US 2003/0075337 A1 · Method of expanding a tubular member in a wellbore

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for expanding a tubular with the aid of a compressive force. A tubular, such as a string of casing, is run into a wellbore on a working string, e.g., drill pipe. A carrying mechanism such as a collet is used to releasably attach the first tubular to the working string during run-in. The tubular is then expanded into frictional engagement with another tubular therearound within the wellbore. During the expansion process, a compressive force is applied to the portion of the tubular being expanded. In one aspect of the invention, a hydraulic ram is positioned above the string of casing and is activated by the injection of fluid under pressure in order to apply the compressive force to the expandable tubular. In another aspect of the invention, the portion of casing or other expandable tubular to be expanded is pre-stressed, such as to impart a barrel shape, in order to bias the tubular to more easily buckle outwardly during expansion.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A method for expanding a first tubular into a second tubular in a wellbore, comprising the steps of:

positioning the first tubular within a wellbore;
running the second tubular to a selected depth within the wellbore such that at least a portion of the second tubular overlaps with the first tubular;
applying a compressive force to at least a portion of the second tubular;
and
expanding a portion of the second tubular which is in compression so that the outer surface of the expanded portion of the second tubular is in frictional contact with the inner surface of the first tubular.

2 more elements

A method for expanding a first tubular into a second tubular in a wellbore, the first tubular and the second tubular each having a top portion and a bottom portion, comprising the steps of:

positioning the first tubular within a wellbore;
connecting the second tubular to a working string by a releasable carrying mechanism;
connecting a rotary expander tool to said working string above said carrying mechanism;
connecting a swivel to said working string between said carrying mechanism and said rotary expander tool;
connecting a compressive force apparatus to said working string above said rotary expander tool, such that said compressive force apparatus is disposed on the top of the second tubular;
running the second tubular to a selected depth within the wellbore on said working string such that the top portion of the second tubular overlaps with the bottom portion of the first tubular;
activating said compressive force apparatus to apply a compressive force to the top portion of the second tubular between the top of the second tubular and the point of connection of the second tubular with the releasable carrying mechanism;
and
activating said rotary expander tool so as to expand at least a portion of the top portion of the second tubular into frictional engagement with the inner surface of the first tubular.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method of expanding a tubular member in a wellbore

Life of this patent

Method of expanding a tubular member in a wellbore

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19