Patent Grant
7201223
This invention relates generally to wellbore casings, and in particular to wellbore casings that are formed using expandable tubing.
Conventionally, when a wellbore is created, a number of casings are installed in the borehole to prevent collapse of the borehole wall and to prevent undesired outflow of drilling fluid into the formation or inflow of fluid from the formation into the borehole. The borehole is drilled in intervals whereby a casing which is to be installed in a lower borehole interval is lowered through a previously installed casing of an upper borehole interval. As a consequence of this procedure the casing of the lower interval is of smaller diameter than the casing of the upper interval. Thus, the casings are in a nested arrangement with casing diameters decreasing in downward direction. Cement annuli are provided between the outer surfaces of the casings and the borehole wall to seal the casings from the borehole wall. As a consequence of this nested arrangement a relatively large borehole diameter is required at the upper part of the wellbore. Such a large borehole diameter involves increased costs due to heavy casing handling equipment, large drill bits and increased volumes of drilling fluid and drill cuttings. Moreover, increased drilling rig time is involved due to required cement pumping, cement hardening, required equipment changes due to large variations in hole diameters drilled in the course of the well, and the large volume of cuttings drilled and removed.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the limitations of the existing procedures for forming wellbores.
According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member is provided that includes means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the tubular member to a first outside diameter, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a second portion of the tubular member to a second outside diameter.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member is provided that includes a tubular support member including a first fluid passage, an expansion cone coupled to the tubular support member having a second fluid passage fluidicly coupled to the first fluid passage and an outer conical surface, a removable annular conical sleeve coupled to the outer conical surface of the expansion cone, an annular expansion cone launcher coupled to the conical sleeve and a lower portion of the tubular member, and a shoe having a valveable passage coupled to an end of the expansion cone launcher.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member is provided that includes plastically deforming and radially expanding a portion of the tubular member to a first outside diameter, and plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the tubular member to a second outside diameter.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member is provided that includes plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the first tubular member to a first outside diameter, plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member to a second outside diameter, positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the first portion of the first tubular member, plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a third outside diameter, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a fourth outside diameter. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member is provided that includes means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the first tubular member to a first outside diameter, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member to a second outside diameter, means for positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the first portion of the first tubular member, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a third outside diameter, and
means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a fourth outside diameter. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore is provided that includes means for supporting a tubular member within the wellbore, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the tubular member to a first outside diameter, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a second portion of the tubular member to a second outside diameter.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore is provided that includes a tubular support member including a first fluid passage, an expansion cone coupled to the tubular support member having a second fluid passage fluidicly coupled to the first fluid passage and an outer conical surface, a removable annular conical sleeve coupled to the outer conical surface of the expansion cone, an annular expansion cone launcher coupled to the conical sleeve and a lower portion of the tubular member, and a shoe having a valveable passage coupled to an end of the expansion cone launcher.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore is provided that includes supporting a tubular member within a wellbore, plastically deforming and radially expanding a portion of the tubular member to a first outside diameter, and plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the tubular member to a second outside diameter.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of forming a mono-diameter wellbore casing within a wellbore is provided that includes supporting a first tubular member within the wellbore, plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the first tubular member to a first outside diameter, plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member to a second outside diameter, positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the first portion of the first tubular member, plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a third outside diameter, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a fourth outside diameter. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member is provided that includes means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the first tubular member to a first outside diameter, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member to a second outside diameter, means for positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the first portion of the first tubular member, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a third outside diameter, and
means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a fourth outside diameter. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member is provided that includes means for providing a lipped portion in a portion of the tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the tubular member.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member is provided that includes a tubular support member including a first fluid passage, an expansion cone coupled to the tubular support member having a second fluid passage fluidicly coupled to the first fluid passage and an outer conical surface, an annular expansion cone launcher including: a first annular portion coupled to a lower portion of the tubular member, a second annular portion coupled to the first annular portion that mates with the outer conical surface of the expansion cone, a third annular portion coupled to the second annular portion having a first outside diameter, and a fourth annular portion coupled to the third annular portion having a second outside diameter, wherein the second outside diameter is less than the first outside diameter, and a shoe having a valveable passage coupled to fourth annular portion of the expansion cone launcher.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member is provided that includes providing a lipped portion in a portion of the tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the tubular member.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member is provided that includes providing a lipped portion in a portion of the first tubular member, plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member, positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the lipped portion of the first tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member is provided that includes means for providing a lipped in the first tubular member, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member, means for positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the lipped portion of the first tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore is provided that includes means for supporting a tubular member within the wellbore, means for providing a lipped portion in the tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the tubular member to a second outside diameter.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore is provided that includes a tubular support member including a first fluid passage, an expansion cone coupled to the tubular support member having a second fluid passage fluidicly coupled to the first fluid passage and an outer conical surface, an annular expansion cone launcher including: a first annular portion coupled to a lower portion of the tubular member, a second annular portion coupled to the first annular portion that mates with the outer conical surface of the expansion cone, a third annular portion coupled to the second annular portion having a first outside diameter, and a fourth annular portion coupled to the third annular portion having a second outside diameter, wherein the second outside diameter is less than the first outside diameter, and a shoe having a valveable passage coupled to fourth annular portion of the expansion cone launcher.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of forming a wellbore casing in a wellbore is provided that includes supporting a tubular member within the wellbore, providing a lipped portion in a portion of the tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the tubular member.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of forming a mono-diameter wellbore casing within a wellbore is provided that includes supporting a first tubular member within the wellbore, providing a lipped portion in a portion of the first tubular member, plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member, positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the lipped portion of the first tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for forming a mono-diameter wellbore casing within a wellbore is provided that includes means for providing a lipped in the first tubular member, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member, means for positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the lipped portion of the first tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member is provided that includes means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a first end of the tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a second end of the tubular member.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member is provided that includes a tubular support member including a first passage, an expansion cone coupled to the tubular support having a second passage fluidicly coupled to the first passage and an outer conical surface, an annular expansion cone launcher movably coupled to outer conical surface of the expansion cone, an expandable tubular member coupled to an end of the annular expansion cone launcher, a shoe coupled to another end of the annular expansion cone launcher having a valveable fluid passage, and another annular expansion cone movably coupled to the tubular support member. The annular expansion cones are positioned in opposite orientations.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member is provided that includes plastically deforming and radially expanding a first end of the tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding a second end of the tubular member.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member is provided that includes positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in an overlapping relationship, plastically deforming and radially expanding the end of the second tubular member that overlaps with the first tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the remaining portion of the second tubular member.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member is provided that includes means for positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in an overlapping relationship, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the end of the second tubular member that overlaps with the first tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the remaining portion of the second tubular member.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore is provided that includes means for supporting a tubular member within the wellbore, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a first end of the tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a second end of the tubular member.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore is provided that includes a tubular support member including a first passage, an expansion cone coupled to the tubular support having a second passage fluidicly coupled to the first passage and an outer conical surface, an annular expansion cone launcher movably coupled to outer conical surface of the expansion cone, an expandable tubular member coupled to an end of the annular expansion cone launcher, a shoe coupled to another end of the annular expansion cone launcher having a valveable fluid passage, and another annular expansion cone movably coupled to the tubular support member. The annular expansion cones are positioned in opposite orientations.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore is provided that includes plastically deforming and radially expanding a first end of the tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding a second end of the tubular member.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore is provided that includes plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within the wellbore, positioning a second tubular member inside the first tubular member in an overlapping relationship, plastically deforming and radially expanding the end of the second tubular member that overlaps with the first tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the remaining portion of the second tubular member.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore is provided that includes means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within the wellbore, means for positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in an overlapping relationship, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the end of the second tubular member that overlaps with the first tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the remaining portion of the second tubular member.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for bridging an axial gap between opposing pairs of wellbore casing within a wellbore is provided that includes means for supporting a tubular member in overlapping relation to the opposing ends of the wellbore casings, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the tubular member, and
means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the tubular member and the opposing ends of the wellbore casings.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of bridging an axial gap between opposing pairs of wellbore casing within a wellbore is provided that includes supporting a tubular member in overlapping relation to the opposing ends of the wellbore casings, plastically deforming and radially expanding the tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the tubular member and the opposing ends of the wellbore casings.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of forming a structure having desired strength characteristics is provided that includes providing a first tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding additional tubular members onto the interior surface of the first tubular member until the desired strength characteristics are achieved.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore having desired strength characteristics is provided that includes plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within the wellbore, and plastically deforming and radially expanding additional tubular members onto the interior surface of the first tubular member until the desired strength characteristics are achieved.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member, the first tubular member having an original outside diameter OD0 and an original wall thickness t0, is provided that includes plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the first tubular member to a first outside diameter, plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member to a second outside diameter, positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the first portion of the first tubular member, plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a third outside diameter, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a fourth outside diameter. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal, and the ratio of the original outside diameter OD0 of the first tubular member to the original wall thickness t0 of the first tubular member is greater than or equal to 16.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of forming a mono-diameter wellbore casing is provided that includes positioning a first tubular member within a wellbore, the first tubular member having an original outside diameter OD0 and an original wall thickness t0, plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the first tubular member to a first outside diameter, plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member to a second outside diameter, positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the first portion of the first tubular member, plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a third outside diameter, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a fourth outside diameter. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal, and the ratio of the original outside diameter OD0 of the first tubular member to the original wall thickness t0 of the first tubular member is greater than or equal to 16.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that includes a plastically deformed and radially expanded tubular member having a first portion having a first outside diameter and a remaining portion having a second outside diameter. The ratio of the original outside diameter OD0 of the first tubular member to the original wall thickness t0 of the first tubular member is greater than or equal to 16.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that includes a plastically deformed and radially expanded first tubular member having a first portion having a first outside diameter and a remaining portion having a second outside diameter, and a plastically deformed and radially expanded second tubular member coupled to the first portion of the first tubular member. The ratio of the original outside diameter OD0 of the first tubular member to the original wall thickness t0 of the first tubular member is greater than or equal to 16.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a wellbore casing formed in a wellbore is provided that includes a plastically deformed and radially expanded first tubular member having a first portion having a first outside diameter and a remaining portion having a second outside diameter, and a plastically deformed and radially expanded second tubular member coupled to the first portion of the first tubular member. The ratio of the original outside diameter OD0 of the first tubular member to the original wall thickness t0 of the first tubular member is greater than or equal to 16.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that includes a plastically deformed and radially expanded tubular member. The ratio of the original outside diameter OD0 of the tubular member to the original wall thickness t0 of the tubular member is greater than or equal to 16.
a is a cross sectional illustration of a wellbore including a preexisting wellbore casing.
b is a cross-sectional illustration of the placement of an embodiment of an apparatus for radially expanding a tubular member into the wellbore of
c is a cross-sectional illustration of the injection of fluidic materials through the apparatus of
d is a cross-sectional illustration of the injection of hardenable fluidic sealing materials through the apparatus of
e is a cross-sectional illustration of the pressurization of the region below the expansion cone of the apparatus of
f is a cross-sectional illustration of the continued pressurization of the region below the expansion cone of the apparatus of
g is a cross-sectional illustration of the continued pressurization of the region below the expansion cone of the apparatus of
h is a cross-sectional illustration of the completion of the radial expansion of the expandable tubular member of the apparatus of
i is a cross-sectional illustration of the drilling out of a new section of the wellbore below the apparatus of
j is a cross-sectional illustration of the radial expansion of another expandable tubular member that overlaps with the apparatus of
k is a cross-sectional illustration of the secondary radial expansion of the other expandable tubular member of the apparatus of
l is a cross-sectional illustration of the completion of the secondary radial expansion of the other expandable tubular member of
a is a cross sectional illustration of a wellbore including a preexisting wellbore casing.
b is a cross-sectional illustration of the placement of an embodiment of an apparatus for radially expanding a tubular member into the wellbore of
c is a cross-sectional illustration of the injection of fluidic materials through the apparatus of
d is a cross-sectional illustration of the injection of hardenable fluidic sealing materials through the apparatus of
e is a cross-sectional illustration of the pressurization of the region below the expansion cone of the apparatus of
f is a cross-sectional illustration of the continued pressurization of the region below the expansion cone of the apparatus of
g is a cross-sectional illustration of the completion of the radial expansion of the expandable tubular member of the apparatus of
h is a cross-sectional illustration of the drilling out of a new section of the wellbore below the apparatus of
i is a cross-sectional illustration of the radial expansion of another expandable tubular member that overlaps with the apparatus of
j is a cross-sectional illustration of the secondary radial expansion of the other expandable tubular member of the apparatus of
k is a cross-sectional illustration of the completion of the secondary radial expansion of the other expandable tubular member of
a is a cross-sectional illustration of an alternative embodiment of the over-expansion insert of
a is a cross-sectional illustration of a wellbore including a preexisting wellbore casing.
b is a cross-sectional illustration of the formation of a new section of wellbore casing in the wellbore of
c is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of the placement of an inflatable bladder into the new section of the wellbore casing of
d is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of the inflation of the inflatable bladder of
e is a cross-sectional illustration of the new section of wellbore casing of
f is a cross-sectional illustration of the new section of wellbore casing of
g is a cross-sectional illustration of the formation of a mono-diameter wellbore casing that includes the new section of the wellbore casing and an additional section of wellbore casing.
a is a cross-sectional illustration of a wellbore including a preexisting wellbore casing.
b is a cross-sectional illustration of the formation of a new section of wellbore casing in the wellbore of
c is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of the placement of a roller radial expansion device into the new section of the wellbore casing of
d is a cross-sectional illustration of the new section of wellbore casing of
e is a cross-sectional illustration of the new section of wellbore casing of
f is a cross-sectional illustration of the formation of a mono-diameter wellbore casing that includes the new section of the wellbore casing and an additional section of wellbore casing.
a is a cross sectional illustration of a wellbore including a preexisting wellbore casing.
b is a cross-sectional illustration of the placement of an embodiment of an apparatus for radially expanding a tubular member into the wellbore of
c is a cross-sectional illustration of the injection of fluidic materials through the apparatus of
d is a cross-sectional illustration of the injection of hardenable fluidic sealing materials through the apparatus of
e is a cross-sectional illustration of the pressurization of the region below the expansion cone of the apparatus of
f is a cross-sectional illustration of the continued pressurization of the region below the expansion cone of the apparatus of
g is a cross-sectional illustration of the completion of the radial expansion of the expandable tubular member of the apparatus of
h is a cross-sectional illustration of the drilling out of a new section of the wellbore below the apparatus of
i is a cross-sectional illustration of the completion of the radial expansion of another expandable tubular member to form a mono-diameter wellbore casing.
a is cross-sectional illustration of an wellbore including a preexisting section of wellbore casing having a recessed portion.
b is a cross-sectional illustration of the placement of an apparatus for radially expanding a tubular member within the wellbore of
c is a cross-sectional illustration of the injection of fluidic materials through the apparatus of
d is a cross-sectional illustration of the injection of a hardenable fluidic sealing material through the apparatus of
e is cross-sectional illustration of the isolation of the region below the expansion cone and within the expansion cone launcher of the apparatus of
f is a cross-sectional illustration of the plastic deformation and radial expansion of the upper portion of the expandable tubular member of the apparatus of
g is a cross-sectional illustration of the removal of the upper expansion cone from the wellbore of
h is a cross-sectional illustration of the continued pressurization of the region below the expansion cone of the apparatus of
i is a cross-sectional illustration of the completion of the initial radial expansion process of the apparatus of
j is a cross-sectional illustration of the further radial expansion of the apparatus of
a is a cross-sectional illustration of a wellbore including upper and lower preexisting wellbore casings that are separated by an axial gap.
b is a cross-sectional illustration of the coupling of a tubular member to the opposing ends of the wellbore casings of
c is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of the placement of a radial expansion device into the tubular member of
d is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of the actuation of the radial expansion device of
e is a cross-sectional of a mono-diameter wellbore casing generated by the actuation of the radial expansion device of
a is a cross-sectional illustration of a wellbore including a casing formed by plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member.
b is a cross-sectional illustration of a wellbore including another casing coupled to the preexisting casing by plastically deforming and radially expanding a second tubular member.
c is a cross-sectional illustration of a mono-diameter wellbore casing formed by radially expanding the second tubular member a second time.
Several embodiments of methods and apparatus for forming a mono-diameter wellbore casing are disclosed. In several alternative embodiments, the methods and apparatus may be used for form or repair mono-diameter wellbore casings, pipelines, or structural supports. Furthermore, while the present illustrative embodiments are described with reference to the formation of mono-diameter wellbore casings, the teachings of the present disclosure have general application to the formation or repair of wellbore casings, pipelines, and structural supports.
Referring initially to
Referring to
An expansion cone launcher 135 is movably coupled to and supported by the expansion cone 115 and the over-expansion sleeve 130. The expansion cone launcher 135 include an upper portion having an upper outer diameter, an intermediate portion that mates with the expansion cone 115 and the over-expansion sleeve 130, an a lower portion having a lower outer diameter. The lower outer diameter is greater than the upper outer diameter. A shoe 140 defining a valveable passage 145 is coupled to the lower portion of the expansion cone launcher 135. In a preferred embodiment, the valveable passage 145 may be controllably closed in order to fluidicly isolate a region 150 below the expansion cone 115 and bounded by the lower portion of the expansion cone launcher 135 and the shoe 140 from the region outside of the apparatus 100.
An expandable tubular member 155 is coupled to the upper portion of the expansion cone launcher 135. One or more sealing members 160a and 160b are coupled to the exterior of the upper portion of the expandable tubular member 155. In several alternative embodiments, the sealing members 160a and 160b may include elastomeric elements and/or metallic elements and/or composite elements. In several alternative embodiments, one or more anchoring elements may substituted for, or used in addition to, the sealing members 160a and 160b.
In a preferred embodiment, the support member 105, the expansion cone 115, the expansion cone launcher 135, the shoe 140, and the expandable tubular member 155 are provided substantially as disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,460, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, (6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (7) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/511,941, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (8) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, (9) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/559,122, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, (10) PCT patent application serial no. PCT/US00/18635, filed on Jul. 9, 2000, (11) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/162,671, filed on Nov. 1, 1999, (12) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/154,047, filed on Sep. 16, 1999, (13) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,082, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (14) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,039, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (15) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,033, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (16) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/212,359, filed on Jun. 19, 2000, (17) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/165,228, filed on Nov. 12, 1999, (18) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,443, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (19) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,645, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, and (20) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/233,638, filed on Sep. 18, 2000, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
After a predetermined time period and/or after a predetermined axial displacement of the expansion cone 115 relative to the expansion cone launcher 135 and expandable tubular member 155, the over-expansion sleeve 130 may be removed from the outer conical surface 125 of the expansion cone 115 by the application of a predetermined upward shock load to the support member 105. In a preferred embodiment, the shock load causes the frangible over-expansion sleeve 130 to fracture into small pieces that are then forced off of the outer conical surface 125 of the expansion cone 115 by the continued pressurization of the region 150. In a preferred embodiment, the pieces of the over-expansion sleeve 130 are pulverized into grains of material by the continued pressurization of the region 150.
Referring to
After completing the plastic deformation and radial expansion of the tubular member 155, the hardenable fluidic sealing material is allowed to cure to thereby form an annular body 190 that provides a barrier to fluid flow into or out of the wellbore 10.
Referring to
Referring to
In a preferred embodiment, the tubular member 200 is plastically deformed and radially expanded, and the annular body 210 is formed using one or more of the apparatus and methods disclosed in the following: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,460, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, (6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (7) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/511,941, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (8) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, (9) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/559,122, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, (10) PCT patent application serial no. PCT/US00/18635, filed on Jul. 9, 2000, (11) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/162,671, filed on Nov. 1, 1999, (12) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/154,047, filed on Sep. 16, 1999, (13) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,082, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (14) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,039, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (15) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,033, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (16) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/212,359, filed on Jun. 19, 2000, (17) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/165,228, filed on Nov. 12, 1999, (18) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,443, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (19) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,645, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, and (20) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/233,638, filed on Sep. 18, 2000, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
In an alternative embodiment, the annular body 210 may be omitted. In several alternative embodiments, the annular body 210 may be radially compressed before, during and/or after curing.
Referring to
Referring to
An expansion cone launcher 335 is movably coupled to and supported by the expansion cone 315 and the over-expansion insert 330. The expansion cone launcher 335 includes an upper portion having an upper outer diameter, an intermediate portion that mates with the expansion cone 315 and the over-expansion insert 330, an a lower portion having a lower outer diameter. The lower outer diameter is greater than the upper outer diameter. A shoe 340 defining a valveable passage 345 is coupled to the lower portion of the expansion cone launcher 335. In a preferred embodiment, the valveable passage 345 may be controllably closed in order to fluidicly isolate a region 350 below the expansion cone 315 and bounded by the lower portion of the expansion cone launcher 335 and the shoe 340 from the region outside of the apparatus 300.
In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in
An expandable tubular member 355 is coupled to the upper portion of the expansion cone launcher 335. One or more sealing members 360a and 360b are coupled to the exterior of the upper portion of the expandable tubular member 355. In several alternative embodiments, the sealing members 360a and 360b may include elastomeric elements and/or metallic elements and/or composite elements. In several alternative embodiments, one or more anchoring elements may substituted for, or used in addition to, the sealing members 360a and 360b.
In a preferred embodiment, the support member 305, the expansion cone 315, the expansion cone launcher 335, the shoe 340, and the expandable tubular member 355 are provided substantially as disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,460, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, (6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (7) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/511,941, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (8) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, (9) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/559,122, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, (10) PCT patent application serial no. PCT/US00/18635, filed on Jul. 9, 2000, (11) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/162,671, filed on Nov. 1, 1999, (12) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/154,047, filed on Sep. 16, 1999, (13) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,082, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (14) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,039, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (15) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,033, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (16) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/212,359, filed on Jun. 19, 2000, (17) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/165,228, filed on Nov. 12, 1999, (18) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,443, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (19) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,645, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, and (20) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/233,638, filed on Sep. 18, 2000, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
Once the radial expansion process has progressed beyond the over-expansion insert 330, the radial expansion of the expansion cone launcher 335 and expandable tubular member 355 is provided solely by the outer conical surface 325 of the expansion cone 315. Note that the amount of radial expansion provided by the outer conical surface 325 of expansion cone 315 is less than the amount of radial expansion provided by the combination of the over-expansion insert 330 and the expansion cone 315. In this manner, as illustrated in
In several alternative embodiments, the over-expansion insert 330 is removed from the recess 390 by falling out and/or removal using a conventional retrieval tool. In an alternative embodiment, the resilient force provided by the resilient members 331a, 331b, 331c, and 331d cause the insert 330 to collapse in the radial direction and thereby fall out of the recess 390. In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in
After completing the plastic deformation and radial expansion of the tubular member 355, the hardenable fluidic sealing material is allowed to cure to thereby form an annular body 400 that provides a barrier to fluid flow into or out of the wellbore 10.
Referring to
Referring to
In a preferred embodiment, the tubular member 405 is plastically deformed and radially expanded, and the annular body 415 is formed using one or more of the apparatus and methods disclosed in the following: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,460, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, (6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (7) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/511,941, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (8) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, (9) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/559,122, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, (10) PCT patent application serial no. PCT/US00/18635, filed on Jul. 9, 2000, (11) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/162,671, filed on Nov. 1, 1999, (12) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/154,047, filed on Sep. 16, 1999, (13) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,082, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (14) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,039, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (15) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,033, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (16) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/212,359, filed on Jun. 19, 2000, (17) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/165,228, filed on Nov. 12, 1999, (18) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,443, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (19) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,645, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, and (20) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/233,638, filed on Sep. 18, 2000, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
In an alternative embodiment, the annular body 415 may be omitted. In several alternative embodiments, the annular body 415 may be radially compressed before, during and/or after curing.
Referring to
Referring to
In several alternative embodiments, the annular body 510 may be omitted or may be compressible before, during, or after curing.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
In several alternative embodiments, the inflatable bladder 515 may be coupled to the bottom of an expansion cone in order to permit the over-expansion process to be performed during the radial expansion process implemented using the expansion cone.
Referring to
In several alternative embodiments, the annular body 610 may be omitted or may be compressible before, during, or after curing.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
In several alternative embodiments, the roller expansion device 615 may be coupled to the bottom of an expansion cone in order to permit the over-expansion process to be performed during the radial expansion process implemented using the expansion cone.
Referring initially to
Referring to
An expansion cone launcher 735 is movably coupled to and supported by the expansion cone 715. The expansion cone launcher 735 includes an upper portion 735a having an upper outer diameter, an intermediate portion 735b that mates with the expansion cone 715, and a lower portion 735c having a lower outer diameter. The lower outer diameter is greater than the upper outer diameter. The expansion cone launcher 735 further includes a recessed portion 735d having an outer diameter that is less than the lower outer diameter.
A shoe 740 defining a valveable passage 745 is coupled to the lower portion of the expansion cone launcher 735. In a preferred embodiment, the valveable passage 745 may be controllably closed in order to fluidicly isolate a region 750 below the expansion cone 715 and bounded by the lower portion 735c of the expansion cone launcher 735 and the shoe 740 from the region outside of the apparatus 700.
An expandable tubular member 755 is coupled to the upper portion 735a of the expansion cone launcher 735. One or more sealing members 760a and 760b may be coupled to the exterior of the upper portion of the expandable tubular member 755. In several alternative embodiments, the sealing members 760a and 760b may include elastomeric elements and/or metallic elements and/or composite elements. In several alternative embodiments, one or more anchoring elements may substituted for, or used in addition to, the sealing members 760a and 760b.
In a preferred embodiment, the support member 705, the expansion cone 715, the expansion cone launcher 735, the shoe 740, and the expandable tubular member 755 are provided substantially as disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,460, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, (6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (7) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/511,941, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (8) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, (9) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/559,122, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, (10) PCT patent application serial no. PCT/US00/18635, filed on Jul. 9, 2000, (11) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/162,671, filed on Nov. 1, 1999, (12) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/154,047, filed on Sep. 16, 1999, (13) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,082, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (14) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,039, on Oct. 12, 1999, (15) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,033, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (16) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/212,359, filed on Jun. 19, 2000, (17) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/165,228, filed on Nov. 12, 1999, (18) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,443, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (19) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,645, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, and (20) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/233,638, filed on Sep. 18, 2000, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
After completing the plastic deformation and radial expansion of the tubular member 755, the hardenable fluidic sealing material is allowed to cure to thereby form an annular body 795 that provides a barrier to fluid flow into or out of the wellbore 10.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
One end of a tubular support member 1035 that defines a passage 1040 is coupled to the locking device 1015. The passage 1040 is fluidicly coupled to the passage 1020. An expansion cone 1045 that defines a passage 1050 and includes an outer conical surface 1055 is coupled to another end of the tubular support member 1035. An expansion cone launcher 1060 is movably coupled to and supported by the expansion cone 1045. The expansion cone launcher 1060 includes an upper portion 1060a having an upper outside diameter, an intermediate portion 1060b that mates with the expansion cone 1045, and a lower portion 1060c having a lower outside diameter. The lower outside diameter is greater than the upper outside diameter.
A shoe 1065 that defines a valveable passage 1070 is coupled to the lower portion 1060c of the expansion cone launcher 1060. In this manner, a region 1075 below the expansion cone 1045 and bounded by the expansion cone launcher 1060 and the shoe 1065 may be pressurized and fluidicly isolated from the annular region between the apparatus 1000 and the wellbore 10.
An expandable tubular member 1080 is coupled to the upper portion of the expansion cone launcher 1060. In several alternative embodiments, one or more sealing members are coupled to the exterior of the upper portion of the expandable tubular member 1080. In several alternative embodiments, the sealing members may include elastomeric elements and/or metallic elements and/or composite elements. In several alternative embodiments, one or more anchoring elements may substituted for, or used in addition to, the sealing members.
An expansion cone 1085 defining a passage 1090 for receiving the tubular support member 1005 includes an outer conical surface 1095. A tubular support member 1100 defining a passage 1105 for receiving the tubular support member 1005 is coupled to the bottom of the expansion cone 1085 for supporting and actuating the expansion cone.
In a preferred embodiment, the support members 1005 and 1035, the expansion cone 1045, the expansion cone launcher 1060, the shoe 1065, and the expandable tubular member 1080 are provided substantially as disclosed in one or more of the following: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,460, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, (6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (7) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/511,941, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (8) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, (9) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/559,122, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, (10) PCT patent application serial no. PCT/US00/18635, filed on Jul. 9, 2000, (11) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/162,671, filed on Nov. 1, 1999, (12) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/154,047, filed on Sep. 16, 1999, (13) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,082, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (14) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,039, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (15) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,033, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (16) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/212,359, filed on Jun. 19, 2000, (17) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/165,228, filed on Nov. 12, 1999, (18) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,443, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (19) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,645, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, and (20) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/233,638, filed on Sep. 18, 2000, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
During the downward actuation of the expansion cone 1085, the locking member 1015 preferably prevents axial displacement of the tubular member 1080. In a preferred embodiment, the locking member 1015 is positioned proximate the upper portion of the tubular member 1080 in order to prevent buckling of the tubular member 1080 during the radial expansion of the upper portion of the tubular member. In an alternative embodiment, the locking member 1015 is omitted and the interference between the intermediate portion 1060b of the expansion cone launcher 1060 and the expansion cone 1045 prevents the axial displacement of the tubular member 1080 during the radial expansion of the upper portion of the tubular member.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment, the annular body 1130 may be omitted. In several alternative embodiments, the annular body 1130 may be radially compressed before, during and/or after curing.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The radial expansion process of
In several alternative embodiments, the ordering of the radial expansions of the tubular members, 1405 and 1420, may be changed. For example, the first tubular member 1405 may be plastically deformed and radially expanded to provide a lower portion having the outside diameter OD2 and the remaining portion having the outside diameter OD1. The tubular member 1420 may then be plastically deformed and radially expanded one or more times until the inside diameters of the tubular members, 1405 and 1420, are substantially equal. The plastic deformations and radial expansions of the tubular members, 1405 and 1420, may be provided using conventional methods and/or one or more of the methods and apparatus described and referenced above.
In an exemplary embodiment, the total expansion strain E of the tubular member 1405 may be expressed by the following equation:
E=(OD2−OD0)/OD0  (1)
where OD0=original outside diameter;
Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, where: (1) the exterior surface of the upper portion of the tubular member 1420 includes sealing members, and (2) the radial spacing between the tubular member 1405 and the wellbore 1400 prior to the first radial expansion is equal to d, the outside diameters, OD1 and OD2, of the tubular member 1405 following the first and second radial expansions may be expressed as:
OD1=OD0+2d+2t1  (2)
OD2=OD1+2R+2t2  (2)
where OD0=the original outside diameter of the tubular member 1405;
OD1=the outside diameter of the tubular member 1405 following the first radial expansion;
OD2=the outside diameter of the tubular member 1405 following the second radial expansion;
d=the radial spacing between the tubular member 1405 and the wellbore prior to the first radial expansion;
t1=the wall thickness of the tubular member 1405 after the first radial expansion;
t2=the wall thickness of the tubular member 1405 after the second radial expansion; and
R=the thickness of sealing member provided on the exterior surface of the tubular member 1420.
Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, for d approximately equal to 0.25 inches and R approximately equal to 0.1 inches, equation (1) can be approximated as:
E=(0.7″+3.7t0)/OD0  (4)
where t0=the original wall thickness of the tubular member 1405.
In an exemplary embodiment, the total expansion strain of the tubular member 1405 should be less than or equal to 0.3 in order to maximize the burst and collapse strength of the expandable tubular member. Therefore, from equation (4) the ratio of the original outside diameter to the original wall thickness (OD0/t0) may be expressed as:
OD0/t0≧3.8/(0.3−0.7/OD0)  (5)
Thus, in a preferred embodiment, for OD0 less than 10 inches, the optimal ratio of the original outside diameter to the original wall thickness (OD0/t0) may be expressed as:
OD0/t0≧16  (6)
In this manner, for typical tubular members, the burst and collapse strength of the tubular members following one or more radial expansions are maximized when the relationship in equation (6) is satisfied. Furthermore, the relationships expressed in equations (1) through (6) are valid regardless of the order or type of the radial expansions of the tubular member 1405. More generally, the relationships expressed in equations (1) through (6) may be applied to the radial expansion of structures having a wide range of profiles such as, for example, triangular, rectangular, and oval.
An apparatus for plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member has been described that includes means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the tubular member to a first outside diameter, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a second portion of the tubular member to a second outside diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the first outside diameter is greater than the second outside diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the tubular member to the first outside diameter is removable. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the tubular member to the first outside diameter is frangible. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the tubular member to the first outside diameter is elastic. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the tubular member to the first outside diameter includes means for applying a radial force to the first portion of the tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the tubular member to the first outside diameter is inflatable. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the tubular member to the first outside diameter includes rolling means for applying radial pressure to the first portion of the tubular member.
An apparatus for plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member has also been described that includes a tubular support member including a first fluid passage, an expansion cone coupled to the tubular support member having a second fluid passage fluidicly coupled to the first fluid passage and an outer conical surface, a removable annular conical sleeve coupled to the outer conical surface of the expansion cone, an annular expansion cone launcher coupled to the conical sleeve and a lower portion of the tubular member, and a shoe having a valveable passage coupled to an end of the expansion cone launcher. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve is frangible. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve is elastic. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve includes a plurality of arcuate elements.
A method of plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member has also been described that includes plastically deforming and radially expanding a portion of the tubular member to a first outside diameter, and plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the tubular member to a second outside diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. In a preferred embodiment, plastically deforming and radially expanding the portion of the tubular member includes applying a radial force to the portion of the tubular member using a conical sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, conical sleeve is frangible. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve is elastic. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve includes a plurality of arcuate elements. In a preferred embodiment, plastically deforming and radially expanding the portion of the tubular member includes applying a radial force to the portion of the tubular member using an inflatable bladder. In a preferred embodiment, plastically deforming and radially expanding the portion of the tubular member includes applying a radial force to the portion of the tubular member using a roller expansion device.
A method of coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member has also been described that includes plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the first tubular member to a first outside diameter, plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member to a second outside diameter, positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the first portion of the first tubular member, plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a third outside diameter, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a fourth outside diameter. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal. In a preferred embodiment, the first outside diameter is greater than the second outside diameter. In a preferred embodiment, plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the first tubular member includes applying a radial force to the portion of the tubular member using a conical sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve is frangible. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve is elastic. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve includes a plurality of arcuate elements. In a preferred embodiment, plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the first tubular member includes applying a radial force to the first portion of the first tubular member using an inflatable bladder. In a preferred embodiment, plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the first tubular member includes applying a radial force to the first portion of the first tubular member using a roller expansion device.
An apparatus for coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member has also been described that includes means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the first tubular member to a first outside diameter, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member to a second outside diameter, means for positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the first portion of the first tubular member, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a third outside diameter, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a fourth outside diameter. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal. In a preferred embodiment, the first outside diameter is greater than the second outside diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the first tubular member includes means for applying a radial force to the portion of the tubular member using a conical sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve is frangible. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve is elastic. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve includes a plurality of arcuate elements. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the first tubular member includes means for applying a radial force to the first portion of the first tubular member using an inflatable bladder. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the first tubular member includes means for applying a radial force to the first portion of the first tubular member using a roller expansion device.
An apparatus for forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore has also been described that includes means for supporting a tubular member within the wellbore, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the tubular member to a first outside diameter, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a second portion of the tubular member to a second outside diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the first outside diameter is greater than the second outside diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the tubular member to the first outside diameter is removable. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the tubular member to the first outside diameter is frangible. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the tubular member to the first outside diameter is elastic. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the tubular member to the first outside diameter includes means for applying a radial force to the first portion of the tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the tubular member to the first outside diameter is inflatable. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the tubular member to the first outside diameter includes rolling means for applying radial pressure to the first portion of the tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for forming an annular body of a fluidic sealing material within an annulus between the tubular member and the wellbore.
An apparatus for forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore has also been described that includes a tubular support member including a first fluid passage, an expansion cone coupled to the tubular support member having a second fluid passage fluidicly coupled to the first fluid passage and an outer conical surface, a removable annular conical sleeve coupled to the outer conical surface of the expansion cone, an annular expansion cone launcher coupled to the conical sleeve and a lower portion of the tubular member, and a shoe having a valveable passage coupled to an end of the expansion cone launcher. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve is frangible. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve is elastic. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve includes a plurality of arcuate elements.
A method of forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore has also been described that includes supporting a tubular member within a wellbore, plastically deforming and radially expanding a portion of the tubular member to a first outside diameter, and plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the tubular member to a second outside diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. In a preferred embodiment, plastically deforming and radially expanding the portion of the tubular member includes applying a radial force to the portion of the tubular member using a conical sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve is frangible. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve is elastic. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve includes a plurality of arcuate elements. In a preferred embodiment, plastically deforming and radially expanding the portion of the tubular member includes applying a radial force to the portion of the tubular member using an inflatable bladder. In a preferred embodiment, plastically deforming and radially expanding the portion of the tubular member includes applying a radial force to the portion of the tubular member using a roller expansion device. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes injecting an annular body of a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the tubular member and the wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes curing the annular body of hardenable fluidic sealing material.
A method of forming a mono-diameter wellbore casing within a wellbore has also been described that includes supporting a first tubular member within the wellbore, plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the first tubular member to a first outside diameter, plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member to a second outside diameter, positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the first portion of the first tubular member, plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a third outside diameter, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a fourth outside diameter. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal. In a preferred embodiment, the first outside diameter is greater than the second outside diameter. In a preferred embodiment, plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the first tubular member includes applying a radial force to the portion of the tubular member using a conical sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve is frangible. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve is elastic. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve includes a plurality of arcuate elements. In a preferred embodiment, plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the first tubular member includes applying a radial force to the first portion of the first tubular member using an inflatable bladder. In a preferred embodiment, plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the first tubular member includes applying a radial force to the first portion of the first tubular member using a roller expansion device. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes injecting an annular body of a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the first tubular member and the wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes curing the annular body of hardenable fluidic sealing material. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes injecting an annular body of a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the second tubular member and the wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes curing the annular body of hardenable fluidic sealing material.
An apparatus for coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member has also been described that includes means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the first tubular member to a first outside diameter, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member to a second outside diameter, means for positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the first portion of the first tubular member, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a third outside diameter, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a fourth outside diameter. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal. In a preferred embodiment, the first outside diameter is greater than the second outside diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the first tubular member includes means for applying a radial force to the portion of the tubular member using a conical sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve is frangible. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve is elastic. In a preferred embodiment, the conical sleeve includes a plurality of arcuate elements. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the first tubular member includes means for applying a radial force to the first portion of the first tubular member using an inflatable bladder. In a preferred embodiment, the means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the first portion of the first tubular member includes means for applying a radial force to the first portion of the first tubular member using a roller expansion device. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for injecting an annular body of a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the first tubular member and the wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for curing the annular body of hardenable fluidic sealing material. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for injecting an annular body of a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the second tubular member and the wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for curing the annular body of hardenable fluidic sealing material.
An apparatus for plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member has also been described that includes means for providing a lipped portion in a portion of the tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the tubular member.
An apparatus for plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member has also been described that includes a tubular support member including a first fluid passage, an expansion cone coupled to the tubular support member having a second fluid passage fluidicly coupled to the first fluid passage and an outer conical surface, an annular expansion cone launcher including: a first annular portion coupled to a lower portion of the tubular member, a second annular portion coupled to the first annular portion that mates with the outer conical surface of the expansion cone, a third annular portion coupled to the second annular portion having a first outside diameter, and a fourth annular portion coupled to the third annular portion having a second outside diameter, wherein the second outside diameter is less than the first outside diameter, and a shoe having a valveable passage coupled to fourth annular portion of the expansion cone launcher.
A method of plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member has also been described that includes providing a lipped portion in a portion of the tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the tubular member.
A method of coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member has also been described that includes providing a lipped portion in a portion of the first tubular member, plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member, positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the lipped portion of the first tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal.
An apparatus for coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member has also been described that includes means for providing a lipped in the first tubular member, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member, means for positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the lipped portion of the first tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal.
An apparatus for forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore has also been described that includes means for supporting a tubular member within the wellbore, means for providing a lipped portion in the tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the tubular member to a second outside diameter.
An apparatus for forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore has also been described that includes a tubular support member including a first fluid passage, an expansion cone coupled to the tubular support member having a second fluid passage fluidicly coupled to the first fluid passage and an outer conical surface, an annular expansion cone launcher including: a first annular portion coupled to a lower portion of the tubular member, a second annular portion coupled to the first annular portion that mates with the outer conical surface of the expansion cone, a third annular portion coupled to the second annular portion having a first outside diameter, and a fourth annular portion coupled to the third annular portion having a second outside diameter, wherein the second outside diameter is less than the first outside diameter, and a shoe having a valveable passage coupled to fourth annular portion of the expansion cone launcher.
A method of forming a wellbore casing in a wellbore has also been described that includes supporting a tubular member within the wellbore, providing a lipped portion in a portion of the tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material in an annulus between the tubular member and the wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes curing the fluidic sealing material.
A method of forming a mono-diameter wellbore casing within a wellbore has also been described that includes supporting a first tubular member within the wellbore, providing a lipped portion in a portion of the first tubular member, plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member, positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the lipped portion of the first tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material in an annulus between the first tubular member and the wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes curing the fluidic sealing material. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material in an annulus between the second tubular member and the wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes curing the fluidic sealing material.
An apparatus for forming a mono-diameter wellbore casing within a wellbore has also been described that includes means for providing a lipped in the first tubular member, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member, means for positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the lipped portion of the first tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular-members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material in an annulus between the first tubular member and the wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for curing the fluidic sealing material. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material in an annulus between the second tubular member and the wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for curing the fluidic sealing material.
An apparatus for plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member has also been described that includes means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a first end of the tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a second end of the tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for anchoring the tubular member during the radial expansion.
An apparatus for plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member has also been described that includes a tubular support member including a first passage, an expansion cone coupled to the tubular support having a second passage fluidicly coupled to the first passage and an outer conical surface, an annular expansion cone launcher movably coupled to outer conical surface of the expansion cone, an expandable tubular member coupled to an end of the annular expansion cone launcher, a shoe coupled to another end of the annular expansion cone launcher having a valveable fluid passage, and another annular expansion cone movably coupled to the tubular support member. The annular expansion cones are positioned in opposite orientations. In a preferred embodiment, the annular expansion cone is adapted to plastically deform and radially expand a first end of the expandable tubular member and the other annular expansion cone is adapted to plastically deform and radially expand a second end of the expandable tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes an anchoring member coupled to the tubular support member adapted to hold the expandable tubular.
A method of plastically deforming and radially expanding a tubular member has also been described that includes plastically deforming and radially expanding a first end of the tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding a second end of the tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes anchoring the tubular member during the radial expansion. In a preferred embodiment, the first end of the tubular member is plastically deformed and radially expanded before the second end. In a preferred embodiment, plastically deforming and radially expanding the second end of the tubular member includes injecting a fluidic material into the tubular member.
A method of coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member has also been described that includes positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in an overlapping relationship, plastically deforming and radially expanding the end of the second tubular member that overlaps with the first tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the remaining portion of the second tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes plastically deforming and radially expanding at least a portion of the second tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the inside diameters of the first and second tubular members are substantially equal after the radial expansions.
An apparatus for coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member has also been described that includes means for positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in an overlapping relationship, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the end of the second tubular member that overlaps with the first tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the remaining portion of the second tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for plastically deforming and radially expanding at least a portion of the second tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the inside diameters of the first and second tubular members are substantially equal after the radial expansions.
An apparatus for forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore has also been described that includes means for supporting a tubular member within the wellbore, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a first end of the tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a second end of the tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for anchoring the tubular member during the radial expansion. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the tubular member and the wellbore.
An apparatus for forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore has also been described that includes a tubular support member including a first passage, an expansion cone coupled to the tubular support having a second passage fluidicly coupled to the first passage and an outer conical surface, an annular expansion cone launcher movably coupled to outer conical surface of the expansion cone, an expandable tubular member coupled to an end of the annular expansion cone launcher, a shoe coupled to another end of the annular expansion cone launcher having a valveable fluid passage, and another annular expansion cone movably coupled to the tubular support member. The annular expansion cones are positioned in opposite orientations. In a preferred embodiment, the annular expansion cone is adapted to plastically deform and radially expand a first end of the expandable tubular member and the other annular expansion cone is adapted to plastically deform and radially expand a second end of the expandable tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes an anchoring member coupled to the tubular support member adapted to hold the expandable tubular.
A method of forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore has also been described that includes plastically deforming and radially expanding a first end of the tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding a second end of the tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes anchoring the tubular member during the radial expansion. In a preferred embodiment, the first end of the tubular member is plastically deformed and radially expanded before the second end. In a preferred embodiment, plastically deforming and radially expanding the second end of the tubular member includes injecting a fluidic material into the tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the tubular member and the wellbore.
A method of forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore has also been described that includes plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within the wellbore, positioning a second tubular member inside the first tubular member in an overlapping relationship, plastically deforming and radially expanding the end of the second tubular member that overlaps with the first tubular member, plastically deforming and radially expanding the remaining portion of the second tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes plastically deforming and radially expanding at least a portion of the second tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the inside diameters of the first and second tubular members are substantially equal after the radial expansions. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the first tubular member and the wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the second tubular member and the wellbore.
An apparatus for forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore has also been described that includes means for plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within the wellbore, means for positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in an overlapping relationship, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the end of the second tubular member that overlaps with the first tubular member, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the remaining portion of the second tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for plastically deforming and radially expanding at least a portion of the second tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the inside diameters of the first and second tubular members are substantially equal after the radial expansions. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the first tubular member and the wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the second tubular member and the wellbore.
An apparatus for bridging an axial gap between opposing pairs of wellbore casing within a wellbore has also been described that includes means for supporting a tubular member in overlapping relation to the opposing ends of the wellbore casings, means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the tubular member, and means for plastically deforming and radially expanding the tubular member and the opposing ends of the wellbore casings.
A method of bridging an axial gap between opposing pairs of wellbore casing within a wellbore has also been described that includes supporting a tubular member in overlapping relation to the opposing ends of the wellbore casings, plastically deforming and radially expanding the tubular member, and
A method of forming a structure having desired strength characteristics has also been described that includes providing a first tubular member, and plastically deforming and radially expanding additional tubular members onto the interior surface of the first tubular member until the desired strength characteristics are achieved.
A method of forming a wellbore casing within a wellbore having desired strength characteristics has also been described that includes plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within the wellbore, and plastically deforming and radially expanding additional tubular members onto the interior surface of the first tubular member until the desired strength characteristics are achieved.
A method of coupling a first tubular member to a second tubular member, the first tubular member having an original outside diameter OD0 and an original wall thickness t0, has also been described that includes plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the first tubular member to a first outside diameter, plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member to a second outside diameter, positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the first portion of the first tubular member, plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a third outside diameter, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a fourth outside diameter, wherein the inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal, and
A method of forming a mono-diameter wellbore casing has also been described that includes positioning a first tubular member within a wellbore, the first tubular member having an original outside diameter OD0 and an original wall thickness t0, plastically deforming and radially expanding a first portion of the first tubular member to a first outside diameter, plastically deforming and radially expanding another portion of the first tubular member to a second outside diameter, positioning the second tubular member inside the first tubular member in overlapping relation to the first portion of the first tubular member, plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a third outside diameter, and plastically deforming and radially expanding the second tubular member to a fourth outside diameter. The inside diameters of the first and second tubular members after the plastic deformations and radial expansions are substantially equal, and wherein the ratio of the original outside diameter OD0 of the first tubular member to the original wall thickness t0 of the first tubular member is greater than or equal to 16.
An apparatus has also been described that includes a plastically deformed and radially expanded tubular member having a first portion having a first outside diameter and a remaining portion having a second outside diameter, wherein the ratio of the original outside diameter OD0 of the first tubular member to the original wall thickness t0 of the first tubular member is greater than or equal to 16.
An apparatus has also been described that includes a plastically deformed and radially expanded first tubular member having a first portion having a first outside diameter and a remaining portion having a second outside diameter, and a plastically deformed and radially expanded second tubular member coupled to the first portion of the first tubular member. The ratio of the original outside diameter OD0 of the first tubular member to the original wall thickness t0 of the first tubular member is greater than or equal to 16. In a preferred embodiment, the inside diameters of the first and second tubular members are substantially equal.
A wellbore casing formed in a wellbore has also been described that includes a plastically deformed and radially expanded first tubular member having a first portion having a first outside diameter and a remaining portion having a second outside diameter, and a plastically deformed and radially expanded second tubular member coupled to the first portion of the first tubular member. The ratio of the original outside diameter OD0 of the first tubular member to the original wall thickness t0 of the first tubular member is greater than or equal to 16. In a preferred embodiment, the inside diameters of the first and second tubular members are substantially equal.
An apparatus has also been described that includes a plastically deformed and radially expanded tubular member. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the original outside diameter OD0 of the tubular member to the original wall thickness t0 of the tubular member is greater than or equal to 16.
In several alternative embodiments, the methods and apparatus described and referenced above may be used to form or repair wellbore casings, pipelines, and structural supports.
Although this detailed description has shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention, this description contemplates a wide range of modifications, changes, and substitutions. In some instances, one may employ some features of the present invention without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that readers should construe the appended claims broadly, and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.
This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/465,831, filed Jun. 13, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,685, which is the National Stage filing of the International Application No. PCT/US02/00093, filed Jan. 2, 2002 which is based on U.S. application Ser. No. 60/259,486, filed on Jan. 3, 2001, which was a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/406,648 filed Mar. 31, 2003, which is a National Phase of the International Application No. PCT/US01/30256, filed Sep. 27, 2001 which is based on U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/237,334, filed on Oct. 2, 2000, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application is related to the following applications: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09,502,350, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, now U.S. Pat. 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| 2399849 | Sep 2004 | GB |
| 2399850 | Sep 2004 | GB |
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| 2.408277 | May 2005 | GB |
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| 2399579 | Jun 2005 | GB |
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| 2 403970 | Aug 2005 | GB |
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| 2403971 | Aug 2005 | GB |
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| 2380503 | Oct 2005 | GB |
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| 2398321 | Oct 2005 | GB |
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| 2413136 | Oct 2005 | GB |
| 2414493 | Nov 2005 | GB |
| 2409217 | Dec 2005 | GB |
| 2410518 | Dec 2005 | GB |
| 2415219 | Dec 2005 | GB |
| 2395506 | Jan 2006 | GB |
| 2412681 | Jan 2006 | GB |
| 2412682 | Jan 2006 | GB |
| 2415979 | Jan 2006 | GB |
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| 2418941 | Apr 2006 | GB |
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| 2418944 | Apr 2006 | GB |
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| 2419913 | May 2006 | GB |
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| 2420810 | Jun 2006 | GB |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20050166388 A1 | Aug 2005 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60259486 | Jan 2001 | US | |
| 60237334 | Oct 2000 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10465831 | US | |
| Child | 11069698 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10406648 | US | |
| Child | 10465831 | US |
