US20070051520A1 - Expansion system - Google Patents

Expansion system Download PDF

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Publication number
US20070051520A1
US20070051520A1 US11/356,899 US35689906A US2007051520A1 US 20070051520 A1 US20070051520 A1 US 20070051520A1 US 35689906 A US35689906 A US 35689906A US 2007051520 A1 US2007051520 A1 US 2007051520A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
filed
attack
angle
attorney docket
patent application
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US11/356,899
Inventor
William Parker
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Enventure Global Technology Inc
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Enventure Global Technology Inc
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Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/454,139 external-priority patent/US6497289B1/en
Application filed by Enventure Global Technology Inc filed Critical Enventure Global Technology Inc
Priority to US11/356,899 priority Critical patent/US20070051520A1/en
Assigned to ENVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY reassignment ENVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: PARKER, WILLIAM PATRICK
Priority to CA002577742A priority patent/CA2577742A1/en
Priority to GB0702989A priority patent/GB2435280B/en
Publication of US20070051520A1 publication Critical patent/US20070051520A1/en
Assigned to ENVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, L.L.C. reassignment ENVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, L.L.C. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: RING, LEV, MACK, ROBERT DONALD, COOK, ROBERT LANCE, FILIPPOV, ANDREI GREGORY, DUELL, ALAN B., PARKER, WILLIAM PATRICK, WYANT, REECE E., BRISCO, DAVID PAUL, NAHM, JAMES JANG WOO, STEWART, R. BRUCE, HAUT, RICHARD CARL
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/02—Subsoil filtering
    • E21B43/10—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells
    • E21B43/103—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells of expandable casings, screens, liners, or the like
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/02—Subsoil filtering
    • E21B43/10—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells
    • E21B43/103—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells of expandable casings, screens, liners, or the like
    • E21B43/105—Expanding tools specially adapted therefor

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to wellbore casings, and in particular to wellbore casings that are formed using expandable tubing.
  • FIG. 1 is an illustration of a conventional method for drilling a borehole in a subterranean formation.
  • FIG. 2 is an illustration of a device for coupling an expandable tubular member to an existing tubular member.
  • FIG. 3 is an illustration of a hardenable fluidic sealing material being pumped down the device of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 4 is an illustration of the expansion of an expandable tubular member using the expansion device of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 5 is an illustration of the completion of the radial expansion and plastic deformation of an expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an expansion device of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of an expansion device of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 8 is an illustration of a method of applying tungsten disulfide to an expansion device of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 9 is an illustration of a method of applying tungsten disulfide to the interior surface of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 2 .
  • a conventional device 100 for drilling a borehole 102 in a subterranean formation 104 is shown.
  • the borehole 102 may be lined with a casing 106 at the top portion of its length.
  • An annulus 108 formed between the casing 106 and the formation 104 may be filled with a sealing material 110 , such as, for example, cement.
  • the device 100 may be operated in a conventional manner to extend the length of the borehole 102 beyond the casing 106 .
  • the device 200 includes a shoe 206 that defines a centrally positioned valveable passage 206 a adapted to receive, for example, a ball, plug or other similar device for closing the passage.
  • An end of the shoe 206 b is coupled to a lower tubular end 208 a of a tubular launcher assembly 208 that includes the lower tubular end, an upper tubular end 208 b , and a tapered tubular transition member 208 c .
  • the lower tubular end 208 a of the tubular launcher assembly 208 has a greater inside diameter than the inside diameter of the upper tubular end 208 b .
  • the tapered tubular transition member 208 c connects the lower tubular end 208 a and the upper tubular end 208 b .
  • the upper tubular end 208 b of the tubular launcher assembly 208 is coupled to an end of the expandable tubular member 202 .
  • One or more seals 210 are coupled to the outside surface of the other end of the expandable tubular member 202 .
  • An expansion device 212 is centrally positioned within and mates with the tubular launcher assembly 208 .
  • the expansion device 212 defines a centrally positioned fluid pathway 212 a , and includes a lower section 212 b , a middle section 212 c , and an upper section 212 d .
  • the lower section 212 b of the expansion device 212 defines an inclined expansion surface 212 ba that supports the tubular launcher assembly 208 by mating with the tapered tubular transition member 208 c of the tubular launcher assembly.
  • the upper section 212 d of the expansion device 212 is coupled to an end of a tubular member 218 that defines a fluid pathway 218 a .
  • the fluid pathway 218 a of the tubular member 218 is fluidicly coupled to the fluid pathway 212 a defined by the expansion device 212 .
  • One or more spaced apart cup seals 220 and 222 are coupled to the outside surface of the tubular member 218 for sealing against the interior surface of the expandable tubular member 202 .
  • cup seal 222 is positioned near a top end of the expandable tubular member 202 .
  • a top fluid valve 224 is coupled to the tubular member 218 above the cup seal 222 and defines a fluid pathway 226 that is fluidicly coupled to the fluid pathway 218 a.
  • the device 200 is initially lowered into the borehole 102 .
  • a fluid 228 within the borehole 102 passes upwardly through the device 200 through the valveable passage 206 a into the fluid pathway 212 a and 218 a and out of the device 200 through the fluid pathway 226 defined by the top fluid valve 224 .
  • a hardenable fluidic sealing material 300 such as, for example, cement, is then pumped down the fluid pathway 218 a and 212 a and out through the valveable passage 206 a into the borehole 102 with the top fluid valve 224 in a closed position.
  • the hardenable fluidic sealing material 300 thereby fills an annular space 302 between the borehole 102 and the outside diameter of the expandable tubular member 202 .
  • a plug 402 is then injected with a fluidic material 404 .
  • the plug thereby fits into and closes the valveable passage 206 a to further fluidic flow.
  • Continued injection of the fluidic material 404 then pressurizes a chamber 406 defined by the shoe 206 , the bottom of the expansion device 212 , and the walls of the launcher assembly 208 and the expandable tubular member 202 .
  • Continued pressurization of the chamber 406 then displaces the expansion device 212 in an upward direction 408 relative to the expandable tubular member 202 thereby causing radial expansion and plastic deformation of the launcher assembly 208 and the expandable tubular member.
  • the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member 202 is then completed and the expandable tubular member is coupled to the existing casing 106 .
  • the hardenable fluidic sealing material 300 such as, for example, cement fills the annulus 302 between the expandable tubular member 202 and the borehole 102 .
  • the device 200 has been withdrawn from the borehole and a conventional device 100 for drilling the borehole 102 may then be utilized to drill out the shoe 206 and continue drilling the borehole 102 , if desired.
  • an expansion cone 600 defines an upper cone 602 , a middle cone 604 , and a lower tubular end 606 .
  • the upper cone 602 has a leading surface 608 and an outer inclined surface 610 that defines an angle ⁇ 1 .
  • the middle cone 604 has an outer inclined surface 612 that defines an angle ⁇ 2 .
  • the angle ⁇ 1 is greater than the angle ⁇ 2 .
  • the outer inclined surfaces 610 and 612 together form the expansion surfaces 614 that upon displacement of the expansion cone 600 relative to the expandable tubular member 202 radially expand and plastically deform the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 7 an exemplary embodiment of an expansion cone 700 with an outside expansion surface 702 defining a parabolic equation, is shown.
  • the expansion cone 700 has an upper expansion section 704 and a lower tubular end 706 .
  • the upper expansion section 704 has a leading surface 708 and the outside expansion surface 702 defined by a parabolic equation.
  • the expansion device 212 consists of one or more of the expansion devices 600 and 700 .
  • a method of applying tungsten disulfide 800 to the expansion cone 600 is shown.
  • Tungsten disulfide powder 800 is sprayed onto the expansion surfaces 614 and the circumferential surface of the lower tubular end 606 of the expansion cone 600 of FIG. 6 through the use of a sprayer 802 , such as, for example, a sandblast sprayer, and a nozzle 804 .
  • the tungsten disulfide 800 forms a bond with the surface of the expansion cone 600 .
  • tungsten disulfide is applied to the outside expansion surface 702 of the expansion cone 700 .
  • a method of applying tungsten disulfide 800 to the interior of the expandable tubular member 202 is shown.
  • Tungsten disulfide powder 800 is sprayed onto the interior surface of expandable tubular member 202 through the use of a sprayer 802 , such as, for example, a sandblast sprayer, and a nozzle 900 .
  • the tungsten disulfide 800 forms a bond with the interior surface of the expandable tubular member 202 .
  • tungsten disulfide includes, but are not limited to, mixing the tungsten disulfide powder with a carrier, such as, for example, isopropyl alcohol, and buffing the mixture onto the outside surfaces of the expansion cone.
  • a carrier such as, for example, isopropyl alcohol
  • Reduced expansion and initiation forces are achieved by the coating of tungsten disulfide on the expansion surface of an expansion device.
  • reduced expansion and initiation forces may also be achieved by the coating of tungsten disulfide on the interior surface of an expandable tubular member.
  • An expansion device for radially expanding a tubular member includes a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack; wherein the first outer surface comprises a tungsten disulfide coating and the first angle of attack ranges from about 8 to 20 degrees.
  • a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface; wherein the second outer surface comprises a tungsten disulfide coating; the second angle of attack ranges from about 4 to 15 degrees; and wherein the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack.
  • a rear end is coupled to the second outer surface.
  • An expandable tubular member for traversing a borehole in a subterranean formation has been described that includes a tungsten disulfide coating applied to the interior surface of the expandable tubular member.
  • An expansion device for radially expanding a tubular member includes a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack; wherein the first outer surface comprises a tungsten disulfide coating.
  • a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface; wherein the second outer surface comprises a tungsten disulfide coating.
  • the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack.
  • One or more intermediate outer surfaces are coupled between the first and second outer surfaces; wherein the one or more intermediate outer surfaces comprise a tungsten disulfide coating.
  • the angle of attack of the intermediate outer surfaces continually decreases from the first outer surface to the second outer surface and is defined by a parabolic equation.
  • An expansion system for radially expanding a tubular member includes an expansion device comprising a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack; wherein the first angle of attack ranges from about 8 to 20 degrees.
  • the expansion device further comprises a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface; wherein the second angle of attack ranges from about 4 to 15 degrees and the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack.
  • a rear end is coupled to the second outer surface and there are means for displacing the expansion device relative to the expandable tubular member.
  • a tungsten disulfide coating is applied to at least one of the following surfaces: the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and the first and second outer surfaces of the expansion device.
  • An expansion system for radially expanding a tubular member includes an expansion device comprising a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack and a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface.
  • the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack and the expansion device further comprises one or more intermediate outer surfaces coupled between the first and second outer surfaces; wherein the angle of attack of the intermediate outer surfaces continually decreases from the first outer surface to the second outer surface.
  • the angle of attack of the outer surfaces is defined by a parabolic equation; and there are means for displacing the expansion device in an expandable tubular member.
  • a tungsten disulfide coating is applied to at least one of the following surfaces: the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and the first, second, and intermediate outer surfaces of the expansion device.
  • a method of expanding an expandable tubular member includes radially expanding at least a portion of the tubular member by extruding at least a portion of the tubular member off of an expansion device; wherein the expansion device comprises a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack that ranges from about 8 to 20 degrees.
  • a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack is coupled to the first outer surface, the second angle of attack ranges from about 4 to 15 degrees and the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack.
  • a tungsten disulfide coating is applied to at least one of the following surfaces: the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and the first and second outer surfaces of the expansion device.
  • a rear end is coupled to the second outer surface.
  • a method of expanding an expandable tubular member includes radially expanding at least a portion of the tubular member by extruding at least a portion of the tubular member off of an expansion device.
  • the expansion device comprises a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack, and a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack is coupled to the first outer surface.
  • the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack; and the expansion device further comprises one or more intermediate outer surfaces coupled between the first and second outer surfaces.
  • a tungsten disulfide coating is applied to at least one of the following surfaces: the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and the first, second, and intermediate outer surfaces of the expansion device.
  • the angle of attack of the intermediate outer surfaces continually decreases from the first outer surface to the second outer surface, and the angle of attack of the outer surfaces is defined by a parabolic equation.

Abstract

An apparatus for the radial expansion and plastic deformation of a tubular member that includes a coating to reduce the frictional forces of expansion.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/199,524, attorney docket number 25791.100, filed on Jul. 19, 2002, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket number 25791.3.02, filed Dec. 3, 1999 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, issued Dec. 24, 2002) which claimed priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/111,293, attorney docket no. 25791.3, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • This application is related to the following co-pending applications: (1) U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999 from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, attorney docket no. 25791.7.02, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,702, filed on Feb. 25, 1999, (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, attorney docket no. 25791.8.02, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/119,611, filed on Feb. 11, 1999, (4) U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, attorney docket number 25791.9.02, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on Nov. 16, 1998, (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/169,434, attorney docket no. 25791.10.04, filed on Jul. 1, 2002, which claims priority from provisional application 60/183,546, filed on Feb. 18, 2000, (6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (7) U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, filed on Feb. 26, 1999, (8) U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,240, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/511,941, attorney docket no. 25791.16.02, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,907, filed on Feb. 26, 1999, (9) U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on Jun. 7, 1999, (10) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/981,916, attorney docket no. 25791.18, filed on Oct. 18, 2001 as a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,113a, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, attorney docket number 25791.9.02, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on Nov. 16, 1998, (11) U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,763, which was filed as application Ser. No. 09/559,122, attorney docket no. 25791.23.02, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/131,106, filed on Apr. 26, 1999, (12) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/030,593, attorney docket no. 25791.25.08, filed on Jan. 8, 2002, which claims priority from provisional application 60/146,203, filed on Jul. 29, 1999, (13) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/143,039, attorney docket no. 25791.26, filed on Jul. 9, 1999, (14) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/111,982, attorney docket no. 25791.27.08, filed on Apr. 30, 2002, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/162,671, attorney docket no. 25791.27, filed on Nov. 1, 1999, (15) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/154,047, attorney docket no. 25791.29, filed on Sep. 16, 1999, (16) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/438,828, attorney docket no. 25791.31, filed on Jan. 9, 2003, (17) U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,875, which was filed as application Ser. No. 09/679,907, attorney docket no. 25791.34.02, on Oct. 5, 2000, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No 60/159,082, attorney docket no. 25791.34, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (18) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/089,419, filed on Mar. 27, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.36.03, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No 60/159,039, attorney docket no. 25791.36, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (19) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/679,906, filed on Oct. 5, 2000, attorney docket no. 25791.37.02, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,033, attorney docket no. 25791.37, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (20) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/303,992, filed on Nov. 22, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.38.07, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/212,359, attorney docket no. 25791.38, filed on Jun. 19, 2000, (21) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/165,228, attorney docket no. 25791.39, filed on Nov. 12, 1999, (22) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/455,051, attorney docket no. 25791.40, filed on Mar. 14, 2003, (23) PCT application US02/2477, filed on Jun. 26, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.44.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/303,711, attorney docket no. 25791.44, filed on Jul. 6, 2001, (24) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/311,412, filed on Dec. 12, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.45.07, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,443, attorney docket no. 25791.45, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (25) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/______, filed on Dec. 18, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.46.07, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No 60/221,645, attorney docket no. 25791.46, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (26) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/322,947, filed on Jan. 22, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.47.03, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/233,638, attorney docket no. 25791.47, filed on Sep. 18, 2000, (27) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/406,648, filed on Mar. 31, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.48.06, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/237,334, attorney docket no. 25791.48, filed on Oct. 2, 2000, (28) PCT application US02/04353, filed on Feb. 14, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.50.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/270,007, attorney docket no. 25791.50, filed on Feb. 20, 2001, (29) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/465,835, filed on Jun. 13, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.51.06, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/262,434, attorney docket no. 25791.51, filed on Jan. 7, 2001, (30) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/465,831, filed on Jun. 13, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.52.06, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/259,486, attorney docket no. 25791.52, filed on Jan. 3, 2001, (31) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/452,303, filed on Mar. 5, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.53, (32) U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,966, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/850,093, filed on May 7, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.55, as a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (33) U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,227, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/852,026, filed on May 9, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.56, as a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (34) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/852,027, filed on May 9, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.57, as a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (35) PCT Application US02/25608, attorney docket no. 25791.58.02, filed on Aug. 13, 2002, which claims priority from provisional application 60/318,021, filed on Sep. 7, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.58, (36) PCT Application US02/24399, attorney docket no. 25791.59.02, filed on Aug. 1, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/313,453, attorney docket no. 25791.59, filed on Aug. 20, 2001, (37) PCT Application US02/29856, attorney docket no. 25791.60.02, filed on Sep. 19, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/326,886, attorney docket no. 25791.60, filed on Oct. 3, 2001, (38) PCT Application US02/20256, attorney docket no. 25791.61.02, filed on Jun. 26, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/303,740, attorney docket no. 25791.61, filed on Jul. 6, 2001, (39) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,469, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.62, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (40) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,470, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.63, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (41) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,471, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.64, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (42) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,467, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.65, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (43) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,468, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.66, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. 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    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The present disclosure relates generally to wellbore casings, and in particular to wellbore casings that are formed using expandable tubing.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is an illustration of a conventional method for drilling a borehole in a subterranean formation.
  • FIG. 2 is an illustration of a device for coupling an expandable tubular member to an existing tubular member.
  • FIG. 3 is an illustration of a hardenable fluidic sealing material being pumped down the device of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is an illustration of the expansion of an expandable tubular member using the expansion device of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 5 is an illustration of the completion of the radial expansion and plastic deformation of an expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an expansion device of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of an expansion device of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 8 is an illustration of a method of applying tungsten disulfide to an expansion device of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 9 is an illustration of a method of applying tungsten disulfide to the interior surface of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 2.
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Referring initially to FIG. 1, a conventional device 100 for drilling a borehole 102 in a subterranean formation 104 is shown. The borehole 102 may be lined with a casing 106 at the top portion of its length. An annulus 108 formed between the casing 106 and the formation 104 may be filled with a sealing material 110, such as, for example, cement. In an exemplary embodiment, the device 100 may be operated in a conventional manner to extend the length of the borehole 102 beyond the casing 106.
  • Referring now to FIG. 2, a device 200 for coupling an expandable tubular member 202 to an existing tubular member, such as, for example, the existing casing 106, is shown. The device 200 includes a shoe 206 that defines a centrally positioned valveable passage 206 a adapted to receive, for example, a ball, plug or other similar device for closing the passage. An end of the shoe 206 b is coupled to a lower tubular end 208 a of a tubular launcher assembly 208 that includes the lower tubular end, an upper tubular end 208 b, and a tapered tubular transition member 208 c. The lower tubular end 208 a of the tubular launcher assembly 208 has a greater inside diameter than the inside diameter of the upper tubular end 208 b. The tapered tubular transition member 208 c connects the lower tubular end 208 a and the upper tubular end 208 b. The upper tubular end 208 b of the tubular launcher assembly 208 is coupled to an end of the expandable tubular member 202. One or more seals 210 are coupled to the outside surface of the other end of the expandable tubular member 202.
  • An expansion device 212 is centrally positioned within and mates with the tubular launcher assembly 208. The expansion device 212 defines a centrally positioned fluid pathway 212 a, and includes a lower section 212 b, a middle section 212 c, and an upper section 212 d. The lower section 212 b of the expansion device 212 defines an inclined expansion surface 212 ba that supports the tubular launcher assembly 208 by mating with the tapered tubular transition member 208 c of the tubular launcher assembly. The upper section 212 d of the expansion device 212 is coupled to an end of a tubular member 218 that defines a fluid pathway 218 a. The fluid pathway 218 a of the tubular member 218 is fluidicly coupled to the fluid pathway 212 a defined by the expansion device 212. One or more spaced apart cup seals 220 and 222 are coupled to the outside surface of the tubular member 218 for sealing against the interior surface of the expandable tubular member 202. In an exemplary embodiment, cup seal 222 is positioned near a top end of the expandable tubular member 202. A top fluid valve 224 is coupled to the tubular member 218 above the cup seal 222 and defines a fluid pathway 226 that is fluidicly coupled to the fluid pathway 218 a.
  • During operation of the device 200, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the device 200 is initially lowered into the borehole 102. In an exemplary embodiment, during the lowering of the device 200 into the borehole 102, a fluid 228 within the borehole 102 passes upwardly through the device 200 through the valveable passage 206 a into the fluid pathway 212 a and 218 a and out of the device 200 through the fluid pathway 226 defined by the top fluid valve 224.
  • Referring now to FIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment, a hardenable fluidic sealing material 300, such as, for example, cement, is then pumped down the fluid pathway 218 a and 212 a and out through the valveable passage 206 a into the borehole 102 with the top fluid valve 224 in a closed position. The hardenable fluidic sealing material 300 thereby fills an annular space 302 between the borehole 102 and the outside diameter of the expandable tubular member 202.
  • Referring now to FIG. 4, a plug 402 is then injected with a fluidic material 404. The plug thereby fits into and closes the valveable passage 206 a to further fluidic flow. Continued injection of the fluidic material 404 then pressurizes a chamber 406 defined by the shoe 206, the bottom of the expansion device 212, and the walls of the launcher assembly 208 and the expandable tubular member 202. Continued pressurization of the chamber 406 then displaces the expansion device 212 in an upward direction 408 relative to the expandable tubular member 202 thereby causing radial expansion and plastic deformation of the launcher assembly 208 and the expandable tubular member.
  • Referring now to FIG. 5, the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member 202 is then completed and the expandable tubular member is coupled to the existing casing 106. The hardenable fluidic sealing material 300, such as, for example, cement fills the annulus 302 between the expandable tubular member 202 and the borehole 102. The device 200 has been withdrawn from the borehole and a conventional device 100 for drilling the borehole 102 may then be utilized to drill out the shoe 206 and continue drilling the borehole 102, if desired.
  • Referring now to FIG. 6, an expansion cone 600 defines an upper cone 602, a middle cone 604, and a lower tubular end 606. The upper cone 602 has a leading surface 608 and an outer inclined surface 610 that defines an angle α1. The middle cone 604 has an outer inclined surface 612 that defines an angle α2. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle α1 is greater than the angle α2. The outer inclined surfaces 610 and 612 together form the expansion surfaces 614 that upon displacement of the expansion cone 600 relative to the expandable tubular member 202 radially expand and plastically deform the expandable tubular member.
  • Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary embodiment of an expansion cone 700 with an outside expansion surface 702 defining a parabolic equation, is shown. The expansion cone 700 has an upper expansion section 704 and a lower tubular end 706. The upper expansion section 704 has a leading surface 708 and the outside expansion surface 702 defined by a parabolic equation.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion device 212 consists of one or more of the expansion devices 600 and 700.
  • Referring now to FIG. 8, in an exemplary embodiment, a method of applying tungsten disulfide 800 to the expansion cone 600 is shown. Tungsten disulfide powder 800 is sprayed onto the expansion surfaces 614 and the circumferential surface of the lower tubular end 606 of the expansion cone 600 of FIG. 6 through the use of a sprayer 802, such as, for example, a sandblast sprayer, and a nozzle 804. In an exemplary embodiment, the tungsten disulfide 800 forms a bond with the surface of the expansion cone 600.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, tungsten disulfide is applied to the outside expansion surface 702 of the expansion cone 700.
  • Referring now to FIG. 9, in an exemplary embodiment, a method of applying tungsten disulfide 800 to the interior of the expandable tubular member 202 is shown. Tungsten disulfide powder 800 is sprayed onto the interior surface of expandable tubular member 202 through the use of a sprayer 802, such as, for example, a sandblast sprayer, and a nozzle 900. In an exemplary embodiment, the tungsten disulfide 800 forms a bond with the interior surface of the expandable tubular member 202.
  • Alternative methods of applying tungsten disulfide include, but are not limited to, mixing the tungsten disulfide powder with a carrier, such as, for example, isopropyl alcohol, and buffing the mixture onto the outside surfaces of the expansion cone.
  • Reduced expansion and initiation forces are achieved by the coating of tungsten disulfide on the expansion surface of an expansion device. Alternatively, or in addition to the application of tungsten disulfide to the expansion surface of an expansion device, reduced expansion and initiation forces may also be achieved by the coating of tungsten disulfide on the interior surface of an expandable tubular member.
  • An expansion device for radially expanding a tubular member has been described that includes a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack; wherein the first outer surface comprises a tungsten disulfide coating and the first angle of attack ranges from about 8 to 20 degrees. A second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface; wherein the second outer surface comprises a tungsten disulfide coating; the second angle of attack ranges from about 4 to 15 degrees; and wherein the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack. A rear end is coupled to the second outer surface.
  • An expandable tubular member for traversing a borehole in a subterranean formation has been described that includes a tungsten disulfide coating applied to the interior surface of the expandable tubular member.
  • An expansion device for radially expanding a tubular member has been described that includes a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack; wherein the first outer surface comprises a tungsten disulfide coating. A second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface; wherein the second outer surface comprises a tungsten disulfide coating. The first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack. One or more intermediate outer surfaces are coupled between the first and second outer surfaces; wherein the one or more intermediate outer surfaces comprise a tungsten disulfide coating. The angle of attack of the intermediate outer surfaces continually decreases from the first outer surface to the second outer surface and is defined by a parabolic equation.
  • An expansion system for radially expanding a tubular member has been described that includes an expansion device comprising a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack; wherein the first angle of attack ranges from about 8 to 20 degrees. The expansion device further comprises a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface; wherein the second angle of attack ranges from about 4 to 15 degrees and the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack. A rear end is coupled to the second outer surface and there are means for displacing the expansion device relative to the expandable tubular member. A tungsten disulfide coating is applied to at least one of the following surfaces: the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and the first and second outer surfaces of the expansion device.
  • An expansion system for radially expanding a tubular member has been described that includes an expansion device comprising a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack and a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface. The first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack and the expansion device further comprises one or more intermediate outer surfaces coupled between the first and second outer surfaces; wherein the angle of attack of the intermediate outer surfaces continually decreases from the first outer surface to the second outer surface. The angle of attack of the outer surfaces is defined by a parabolic equation; and there are means for displacing the expansion device in an expandable tubular member. A tungsten disulfide coating is applied to at least one of the following surfaces: the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and the first, second, and intermediate outer surfaces of the expansion device.
  • A method of expanding an expandable tubular member has been described that includes radially expanding at least a portion of the tubular member by extruding at least a portion of the tubular member off of an expansion device; wherein the expansion device comprises a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack that ranges from about 8 to 20 degrees. A second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack is coupled to the first outer surface, the second angle of attack ranges from about 4 to 15 degrees and the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack. A tungsten disulfide coating is applied to at least one of the following surfaces: the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and the first and second outer surfaces of the expansion device. A rear end is coupled to the second outer surface.
  • A method of expanding an expandable tubular member has been described that includes radially expanding at least a portion of the tubular member by extruding at least a portion of the tubular member off of an expansion device. The expansion device comprises a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack, and a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack is coupled to the first outer surface. The first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack; and the expansion device further comprises one or more intermediate outer surfaces coupled between the first and second outer surfaces. A tungsten disulfide coating is applied to at least one of the following surfaces: the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and the first, second, and intermediate outer surfaces of the expansion device. The angle of attack of the intermediate outer surfaces continually decreases from the first outer surface to the second outer surface, and the angle of attack of the outer surfaces is defined by a parabolic equation.
  • Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, changes and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. In some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features, and some steps of the present invention may be executed without a corresponding execution of other steps. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes and substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims, and it is appropriate that the claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

Claims (31)

1. An expansion device for radially expanding a tubular member comprising:
a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack;
wherein the first outer surface comprises a tungsten disulfide coating.
2. The expansion device of claim 1, further comprising:
a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface;
wherein the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack; and
wherein the second outer surface comprises a tungsten disulfide coating.
3. The expansion device of claim 1, further comprising:
a rear end coupled to the second outer surface.
4. The expansion device of claim 2, wherein the first angle of attack ranges from about 8 to 20 degrees; and wherein the second angle of attack ranges from about 4 to 15 degrees.
5. The expansion device of claim 2, further comprising one or more intermediate outer surfaces coupled between the first and second outer surfaces;
wherein the one or more intermediate outer surfaces comprise a tungsten disulfide coating.
6. The expansion device of claim 5, wherein the angle of attack of the intermediate outer surfaces continually decreases from the first outer surface to the second outer surface.
7. The expansion device of claim 5, wherein the angle of attack of the intermediate outer surfaces decreases in steps from the first outer surface to the second outer surface.
8. The expansion device of claim 5, wherein the angle of attack of the outer surfaces is defined by a parabolic equation.
9. An expansion device for radially expanding a tubular member comprising:
a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack;
wherein the first outer surface comprises a tungsten disulfide coating;
wherein the first angle of attack ranges from about 8 to 20 degrees;
a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface;
wherein the second outer surface comprises a tungsten disulfide coating;
wherein the second angle of attack ranges from about 4 to 15 degrees;
wherein the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack; and
a rear end coupled to the second outer surface.
10. An expansion device for radially expanding a tubular member comprising:
a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack;
wherein the first outer surface comprises a tungsten disulfide coating;
a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface;
wherein the second outer surface comprises a tungsten disulfide coating;
wherein the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack; and
further comprising one or more intermediate outer surfaces coupled between the first and second outer surfaces;
wherein the one or more intermediate outer surfaces comprise a tungsten disulfide coating;
wherein the angle of attack of the intermediate outer surfaces continually decreases from the first outer surface to the second outer surface; and
wherein the angle of attack of the outer surfaces is defined by a parabolic equation.
11. An expandable tubular member for traversing a borehole in a subterranean formation comprising:
a tungsten disulfide coating applied to the interior surface of the expandable tubular member.
12. An expansion system for radially expanding a tubular member comprising:
an expansion device comprising a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack;
wherein at least one of the following surfaces comprises a tungsten disulfide coating: the first outer surface of the expansion device and the interior surface of the expandable tubular member; and
means for displacing the expansion device relative to the expandable tubular member.
13. The expansion system of claim 12, wherein the expansion device further comprises a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface;
wherein the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack; and
wherein the second outer surface comprises a tungsten disulfide coating.
14. The expansion device of claim 12, wherein the expansion device further comprises a rear end coupled to the second outer surface.
15. The expansion system of claim 13, wherein the first angle of attack ranges from about 8 to 20 degrees; and
wherein the second angle of attack ranges from about 4 to 15 degrees.
16. The expansion system of claim 13, wherein the expansion device further comprises one or more intermediate outer surfaces coupled between the first and second outer surfaces;
wherein the one or more intermediate outer surfaces comprise a tungsten disulfide coating.
17. The expansion system of claim 16, wherein the angle of attack of the intermediate outer surfaces continually decreases from the first outer surface to the second outer surface.
18. The expansion system of claim 16, wherein the angle of attack of the intermediate outer surfaces decreases in steps from the first outer surface to the second outer surface.
19. The expansion system of claim 16, wherein the angle of attack of the outer surfaces is defined by a parabolic equation.
20. An expansion system for radially expanding a tubular member comprising:
an expansion device comprising a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack;
wherein the first angle of attack ranges from about 8 to 20 degrees;
a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface;
wherein the second angle of attack ranges from about 4 to 15 degrees;
wherein the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack; and
a rear end coupled to the second outer surface; and
means for displacing the expansion device relative to the expandable tubular member;
wherein at least one of the following surfaces comprises a tungsten disulfide coating: the first and second outer surfaces of the expansion device and the interior surface of the expandable tubular member.
21. An expansion system for radially expanding a tubular member comprising:
an expansion device comprising a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack;
a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface;
wherein the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack; and
further comprising one or more intermediate outer surfaces coupled between the first and second outer surfaces;
wherein the angle of attack of the intermediate outer surfaces continually decreases from the first outer surface to the second outer surface;
wherein the angle of attack of the outer surfaces is defined by a parabolic equation; and
means for displacing the expansion device in an expandable tubular member;
wherein at least one of the following surfaces comprises a tungsten disulfide coating: the first, second, and intermediate outer surfaces of the expansion device and the interior surface of the expandable tubular member.
22. A method of expanding an expandable tubular member comprising:
radially expanding at least a portion of the tubular member by extruding at least a portion of the tubular member off of an expansion device;
wherein the expansion device comprises a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack;
wherein a tungsten disulfide coating is applied to at least one of the following surfaces: the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and the first outer surface of the expansion device.
23. The method of expanding a tubular member according to claim 22, wherein the expansion device further comprises:
a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface;
wherein the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack; and
wherein a tungsten disulfide coating is applied to at least one of the following surfaces: the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and the first and second outer surfaces of the expansion device.
24. The method of expanding a tubular member according to claim 22, wherein the expansion device further comprises:
a rear end coupled to the second outer surface.
25. The method of expanding a tubular member according to claim 22, wherein the first angle of attack ranges from about 8 to 20 degrees; and wherein the second angle of attack ranges from about 4 to 15 degrees.
26. The method of expanding a tubular member according to claim 22, wherein the expansion device further comprises one or more intermediate outer surfaces coupled between the first and second outer surfaces;
wherein a tungsten disulfide coating is applied to at least one of the following surfaces: the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and the first, second, and intermediate outer surfaces of the expansion device.
27. The method of expanding a tubular member according to claim 22, wherein the angle of attack of the intermediate outer surfaces continually decreases from the first outer surface to the second outer surface.
28. The method of expanding a tubular member according to claim 22, wherein the angle of attack of the intermediate outer surfaces decreases in steps from the first outer surface to the second outer surface.
29. The method of expanding a tubular member according to claim 22, wherein the angle of attack of the outer surfaces is defined by a parabolic equation.
30. A method of expanding an expandable tubular member comprising:
radially expanding at least a portion of the tubular member by extruding at least a portion of the tubular member off of an expansion device;
wherein the expansion device comprises a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack;
wherein the first angle of attack ranges from about 8 to 20 degrees;
a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface;
wherein a tungsten disulfide coating is applied to at least one of the following surfaces: the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and the first and second outer surfaces of the expansion device;
wherein the second angle of attack ranges from about 4 to 15 degrees;
wherein the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack; and
a rear end coupled to the second outer surface.
31. A method of expanding an expandable tubular member comprising:
radially expanding at least a portion of the tubular member by extruding at least a portion of the tubular member off of an expansion device;
wherein the expansion device comprises a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack;
a second outer surface comprising a second angle of attack coupled to the first outer surface;
wherein the first angle of attack is greater than the second angle of attack; and
further comprising one or more intermediate outer surfaces coupled between the first and second outer surfaces;
wherein a tungsten disulfide coating is applied to at least one of the following surfaces: the interior surface of the expandable tubular member and the first, second, and intermediate outer surfaces of the expansion device;
wherein the angle of attack of the intermediate outer surfaces continually decreases from the first outer surface to the second outer surface; and
wherein the angle of attack of the outer surfaces is defined by a parabolic equation.
US11/356,899 1998-12-07 2006-02-17 Expansion system Abandoned US20070051520A1 (en)

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US11/356,899 US20070051520A1 (en) 1998-12-07 2006-02-17 Expansion system
CA002577742A CA2577742A1 (en) 2006-02-17 2007-02-09 Expansion system
GB0702989A GB2435280B (en) 2006-02-17 2007-02-15 Expansion system utilising tungsten disulphide

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11129398P 1998-12-07 1998-12-07
US09/454,139 US6497289B1 (en) 1998-12-07 1999-12-03 Method of creating a casing in a borehole
US10/199,524 US7159665B2 (en) 1998-12-07 2002-07-19 Wellbore casing
US11/356,899 US20070051520A1 (en) 1998-12-07 2006-02-17 Expansion system

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US10/199,524 Continuation US7159665B2 (en) 1998-12-07 2002-07-19 Wellbore casing

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CA2577742A1 (en) 2007-08-17

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