Method and apparatus for expanding a welded connection
AssigneeWeatherford/Lamb, Inc.
InventorsSimon J. Harrall, Paul D. Metcalfe, Robert P. Badrak
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Abstract
The present invention generally relates to methods of connecting two expandable tubulars. In one aspect, the method includes flash welding the ends of the expandable tubulars together. Thereafter, the connected tubulars are lowered into the wellbore for expansion. The flash welding process provides a highly reliable joint for expansion. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for expanding a non-uniform tubular. In one embodiment, the non-uniform tubular is formed by connecting two misaligned tubulars.
Claims22
A method of well completion, comprising:
- connecting an end of a first expandable tubular to an end of a second expandable tubular using a welding process, wherein the first expandable tubular and the second expandable tubular form a non-uniform tubular;
- lowering the non-uniform tubular into a wellbore;
- and
- expanding at least a portion of the non-uniform tubular.
A method of completing a well, comprising:
- disposing a housing around an end of a first tubular to be joined with an end of a second tubular;
- providing the housing with a non-flammable gas;
- connecting the first expandable tubular to the second expandable tubular using a welding process, wherein the first tubular and the second tubular are connected to form a non-uniform tubular;
- and
- expanding at least a portion of the non-uniform tubular.
A method of well completion, comprising:
- connecting an end of a first expandable tubular to an end of a second expandable tubular, thereby forming a non-uniform connection;
- lowering the first and second expandable tubulars into a wellbore;
- and
- expanding at least a portion of the non-uniform connection.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.