Method of radially expanding a tubular element
US8056642B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 2010 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/103
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The invention relates to a method of radially expanding a tubular element extending into a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the tubular element including a first layer and a second layer extending around the first layer, said layers being separable from each other. The method comprises inducing each layer to bend radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element, wherein each layer has a respective bending zone in which the bending occurs, and increasing the length of the expanded tubular section by inducing the respective bending zones of the layers to move in an axial direction relative to the remaining tubular section. The layers in the respective bending zones are separate from each other so as to define an axial space between the layers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.