Downhole pipe expansion apparatus and method
US6021850A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/105
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus of expanding tubulars is the disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a rounded tubular is inserted through a larger tubular while suspended on a mandrel. A stop device, such as a liner hanger, is attached to the larger tubular after delivery downhole on the mandrel. Upon engagement of the liner hanger or other stop device to the larger tubular, the mandrel is freely movable with respect to the stop device. The mandrel contains a deforming device such as a conically shaped wedge located below the tubular to be expanded. A force is applied from the surface to the mandrel, pulling the wedge into the tubular to be expanded. When the wedge clears through the tubular to be expanded, it releases the stop device so that the stop device can be retrieved with the mandrel to the surface. Thus, the stop device is supported by the larger tubing while the smaller tubing is expanded when the wedge is pulled through it. Should the tubular being expanded contract longitudinally while it is being expanded radially, it is free to move away from the stop device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.