Apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member

Abstract

An apparatus and method according to which a tubular member is radially expanded and plastically deformed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member is provided that includes a first tubular support defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages; a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface wherein the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support are adapted to extend within the expandable tubular member so that the expandable tubular member is coupled to the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone; a second tubular support coupled to the first tubular support and defining an internal passage; a third tubular support coupled to the second tubular support so that the third tubular support at least partially extends within the second tubular support; and a fourth tubular support coupled to the second tubular support so that the second tubular support at least partially extends within the fourth tubular support; wherein the tubular expansion cone and the first, second, third and fourth tubular supports are movable relative to the expandable tubular member when the first tubular support and the tubular expansion cone extend within the expandable tubular member.

According to another aspect another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member is provided that includes a first tubular support defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages; one or more rupture discs coupled to and positioned within corresponding radial passages of the first tubular support; a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface; the expandable tubular member coupled to the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone and defining an internal passage; a second tubular support at least partially extending within the first tubular support and defining an internal passage; and an annular region at least partially defined by the internal surface of first tubular support and the external surface of the second tubular support wherein the internal passage of the second tubular support is in fluid communication with the annular region; wherein, when the one or more rupture discs rupture, the internal passage of the second tubular support is in fluid communication with the internal passage of the expandable tubular member via the annular region and the one or more radial passages of the first tubular support.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a system is provided that includes a tubular member defining an internal passage and adapted to extend within a preexisting structure; and means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure, the means comprising a shoe coupled to the tubular member, the shoe comprising an annular portion at least partially extending into the internal passage of the tubular member and defining an internal passage and a plug seat having an internal shoulder; and a plug element adapted to extend into the internal passage of the annular portion, the plug element defining an increased-diameter portion adapted to sealingly engage the internal shoulder of the plug seat, the plug element comprising a first sealing element extending in an annular channel formed in an external surface of the plug element and adapted to sealingly engage the plug seat; and a second sealing element in a spaced relation from the first sealing element and adapted to sealingly engage the plug seat.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a system is provided that includes a tubular member adapted to extend within a preexisting structure; and means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure; wherein the means comprises a shoe coupled to the tubular member, the shoe comprising a first component composed of a first material having a first material hardness, and a second component coupled to the first component and composed of a second material having a second material hardness.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member is provided that includes a first tubular support defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages having countersunk portions; a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface; the expandable tubular member coupled to the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone and defining an internal passage; one or more rupture discs coupled to and positioned within corresponding radial passages of the first tubular support wherein each of the one or more rupture discs is in the form of an annular body member defining an internal passage and comprises a shoulder defined at an end portion of the annular body member and contacting a wall defined by the countersunk portion of the corresponding radial passage; a threaded connection formed in the external surface of the annular body member and extending within the corresponding radial passage to couple the annular body member to the corresponding radial passage; a sealing element extending around the annular body member and sealingly engaging a surface of the corresponding radial passage, the sealing element axially positioned between the shoulder and the threaded connection; and a rupture element disposed in the internal passage of the annular body member wherein, when the rupture element ruptures, the internal passage of the first tubular support is in fluid communication with the internal passage of the expandable tubular member via the corresponding radial passage.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member is provided that includes a first tubular support defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages; a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface wherein the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support are adapted to extend within the expandable tubular member and are moveable relative thereto; a second tubular support coupled to the first tubular support and defining an internal passage; a third tubular support coupled to the second tubular support so that the third tubular support at least partially extends within the second tubular support; and a sealing element comprising: an elastomeric element extending in a first annular channel formed in the external surface of the third tubular support wherein the elastomeric element sealingly engages the internal surface of the second tubular support, and a retainer extending in a second annular channel formed in the elastomeric element and biased against one or more walls of the second annular channel to retain the elastomeric element within the first annular channel.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member is provided that includes a first tubular support; a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface; the expandable tubular member coupled to the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a first portion and a second portion wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion, and wherein a dimension is defined between an end of the expandable tubular member corresponding to an end of the first portion and an end of the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone having a circumference substantially corresponding to the inside diameter of the second portion; a shoe defining one or more internal passages coupled to the second portion of the expandable tubular member; and means for maintaining the value of the dimension substantially constant when the length of the expandable tubular member is reduced.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a preexisting structure is provided that includes coupling a tubular expansion cone to a first tubular support; coupling a second tubular support to the first tubular support; coupling a third tubular support to the second tubular support so that the third tubular support at least partially extends within the second tubular support; and coupling a fourth tubular support to the second tubular support so that the second tubular support at least partially extends within the fourth tubular support; wherein the tubular expansion cone and the first, second, third and fourth tubular supports are movable relative to the expandable tubular member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a preexisting structure is provided that includes coupling one or more rupture discs to and positioning the one or more rupture discs within corresponding one or more radial passages defined by a first tubular support; coupling a tubular expansion cone to the first tubular support so that an external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone is coupled to the expandable tubular member wherein the expandable tubular member defines an internal passage; extending a second tubular support defining an internal passage within the first tubular support so that an annular region is defined by the external surface of the second tubular support and the internal surface of the first tubular support wherein the annular region is in fluid communication with the internal passage of the second tubular support; and displacing the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support relative to the expandable tubular member wherein the step of displacing comprises permitting fluidic-material flow from the internal passage of the second tubular support and to the internal passage of the expandable tubular member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided that includes inserting an expandable tubular member into a preexisting structure; and radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member within the preexisting structure wherein the step of radially expanding and plastically deforming comprises coupling a shoe defining at least one internal passage and a plug seat to the expandable tubular member; and sealingly engaging a plug element with the plug seat so that fluidic-material flow through the at least one internal passage of the shoe is blocked, the step of sealingly engaging the plug element with the plug seat comprising sealingly engaging an increased-diameter portion of the plug element with an internal shoulder defined by the plug seat; sealingly engaging a first sealing element extending in an annular channel formed in an external surface of the plug element with the plug seat; and sealingly engaging a second sealing element in a spaced relation from the first sealing element with the plug seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b and 1c are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of an embodiment of an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member during the placement of the apparatus within a wellbore.

FIGS. 1 d and 1e are enlarged views of portions of the apparatus of FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b and 1c.

FIGS. 2, 2a, 2b and 2c are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of the apparatus of FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b and 1c during the injection of a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the exterior of the apparatus and the wellbore.

FIGS. 3 and 3 a is a cross-sectional illustration of the apparatus of FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b and 1c and an enlarged view of a portion thereof, respectively, during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of the apparatus of FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b and 1c after the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member, and after the reinsertion of a portion of the apparatus into the radially-expanded and plastically-deformed tubular member.

FIGS. 5, 5a, 5b and 5c are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of an embodiment of an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member during the placement of the apparatus within a wellbore.

FIGS. 6, 6a, 6b and 6c are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of the apparatus of FIGS. 5, 5a, 5b and 5c during the injection of a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the exterior of the apparatus and the wellbore.

FIGS. 7 and 7 a is a cross-sectional illustration of the apparatus of FIGS. 5, 5a, 5b and 5c and an enlarged view of a portion thereof, respectively, during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member.

FIGS. 8, 8a and 8b are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of an embodiment of an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member during the placement of the apparatus within a wellbore.

FIGS. 9, 9a and 9b are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of the apparatus of FIGS. 8, 8a and 8b during the injection of a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the exterior of the apparatus and the wellbore.

FIGS. 10 and 10 a is a cross-sectional illustration of the apparatus of FIGS. 8, 8a and 8b and an enlarged view of a portion thereof, respectively, during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member.

FIGS. 11, 11a and 11b are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of an embodiment of an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member during the placement of the apparatus within a wellbore.

FIGS. 12, 12a and 12b are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of the apparatus of FIGS. 11,11a and 11b during the injection of a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the exterior of the apparatus and the wellbore.

FIGS. 13, 13a and 13b are fragmentary cross-sectional illustrations of the apparatus of FIGS. 11, 11a and 11b during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of a portion of the apparatus of FIGS. 13, 13a and 13b.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of a portion of the apparatus of FIGS. 13, 13a and 13b.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of an embodiment of a portion of the apparatus of FIGS. 13, 13a and 13b.

FIG. 17 a is a cross-sectional illustration of an embodiment of an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member during the placement of the apparatus within a wellbore.

FIG. 17 b is a cross-sectional illustration of an embodiment of an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member during the placement of the apparatus within a wellbore, and that is similar to the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 12a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e, an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 10 for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member includes a tubular support 12 that defines an internal passage 12a, and includes a threaded connection 12b at one end and a threaded connection 12c at the other end. In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the apparatus 10, a threaded end of a conventional tubular support member (not shown) that defines an internal passage such as, for example, a tubular string in the form of coiled tubing, jointed tubing, or the like, may be coupled to the threaded connection 12b of the tubular support member 12.

An end of a tubular support 14 that defines an internal passage 14a having a variable inside diameter, and includes a shoulder 14b and threaded connections 14c and 14d, is coupled to the other end of the tubular support 12. A sealing element such as a crimp seal 16 sealingly engages the internal surface of the tubular support 14. The crimp seal 16 includes an elastomeric element 16a (FIG. 1d) having a generally trapezoidally-shaped cross-section and disposed in an annular channel 12d formed in the external surface of the tubular support 12. A retainer 16b extends in an annular channel 16aa formed in the elastomeric element 16a, and is biased against the walls of the channel, thereby substantially eliminating the possibility of the crimp seal 16 falling out of the channel 12d during the operation of the apparatus 10, discussed below. It is understood that the crimp seal 16 may be a high-temperature crimp seal.

A coupler 18 that defines an internal passage 18a, and includes a threaded connection 18b, is disposed in the internal passage 14a and is coupled to the tubular support 14, contacting the shoulder 14b.

A threaded connection 20a of an end of a tubular support 20 that defines an internal passage 20b and radial passages 20c and 20d, and includes an external flange 20e, and includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced high-torque lugs 20f at the other end is coupled to the threaded connection 14d of the other end of the tubular support 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular support 20 includes four circumferentially-spaced high-torque lugs 20f. A sealing element 21 extends in an annular channel 20g formed in the external surface of the tubular support 20 and sealingly engages the internal surface of the tubular support 14. An internal shoulder 20h of the tubular support 20 is defined between the radial passages 20c and 20d and the high-torque lugs 20f.

Rupture discs 22 and 24 are received and mounted within the radial passages 20c and 20d, respectively, of the tubular support 20. The rupture disc 22 (FIG. 1e) is generally in the form of an annular body member and includes a rupture element 22a disposed in an internal passage defined by the annular body member, and a threaded connection 22b that is coupled to the radial passage 20c. In an exemplary embodiment, the threaded connection 22b may be in the form of a straight-thread connection. A shoulder 22c defined by an end portion of the annular body member contacts a wall of a countersunk portion 20ca of the radial passage 20c, and a sealing element such as an o-ring 22d is disposed between the shoulder 22c and the threaded connection 22b, extending around the annular body member and sealingly engaging a surface of the radial passage 20c. Thus, the seal provided by the o-ring 22d is supported by the contact between the shoulder 22c and the wall of the countersunk portion 20ca. The rupture disc 24 and its mounting within the radial passage 20d is identical to the rupture disc 22 and its mounting within the radial passage 20c, and therefore neither the rupture disc 24 nor its mounting will be described in detail.

An end of a tubular support 26 that defines an internal passage 26a and an increased-diameter portion 26b is coupled to the threaded connection 18b of the coupler 18 and extends within the internal passages 14a and 20b, engaging the internal shoulder 20h of the tubular support 20 and thereby coupling the tubular support 26 and the coupler 18 to the tubular support 20. The coupler 18 partially extends within the portion of the internal passage 26a corresponding to the increased-diameter portion 26b of the tubular support 26. An annular region 27 is defined by the external surface of the tubular support 26 and the internal surfaces of the tubular supports 14 and 20.

Radial passages 26c and 26d are formed through the wall of the tubular support 26, in the vicinity of the coupler 18, so that the internal passage 26a is in fluid communication with the annular region 27. A sealing element 28 extends in an annular channel 20i formed in the internal surface of the tubular support 20 and sealingly engages the external surface of the tubular support 26. A tubular expansion cone 30 that includes a tapered external expansion surface 30a is coupled to the external surface of the tubular support 20, circumferentially extending around the tubular support 20 so that an end of the tubular expansion cone abuts the external flange 20e. A sealing element 31 extends in an annular channel 20j formed in the external surface of the tubular support 20 and sealingly engages the internal surface of the tubular expansion cone 30.

A tubular support 32 is coupled to the tubular support 14 so that the tubular support 14 extends within the tubular support 32 and so that an end of the tubular support 32 is substantially flush with an end of the tubular support 14. The other end of the tubular support 32 abuts the other end of the tubular expansion cone 30. Set screws 34a and 34b extend through and threadably engage radial passages 36a and 36b, respectively, that are formed through the tubular supports 14 and 32. The distal ends of the set screws 34a and 34b contact and apply pressure against the external surface of the tubular support 20, thereby reducing the possibility of decoupling and/or relative movement between two or more of the tubular supports 14, 20 and 32 and parts coupled and/or engaged thereto during the operation of the apparatus 10, discussed below.

An expandable tubular member 38 that defines an internal passage 38a for receiving the tubular supports 14, 20, 26 and 32 and the coupler 18 mates with and is supported by the external expansion surface 30a of the tubular expansion cone 30. The expandable tubular member 38 includes an upper portion 38b having a smaller inside diameter and a threaded connection 38c, and further includes a lower portion 38d having a larger inside diameter and a threaded connection 38e. It is understood that another expandable tubular member may be coupled to the expandable tubular member 38 via the threaded connection 38c, and yet another expandable tubular member may be coupled to the former in a similar manner and so on, thereby forming a string of expandable tubular members having a continuous internal passage.

A nose or shoe 40 is coupled to the lower portion 38d of the expandable tubular member 38 via a threaded connection 38e. The shoe 40 includes an upper component 42 composed of a material having a material hardness, and a lower component 44 coupled to the upper component and composed of another material having another material hardness. In an exemplary embodiment, the material hardness of the material of the lower component 44 may be less than the material hardness of the material of the upper component 42. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper component 42 may be composed of an aluminum alloy and the lower component 44 may be composed of a composite material. In another exemplary embodiment, the upper component 42 may be composed of an aluminum alloy and the lower component 44 may be composed of a concrete material. It is understood that the upper component 42 and the lower component 44 may each be composed of a wide variety of materials.

A casing 42a of the upper component 42 defines external surfaces 42b and 42c and a cavity 42d having internal surfaces 42e and 42f. An annular portion 42g extends in an upward direction from the external surface 42b, defining an internal passage 42ga and a plug seat 42gb including a lead-in angled surface 42gba. A threaded connection 42h is coupled to the threaded connection 38e. Circumferentially-spaced lug pockets 42i for receiving the lugs 20f of the tubular support 20 are formed in the external surface 42b, thereby enabling torque loads or other types or combinations of loads to be transmitted between the tubular support 20 and the shoe 40 at any point during operation of the apparatus 10, discussed below, and/or for any conventional reason before, during or after the operation of the apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, a quantity of eight circumferentially-spaced lug pockets 42i may be formed in the external surface 42b.

A sealing element 46 extends in an annular groove 42gc formed in the external surface of the annular portion 42g and sealingly engages the tubular support 20. A sealing element 48 extends in an annular groove 42ca formed in the external surface 42c and sealingly engages the internal surface of the expandable tubular member 38.

The lower component 44 is disposed in the cavity 42d and coupled to the upper component 42. External surfaces 44a and 44b are defined and are mated against the internal surfaces 42e and 42f, respectively. It is understood that the lower component 44 may be coupled to the upper component 42 via one or more threaded engagements, adhesives, friction or other conventional coupling techniques, or any combination thereof, so that torque loads or other types or combinations of loads may be easily transferred between the components. It is further understood that internal ribs (not shown) may extend from the internal surface 42e and/or 42f in order to facilitate the transmission of loads between the upper component 42 and the lower component 44.

Although tapered surfaces 44c and 44d are defined by the lower component 44, it is understood that the portion of the lower component extending below the upper component 42 may be substantially cylindrical.

An internal passage 44e is formed in the lower component 44, and a valve seat portion 44f of the lower component is disposed in the internal passage, extending from the internal walls therefrom and dividing the internal passage into sub-passages 44ea and 44eb. Passages 44fa and 44fb are formed through the valve seat portion 44f. Passages 44g, 44h, 44i and 44j are formed through the lower component 44, fluidically connecting the sub-passage 44eb to the environment outside of the apparatus 10.

A one-way poppet valve 50 is movably coupled to the valve seat portion 44f of the lower component 44 of the shoe 40, and includes a valve element 50a for controllably sealing the passages 44fa and 44fb. In an exemplary embodiment, the one-way poppet valve 50 only permits fluidic materials to be exhausted from the apparatus 10.

Shear pins 52a and 52b extend through the expandable tubular member 38 and the upper component 42, and into the lower component 44 to lock the shoe 40 to the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the shear pins 52a and 52b may be in the form of knurled drive-in shear pins, in which case it is understood that the shear pins can be easily installed and removed with a conventional tool such as, for example, a slide hammer.

During operation, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e, the apparatus 10 is positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore 54 that transverses a subterranean formation 56. In an exemplary embodiment, during or after the positioning of the apparatus 10 within the wellbore 54, fluidic material 58 may be circulated through and out of the apparatus into the wellbore through the internal passages 12a, 14a, 18a, 26a, 20b, 42ga, 44e, 44fa, 44fb, 44g, 44h, 44i and 44j.

In an exemplary embodiment, movement of the tubular supports 12, 14, 20, 26 and 32, the coupler 18, and the tubular expansion cone 30, relative to the expandable tubular member 38, the shoe 40 and the valve 50, is possible in either an upward or downward direction as long as there is a gap between the distal ends of the lugs 20f and the bottom surfaces of the corresponding lug pockets 42i of the upper component 42 of the shoe 40. For example, when the apparatus 10 encounters a resistance during placement in the wellbore 54 such as, for example, the shoe 40 becoming jammed or stuck in the wellbore 54, the tubular supports 12,14, 20, 26 and 32, the coupler 18, and the tubular expansion cone 30 may move downward, relative to the expandable tubular member 38, the shoe 40 and the valve 50, until the distal ends of the lugs 20f contact the bottom surfaces of the corresponding lug pockets 42i. At this point, torque loads or other types or combinations of loads may be applied to the apparatus 10 in any conventional manner in an effort to free the apparatus 10 from the aforementioned resistance. It is understood that the degree of movement of the tubular supports 12, 14, 20, 26 and 32, the coupler 18, and the tubular expansion cone 30 may also be limited by the gap between the distal end of the tubular support 26 and the distal end of the annular portion 42g of the upper component 42 of the shoe 40.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2a, 2b and 2c, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e, the apparatus 10 may be placed in the desired position within the wellbore 54 such as, for example, the apparatus may be set down onto the bottom of the wellbore. At this point, a hardenable fluidic sealing material 59 such as, for example, cement, may be injected into the apparatus 10 through the internal passages 12a, 14a, 18a, 26a, 20b, 42ga, 44e, 44fa, 44fb, 44g, 44h, 44i and 44j, and into the annulus defined between the external surface of the expandable tubular member 38 and the internal surface of the wellbore 54. As a result, an annular body of the hardenable fluidic sealing material 59 is formed within the annulus between the external surface of the expandable tubular member 38 and the internal surface of the wellbore 54.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 3a, with continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 2, 2a, 2b and 2c, during operation of the apparatus 10, a plug element 60 having wipers 60a, 60b, 60c and 60d may be injected into the apparatus, along with the fluidic material 58 and through the passages 12a, 14a, 18a, 26a, 20b and 42ga, until the plug element 60 is seated in the plug seat 42gb. At this point, the plug element 60 sealingly engages the plug seat 42gb, and the wipers 60a, 60b, 60c and 60d sealingly engage the internal surface of the tubular support 26. As a result, any flow of fluidic material through the internal passages 26a and 20b is blocked. It is understood that the plug element 60 may be injected into the apparatus 10 before, during or after the above-described circulation of the fluidic material 58 through and out of the apparatus.

Continued injection of the fluidic material 58 into the apparatus 10, following the seating of the plug element 60 in the plug seat 42gb, pressurizes the internal passage 26a of the tubular support 26. This pressurization causes the fluidic material 58 in the internal passage 26a to flow through the radial passages 26c and 26d of the tubular support 26, and to flow axially through the annular region 27 until reaching the rupture discs 22 and 24. When the pressurization reaches a predetermined pressure value, the rupture elements 22a and 24a of the rupture discs 22 and 24, respectively, are ruptured. Thus, the radial passages 20c and 20d of the tubular support 20 are opened so that the annular region 27 is in fluid communication with the internal passage 38a of the expandable tubular member 38.

As a result, the fluidic material 58 flows through the radial passages 20c and 20d, thereby pressurizing the portion of the internal passage 38a that is below the tubular expansion cone 30. Due to this pressurization, the tubular supports 12, 14, 20, 26 and 32, the coupler 18, and the tubular expansion cone 30 are displaced in an upward direction 62, relative to the expandable tubular member 38, the shoe 40, the valve 50 and the plug element 60, thereby radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 38.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, during operation of the apparatus 10, after radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 38, the tubular supports 12, 14, 20, 26 and 32, the coupler 18, and the tubular expansion cone 30 may be reinserted into the expandable tubular member 38, and displaced in a downward direction 64, relative to the expandable tubular member 38, the shoe 40, the valve 50 and the plug element 60, and for any conventional reason, until the distal ends of the lugs 20f contact the bottom surfaces of the corresponding lug pockets 42i. Due to the downward movement of the tubular support 26 in the direction 64 and relative to the plug element 60, the wipers 60a, 60b, 60c and 60d of the plug element are bent downwards and sealingly engage the internal surface of the tubular support 26.

It is understood that, after radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 38, the shoe 40 may be drilled out in any conventional manner for any conventional reason such as, for example, continuing with the next drilling operation. It is further understood that, due to the lower component 44 of the shoe 40 having a lower material hardness, the drill-out time for the shoe may be reduced.

In several exemplary embodiments, it is understood that one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 5a, 5b and 5c, an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 100 for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member includes a tubular support 112 that defines an internal passage 112a, and includes a threaded connection 112b at one end, a threaded connection 112c and a reduced-diameter portion 112d at the other end. In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the apparatus 100, a threaded end of a conventional tubular support member (not shown) that defines an internal passage such as, for example, a tubular string in the form of coiled tubing, jointed tubing, or the like, may be coupled to the threaded connection 112b of the tubular support member 112.

An end of a tubular support 114 that defines an internal passage 114a having a variable inside diameter, and includes threaded connections 114b and 114c, is coupled to the other end of the tubular support 112. A crimp seal 116 is disposed in an annular channel 112e formed in the external surface of the tubular support 112 and sealingly engages the wall of the internal passage 114a. The crimp seal 116 is identical to the crimp seal 16 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e and therefore will not be described in detail. It is understood that the crimp seal 116 may be a high-temperature crimp seal.

A threaded connection 120a of an end of a tubular support 120 that defines an internal passage 120b and radial passages 120c and 120d, and includes an external flange 120e, and includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced high-torque lugs 120f at the other end, is coupled to the threaded connection 114c of the other end of the tubular support 114. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular support 120 includes four circumferentially-spaced high-torque lugs 120f. A sealing element 121 extends in an annular channel 120g formed in the external surface of the tubular support 120 and sealingly engages the internal surface of the tubular support 114.

Rupture discs 122 and 124 are received and mounted within the radial passages 120c and 120d, respectively, of the tubular support 120. The rupture discs 122 and 124 are substantially similar to the rupture discs 22 and 24, respectively, of the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e and therefore will not be described in detail.

An end of a tubular support 126 that defines an internal passage 126a and an increased-diameter portion 126b, and includes a threaded connection 126c, extends within the internal passages 114a and 120b so that the reduced-diameter portion 112d of the tubular support 112 extends within the increased-diameter portion 126b, thereby defining an annular region 126d between the external surface of the reduced-diameter portion and the internal surface of the increased-diameter portion. An annular region 127 is defined by the external surface of the tubular support 126 and the internal surfaces of the tubular supports 114 and 120. Thus, the internal passage 126a is in fluid communication with the annular region 127 via the annular region 126d.

A tubular expansion cone 130 that includes a tapered external expansion surface 130a is coupled to the external surface of the tubular support 120, circumferentially extending around the tubular support 120 so that an end of the tubular expansion cone abuts the external flange 120e. A sealing element 131 extends in an annular channel 120h formed in the external surface of the tubular support 120 and sealingly engages the internal surface of the tubular expansion cone 130.

A tubular support 132 is coupled to the tubular support 114 so that the tubular support 114 extends within the tubular support 132 and so that an end of the tubular support 132 is substantially flush with an end of the tubular support 114. The other end of the tubular support 132 abuts the other end of the tubular expansion cone 130. Set screws 134a and 134b extend through and threadably engage radial passages 136a and 136b, respectively, that are formed through the tubular supports 114 and 132. The distal ends of the set screws 134a and 134b contact and apply pressure against the external surface of the tubular support 120, thereby reducing the possibility of decoupling and/or relative movement between two or more of the tubular supports 114, 120 and 132 and parts coupled and/or engaged thereto during the operation of the apparatus 100, discussed below.

An expandable tubular member 138 that defines an internal passage 138a for receiving the tubular supports 114, 120, 126 and 132 mates with and is supported by the external expansion surface 130a of the tubular expansion cone 130. The expandable tubular member 138 includes an upper portion 138b having a smaller inside diameter and a threaded connection 138c, and further includes a lower portion 138d having a larger inside diameter and a threaded connection 138e. It is understood that another expandable tubular member may be coupled to the expandable tubular member 138 via the threaded connection 138c, and yet another expandable tubular member may be coupled to the former in a similar manner and so on, thereby forming a string of expandable tubular members having a continuous internal passage.

A nose or shoe 140 is coupled to the lower portion 138d of the expandable tubular member 138 via a threaded connection 138e. The shoe 140 includes an upper component 142 composed of a material having a material hardness, and a lower component 144 coupled to the upper component and composed of another material having another material hardness. In an exemplary embodiment, the material hardness of the material of the lower component 144 may be less than the material hardness of the material of the upper component 142. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper component 142 may be composed of an aluminum alloy and the lower component 144 may be composed of a composite material. In another exemplary embodiment, the upper component 142 may be composed of an aluminum alloy and the lower component 144 may be composed of a concrete material. It is understood that the upper component 142 and the lower component 144 may each be composed of a wide variety of materials.

A casing 142a of the upper component 142 defines external surfaces 142b and 142c and a cavity 142d having internal surfaces 142e and 142f. An annular portion 142g extends in an upward direction from the external surface 142b. The annular portion 142g is coupled to the tubular support 126 via the threaded connection 126c, and defines an internal passage 142ga and a plug seat 142gb including a lead-in angled surface 142gba. A threaded connection 142h is coupled to the threaded connection 138e. Circumferentially-spaced lug pockets 142i for receiving the lugs 120f of the tubular support 120 are formed in the external surface 142b, thereby enabling torque loads or other types or combinations of loads to be transmitted between the tubular support 120 and the shoe 140 at any point during operation of the apparatus 100, discussed below, and/or for any conventional reason before, during or after the operation of the apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, a quantity of eight circumferentially-spaced lug pockets 142i may be formed in the external surface 142b.

A sealing element 146 extends in an annular groove 142gc formed in the external surface of the annular portion142g and sealingly engages the tubular support 120. A sealing element 148 extends in an annular groove 142ca in the external surface 142c and sealingly engages the internal surface of the expandable tubular member 138.

The lower component 144 is disposed in the cavity 142d and coupled to the upper component 142. External surfaces 144a and 144b are defined and are mated against the internal surfaces 142e and 142f, respectively. It is understood that the lower component 144 may be coupled to the upper component 142 via one or more threaded engagements, adhesives, friction or other conventional coupling techniques, or any combination thereof, so that torque loads or other types or combinations of loads may be easily transferred between the components. It is further understood that internal ribs (not shown) may extend from the internal surface 142e and/or 142f in order to facilitate the transmission of loads between the upper component 142 and the lower component 144.

Although tapered surfaces 144c and 144d are defined by the lower component 144, it is understood that the portion of the lower component extending below the upper component 142 may be substantially cylindrical.

An internal passage 144e is formed in the lower component 144, and a valve seat portion 144f of the lower component is disposed in the internal passage, extending from the internal walls therefrom and dividing the internal passage into sub-passages 144ea and 144eb. Passages 144fa and 144fb are formed through the valve seat portion 144f. Passages 144g, 144h, 144i and 144j are formed through the lower component 144, fluidically connecting the sub-passage 144eb to the environment outside of the apparatus 100.

A one-way poppet valve 150 is movably coupled to the valve seat portion 144f of the lower component 144 of the shoe 140, and includes a valve element 150a for controllably sealing the passages 144fa and 144fb. In an exemplary embodiment, the one-way poppet valve 150 only permits fluidic materials to be exhausted from the apparatus 100.

Shear pins 152a and 152b extend through the expandable tubular member 138 and the upper component 142, and into the lower component 144 to lock the shoe 140 to the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the shear pins 152a and 152b may be in the form of knurled drive-in shear pins, in which case it is understood that the shear pins can be easily installed and removed with a conventional tool such as, for example, a slide hammer.

During operation, with continuing reference to FIGS. 5, 5a, 5b and 5c, the apparatus 100 is positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, the wellbore 54 that transverses the subterranean formation 56. In an exemplary embodiment, during or after the positioning of the apparatus 100 within the wellbore 54, fluidic material 158 may be circulated through and out of the apparatus into the wellbore through the internal passages 112a, 126a, 142ga, 144e, 144fa, 144fb, 144g, 144h, 144i and 144j.

In an exemplary embodiment, movement of the tubular supports 112, 114, 120 and 132 and the tubular expansion cone 130, relative to the tubular support 126, the expandable tubular member 138, the shoe 140 and the valve 150, is possible in either an upward or downward direction as long as there is a gap between the distal ends of the lugs 120f and the bottom surfaces of the corresponding lug pockets 142i of the upper component 142 of the shoe 140. For example, when the apparatus 100 encounters a resistance during placement in the wellbore 54 such as, for example, the shoe 140 becoming jammed or stuck in the wellbore 54, the tubular supports 112, 114, 120 and 132 and the tubular expansion cone 30 may move downward, relative to the tubular support 126, the expandable tubular member 138, the shoe 140 and the valve 150, until the distal ends of the lugs 120f contact the bottom surfaces of the corresponding lug pockets 142i. At this point, torque loads or other types or combinations of loads may be applied to the apparatus 100 in any conventional manner in an effort to free the apparatus 100 from the aforementioned resistance. It is understood that the degree of movement of the tubular supports 112, 114, 120 and 132 and the tubular expansion cone 130 may also be limited by the gap between the end of the tubular support 126 adjacent the increased-diameter portion 126b and the transition region of the tubular support 112 between the reduced-diameter portion 112d and the remainder of the tubular support 112, and/or by the degree of extension of the reduced-diameter portion 112 into the tubular support 126.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6, 6a, 6b and 6c, with continuing reference to FIGS. 5, 5a, 5b and 5c, the apparatus 100 may be placed in the desired position within the wellbore 54 such as, for example, the apparatus may be set down onto the bottom of the wellbore. At this point, a hardenable fluidic sealing material 159 such as, for example, cement, may be injected into the apparatus 100 through the internal passages 112a, 126a, 142ga, 144e, 144fa, 144fb, 144g, 144h, 144i and 144j, and into the annulus defined between the external surface of the expandable tubular member 138 and the internal surface of the wellbore 54. As a result, an annular body of the hardenable fluidic sealing material 159 is formed within the annulus between the external surface of the expandable tubular member 138 and the internal surface of the wellbore 54.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 7a, with continuing reference to FIGS. 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 6, 6a, 6b and 6c, during operation of the apparatus 100, a plug element 160 having wipers 160a, 160b, 160c and 160d may be injected into the apparatus, along with the fluidic material 158 and through the passages 112a, 126a and 142ga, until the plug element 160 is seated in the plug seat 142gb. At this point, the plug element 160 sealingly engages the plug seat 142gb, and the wipers 160a, 160b, 160c and 160d sealingly engage the internal surface of the tubular support 126. As a result, any flow of fluidic material through the internal passages 126a is blocked. It is understood that the plug element 160 may be injected into the apparatus 100 before, during or after the above-described circulation of the fluidic material 158 through and out of the apparatus.

Continued injection of the fluidic material 158 into the apparatus 100, following the seating of the plug element 160 in the plug seat 142gb, pressurizes the internal passage 126a of the tubular support 126. This pressurization causes the fluidic material 158 in the internal passage 126a to flow into the annular region 127 via the annular region 126d, and axially through the annular region 127 until reaching the rupture discs 122 and 124. The rupture discs 122 and 124 rupture when the pressurization reaches a predetermined pressure value. Thus, the radial passages 120c and 120d of the tubular support 120 are opened so that the annular region 127 is in fluid communication with the internal passage 138a of the expandable tubular member 138.

As a result, the fluidic material 158 flows through the radial passages 120c and 120d, thereby pressurizing the portion of the internal passage 138a that is below the tubular expansion cone 130. Due to this pressurization, the tubular supports 112, 114, 120 and 132, and the tubular expansion cone 130, are displaced in an upward direction 162, relative to the tubular support 126, the expandable tubular member 138, the shoe 140, the valve 150 and the plug element 160, thereby radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 138.

It is understood that, during operation of the apparatus 100, after radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 138, the tubular supports 112, 114, 120 and 132 and the tubular expansion cone 130 may be reinserted into the expandable tubular member 138, and displaced in a downward direction, relative to the tubular support 126, the expandable tubular member 138, the shoe 140, the valve 150 and the plug element 160, and for any conventional reason, until the distal ends of the lugs 120f contact the bottom surfaces of the corresponding lug pockets 142i.

It is further understood that, after radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 138, the shoe 140 may be drilled out in any conventional manner for any conventional reason such as, for example, continuing with the next drilling operation. It is further understood that, due to the lower component 144 of the shoe 140 having a lower material hardness, the drill-out time for the shoe may be reduced.

In several exemplary embodiments, it is understood that one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 8a and 8b, an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 200 for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member includes a tubular support 212 that defines an internal passage 212a, and includes a threaded connection 212b at one end, a threaded connection 212c and a reduced-diameter portion 212d at the other end. In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the apparatus 200, a threaded end of a conventional tubular support member (not shown) that defines an internal passage such as, for example, a tubular string in the form of coiled tubing, jointed tubing, or the like, may be coupled to the threaded connection 212b of the tubular support member 212.

An end of a tubular support 214 that defines an internal passage 214a and includes threaded connections 214b and 214c, is coupled to the other end of the tubular support 212. A crimp seal 216 is disposed in an annular channel 212e formed in the external surface of the tubular support 212 and sealingly engages the wall of the internal passage 214a. The crimp seal 216 is identical to the crimp seal 16 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e and therefore will not be described in detail. It is understood that the crimp seal 216 may be a high-temperature crimp seal.

A threaded connection 220a of an end of a tubular support 220 that defines an internal passage 220b and radial passages 220c and 220d, and includes an external flange 220e, and includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced high-torque lugs 220f at the other end, is coupled to the threaded connection 214c of the other end of the tubular support 214. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular support 220 includes four circumferentially-spaced high-torque lugs 220f. Circumferentially-spaced cavities 220g and 220h are formed in the external surface of the tubular support 220 in the vicinity of the radial passages 220c and 220d, respectively, and extend from the radial passages to the external flange 220e. A sealing element 221 extends in an annular channel 220i formed in the external surface of the tubular support 220 and sealingly engages the internal surface of the tubular support 214.

Rupture discs 222 and 224 are received and mounted within the radial passages 220c and 220d, respectively, of the tubular support 220. The rupture discs 222 and 224 are substantially similar to the rupture discs 22 and 24, respectively, of the embodiment of FIGS. 1,1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e and therefore will not be described in detail.

An end of a tubular support 226 that defines an internal passage 226a and an increased-diameter portion 226b, and includes a threaded connection 226c, extends within the internal passages 214a and 220b so that the reduced-diameter portion 212d of the tubular support 212 extends within the increased-diameter portion 226b, thereby defining an annular region 226d between the external surface of the reduced-diameter portion and the internal surface of the increased-diameter portion. An annular region 227 is defined by the external surface of the tubular support 226 and the internal surfaces of the tubular supports 214 and 220. Thus, the internal passage 226a is in fluid communication with the annular region 227 via the annular region 226d.

A tubular expansion cone 230 that includes a tapered external expansion surface 230a is coupled to the external surface of the tubular support 220, circumferentially extending around the tubular support 220 so that an end of the tubular expansion cone abuts the external flange 220e (abutment not shown in FIGS. 8 and 8b due to the cavities 220g and 220h). Internal passages 231a and 231b are defined by the external surfaces of the tubular support 220 that are defined by the cavities 220g and 220h, respectively. The internal passages 231a and 231b are further defined by the internal surface of, and the end of, the tubular expansion cone 230.

A tubular support 232 is coupled to the tubular support 214 so that the tubular support 214 extends within the tubular support 232 and so that an end of the tubular support 232 is substantially flush with an end of the tubular support 214. The other end of the tubular support 232 abuts the other end of the tubular expansion cone 230. A sealing element 233 extends in an annular channel 220j formed in the external surface of the tubular support 220 and sealingly engages the internal surface of the tubular expansion cone 230. Set screws 234a and 234b extend through and threadably engage radial passages 236a and 236b, respectively, that are formed through the tubular supports 214 and 232. The distal ends of the set screws 234a and 234b contact and apply pressure against the external surface of the tubular support 220, thereby reducing the possibility of decoupling and/or relative movement between two or more of the tubular supports 214, 220 and 232 and parts coupled and/or engaged thereto during the operation of the apparatus 200, discussed below.

An expandable tubular member 238 that defines an internal passage 238a for receiving the tubular supports 214, 220, 226 and 232 mates with and is supported by the external expansion surface 230a of the tubular expansion cone 230. The expandable tubular member 238 includes an upper portion 238b having a smaller inside diameter and a threaded connection 238c, and further includes a lower portion 238d having a larger inside diameter and a threaded connection 238e. It is understood that another expandable tubular member may be coupled to the expandable tubular member 238 via the threaded connection 238c, and yet another expandable tubular member may be coupled to the former in a similar manner and so on, thereby forming a string of expandable tubular members having a continuous internal passage.

A nose or shoe 240 is coupled to the lower portion 238d of the expandable tubular member 238 via the threaded connection 238e. The shoe 240 includes an upper component 242 composed of a material having a material hardness, and a lower component 244 coupled to the upper component and composed of another material having another material hardness. In an exemplary embodiment, the material hardness of the material of the lower component 244 may be less than the material hardness of the material of the upper component 242. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper component 242 may be composed of an aluminum alloy and the lower component 244 may be composed of a composite material. In another exemplary embodiment, the upper component 242 may be composed of an aluminum alloy and the lower component 244 may be composed of a concrete material. It is understood that the upper component 242 and the lower component 244 may each be composed of a wide variety of materials.

A casing 242a of the upper component 242 defines external surfaces 242b and 242c and a cavity 242d having internal surfaces 242e and 242f. An annular portion 242g extends in an upward direction from the external surface 242b. The annular portion 242g is coupled to the tubular support 226 via the threaded connection 226c, and defines an internal passage 242ga and a plug seat 242gb including a lead-in angled surface 242gba, and includes a reduced-diameter portion 242gc . An annular region 243 is defined by the external surface of the reduced-diameter portion 242gc of the annular portion 242g and the internal surface of the tubular support 220. The annular regions 227 and 243 are concentrically aligned and are in fluid communication with each other. Thus, the internal passage 226a of the tubular support 226 is in fluid communication with the annular region 243 via the annular regions 226d and 227.

A threaded connection 242h is coupled to the threaded connection 238e. Circumferentially-spaced lug pockets 242i for receiving the lugs 220f of the tubular support 220 are formed in the external surface 242b, thereby enabling torque loads or other types or combinations of loads to be transmitted between the tubular support 220 and the shoe 240 at any point during operation of the apparatus 200, discussed below, and/or for any conventional reason before, during or after the operation of the apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, a quantity of eight circumferentially-spaced lug pockets 242i may be formed in the external surface 242b.

A sealing element 246 extends in an annular groove 242gd formed in the external surface of the annular portion 242g and sealingly engages the internal surface of the tubular support 220. A sealing element 248 extends in an annular groove 242ca in the external surface 242c and sealingly engages the internal surface of the expandable tubular member 238.

The lower component 244 is disposed in the cavity 242d and coupled to the upper component 242. External surfaces 244a and 244b are defined and are mated against the internal surfaces 242e and 242f, respectively. It is understood that the lower component 244 may be coupled to the upper component 242 via one or more threaded engagements, adhesives, friction or other conventional coupling techniques, or any combination thereof, so that torque loads or other types or combinations of loads may be easily transferred between the components. It is further understood that internal ribs (not shown) may extend from the internal surface 242e and/or 242f in order to facilitate the transmission of loads between the upper component 242 and the lower component 244.

Although tapered surfaces 244c and 244d are defined by the lower component 244, it is understood that the portion of the lower component extending below the upper component 242 may be substantially cylindrical.

A cavity 244e is formed in the lower component 244, and a valve seat portion 244f of the lower component is disposed in the cavity, extending from the internal walls therefrom. Passages 244fa and 244fb are formed through the valve seat portion 244f, fluidically connecting the internal passage 242ga to the cavity 244e. Passages 244g, 244h, 244i and 244j are formed through the lower component 244, fluidically connecting the cavity 244e to the environment outside of the apparatus 200.

A one-way poppet valve 250 is movably coupled to the valve seat portion 244f of the lower component 244 of the shoe 240, and includes a valve element 250a for controllably sealing the passages 244fa and 244fb. In an exemplary embodiment, the one-way poppet valve 250 only permits fluidic materials to be exhausted from the apparatus 200.

Shear pins 252a and 252b extend through the expandable tubular member 238 and the upper component 242, and into the lower component 244 to lock the shoe 240 to the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the shear pins 252a and 252b may extend through the threaded connections 238e and 242h. In an exemplary embodiment, the shear pins 252a and 252b may be in the form of knurled drive-in shear pins, in which case it is understood that the shear pins can be easily installed and removed with a conventional tool such as, for example, a slide hammer.

During operation, with continuing reference to FIGS. 8, 8a and 8b, the apparatus 200 is positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, the wellbore 54 that transverses the subterranean formation 56. In an exemplary embodiment, during or after the positioning of the apparatus 200 within the wellbore 54, fluidic material 258 may be circulated through and out of the apparatus into the wellbore through the internal passages 212a, 226a, 242ga, 244fa and 244fb, the cavity 244e and the internal passages 244g, 244h, 244i and 244j.

In an exemplary embodiment, movement of the tubular supports 212, 214, 220 and 232 and the tubular expansion cone 230, relative to the tubular support 226, the expandable tubular member 238, the shoe 240 and the valve 250, is possible in either an upward or downward direction as long as there is a gap between the distal ends of the lugs 220f and the bottom surfaces of the corresponding lug pockets 242i of the upper component 242 of the shoe 240. For example, when the apparatus 200 encounters a resistance during placement in the wellbore 54 such as, for example, the shoe 240 becoming jammed or stuck in the wellbore 54, the tubular supports 212, 214, 220 and 232 and the tubular expansion cone 230 may move downward, relative to the tubular support 226, the expandable tubular member 238, the shoe 240 and the valve 250, until the distal ends of the lugs 220f contact the bottom surfaces of the corresponding lug pockets 242i. At this point, torque loads or other types or combinations of loads may be applied to the apparatus 200 in any conventional manner in an effort to free the apparatus 200 from the aforementioned resistance. It is understood that the degree of movement of the tubular supports 212, 214, 220 and 232 and the tubular expansion cone 230 may also be limited by the gap between the end of the tubular support 226 adjacent the increased-diameter portion 226b and the transition region of the tubular support 212 between the reduced-diameter portion 212d and the remainder of the tubular support 212, and/or by the degree of extension of the reduced-diameter portion 212d into the tubular support 226.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 9, 9a and 9b, with continuing reference to FIGS. 8, 8a and 8b, the apparatus 200 may be placed in the desired position within the wellbore 54 such as, for example, the apparatus may be set down onto the bottom of the wellbore. At this point, a hardenable fluidic sealing material 259 may be injected into the apparatus 200 through the internal passages 212a, 226a, 242ga, 244fa and 244fb, the cavity 244e and the internal passages 244g, 244h, 244i and 244j, and into the annulus defined between the external surface of the expandable tubular member 238 and the internal surface of the wellbore 54. As a result, an annular body of the hardenable fluidic sealing material 259 such as, for example, cement, is formed within the annulus between the external surface of the expandable tubular member 238 and the internal surface of the wellbore 54.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 10a, with continuing reference to FIGS. 8, 8a, 8b, 9, 9a and 9b, during operation of the apparatus 200, a plug element 260 having wipers 260a, 260b, 260c and 260d may be injected into the apparatus, along with the fluidic material 258 and through the passages 212a, 226a and 242ga, until the plug element 260 is seated in the plug seat 242gb. At this point, the plug element 260 sealingly engages the plug seat 242gb, and the wipers 260a, 260b, 260c and 260d sealingly engage the internal surface of the tubular support 226. As a result, any flow of fluidic material through the internal passages 226a is blocked. It is understood that the plug element 260 may be injected into the apparatus 200 before, during or after the above-described circulation of the fluidic material 258 through and out of the apparatus.

Continued injection of the fluidic material 258 into the apparatus 200, following the seating of the plug element 260 in the plug seat 242gb, pressurizes the internal passage 226a of the tubular support 226. This pressurization causes the fluidic material 258 in the internal passage 226a to flow into the annular region 227 via the annular region 226d, and axially through the annular regions 227 and 243 until reaching the rupture discs 222 and 224. The rupture discs 222 and 224 rupture when the pressurization reaches a predetermined pressure value. The radial passages 220c and 220d are thereby opened and the annular region 243 is in fluid communication with the internal passage 238a of the expandable tubular member 238 via the internal passages 231a and 231b and the radial passages.

As a result, the fluidic material 258 flows through the radial passages 220c and 220d and the internal passages 231a and 231b, thereby pressurizing the portion of the internal passage 238a that is below the tubular expansion cone 230. Due to this pressurization, the tubular supports 212, 214, 220 and 232, and the tubular expansion cone 230, are displaced in an upward direction 262, relative to the tubular support 226, the expandable tubular member 238, the shoe 240, the valve 250 and the plug element 260, thereby radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 238.

It is understood that, during operation of the apparatus 200, after radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 238, the tubular supports 212, 214, 220 and 232 and the tubular expansion cone 230 may be reinserted into the expandable tubular member 238, and displaced in a downward direction, relative to the tubular support 226, the expandable tubular member 238, the shoe 240, the valve 250 and the plug element 260, and for any conventional reason, until the distal ends of the lugs 220f contact the bottom surfaces of the corresponding lug pockets 242i.

It is further understood that, after radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 238, the shoe 240 may be drilled out in any conventional manner for any conventional reason such as, for example, continuing with the next drilling operation. It is further understood that, due to the lower component 244 of the shoe 240 having a lower material hardness, the drill-out time for the shoe may be reduced.

In several exemplary embodiments, it is understood that one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 11a and 11b, an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus 300 for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member includes a tubular support 312 that defines an internal passage 312a, and includes a threaded connection 312b at one end and a threaded connection 312c at the other end. In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the apparatus 300, a threaded end of a conventional tubular support member (not shown) that defines an internal passage such as, for example, a tubular string in the form of coiled tubing, jointed tubing, or the like, may be coupled to the threaded connection 312b of the tubular support member 312.

An end of a tubular support 314 that defines an internal passage 314a having a variable inside diameter, and includes a shoulder 314b and threaded connections 314c and 314d, is coupled to the other end of the tubular support 312. A crimp seal 316 is disposed in an annular channel 312d formed in the external surface of the tubular support 312 and sealingly engages the wall of the internal passage 314a. The crimp seal 316 is identical to the crimp seal 16 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e and therefore will not be described in detail. It is understood that the crimp seal 316 may be a high-temperature crimp seal.

A coupler 318 that defines an internal passage 318a, and includes a threaded connection 318b, is disposed in the internal passage 314a and is coupled to the tubular support 314, contacting the shoulder 314b.

A threaded connection 320a of an end of a tubular support 320 that defines an internal passage 320b and radial passages 320c and 320d, and includes an external flange 320e, and includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced high-torque lugs 320f at the other end is coupled to the threaded connection 314d of the other end of the tubular support 314. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular support 320 includes four circumferentially-spaced high-torque lugs 320f. A sealing element 321 extends in an annular channel 320g formed in the external surface of the tubular support 320 and sealingly engages the internal surface of the tubular support 314. An internal shoulder 320h of the tubular support 320 is defined between the radial passages 320c and 320d and the distal ends of the high-torque lugs 320f.

Rupture discs 322 and 324 are received and mounted within the radial passages 320c and 320d, respectively, of the tubular support 320. The rupture discs 322 and 324 are substantially similar to the rupture discs 22 and 24, respectively, of the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d and 1e and therefore will not be described in detail.

An end of a tubular support 326 that defines an internal passage 326a and an increased-diameter portion 326b is coupled to the threaded connection 318b of the coupler 318 and extends within the internal passages 314a and 320b, and includes an end that engages the internal shoulder 320h of the tubular support 320, thereby coupling the tubular support 326 and the coupler 318 to the tubular support 320. The coupler 318 partially extends within the portion of the internal passage 326a corresponding to the increased-diameter portion 326b of the tubular support 326. An annular region 327 is defined by the external surface of the tubular support 326 and the internal surfaces of the tubular supports 314 and 320.

Radial passages 326c and 326d are formed through the wall of the tubular support 326, in the vicinity of the coupler 318, so that the internal passage 326a is in fluid communication with the annular region 327. A sealing element 328 extends in an annular channel 320i formed in the internal surface of the tubular support 320 and sealingly engages the external surface of the tubular support 326. A tubular expansion cone 330 that includes a tapered external expansion surface 330a is coupled to the external surface of the tubular support 320, circumferentially extending around the tubular support 320 so that an end of the tubular expansion cone abuts the external flange 320e. A sealing element 331 extends in an annular channel 320j formed in the external surface of the tubular support 320 and sealingly engages the internal surface of the tubular expansion cone 330.

A tubular support 332 is coupled to the tubular support 314 so that the tubular support 314 extends within the tubular support 332. An end of the tubular support 332 abuts the other end of the tubular expansion cone 330. Set screws 334a and 334b extend through and threadably engage radial passages 336a and 336b, respectively, that are formed through the tubular supports 314 and 332. The distal ends of the set screws 334a and 334b contact and apply pressure against the external surface of the tubular support 320, thereby reducing the possibility of decoupling and/or relative movement between two or more of the tubular supports 314, 320 and 332 and parts coupled and/or engaged thereto during the operation of the apparatus 300, discussed below.

An expandable tubular member 338 that defines an internal passage 338a for receiving the tubular supports 314, 320, 326 and 332 and the coupler 318 mates with and is supported by the external expansion surface 330a of the tubular expansion cone 330. The expandable tubular member 338 includes an upper portion 338b having a smaller inside diameter and a threaded connection 338c, and further includes a lower portion 338d having a larger inside diameter and a threaded connection 338e. It is understood that another expandable tubular member may be coupled to the expandable tubular member 338 via the threaded connection 338c, and yet another expandable tubular member may be coupled to the former in a similar manner and so on, thereby forming a string of expandable tubular members having a continuous internal passage.

A nose or shoe 340 is coupled to the lower portion 338d of the expandable tubular member 338 via a threaded connection 338e. The shoe 340 includes an upper component 342 composed of a material having a material hardness, and a lower component 344 coupled to the upper component and composed of another material having another material hardness. In an exemplary embodiment, the material hardness of the material of the lower component 44 may be less than the material hardness of the material of the upper component 42. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper component 342 may be composed of an aluminum alloy and the lower component 344 may be composed of a composite material. In another exemplary embodiment, the upper component 342 may be composed of an aluminum alloy and the lower component 344 may be composed of a concrete material. It is understood that the upper component 342 and the lower component 344 may each be composed of a wide variety of materials.

A casing 342a of the upper component 342 defines external surfaces 342b and 342c and a cavity 342d having internal surfaces 342e and 342f. An annular portion 342g extends in an upward direction from the external surface 342b and into the internal passage 326a of the tubular support 326, defining an internal passage 342ga and a plug seat 342gb including a lead-in angled surface 342gba. A threaded connection 342h is coupled to the threaded connection 338e. Circumferentially-spaced lug pockets 342i for receiving the lugs 320f of the tubular support 320 are formed in the external surface 342b, thereby enabling torque loads or other types or combinations of loads to be transmitted between the tubular support 320 and the shoe 340 at any point during operation of the apparatus 300, discussed below, and/or for any conventional reason before, during or after the operation of the apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, a quantity of eight circumferentially-spaced lug pockets 342i may be formed in the external surface 342b.

A sealing element 346 extends in an annular groove 342gc formed in the external surface of the annular portion 342g and sealingly engages the internal surface of the tubular support 326. A sealing element 348 extends in an annular groove 342ca in the external surface 342c and sealingly engages the internal surface of the expandable tubular member 338.

The lower component 344 is disposed in the cavity 342d and coupled to the upper component 342. External surfaces 344a and 344b are defined and are mated against the internal surfaces 342e and 342f, respectively. It is understood that the lower component 344 may be coupled to the upper component 342 via one or more threaded engagements, adhesives, friction or other conventional coupling techniques, or any combination thereof, so that torque loads or other types or combinations of loads may be easily transferred between the components. It is further understood that internal ribs (not shown) may extend from the internal surface 342e and/or 342f in order to facilitate the transmission of loads between the upper component 342 and the lower component 344.

Although tapered surfaces 344c and 344d are defined by the lower component 344, it is understood that the portion of the lower component extending below the upper component 342 may be substantially cylindrical.

An internal passage 344e is formed in the lower component 344, and a valve seat portion 344f of the lower component is disposed in the internal passage, extending from the internal walls therefrom and dividing the internal passage into sub-passages 344ea and 344eb, with a tubular support 345 extending within the passage 344ea from the valve seat portion 344f to the external surface 344a. Passages 344fa and 344fb are formed through the valve seat portion 344f. Passages 344g, 344h, 344i and 344j are formed through the lower component 344, fluidically connecting the sub-passage 344eb to the environment outside of the apparatus 300.

A one-way poppet valve 350 is movably coupled to the valve seat portion 344f of the lower component 344 of the shoe 340, and includes a valve element 350a for controllably sealing fluidic-material flow through the passages 344fa and 344fb. In an exemplary embodiment, the one-way poppet valve 350 only permits fluidic materials to be exhausted from the apparatus 300.

Shear pins 352a and 352b extend through the expandable tubular member 338 and the upper component 342, and into the lower component 344 to lock the shoe 340 to the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the shear pins 352a and 352b may be in the form of knurled drive-in shear pins, in which case it is understood that the shear pins can be easily installed and removed with a conventional tool such as, for example, a slide hammer. Anti-rotation flats 354a and 354b are formed in the lower component 344.

During operation, with continuing reference to FIGS. 11, 11a and 11b, the apparatus 300 is positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, the wellbore 54 that transverses the subterranean formation 56. In an exemplary embodiment, during or after the positioning of the apparatus 300 within the wellbore 54, fluidic material 358 may be circulated through and out of the apparatus into the wellbore through the internal passages 312a, 314a, 318a, 326a, 342ga, 344e, 344fa, 344fb, 344g, 344h, 344i and 344j. It is understood that the lead-in angled surface 342gba of the plug seat 342gb may reduce any turbulence present in the flow of the fluidic material 358 through the internal passage 342ga. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle of the lead-in angled surface 342gba of the plug seat 342gb may be about 15degrees.

In an exemplary embodiment, movement of the tubular supports 312, 314, 320, 326 and 332, the coupler 318, and the tubular expansion cone 330, relative to the expandable tubular member 338, the shoe 340 and the valve 350, is possible in either an upward or downward direction as long as there is a gap between the distal ends of the lugs 320f and the bottom surfaces of the corresponding lug pockets 342i of the upper component 342 of the shoe 340. For example, when the apparatus 300 encounters a resistance during placement in the wellbore 54 such as, for example, the shoe 340 becoming jammed or stuck in the wellbore 54, the tubular supports 312, 314, 320, 326 and 332, the coupler 318, and the tubular expansion cone 330 may move downward, relative to the expandable tubular member 338, the shoe 340 and the valve 350, until the distal ends of the lugs 320f contact the bottom surfaces of the corresponding lug pockets 342i. At this point, torque loads or other types or combinations of loads may be applied to the apparatus 300 in any conventional manner in an effort to free the apparatus 300 from the aforementioned resistance.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 12, 12a and 12b, with continuing reference to FIGS. 11, 11a and 11b, the apparatus 300 may be placed in the desired position within the wellbore 54 such as, for example, the apparatus may be set down onto the bottom of the wellbore. At this point, a hardenable fluidic sealing material 359 such as, for example, cement, may be injected into the apparatus 300 through the internal passages 312a, 314a, 318a, 326a, 342ga, 344e, 344fa, 344fb, 344g, 344h, 344i and 344j, and into the annulus defined between the external surface of the expandable tubular member 338 and the internal surface of the wellbore 54. As a result, an annular body of the hardenable fluidic sealing material 359 is formed within the annulus between the external surface of the expandable tubular member 338 and the internal surface of the wellbore 54.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 13, 13a and 13b, with continuing reference to FIGS. 11, 11a, 11b, 12, 12a and 12b, during operation of the apparatus 300, a plug element 360 having wipers 360a, 360b, 360c and 360d may be injected into the apparatus, along with the fluidic material 358 and through the passages 312a, 314a, 318a, 326a and 342ga until the plug element 360 is seated in the plug seat 342gb. At this point, the plug element 360 sealingly engages the plug seat 342gb and the internal surface of the tubular support 326 in a manner described in detail below. As a result, any flow of fluidic material through the internal passage 326a is blocked. It is understood that the plug element 360 may be injected into the apparatus 300 before, during or after the above-described circulation of the fluidic material 358 through and out of the apparatus.

Continued injection of the fluidic material 358 into the apparatus 300, following the seating of the plug element 360 in the plug seat 342gb, pressurizes the internal passage 326a of the tubular support 326. This pressurization causes the fluidic material 358 in the internal passage 326a to flow through the radial passages 326c and 326d of the tubular support 326, and to flow axially through the annular region 327 until reaching the rupture discs 322 and 324. The rupture discs 322 and 324 rupture when the pressurization reaches a predetermined pressure value. Thus, the radial passages 320c and 320d of the tubular support 320 are opened so that the annular region 327 is in fluid communication with the internal passage 338a of the expandable tubular member 338.

As a result, the fluidic material 358 flows through the radial passages 320c and 320d, thereby pressurizing the portion of the internal passage 338a that is below the tubular expansion cone 330. Due to this pressurization, the tubular supports 312, 314, 320, 326 and 332, the coupler 318, and the tubular expansion cone 330 are displaced in an upward direction 362, relative to the expandable tubular member 338, the shoe 340, the valve 350 and the plug element 360, thereby radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 338.

It is understood that, during operation of the apparatus 300, after radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 338, the tubular supports 312, 314, 320, 326 and 332, the coupler 318, and the tubular expansion cone 330 may be reinserted into the expandable tubular member 338, and displaced in a downward direction, relative to the expandable tubular member 338, the shoe 340, the valve 350 and the plug element 360, and for any conventional reason, until the distal ends of the lugs 320f contact the bottom surfaces of the corresponding lug pockets 342i. Due to the downward movement of the tubular support 326 relative to the plug element 360, one or more of the wipers 360a, 360b, 360c and 360d of the plug element may bend downwards and sealingly engage the internal surface of the tubular support 326.

It is understood that, after radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 338, the shoe 340 may be drilled out in any conventional manner for any conventional reason such as, for example, continuing with the next drilling operation. It is further understood that, due to the lower component 344 of the shoe 340 having a lower material hardness, the drill-out time for the shoe may be reduced.

In several exemplary embodiments, it is understood that one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted.

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 14, with continuing reference to FIGS. 11, 11a, 11b, 12, 12a, 12b, 13, 13a and 13b, a core 366 extends through the wipers 360a, 360b, 360c and 360d of the plug element 360 and is coupled to an increased-diameter portion 368a of a generally cylindrical support 368 having a nose cone 368b coupled thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the wipers 360a, 360b, 360c and 360d may be in the form of a composite seal constructed of elastomeric and/or thermoplastic components. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more of the wipers 360a, 360b, 360c and 360d may be in the form of an elastomeric cup-type seal with polyetherether-ketone (PEEK) backup and the cylindrical support 368 may be composed of a metal alloy. A sealing element 370 is spaced from the wiper 360a and extends in an annular channel 368c formed in the external surface of the cylindrical support 368. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing element 370 may be in the form of a composite seal constructed of elastomeric and/or thermoplastic components. In another exemplary embodiment, the sealing element 370 may be in the form of an elastomeric D-seal with PEEK backups.

During operation of the apparatus 300, as described above, the plug element 360 may be injected into the apparatus through the passages 312a, 314a, 318a, 326a and 342ga until the plug element is seated in the plug seat 342gb and any flow of fluidic material through the internal passage 342ga is blocked. At this point, the wipers 360b, 360c and 360c are compressed and sealingly engage the internal surface of the tubular support 326. The wiper 360a is also compressed and sealingly engages the plug seat 342gb, including the lead-in angled surface 342gba of the plug seat 342gb. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug seat 342gb may have a coating composed of an erosion-resistant material such as, for example, an elastomer coating, a hard chromium electroplate coating, an electroless nickel coating with dispersed carbide particles, or a high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) coating with tungsten carbide (WC) particles in nickel binder. It is understood that the plug seat 342gb may have other coatings. Also at this point, the increased-diameter portion 368a of the cylindrical support 368 of the plug element 360 contacts and sealingly engages a shoulder 342gd formed in plug seat 342gb, and the sealing element 370 sealingly engages the plug seat 342gb.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, with continuing reference to FIGS. 11, 11a, 11b, 12, 12a, 12b, 13, 13a, 13b and 14, another exemplary embodiment of a plug element is generally referred to by the reference numeral 371 and is similar to the plug element 360 of FIGS. 13, 13a, 13b and 14, and includes wipers 371a, 371b, 371c and 371d. The wipers 371b, 371c and 371d are not shown in FIG. 15 and are understood to be substantially similar to the wipers 360b, 360c and 360d, respectively. A core 372 including an increased-diameter portion 372a extends through the wipers 371a, 371b, 371c and 371d of the plug element 371 and is coupled to a nose 374. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the wipers 371a, 371b, 371c and 371d may be in the form of a composite seal constructed of elastomeric and/or thermoplastic components. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more of the wipers 371a, 371b, 371c and 371d may be in the form of an elastomeric cup-type seal with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) backup and the core 372 may be composed of a metal alloy. A sealing element in the form of a sleeve 376 extends in an annular channel 374a formed in the external surface of the nose 374. In an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 376 may be in the form of a metal friction ring. A sealing element 378 extends in an annular channel 374b formed in a surface of the nose 374 defined by the annular channel 374a, and the sealing element sealingly engages the internal surface of the sleeve 376.

During operation of the apparatus 300, as described above, the plug element 371 may be injected into the apparatus through the passages 312a, 314a, 318a, 326a and 342ga until the plug element is seated in the plug seat 342gb and any flow of fluidic material through the internal passage 342ga is blocked. At this point, the wipers 371b, 371c and 371d are compressed and sealingly engage the internal surface of the tubular support 326. The wiper 371a is also compressed and sealingly engages the plug seat 342gb, including the lead-in angled surface 342gba of the plug seat 342gb. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug seat 342gb may have a coating composed of an erosion-resistant material such as, for example, an elastomer coating, a hard chromium electroplate coating, an electroless nickel coating with dispersed carbide particles, or a high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) coating with tungsten carbide (WC) particles in nickel binder. It is understood that the plug seat 342gb may have other coatings. Also at this point, the increased-diameter portion 372a of the core 372 of the plug element 371 contacts and sealingly engages the shoulder 342gd formed in the plug seat 342gb, and the sleeve 376 sealingly engages the plug seat 342gb.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, with continuing reference to FIGS. 11, 11a, 11b, 12, 12a, 12b, 13, 13a, 13b and 14, another exemplary embodiment of a plug element is generally referred to by the reference numeral 379 and is similar to the plug element 360 of FIGS. 13, 13a, 13b and 14, and includes wipers 379a, 379b, 379c and 379d. The wipers 379a, 379b, 379c and 379d are not shown in FIG. 16 and are understood to be substantially similar to the wipers 360a, 360b, 360c and 360d, respectively. A core 380 extends through the wipers 379a, 379b, 379c and 379d and into a coupler 382 that is coupled to a cylindrical support 384 including an increased-diameter portion 384a. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the wipers 379a, 379b, 379c and 379d may be in the form of a composite seal constructed of elastomeric and/or thermoplastic components. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more of the wipers 379a, 379b, 379c and 379d may be in the form of an elastomeric cup-type seal with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) backup.

A nose 386 is coupled to an end of the cylindrical support 384. A seal 388 extends around the coupler 382 and an end of the seal abuts the other end of the cylindrical support 384. A ring 390 extends around the coupler 382, engaging the external surface of the coupler and the internal surface of the seal 388. In an exemplary embodiment, the seal 388 may be in the form of a composite seal constructed of elastomeric and/or thermoplastic components. In another exemplary embodiment, the seal 388 may be in the form of an elastomeric cup-type seal with polyetheretherketone (PEEK) backup. A sealing element 392 extends in an annular channel 384b formed in the external surface of the cylindrical support 384. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing element 392 may be in the form of a composite seal constructed of elastomeric and/or thermoplastic components. In another exemplary embodiment, the sealing element 392 may be in the form of an elastomeric D-seal with PEEK backups.

During operation of the apparatus 300, as described above, the plug element 379 may be injected into the apparatus through the passages 312a, 314a, 318a, 326aand 342ga until the plug element is seated in the plug seat 342gb and any flow of fluidic material through the internal passage is blocked. At this point, the wipers 379a, 379b, 379c and 379d are compressed and sealingly engage the internal surface of the tubular support 326. The portion of the seal 388 in the vicinity of the ring 390 is also compressed and sealingly engages the plug seat 342gb. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug seat 342gb may have a coating composed of an erosion-resistant material such as, for example, an elastomer coating, a hard chromium electroplate coating, an electroless nickel coating with dispersed carbide particles, or a high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) coating with tungsten carbide (WC) particles in nickel binder. It is understood that the plug seat 342gb may have other coatings. Also at this point, the increased-diameter portion 384a of the core 384 of the plug element 379 contacts and sealingly engages the shoulder 342gd formed in the plug seat 342gb, and the sealing element 392 sealingly engages the plug seat 342gb.

Referring to FIG. 17a, an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member is generally referred to by the reference numeral 400 and is similar to the apparatus 300 of the embodiment of FIGS. 13, 13a and 13b and contains several parts of the embodiment which are given the same reference numerals. In the embodiment of FIG. 17a, an annular member or spacer 402 extends around the tubular support 320 and is disposed between and abuts the tubular expansion cone 330 and the external flange 320e. A dimension 404 is defined between the lower end of the tapered expansion surface 330a of the tubular expansion cone 330, having a circumference substantially equal to the inside diameter of the lower portion 338d of the expandable tubular member 338, and an end of the expandable tubular member 338 corresponding to an end of the threaded connection 338c. A dimension 406 is defined as the length of the expandable tubular member 338.

The operation of the apparatus 400 is similar to that of the apparatus 300 of the embodiment of FIGS. 11,11a and 11b and therefore will not be described in detail. It is understood that, due to the pressurization of the portion of the internal passage 338a that is below the tubular expansion cone 330, the tubular supports 312, 314, 320, 326 and 332, the coupler 318, the tubular expansion cone 330 and the spacer 402 are displaced in the upward direction 362, relative to the expandable tubular member 338, the shoe 340, the valve 350 and the plug element 360, thereby radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member 338.

Referring to FIG. 17b, with continuing reference to FIG. 17a, an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member is generally referred to by the reference 410 and is similar to the apparatus 400 of the embodiment of FIG. 17a and contains several parts of the embodiment which are given the same reference numerals. In the embodiment of FIG. 17b, the spacer 402 extends around the tubular support 320 and is disposed between and abuts the tubular support 332 and the tubular expansion cone 330. An expandable tubular member 412 is coupled to the tubular expansion cone 330 and is coupled to the shoe 340 via a threaded connection 412a. The expandable tubular member 412 defines a dimension 414 between the lower end of the tapered expansion surface 330a of the tubular expansion cone 330 and an end of the expandable tubular member opposing the threaded connection 412a, and defines a dimension 416 corresponding to the length of the expandable tubular member.

The expandable tubular member 412 is in the form of a modification of the expandable tubular member 338 of the apparatus 400 of the embodiment of FIG. 17a, and is identical to the expandable tubular member 338 of the apparatus 400 of the embodiment of FIG. 17a except that the length of the expandable tubular member 412 is reduced because the threaded connection 412a is in the form of recut thread. That is, due to the recut thread of the threaded connection 412a, the dimension 416 corresponding to the length of the expandable tubular member 412 is less than the dimension 406 corresponding to the length of the expandable tubular member 338. However, due to the positioning of the spacer 402 between the tubular support 332 and the tubular expansion cone 330, the dimension 414 of the apparatus 410 shown in FIG. 17b is substantially equal to the dimension 404 of the apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 17a. Thus, notwithstanding the shortened length of the expandable tubular member 412 due to the recut thread of the threaded connection 412a, the distance between the lower end of the tubular expansion surface 330a and the end of the tubular member 412 opposing the threaded connection 412 (the value of the dimension 414) is maintained at a substantially constant value.

The operation of the apparatus 410 is similar to that of the apparatus 400 of the embodiment of FIG. 17a and therefore will not be described in detail.

In several of the embodiments, the expandable tubular members 38, 138, 238, 338 and/or 412 are radially expanded and plastically deformed using one or more of the methods and apparatuses 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, 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, 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, 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,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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, filed on Oct. 18, 2001 as 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, 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, 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, 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, filed on Jul. 9, 1999, (14) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/111,982, filed on Apr. 30, 2002, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/162,671, filed on Nov. 1, 1999, (15) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. 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An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member has been described that includes a first tubular support defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages; a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface wherein the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support are adapted to extend within the expandable tubular member so that the expandable tubular member is coupled to the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone; a second tubular support coupled to the first tubular support and defining an internal passage; a third tubular support coupled to the second tubular support so that the third tubular support at least partially extends within the second tubular support; and a fourth tubular support coupled to the second tubular support so that the second tubular support at least partially extends within the fourth tubular support; wherein the tubular expansion cone and the first, second, third and fourth tubular supports are movable relative to the expandable tubular member when the first tubular support and the tubular expansion cone extend within the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a fifth tubular support defining an internal passage and coupled to the first and second tubular supports, the fifth tubular support extending within the first and second tubular supports. In an exemplary embodiment, the coupling between the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support defines one or more internal passages in fluid communication with respective ones of the one or more radial passages of the first tubular support.

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member has been described that includes a first tubular support defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages; one or more rupture discs coupled to and positioned within corresponding radial passages of the first tubular support; a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface; the expandable tubular member coupled to the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone and defining an internal passage; a second tubular support at least partially extending within the first tubular support and defining an internal passage; and an annular region at least partially defined by the internal surface of first tubular support and the external surface of the second tubular support wherein the internal passage of the second tubular support is in fluid communication with the annular region; wherein, when the one or more rupture discs rupture, the internal passage of the second tubular support is in fluid communication with the internal passage of the expandable tubular member via the annular region and the one or more radial passages of the first tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, fluidic-material flow from the annular region and to the internal passage of the expandable tubular member via the one or more radial passages of the first tubular support causes the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support to move relative to the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the second tubular support is coupled to the first tubular support so that the second tubular support moves relative to the expandable tubular member during the movement of the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support.

A system has been described that includes a tubular member defining an internal passage and adapted to extend within a preexisting structure; and means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure, the means comprising a shoe coupled to the tubular member, the shoe comprising an annular portion at least partially extending into the internal passage of the tubular member and defining an internal passage and a plug seat having an internal shoulder; and a plug element adapted to extend into the internal passage of the annular portion, the plug element defining an increased-diameter portion adapted to sealingly engage the internal shoulder of the plug seat, the plug element comprising a first sealing element extending in an annular channel formed in an external surface of the plug element and adapted to sealingly engage the plug seat; and a second sealing element in a spaced relation from the first sealing element and adapted to sealingly engage the plug seat. In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the plug seat is coated with an erosion-resistant coating. In an exemplary embodiment, the coating is selected from the group consisting of elastomer, hard chromium electroplate, electroless nickel, and high-velocity oxy-fuel coatings. In an exemplary embodiment, the first sealing element is in the form of a friction ring. In an exemplary embodiment, the form of the first sealing element is selected from the group consisting of an elastomeric seal and a composite seal. In an exemplary embodiment, the first sealing element is in the form of an elastomeric D-seal with polyetherether-ketone backups. In an exemplary embodiment, the second sealing element is in the form of a wiper. In an exemplary embodiment, the second sealing element is in the form of a cup-type seal. In an exemplary embodiment, the second sealing element is in the form of a composite cup-type seal. In an exemplary embodiment, the second sealing element is in the form of an elastomeric cup-type seal with polyetherether-ketone backup.

A system has been described that includes a tubular member adapted to extend within a preexisting structure; and means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure; wherein the means comprises a shoe coupled to the tubular member, the shoe comprising a first component composed of a first material having a first material hardness, and a second component coupled to the first component and composed of a second material having a second material hardness. In an exemplary embodiment, the second material hardness is less than the first material hardness. In an exemplary embodiment, the second material hardness is less than the first material hardness so that the drill-out time of the shoe is reduced. In an exemplary embodiment, the first material is an aluminum alloy and the second material is a composite material. In an exemplary embodiment, the first material is an aluminum alloy and the second material is a concrete material.

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member has been described that includes a first tubular support defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages having countersunk portions; a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface; the expandable tubular member coupled to the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone and defining an internal passage; one or more rupture discs coupled to and positioned within corresponding radial passages of the first tubular support wherein each of the one or more rupture discs is in the form of an annular body member defining an internal passage and comprises a shoulder defined at an end portion of the annular body member and contacting a wall defined by the countersunk portion of the corresponding radial passage; a threaded connection formed in the external surface of the annular body member and extending within the corresponding radial passage to couple the annular body member to the corresponding radial passage; a sealing element extending around the annular body member and sealingly engaging a surface of the corresponding radial passage, the sealing element axially positioned between the shoulder and the threaded connection; and a rupture element disposed in the internal passage of the annular body member wherein, when the rupture element ruptures, the internal passage of the first tubular support is in fluid communication with the internal passage of the expandable tubular member via the corresponding radial passage.

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member has been described that includes a first tubular support defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages; a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface wherein the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support are adapted to extend within the expandable tubular member and are moveable relative thereto; a second tubular support coupled to the first tubular support and defining an internal passage; a third tubular support coupled to the second tubular support so that the third tubular support at least partially extends within the second tubular support; and a sealing element comprising: an elastomeric element extending in a first annular channel formed in the external surface of the third tubular support wherein the elastomeric element sealingly engages the internal surface of the second tubular support, and a retainer extending in a second annular channel formed in the elastomeric element and biased against one or more walls of the second annular channel to retain the elastomeric element within the first annular channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the cross-section of the elastomeric element is generally trapezoidally shaped.

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member has been described that includes a first tubular support; a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface; the expandable tubular member coupled to the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a first portion and a second portion wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion, and wherein a dimension is defined between an end of the expandable tubular member corresponding to an end of the first portion and an end of the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone having a circumference substantially corresponding to the inside diameter of the second portion; a shoe defining one or more internal passages coupled to the second portion of the expandable tubular member; and means for maintaining the value of the dimension substantially constant when the length of the expandable tubular member is reduced. In exemplary embodiment, a second tubular support is coupled to the first tubular support and the maintaining means comprises a spacer extending around the first tubular support, the spacer having a first configuration in which the expandable tubular member has a first length and is coupled to the shoe via a first threaded connection formed in an end portion of the expandable tubular member corresponding to the end of the second portion; and the spacer is disposed between the tubular expansion cone and an external flange defined by the first tubular support; and a second configuration in which the expandable tubular member has a second length and is coupled to the shoe via a second threaded connection formed in the end portion of the expandable tubular member corresponding to the end of the second portion wherein the second length is less than the first length and the second threaded connection is in the form of recut thread; and the spacer is disposed between the tubular expansion cone and the second tubular support.

A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a preexisting structure has been described that includes coupling a tubular expansion cone to a first tubular support; coupling a second tubular support to the first tubular support; coupling a third tubular support to the second tubular support so that the third tubular support at least partially extends within the second tubular support; and coupling a fourth tubular support to the second tubular support so that the second tubular support at least partially extends within the fourth tubular support; wherein the tubular expansion cone and the first, second, third and fourth tubular supports are movable relative to the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises at least partially extending the first tubular support and the tubular expansion cone within the expandable tubular member so that an external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone is coupled to the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises displacing the tubular expansion cone and the first, second, third and fourth tubular supports relative to the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises coupling a fifth tubular support defining an internal passage to the first and second tubular supports so that the fifth tubular support extends within the first and second tubular supports, and so that an annular region is at least partially defined by the external surface of the fifth tubular support and the internal surfaces of the first and second tubular supports, wherein the internal passage of the fifth tubular support is in fluid communication with the annular region. In an exemplary embodiment, the step of displacing comprises injecting a fluidic material into the internal passage of the fifth tubular support to pressurize the internal passage of the fifth tubular support so that the fluidic material flows from the internal. passage of the fifth tubular support and to the annular region. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises coupling a shoe to an end of the expandable tubular member; and coupling a fifth tubular support defining an internal passage to the shoe so that the fifth tubular support at least partially extends within the first tubular support, and so that an annular region is at least partially defined by the external surface of the fifth tubular support and the internal surface of the first tubular support, wherein the internal passage of the fifth tubular support is in fluid communication with the annular region. In an exemplary embodiment, the step of displacing comprises injecting a fluidic material into the internal passage of the fifth tubular support to pressurize the internal passage of the fifth tubular support so that the fluidic material flows from the internal passage of the fifth tubular support and to the annular region.

A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a preexisting structure has been described that includes coupling one or more rupture discs to and positioning the one or more rupture discs within corresponding one or more radial passages defined by a first tubular support; coupling a tubular expansion cone to the first tubular support so that an external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone is coupled to the expandable tubular member wherein the expandable tubular member defines an internal passage; extending a second tubular support defining an internal passage within the first tubular support so that an annular region is defined by the external surface of the second tubular support and the internal surface of the first tubular support wherein the annular region is in fluid communication with the internal passage of the second tubular support; and displacing the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support relative to the expandable tubular member wherein the step of displacing comprises permitting fluidic-material flow from the internal passage of the second tubular support and to the internal passage of the expandable tubular member. In exemplary embodiment, the step of displacing comprises pressurizing the internal passage of the second tubular support to a predetermined pressure value so that the one or more rupture discs rupture; wherein the fluidic material flows from the internal passage of the second tubular support and to the internal passage of the expandable tubular member via the annular region and the one or more radial passages. In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the step of pressurizing comprises inserting a plug element into an annular portion of a shoe coupled to an end of the expandable tubular member so that the plug element sealingly engages a plug seat defined by the annular portion; and injecting the fluidic material into the internal passage of the second tubular support. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises coupling the second tubular support to the first tubular support wherein the first and second tubular supports are movable relative to the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises coupling the second tubular support to the annular portion of the shoe wherein, during the step of displacing, the tubular expansion cone moves relative to the second tubular support.

A method has been described that includes inserting an expandable tubular member into a preexisting structure; and radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member within the preexisting structure wherein the step of radially expanding and plastically deforming comprises coupling a shoe defining at least one internal passage and a plug seat to the expandable tubular member; and sealingly engaging a plug element with the plug seat so that fluidic-material flow through the at least one internal passage of the shoe is blocked, the step of sealingly engaging the plug element with the plug seat comprising sealingly engaging an increased-diameter portion of the plug element with an internal shoulder defined by the plug seat; sealingly engaging a first sealing element extending in an annular channel formed in an external surface of the plug element with the plug seat; and sealingly engaging a second sealing element in a spaced relation from the first sealing element with the plug seat. In an exemplary embodiment, the method comprises coating the plug seat with an erosion-resistant coating. In an exemplary embodiment, the form of the first sealing element is selected from the group consisting of a friction ring, an elastomeric seal and a composite seal. In an exemplary embodiment, the form of the second sealing element is selected from the group consisting of a wiper and a cup-type seal.

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 invention may be used to provide a wellbore casing, a pipeline or a structural support. Further, 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. Still further, in several exemplary embodiments, it is understood that one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted.

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, all such modifications, changes and substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims, and it is appropriate that the 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, the apparatus comprising: a first tubular support defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages;a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface wherein the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support are adapted to extend within the expandable tubular member so that the expandable tubular member is coupled to the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone;a second tubular support coupled to the first tubular support and defining an internal passage;a third tubular support coupled to the second tubular support so that the third tubular support at least partially extends within the second tubular support; anda fourth tubular support coupled to the second tubular support so that the second tubular support at least partially extends within the fourth tubular support;wherein the tubular expansion cone and the first, second, third and fourth tubular supports are movable relative to the expandable tubular member when the first tubular support and the tubular expansion cone extend within the expandable tubular member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a fifth tubular support defining an internal passage and coupled to the first and second tubular supports, the fifth tubular support extending within the first and second tubular supports.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein an annular region is at least partially defined by the external surface of the fifth tubular support and the internal surfaces of the first and second tubular supports; and wherein the internal passage of the fifth tubular support is in fluid communication with the annular region.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the fifth tubular support defines one or more radial passages via which the internal passage of the fifth tubular support is in fluid communication with the annular region.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the coupling between the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support defines one or more internal passages in fluid communication with respective ones of the one or more radial passages of the first tubular support.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising the expandable tubular member defining an internal passage wherein the first tubular support and the tubular expansion cone extend within the expandable tubular member and the expandable tubular member is coupled to the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone, the expandable tubular member comprising a first portion and a second portion wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a shoe defining one or more internal passages coupled to the second portion of the expandable tubular member.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising one or more drive-in shear pins extending through the expandable tubular member and into the shoe to lock the expandable tubular member to the shoe.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the shoe comprises a first component composed of a first material having a first material hardness, and a second component coupled to the first component and composed of a second material having a second material hardness.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the second material hardness is less than the first material hardness.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising one or more rupture discs coupled to and positioned within respective ones of the one or more radial passages of the first tubular support.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a fifth tubular support coupled to the shoe and at least partially extending within the first tubular support and defining an internal passage; and an annular region at least partially defined by the internal surface of the first tubular support and the external surface of the fifth tubular support wherein the internal passage of the fifth tubular support is in fluid communication with the annular region;wherein, when the one or more rupture discs rupture, the internal passage of the fifth tubular support is in fluid communication with the internal passage of the expandable tubular member via the annular region and the one or more radial passages.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein each of the one or more radial passages comprises a countersunk portion; and wherein each of the one or more rupture discs is in the form of an annular body member defining an internal passage and comprises: a shoulder defined at an end portion of the annular body member and contacting a wall defined by the countersunk portion of the corresponding radial passage;a threaded connection formed in the external surface of the annular body member and extending within the corresponding radial passage to couple the annular body member to the corresponding radial passage;a sealing element extending around the annular body member and sealingly engaging a surface of the corresponding radial passage, the sealing element axially positioned between the shoulder and the threaded connection; anda rupture element disposed in the internal passage of the annular body member wherein, when the rupture element ruptures, the internal passage of the first tubular support is in fluid communication with the internal passage of the expandable tubular member via the corresponding radial passage.

14. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the shoe comprises an annular portion extending into the internal passage of the expandable tubular member and defining an internal passage and a plug seat having an internal shoulder; and further comprising a plug element adapted to extend into the internal passage of the annular portion, the plug element defining an increased-diameter portion adapted to sealingly engage the internal shoulder of the plug seat, the plug element comprising: a first sealing element extending in an annular channel formed in an external surface of the plug element and adapted to sealingly engage the plug seat, anda second sealing element in a spaced relation from the first sealing element and adapted to sealingly engage the plug seat.

15. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein a dimension is defined between an end of the expandable tubular member corresponding to an end of the first portion and an end of the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone having a circumference substantially corresponding to the inside diameter of the second portion; and further comprising means for maintaining the value of the dimension substantially constant when the length of the expandable tubular member is reduced.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sealing element comprising: an elastomeric element extending in a first annular channel formed in the external surface of the third tubular support wherein the elastomeric element sealingly engages the internal surface of the second tubular support; anda retainer extending in a second annular channel formed in the elastomeric element and biased against one or more walls of the second annular channel to retain the elastomeric element within the first annular channel.

17. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, the apparatus comprising: a first tubular support defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages;one or more rupture discs coupled to and positioned within corresponding radial passages of the first tubular support;a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface;the expandable tubular member coupled to the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone and defining an internal passage;a second tubular support at least partially extending within the first tubular support and defining an internal passage; andan annular region at least partially defined by the internal surface of first tubular support and the external surface of the second tubular support wherein the internal passage of the second tubular support is in fluid communication with the annular region;wherein, when the one or more rupture discs rupture, the internal passage of the second tubular support is in fluid communication with the internal passage of the expandable tubular member via the annular region and the one or more radial passages of the first tubular support.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein fluidic-material flow from the annular region and to the internal passage of the expandable tubular member via the one or more radial passages of the first tubular support causes the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support to move relative to the expandable tubular member.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the second tubular support is coupled to the first tubular support so that the second tubular support moves relative to the expandable tubular member during the movement of the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the second tubular support defines one or more radial passages via which the internal passage of the second tubular support is in fluid communication with the annular region.

21. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a first portion and a second portion wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion; and further comprising a shoe defining one or more internal passages coupled to the second portion of the expandable tubular member.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the second tubular support is coupled to the shoe and defines an increased-diameter portion.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising: a third tubular support defining an internal passage coupled to the first tubular support and into which the second tubular support at least partially extends;a fourth tubular support coupled to the third tubular support and defining a reduced-diameter portion that at least partially extends into the increased-diameter portion of the second tubular support; anda second annular region is defined by the external surface of the reduced-diameter portion of the fourth tubular support and the internal surface of the increased-diameter portion of the second tubular support;wherein the internal passage of the second tubular support is in fluid communication with the first-mentioned annular region via the second annular region.

24. The apparatus of claim 18 further comprising: a third tubular support defining an internal passage coupled to the first tubular support;a fourth tubular support coupled to the third tubular support so that the fourth tubular support at least partially extends within the third tubular support; anda fifth tubular support coupled to the third tubular support so that the third tubular support at least partially extends within the fifth tubular support;wherein, when the first tubular support moves relative to the expandable tubular member, the third, fourth and fifth tubular supports correspondingly move relative to the expandable tubular member.

25. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the shoe comprises an annular portion extending into the internal passage of the expandable tubular member and defining an internal passage and a plug seat having an internal shoulder; and wherein the apparatus further comprises a plug element adapted to extend into the internal passage of the annular portion, the plug element defining an increased-diameter portion adapted to sealingly engage the internal shoulder of the plug seat, the plug element comprising: a first sealing element extending in an annular channel formed in an external surface of the plug element and adapted to sealingly engage the plug seat, anda second sealing element in a spaced relation from the first sealing element and adapted to sealingly engage the plug seat.

26. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the shoe comprises a first component composed of a first material having a first material hardness, and a second component coupled to the first component and composed of a second material having a second material hardness.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the second material hardness is less than the first material hardness.

28. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the first material is an aluminum alloy and the second material is selected from the group consisting of a composite material and a concrete material.

29. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein a dimension is defined between an end of the expandable tubular member corresponding to an end of the first portion and an end of the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone having a circumference substantially corresponding to the inside diameter of the second portion; and further comprising means for maintaining the value of the dimension substantially constant when the length of the expandable tubular member is reduced.

30. The apparatus of claim 21 further comprising one or more drive-in shear pins extending through the expandable tubular member and into the shoe to lock the expandable tubular member to the shoe.

31. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein each of the one or more radial passages of the first tubular support comprises a countersunk portion; and wherein each of the one or more rupture discs is in the form of an annular body member defining an internal passage and comprises: a shoulder defined at an end portion of the annular body member and contacting a wall defined by the countersunk portion of the corresponding radial passage of the first tubular support;a threaded connection formed in the external surface of the annular body member and extending within the corresponding radial passage of the first tubular support to couple the annular body member to the corresponding radial passage of the first tubular support;a sealing element extending around the annular body member and sealingly engaging a surface of the corresponding radial passage of the first tubular support, the sealing element axially positioned between the shoulder and the threaded connection; anda rupture element disposed in the internal passage of the annular body member.

32. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising further comprising: a third tubular support coupled to the first tubular support and defining an internal passage;a fourth tubular support coupled to the third tubular support so that the fourth tubular support at least partially extends within the third tubular support; anda sealing element comprising: an elastomeric element extending in a first annular channel formed in the external surface of the fourth tubular support wherein the elastomeric element sealingly engages the internal surface of the third tubular support; anda retainer extending in a second annular channel formed in the elastomeric element and biased against one or more walls of the second annular channel to retain the elastomeric element within the first annular channel.

33. A system comprising: a tubular member defining an internal passage and adapted to extend within a preexisting structure; andmeans for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure, the means comprising: a shoe coupled to the tubular member, the shoe comprising an annular portion at least partially extending into the internal passage of the tubular member and defining an internal passage and a plug seat having an internal shoulder; anda plug element adapted to extend into the internal passage of the annular portion, the plug element defining an increased-diameter portion adapted to sealingly engage the internal shoulder of the plug seat, the plug element comprising: a first sealing element extending in an annular channel formed in an external surface of the plug element and adapted to sealingly engage the plug seat; anda second sealing element in a spaced relation from the first sealing element and adapted to sealingly engage the plug seat.

34. The system of claim 33 wherein at least a portion of the plug seat is coated with an erosion-resistant coating.

35. The system of claim 34 wherein the coating is selected from the group consisting of elastomer, hard chromium electroplate, electroless nickel, and high-velocity oxy-fuel coatings.

36. The system of claim 33 wherein the first sealing element is in the form of a friction ring.

37. The system of claim 33 wherein the form of the first sealing element is selected from the group consisting of an elastomeric seal and a composite seal.

38. The system of claim 33 wherein the first sealing element is in the form of an elastomeric D-seal with polyetherether-ketone backups.

39. The system of claim 33 wherein the second sealing element is in the form of a wiper.

40. The system of claim 33 wherein the second sealing element is in the form of a cup-type seal.

41. The system of claim 40 wherein the second sealing element is in the form of a composite cup-type seal.

42. The system of claim 40 wherein the second sealing element is in the form of an elastomeric cup-type seal with polyetherether-ketone backup.

43. The system of claim 33 wherein the plug seat comprises a lead-in angled surface for reducing the turbulence of fluidic-material flow through the internal passage of the annular portion of the shoe.

44. The system of claim 43 wherein the angle of the lead-in angled surface is about 15 degrees.

45. The system of claim 33 wherein the shoe further comprises: a first component composed of a first material having a first material hardness and from which the annular portion extends; anda second component coupled to the first component and composed of a second material having a second material hardness.

46. The system of claim 45 wherein the second material hardness is less than the first material hardness.

47. The system of claim 45 wherein the means further comprises one or more drive-in shear pins extending through the tubular member and the first component of the shoe and into the second component of the shoe to lock the tubular member to the shoe.

48. The system of claim 33 wherein the means further comprises: a first tubular support defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages, the first tubular support extending within the internal passage of the tubular member;one or more rupture discs coupled to and positioned within corresponding radial passages of the first tubular support;a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface wherein the tubular member is coupled to the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone;a second tubular support at least partially extending within the first tubular support and defining an internal passage in fluid communication with the annular portion of the shoe; andan annular region at least partially defined by the internal surface of first tubular support and the external surface of the second tubular support wherein the internal passage of the second tubular support is in fluid communication with the annular region;wherein, when the one or more rupture discs rupture, the internal passage of the second tubular support is in fluid communication with the internal passage of the tubular member via the annular region and the one or more radial passages.

49. The system of claim 48 wherein the means further comprises: a third tubular support coupled to the first tubular support and defining an internal passage;a fourth tubular support coupled to the third tubular support so that the fourth tubular support at least partially extends within the third tubular support; anda fifth tubular support coupled to the third tubular support so that the third tubular support at least partially extends within the fifth tubular support;wherein the tubular expansion cone and the first, third, fourth and fifth tubular supports are movable relative to the tubular member.

50. A system comprising: a tubular member adapted to extend within a preexisting structure; andmeans for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member within the preexisting structure;wherein the means comprises a shoe coupled to the tubular member, the shoe comprising: a first component composed of a first material having a first material hardness, anda second component coupled to the first component and composed of a second material having a second material hardness.

51. The system of claim 50 wherein the second material hardness is less than the first material hardness.

52. The system of claim 51 wherein the second material hardness is less than the first material hardness so that the drill-out time of the shoe is reduced.

53. The system of claim 50 wherein the first material is an aluminum alloy and the second material is a composite material.

54. The system of claim 50 wherein the first material is an aluminum alloy and the second material is a concrete material.

55. The system of claim 50 wherein the shoe further comprises an annular portion at least partially extending into the tubular member and defining an internal passage and a plug seat having an internal shoulder; and a plug element adapted to extend into the internal passage of the annular portion, the plug element defining an increased-diameter portion adapted to sealingly engage the internal shoulder of the plug seat, the plug element comprising: a first sealing element extending in an annular channel formed in an external surface of the plug element and adapted to sealingly engage the plug seat; anda second sealing element in a spaced relation from the first sealing element and adapted to sealingly engage the plug seat.

56. The system of claim 50 wherein the means further comprises one or more drive-in shear pins extending through the tubular member and the first component of the shoe and into the second component of the shoe to lock the tubular member to the shoe.

57. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, the apparatus comprising: a first tubular support defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages having countersunk portions;a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface;the expandable tubular member coupled to the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone and defining an internal passage;one or more rupture discs coupled to and positioned within corresponding radial passages of the first tubular support wherein each of the one or more rupture discs is in the form of an annular body member defining an internal passage and comprises: a shoulder defined at an end portion of the annular body member and contacting a wall defined by the countersunk portion of the corresponding radial passage;a threaded connection formed in the external surface of the annular body member and extending within the corresponding radial passage to couple the annular body member to the corresponding radial passage;a sealing element extending around the annular body member and sealingly engaging a surface of the corresponding radial passage, the sealing element axially positioned between the shoulder and the threaded connection; anda rupture element disposed in the internal passage of the annular body member wherein, when the rupture element ruptures, the internal passage of the first tubular support is in fluid communication with the internal passage of the expandable tubular member via the corresponding radial passage.

58. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, the apparatus comprising: a first tubular support defining an internal passage and one or more radial passages;a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface wherein the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support are adapted to extend within the expandable tubular member and are moveable relative thereto;a second tubular support coupled to the first tubular support and defining an internal passage;a third tubular support coupled to the second tubular support so that the third tubular support at least partially extends within the second tubular support; and asealing element comprising: an elastomeric element extending in a first annular channel formed in the external surface of the third tubular support wherein the elastomeric element sealingly engages the internal surface of the second tubular support, anda retainer extending in a second annular channel formed in the elastomeric element and biased against one or more walls of the second annular channel to retain the elastomeric element within the first annular channel.

59. The apparatus of claim 58 wherein the cross-section of the elastomeric element is generally trapezoidally shaped.

60. The apparatus of claim 58 further comprising a fourth tubular support coupled to the second tubular support so that the second tubular support at least partially extends within the fourth tubular support; wherein, when the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support moves relative to the expandable tubular member, the second, third and fourth tubular supports correspondingly move relative to the expandable tubular member.

61. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, the apparatus comprising: a first tubular support;a tubular expansion cone coupled to the first tubular support and comprising an external expansion surface;the expandable tubular member coupled to the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a first portion and a second portion wherein the inside diameter of the first portion is less than the inside diameter of the second portion, and wherein a dimension is defined between an end of the expandable tubular member corresponding to an end of the first portion and an end of the external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone having a circumference substantially corresponding to the inside diameter of the second portion;a shoe defining one or more internal passages coupled to the second portion of the expandable tubular member; andmeans for maintaining the value of the dimension substantially constant when the length of the expandable tubular member is reduced.

62. The apparatus of claim 61 further comprising a second tubular support coupled to the first tubular support; wherein the maintaining means comprises a spacer extending around the first tubular support, the spacer having: a first configuration in which: the expandable tubular member has a first length and is coupled to the shoe via a first threaded connection formed in an end portion of the expandable tubular member corresponding to the end of the second portion; andthe spacer is disposed between the tubular expansion cone and an external flange defined by the first tubular support; anda second configuration in which: the expandable tubular member has a second length and is coupled to the shoe via a second threaded connection formed in the end portion of the expandable tubular member corresponding to the end of the second portion wherein the second length is less than the first length and the second threaded connection is in the form of recut thread; andthe spacer is disposed between the tubular expansion cone and the second tubular support.

63. A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a preexisting structure, the method comprising: coupling a tubular expansion cone to a first tubular support;coupling a second tubular support to the first tubular support;coupling a third tubular support to the second tubular support so that the third tubular support at least partially extends within the second tubular support; andcoupling a fourth tubular support to the second tubular support so that the second tubular support at least partially extends within the fourth tubular support;wherein the tubular expansion cone and the first, second, third and fourth tubular supports are movable relative to the expandable tubular member.

64. The method of claim 63 further comprising at least partially extending the first tubular support and the tubular expansion cone within the expandable tubular member so that an external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone is coupled to the expandable tubular member.

65. The method of claim 64 further comprising displacing the tubular expansion cone and the first, second, third and fourth tubular supports relative to the expandable tubular member.

66. The method of claim 65 further comprising coupling a fifth tubular support defining an internal passage to the first and second tubular supports so that the fifth tubular support extends within the first and second tubular supports, and so that an annular region is at least partially defined by the external surface of the fifth tubular support and the internal surfaces of the first and second tubular supports, wherein the internal passage of the fifth tubular support is in fluid communication with the annular region.

67. The method of claim 66 wherein the step of displacing comprises injecting a fluidic material into the internal passage of the fifth tubular support to pressurize the internal passage of the fifth tubular support so that the fluidic material flows from the internal passage of the fifth tubular support and to the annular region.

68. The method of claim 65 further comprising coupling a shoe to an end of the expandable tubular member; and coupling a fifth tubular support defining an internal passage to the shoe so that the fifth tubular support at least partially extends within the first tubular support, and so that an annular region is at least partially defined by the external surface of the fifth tubular support and the internal surface of the first tubular support, wherein the internal passage of the fifth tubular support is in fluid communication with the annular region.

69. The method of claim 68 wherein the step of displacing comprises injecting a fluidic material into the internal passage of the fifth tubular support to pressurize the internal passage of the fifth tubular support so that the fluidic material flows from the internal passage of the fifth tubular support and to the annular region.

70. A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a preexisting structure, the method comprising: coupling one or more rupture discs to and positioning the one or more rupture discs within corresponding one or more radial passages defined by a first tubular support;coupling a tubular expansion cone to the first tubular support so that an external expansion surface of the tubular expansion cone is coupled to the expandable tubular member wherein the expandable tubular member defines an internal passage;extending a second tubular support defining an internal passage within the first tubular support so that an annular region is defined by the external surface of the second tubular support and the internal surface of the first tubular support wherein the annular region is in fluid communication with the internal passage of the second tubular support;and displacing the tubular expansion cone and the first tubular support relative to the expandable tubular member wherein the step of displacing comprises permitting fluidic-material flow from the internal passage of the second tubular support and to the internal passage of the expandable tubular member.

71. The method of claim 70 wherein the step of displacing further comprises pressurizing the internal passage of the second tubular support to a predetermined pressure value so that the one or more rupture discs rupture; wherein the fluidic material flows from the internal passage of the second tubular support and to the internal passage of the expandable tubular member via the annular region and the one or more radial passages.

72. The method of claim 71 wherein the step of pressurizing comprises: inserting a plug element into an annular portion of a shoe coupled to an end of the expandable tubular member so that the plug element sealingly engages a plug seat defined by the annular portion; andinjecting the fluidic material into the internal passage of the second tubular support.

73. The method of claim 72 further comprising coupling the second tubular support to the first tubular support wherein the first and second tubular supports are movable relative to the expandable tubular member.

74. The method of claim 72 further comprising coupling the second tubular support to the annular portion of the shoe wherein, during the step of displacing, the tubular expansion cone moves relative to the second tubular support.

75. The method of claim 72 wherein, when the plug element sealingly engages the plug seat, an increased-diameter portion defined by the plug element sealingly engages an internal shoulder defined by the plug seat, a first sealing element extending in an annular channel formed in an external surface of the plug element sealingly engages the plug seat, and a second sealing element in a spaced relation from the first sealing element sealingly engages the plug seat.

76. The method of claim 70 further comprising: coupling a third tubular support to the first tubular support so that the second tubular support at least partially extends into the third tubular support;coupling a fourth tubular support to the third tubular support so that the fourth tubular support at least partially extends within the third tubular support; andcoupling a fifth tubular support to the third tubular support so that the third tubular support at least partially extends within the fifth tubular support;wherein the third, fourth and fifth tubular supports are movable relative to the expandable tubular member.

77. A method comprising: inserting an expandable tubular member into a preexisting structure; andradially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member within the preexisting structure wherein the step of radially expanding and plastically deforming comprises: coupling a shoe defining at least one internal passage and a plug seat to the expandable tubular member; andsealingly engaging a plug element with the plug seat so that fluidic-material flow through the at least one internal passage of the shoe is blocked, the step of sealingly engaging the plug element with the plug seat comprising: sealingly engaging an increased-diameter portion of the plug element with an internal shoulder defined by the plug seat;sealingly engaging a first sealing element extending in an annular channel formed in an external surface of the plug element with the plug seat; andsealingly engaging a second sealing element in a spaced relation from the first sealing element with the plug seat.

78. The method of claim 77 further comprising coating the plug seat with an erosion-resistant coating.

79. The method of claim 77 wherein the form of the first sealing element is selected from the group consisting of a friction ring, an elastomeric seal and a composite seal.

80. The method of claim 77 wherein the form of the second sealing element is selected from the group consisting of a wiper and a cup-type seal.