outer surface.

14. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: a support member; a gripping device for gripping the tubular member coupled to the support member; a sealing device for sealing an interface with the tubular member coupled to the support member; a locking device for locking the position of the tubular member relative to the support member; an adjustable expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member; a packer coupled to the support member; and an actuator for displacing one or more of the sealing assembly, the adjustable expansion device, and the packer relative to the support member; wherein the adjustable expansion device comprises: a tubular support member comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart inclined surfaces; a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart expansion segments movably coupled to the tubular support member; and an actuator for displacing the expansion segments relative to the tubular support member to thereby displace each of the expansion segments onto corresponding inclined surfaces.

15. A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: positioning an adjustable expansion device within the tubular member; and increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device within the tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform the tubular member.

16. A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: positioning an adjustable expansion device within the tubular member; and increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device within the tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform the tubular member. wherein increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device comprises: injecting fluidic material into the adjustable expansion device; displacing a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart expansion elements along corresponding ramped surfaces; maintaining the expansion elements proximate the ramped surfaces; monitoring one or more operating conditions proximate the adjustable expansion device; and controlling the injection of the fluidic material into the adjustable expansion device as a function of the operating conditions.

17. A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a preexisting structure, comprising: positioning an expansion device within the tubular member; positioning the tubular member within the preexisting structure; and increasing the size of the expansion device within the tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform the tubular member.

18. A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: means for positioning an adjustable expansion device within the tubular member; and means for increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device within the tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform the tubular member.

19. A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: means for positioning an adjustable expansion device within the tubular member; and means for increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device within the tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform the tubular member. means for wherein increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device comprises: means for injecting fluidic material into the adjustable expansion device; means for displacing a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart expansion elements along corresponding ramped surfaces; means for maintaining the expansion elements proximate the ramped surfaces; means for monitoring one or more operating conditions proximate the adjustable expansion device; and means for controlling the injection of the fluidic material into the adjustable expansion device as a function of the operating conditions.

20. A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a preexisting structure, comprising: means for positioning an expansion device within the tubular member; means for positioning the tubular member within the preexisting structure; and means for increasing the size of the expansion device within the tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform the tubular member.