Method and apparatus for downhole tubular expansion
AssigneeWeatherford/Lamb, Inc.
InventorEric Lauritzen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect, a process of sealing an annular area in a wellbore is provided in which a tubular having perforations at a predetermined location and a sleeve concentrically covering substantially all of the perforations is expanded into substantial contact with an inner diameter of a tubular, such as a casing or a liner. In another aspect, a process of sealing an annular area in a wellbore is provided in which a tubular having perforation at a predetermined location and a sleeve concentrically coving substantially all of the perforations is expanded into substantial contact with a junction between two tubulars, such as a liner and a casing, or between two liners.
Claims21
An apparatus for sealing an annular area in a wellbore, comprising:
- a tubular having perforations at predetermined locations in a wall thereof;
- a sleeve concentrically covering substantially all of the perforations;
- a first sealing member concentrically covering a top portion of an outer diameter of the sleeve;
- and
- a second sealing member concentrically covering a bottom portion of the outer diameter of the sleeve.
An apparatus for sealing an annular area in a wellbore, comprising:
- a tubular having perforations at predetermined locations in a wall thereof;
- a means for covering substantially all of the perforations;
- and
- a first and a second means for sealing a top portion and a bottom portion between an outer diameter of the tubular and an inner diameter of the wellbore.
A method of sealing an annular area in a wellbore, comprising:
- placing a tubular in the wellbore, the tubular having perforations at a predetermined location and a sleeve concentrically covering substantially all of the perforations;
- placing an expansion tool in the tubular, the expansion tool disposed on a run-in string of tubulars;
- energizing the expansion tool and causing extendable members therein to extend radially to contact an inner wall of the tubular;
- and
- expanding the tubular into substantial contact with an inner diameter of the wellbore, wherein substantially no gap exists between the sleeve and the wellbore.
A method of sealing an annular area in a wellbore, comprising:
- placing a first tubular in the wellbore;
- placing a second tubular in the wellbore, the second tubular having perforations at a predetermined location and a sleeve concentrically covering substantially all of the perforations;
- placing an expansion tool in the second tubular;
- energizing the expansion tool and causing extendable members therein to extend radially to contact an inner wall of the second tubular;
- and
- expanding the second tubular into substantial contact with an inner diameter of the first tubular at a junction between the first tubular and the second tubular.
An apparatus for sealing an annular area formed between the apparatus and a wellbore therearound, the apparatus comprising:
- a slotted tubular having means for connection to another tubular at a first end;
- and
- a sleeve member disposed around, attached to the slotted tubular, and covering substantially all of the slots, whereby the apparatus is expandable by a radial outward force applied to an inner wall of the slotted tubular.
A method of sealing an annular area in a wellbore, comprising:
- placing a tubular in the wellbore;
- the tubular having perforations at a predetermined location and a sleeve concentrically covering substantially all of the perforations;
- placing a means for expanding the tubular within the wellbore;
- and
- expanding the tubular into substantial contact with an inner diameter of the wellbore.
An apparatus for sealing an annular area in a wellbore, comprising:
- a tubular having perforations at predetermined locations in a wall thereof;
- a sleeve concentrically covering substantially all of the perforations;
- wherein the a sleeve comprises an elastomer outer coating and a ductile material that is copper, stainless steel, tempered chrome, or a thermoplastic;
- a first sealing member concentrically covering a top portion of an outer diameter of the sleeve;
- and
- a second sealing member concentrically covering a bottom portion of the outer diameter of the sleeve.
A method of sealing an annular area in a wellbore, comprising:
- placing a first tubular in the wellbore;
- placing a second tubular in the wellbore, the second tubular having perforations at predetermined location and a sleeve concentrically covering substantially all of the perforations;
- placing an expansion tool in the second tubular;
- energizing the expansion tool and causing extendable members therein to end radially to contact an inner wall of the second tubular;
- circulating cement between the tubulars;
- and
- expanding the second tubular into substantial contact with an inner diameter of the first tubular at a junction between the first tubular and the second tubular.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.