CA2546937C - Connector for expandable well screen - Google Patents
Connector for expandable well screen Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2546937C CA2546937C CA2546937A CA2546937A CA2546937C CA 2546937 C CA2546937 C CA 2546937C CA 2546937 A CA2546937 A CA 2546937A CA 2546937 A CA2546937 A CA 2546937A CA 2546937 C CA2546937 C CA 2546937C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tubing
- expandable
- arrangement
- filter
- filter screen
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- 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
- E21B43/106—Couplings or joints therefor
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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
- E21B43/108—Expandable screens or perforated liners
Abstract
A tubing connection arrangement comprises two expandable tubing sections, each tubing section comprising a filter screen sandwiched between inner expandable tubing and outer expandable tubing. The filter screen of one tubing section overlaps the filter screen of the other tubing section and the outer expandable tubing of at least one of the tubing sections extends over the overlapping filter screens. On expansion of the tubing sections, the overlapping filter screens, restrained by the outer tubing, ensure the integrity of the filter between the tubing sections.
Description
CONNECTOR FOR EXPANDABLE WELL SCREEN
This is a divisional application of Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 2,337,104 filed on August 9, 1999.
This invention relates to a downhole connector, and in particular to an arrangement for ensuring the integrity of a sand screen or other filter medium at a connection between two lengths of expandable tubing utilised to support or form a sand screen or filter. It should be understood that the expression "the invention" and the like encompasses the subject matter of both the parent 'and the divisional applications.
In many well bores where a liquid, for example oil, passes from a surrounding formation into the well bore, the liquid will often carry entrained sand particles. If this sand is permitted to pass into the well bore a number of problems may arise, including an increased likelihood of the well bore becoming blocked or restricted, and the sand may cause downhole tools to stick or jam, or wear prematurely.
Accordingly, it is preferred that the sand particles are retained in the formation. This is achieved by providing screens or a filter around the casing or production tubing.
International Patent Application WO 97/17524 (Shell), describes a radially expandable assembly in which overlapping filter sheets are sandwiched between inner expandable support tubing and outer expandable protective tubing, the expandable tubing featuring large members of overlapping longitudinal slots. When an expander cone is forced through the assembly, the inner and outer tubing is expanded radially, the slots extending to form diamond-shaped openings. The initial degree of overlap between the screens is selected such that,
This is a divisional application of Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 2,337,104 filed on August 9, 1999.
This invention relates to a downhole connector, and in particular to an arrangement for ensuring the integrity of a sand screen or other filter medium at a connection between two lengths of expandable tubing utilised to support or form a sand screen or filter. It should be understood that the expression "the invention" and the like encompasses the subject matter of both the parent 'and the divisional applications.
In many well bores where a liquid, for example oil, passes from a surrounding formation into the well bore, the liquid will often carry entrained sand particles. If this sand is permitted to pass into the well bore a number of problems may arise, including an increased likelihood of the well bore becoming blocked or restricted, and the sand may cause downhole tools to stick or jam, or wear prematurely.
Accordingly, it is preferred that the sand particles are retained in the formation. This is achieved by providing screens or a filter around the casing or production tubing.
International Patent Application WO 97/17524 (Shell), describes a radially expandable assembly in which overlapping filter sheets are sandwiched between inner expandable support tubing and outer expandable protective tubing, the expandable tubing featuring large members of overlapping longitudinal slots. When an expander cone is forced through the assembly, the inner and outer tubing is expanded radially, the slots extending to form diamond-shaped openings. The initial degree of overlap between the screens is selected such that,
2 although the screens move circumferentially relative to one another during expansion, the edges of the screens remain in overlapping relation. Such an arrangement can easily be constructed over sections of plain tubing or pipe- However, at the connections between tubing sections, where the inner tubing sections are coupled together, it is difficult to maintain a "sand-tight" join.
It is among the objectives of embodiments. of the present invention to provide a connector arrangement which obviates or mitigates this difficulty.
According to the present invention there is provided a connector arrangement for provision between the ends of two sections of expandable tubing, each expandable tubing section comprising a filter screen sandwiched between .inner expandable tubing and outer expandable tubing, the filter screen of one tubing section overlapping the filter screen of the other tubing section and the outer expandable tubing of at least one of the tubing sections extending over the overlapping filter screens.
The invention also relates to expandable tubing sections which are adapted to be connected in this manner, and to expandable tubing strings incorporating such connector arrangements, and to a method of connecting tubing sections.
On expansion of the tubing sections, the overlapping filter screens, tesCrained by the outer cubing, ensure the integrity of the filter between the cubing sections.
The outer expandable tubing of one tubing section may be arranged to overlap or to butt against the outer expandable
It is among the objectives of embodiments. of the present invention to provide a connector arrangement which obviates or mitigates this difficulty.
According to the present invention there is provided a connector arrangement for provision between the ends of two sections of expandable tubing, each expandable tubing section comprising a filter screen sandwiched between .inner expandable tubing and outer expandable tubing, the filter screen of one tubing section overlapping the filter screen of the other tubing section and the outer expandable tubing of at least one of the tubing sections extending over the overlapping filter screens.
The invention also relates to expandable tubing sections which are adapted to be connected in this manner, and to expandable tubing strings incorporating such connector arrangements, and to a method of connecting tubing sections.
On expansion of the tubing sections, the overlapping filter screens, tesCrained by the outer cubing, ensure the integrity of the filter between the cubing sections.
The outer expandable tubing of one tubing section may be arranged to overlap or to butt against the outer expandable
3 tubing of the other tubing section.
Each filter screen will typically comprise a plurality of overlapping plates, sheets or membranes individually mounted to the respective inner expandable tubing by axially parallel connectors or fixings, such as screws, lugs or welds.
Preferably, the filter screens of each tubing section are initially radially spaced apart to facilitate make-up of the connector- However, on expansion, the resistance of the outer tubing to radial expansion of the inner tubing ensures that the outer filter screen is pressed into sand-tight engagement with the inner filter screen. The desired relative positioning of the filter screens of the two tubing sections may be achieved by providing one inner tubing section having an end of slightly larger diameter than the other. In certain embodiments the ends of each tubing section may be upset, that is of greater diameter than the remainder of the tubing section, and the desired difference in diameter may be achieved by providing a slightly higher upset on one tubing section- Conveniently, the inner tubing sections will feature pin and box connections, and the upset on the box may be slightly higher than the pin. Of course the opposite arrangement may provided, that is the pin upset being higher than the box.
The ends of one or both filter screens may be provided with means for preventing interference between the screen ends when the tubing sections are rotated relative to one another, as may be the case if the tubing sections are
Each filter screen will typically comprise a plurality of overlapping plates, sheets or membranes individually mounted to the respective inner expandable tubing by axially parallel connectors or fixings, such as screws, lugs or welds.
Preferably, the filter screens of each tubing section are initially radially spaced apart to facilitate make-up of the connector- However, on expansion, the resistance of the outer tubing to radial expansion of the inner tubing ensures that the outer filter screen is pressed into sand-tight engagement with the inner filter screen. The desired relative positioning of the filter screens of the two tubing sections may be achieved by providing one inner tubing section having an end of slightly larger diameter than the other. In certain embodiments the ends of each tubing section may be upset, that is of greater diameter than the remainder of the tubing section, and the desired difference in diameter may be achieved by providing a slightly higher upset on one tubing section- Conveniently, the inner tubing sections will feature pin and box connections, and the upset on the box may be slightly higher than the pin. Of course the opposite arrangement may provided, that is the pin upset being higher than the box.
The ends of one or both filter screens may be provided with means for preventing interference between the screen ends when the tubing sections are rotated relative to one another, as may be the case if the tubing sections are
4 threaded to one another- Said means may take the form of a sleeve of flexible or extendible material located internally and\or externally of the filter screens. The sleeve may be formed of flexible slotted tubing, plastics, rubber, wire mesh or wire composites.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a section of expandable tubing comprising a filter medium sandwiched between inner expandable tubing and outer expandable tubing, the filter medium comprising a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, each sheet being coupled at one edge to one of the inner and outer tubing and having the opposite edge overlapping an adjacent sheet, and means for reducing the friction between at least one of the filter sheets and the filter sheets and the tubing.
In other aspects of the invention friction reducing means may be provided on other parts or elements of a tubing section.
This aspect of the invention may be provided in combination with the first described aspect-In use, the friction reducing means facilitates expansion of the tubing by facilitating relative circumferential movement of the filter sheets relative to one another and of the filter sheets relative to the tubing. The presence of such friction reducing means also reduces the likelihood of damage occurring z:o cue relatively fragile filter sheets during expansion, as has been found to occur on occasion in tubing made in accordance with WO 97/17524.
Preferably, the friction reducing means is a low friction coating applied to the filter sheets, such as a PTFE-based material such as Teflon (trade mark). In other embodiments a friction-reducing lubricant, such as high temperature grease, may be provided. Alternatively, sheets
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a section of expandable tubing comprising a filter medium sandwiched between inner expandable tubing and outer expandable tubing, the filter medium comprising a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, each sheet being coupled at one edge to one of the inner and outer tubing and having the opposite edge overlapping an adjacent sheet, and means for reducing the friction between at least one of the filter sheets and the filter sheets and the tubing.
In other aspects of the invention friction reducing means may be provided on other parts or elements of a tubing section.
This aspect of the invention may be provided in combination with the first described aspect-In use, the friction reducing means facilitates expansion of the tubing by facilitating relative circumferential movement of the filter sheets relative to one another and of the filter sheets relative to the tubing. The presence of such friction reducing means also reduces the likelihood of damage occurring z:o cue relatively fragile filter sheets during expansion, as has been found to occur on occasion in tubing made in accordance with WO 97/17524.
Preferably, the friction reducing means is a low friction coating applied to the filter sheets, such as a PTFE-based material such as Teflon (trade mark). In other embodiments a friction-reducing lubricant, such as high temperature grease, may be provided. Alternatively, sheets
5 of low friction material may be placed between the filter sheets and the tubing.
In one aspect, the invention provides a section of expandable tubing comprising two filter screens sandwiched between an inner expandable tubing and an outer expandable tubing, each filter screen comprising a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, each sheet being coupled to the inner expandable tubing and coated with a low friction coating configured to reduce the friction between the filter sheets.
In another aspect, the invention provides an expandable connector for connecting portions of expandable tubing comprising a first connector portion and a second connector portion, the first and second portions being threadably engaged to one another, an outer tubular member for surrounding a portion of the threadably engaged first and second portions and resisting a radial expansion thereof, and a filter screen having a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, wherein each sheet is coupled to one of the first connector portion and second connector portion at one edge and overlaps an adjacent sheet at the opposite edge.
In another aspect, the invention provides an expandable connection for wellbore tubulars, comprising a first wellbore tubular having a first connection member, a second wellbore tubular having a second connection member, wherein the first connection member is threadably engaged with the second connection member to form the expandable connection, an expansion resistance member disposed outside 5a the expandable connection for resisting the expansion of the expandable connection, and a filter screen having a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, wherein each sheet is coupled to one of the first connection member and the second connection member at one edge and overlaps and adjacent sheet at the opposite edge.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of expanding a wellbore tubular, comprising providing a wellbore tubular having a first connection member threadably engaged with a second connection member and an expansion resistance member disposed therearound, and expanding the first and second connection members radially outward against an inward radial force provided by the expansion resistance member, the first and second connection members remaining threadably engaged during and after expansion.
In another aspect, the invention provides an expandable connector for connecting portions of expandable tubing, comprising a first connector portion and a second connector portion, the first and second portions being inter-engageable and expandable to produce a larger diameter connection between the portions that remains inter-engageable, and an outer tubular member for surrounding a portion of the inter-engaged first and second portions and for resisting the radial expansion thereof.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of expanding a tubular connection, comprising providing a first connection portion engaged with a second connection portion, providing an outer member partially surrounding the engaged portions, and expanding the engaged portions radially outward, thereby causing the outer member to expand while resisting a radial expansion force exerted by the engaged portions whereby the first connection portion 5b and the second connection portion remain engaged after expansion.
In another aspect, there is provided an expandable connection for expandable tubulars, comprising a first expandable tubular having a first connection member, a second expandable tubular having a second connection member engaged with the first connection member, wherein the first and second connection members are expandable, and the first and second connector members remain engaged following expansion thereof, and an outer tubular member surrounding a portion of the engaged first and second connection members, wherein the outer tubular member is configured to expand in response to the first and second connection members being expanded.
In another aspect, there is provided a method of expanding a tubular connection comprising providing a first connection portion engaged with a second connection portion, the portions being expandable, and expanding the portions radially outward while applying a force from without the tubular connection, wherein the force opposes the expansion and causes the engagement to retain integrity following the expansion.
The present invention also provides an expandable tubing assembly, comprising a first tubular having a connector end configured to mate with a corresponding connector end of a second tubular to form a connection, and an outer tubular coupled to the first tubular, the outer tubular substantially surrounding an external circumferential junction between the first and second tubulars when the first and second tubulars are connected to one another, wherein the connection is expandable and the outer tubular is adapted to resist radial expansion of 5c the connection to ensure that integrity between the first and second tubulars is retained after expansion.
The present invention also provides a method of expanding a connection between first and second tubulars in a wellbore, comprising providing the connection having the first and second tubulars with mating ends connected to one another and an outer tubular coupled to the first tubular and substantially surrounding an external circumferential junction between the first and second tubulars, and passing an expander through the connection to expand the connection downhole, wherein the outer tubular -resists radial expansion of the first and second tubulars to ensure that integrity between the first and second tubulars is retained after expansion.
The present invention also provides an expandable tubing assembly, comprising a first tubular member with a pin end having a threaded outer surface, a second tubular member with a box end having a corresponding threaded inner surface for mating with the pin end to form a connection, wherein an inner circumferential lip of the box end is adapted to receive a reduced inner diameter terminal extension of the pin end, and an outer tubular member disposed around the pin and box ends once the connection is formed, wherein the outer tubular member covers an external surface of the box ends and extends beyond a terminus of the second tubular member over an external surface of the first tubular member.
The present invention also provides an expandable tubing assembly, comprising a pin end having a threaded outer surface, a box end having a corresponding threaded inner surface for mating with the pin end to form a connection, wherein an outer circumferential lip of the pin end extends over the threaded outer surface of the pin end to receive a 5d reduced outer diameter terminal extension of the box end, and wherein an inner circumferential lip of the box end extends over the threaded inner surface of the box end to receive a reduced inner diameter terminal extension of the pin end, and an outer tubular member disposed around the pin and box ends once the connection is formed, wherein the outer tubular member covers an external surface of both the pin and box ends.
The present invention also provides a method of expanding a connection between tubing sections, comprising providing a pin end having a threaded outer surface and a box end having a corresponding threaded inner surface, mating the pin and box ends to form a connection by threading the ends together, wherein upon mating an outer circumferential lip of the pin end extends over the threaded outer surface of the pin end for receiving a reduced outer diameter terminal extension of the box end and an inner circumferential lip of the box end extends over the threaded inner surface of the box end for receiving a reduced inner diameter terminal extension of the pin end, and expanding the connection, wherein an outer tubular member disposed around the pin and box ends assists in ensuring integrity between the tubing sections by covering an external surface of both the pin and box ends.
The present invention also provides a method of expanding a connection between tubing sections, comprising providing a pin end having a threaded outer surface and a box end having a corresponding threaded inner surface, mating the pin and box ends to form a connection by threading the ends together, wherein upon mating an inner circumferential lip of the box end receives a reduced inner diameter terminal extension of the pin end, and expanding the connection, wherein an outer tubular member disposed 5e around the pin and box ends assists in ensuring integrity between the tubing sections by covering an external surface of both the pin and box ends.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a tubing connection arrangement comprising two expandable tubing sections, each tubing section comprising a filter screen sandwiched between inner expandable tubing and outer expandable tubing, the filter screen of one tubing section overlapping the filter screen of the other tubing section and the outer expandable tubing of at least one of the tubing sections extending over the overlapping filter screens.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a tubing connection method comprising:
providing at least two expandable tubing sections, each tubing section comprising a filter screen sandwiched between inner expandable tubing and outer expandable tubing; and connecting ends of the tubing sections such that the filter screen of one tubing section overlaps the filter screen of the other tubing section and the outer expandable tubing of at least one of the tubing sections extends over the overlapping filter screens.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an expandable connector for connecting portions of expandable tubing comprising:
a first connector portion and a second connector portion, the first and the second portions being threadably engaged to one another;
an outer tubular member for surrounding a portion of the threadably engaged first and second portions and resisting a radial expansion thereof; and 5f a filter screen having a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, wherein each sheet is coupled to the first connector portion or the second connector portion at one edge and overlaps an adjacent sheet at the opposite edge.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a downhole connector for wellbore tubulars, comprising:
a first wellbore tubular having a first connection member;
a second wellbore tubular having a second connection member;
wherein the first connection member is threadably engaged with the second connection member to form an expandable connection;
an expansion resistance member disposed outside the expandable connection for resisting the expansion of the expandable connection; and a filter screen having a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, wherein each sheet is coupled to one of the first connection member and the second connection member at one edge and overlaps an adjacent sheet at the opposite edge.
These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way or example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of part of a connector in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the connector parts shown separated;
and 5g Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the connector of Figure 1, with the connector parts shown coupled together.
The drawings illustrate part of a connector 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention- The connector 10 is provided between the ends of two sections of expandable tubing 12, 14, each comprising filter plates 16, 18 sandwiched between inner expandable support tubing 20, 22 and outer expandable protective tubing 24, 26. Each section of expandable tubing 20, 22, 24, 26 defines a large number of longitudinal overlapping slots. The sections of inner or base expandable tubing 20, 22 are formed with co-operating pin and box connections 28, 30, to allow the tubing sections 12, 14 to be made up by relative rotation-As is more clearly apparent from Figure 2, the box connection 30 is upset from the pin 28- The filter plates 13
In one aspect, the invention provides a section of expandable tubing comprising two filter screens sandwiched between an inner expandable tubing and an outer expandable tubing, each filter screen comprising a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, each sheet being coupled to the inner expandable tubing and coated with a low friction coating configured to reduce the friction between the filter sheets.
In another aspect, the invention provides an expandable connector for connecting portions of expandable tubing comprising a first connector portion and a second connector portion, the first and second portions being threadably engaged to one another, an outer tubular member for surrounding a portion of the threadably engaged first and second portions and resisting a radial expansion thereof, and a filter screen having a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, wherein each sheet is coupled to one of the first connector portion and second connector portion at one edge and overlaps an adjacent sheet at the opposite edge.
In another aspect, the invention provides an expandable connection for wellbore tubulars, comprising a first wellbore tubular having a first connection member, a second wellbore tubular having a second connection member, wherein the first connection member is threadably engaged with the second connection member to form the expandable connection, an expansion resistance member disposed outside 5a the expandable connection for resisting the expansion of the expandable connection, and a filter screen having a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, wherein each sheet is coupled to one of the first connection member and the second connection member at one edge and overlaps and adjacent sheet at the opposite edge.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of expanding a wellbore tubular, comprising providing a wellbore tubular having a first connection member threadably engaged with a second connection member and an expansion resistance member disposed therearound, and expanding the first and second connection members radially outward against an inward radial force provided by the expansion resistance member, the first and second connection members remaining threadably engaged during and after expansion.
In another aspect, the invention provides an expandable connector for connecting portions of expandable tubing, comprising a first connector portion and a second connector portion, the first and second portions being inter-engageable and expandable to produce a larger diameter connection between the portions that remains inter-engageable, and an outer tubular member for surrounding a portion of the inter-engaged first and second portions and for resisting the radial expansion thereof.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of expanding a tubular connection, comprising providing a first connection portion engaged with a second connection portion, providing an outer member partially surrounding the engaged portions, and expanding the engaged portions radially outward, thereby causing the outer member to expand while resisting a radial expansion force exerted by the engaged portions whereby the first connection portion 5b and the second connection portion remain engaged after expansion.
In another aspect, there is provided an expandable connection for expandable tubulars, comprising a first expandable tubular having a first connection member, a second expandable tubular having a second connection member engaged with the first connection member, wherein the first and second connection members are expandable, and the first and second connector members remain engaged following expansion thereof, and an outer tubular member surrounding a portion of the engaged first and second connection members, wherein the outer tubular member is configured to expand in response to the first and second connection members being expanded.
In another aspect, there is provided a method of expanding a tubular connection comprising providing a first connection portion engaged with a second connection portion, the portions being expandable, and expanding the portions radially outward while applying a force from without the tubular connection, wherein the force opposes the expansion and causes the engagement to retain integrity following the expansion.
The present invention also provides an expandable tubing assembly, comprising a first tubular having a connector end configured to mate with a corresponding connector end of a second tubular to form a connection, and an outer tubular coupled to the first tubular, the outer tubular substantially surrounding an external circumferential junction between the first and second tubulars when the first and second tubulars are connected to one another, wherein the connection is expandable and the outer tubular is adapted to resist radial expansion of 5c the connection to ensure that integrity between the first and second tubulars is retained after expansion.
The present invention also provides a method of expanding a connection between first and second tubulars in a wellbore, comprising providing the connection having the first and second tubulars with mating ends connected to one another and an outer tubular coupled to the first tubular and substantially surrounding an external circumferential junction between the first and second tubulars, and passing an expander through the connection to expand the connection downhole, wherein the outer tubular -resists radial expansion of the first and second tubulars to ensure that integrity between the first and second tubulars is retained after expansion.
The present invention also provides an expandable tubing assembly, comprising a first tubular member with a pin end having a threaded outer surface, a second tubular member with a box end having a corresponding threaded inner surface for mating with the pin end to form a connection, wherein an inner circumferential lip of the box end is adapted to receive a reduced inner diameter terminal extension of the pin end, and an outer tubular member disposed around the pin and box ends once the connection is formed, wherein the outer tubular member covers an external surface of the box ends and extends beyond a terminus of the second tubular member over an external surface of the first tubular member.
The present invention also provides an expandable tubing assembly, comprising a pin end having a threaded outer surface, a box end having a corresponding threaded inner surface for mating with the pin end to form a connection, wherein an outer circumferential lip of the pin end extends over the threaded outer surface of the pin end to receive a 5d reduced outer diameter terminal extension of the box end, and wherein an inner circumferential lip of the box end extends over the threaded inner surface of the box end to receive a reduced inner diameter terminal extension of the pin end, and an outer tubular member disposed around the pin and box ends once the connection is formed, wherein the outer tubular member covers an external surface of both the pin and box ends.
The present invention also provides a method of expanding a connection between tubing sections, comprising providing a pin end having a threaded outer surface and a box end having a corresponding threaded inner surface, mating the pin and box ends to form a connection by threading the ends together, wherein upon mating an outer circumferential lip of the pin end extends over the threaded outer surface of the pin end for receiving a reduced outer diameter terminal extension of the box end and an inner circumferential lip of the box end extends over the threaded inner surface of the box end for receiving a reduced inner diameter terminal extension of the pin end, and expanding the connection, wherein an outer tubular member disposed around the pin and box ends assists in ensuring integrity between the tubing sections by covering an external surface of both the pin and box ends.
The present invention also provides a method of expanding a connection between tubing sections, comprising providing a pin end having a threaded outer surface and a box end having a corresponding threaded inner surface, mating the pin and box ends to form a connection by threading the ends together, wherein upon mating an inner circumferential lip of the box end receives a reduced inner diameter terminal extension of the pin end, and expanding the connection, wherein an outer tubular member disposed 5e around the pin and box ends assists in ensuring integrity between the tubing sections by covering an external surface of both the pin and box ends.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a tubing connection arrangement comprising two expandable tubing sections, each tubing section comprising a filter screen sandwiched between inner expandable tubing and outer expandable tubing, the filter screen of one tubing section overlapping the filter screen of the other tubing section and the outer expandable tubing of at least one of the tubing sections extending over the overlapping filter screens.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a tubing connection method comprising:
providing at least two expandable tubing sections, each tubing section comprising a filter screen sandwiched between inner expandable tubing and outer expandable tubing; and connecting ends of the tubing sections such that the filter screen of one tubing section overlaps the filter screen of the other tubing section and the outer expandable tubing of at least one of the tubing sections extends over the overlapping filter screens.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an expandable connector for connecting portions of expandable tubing comprising:
a first connector portion and a second connector portion, the first and the second portions being threadably engaged to one another;
an outer tubular member for surrounding a portion of the threadably engaged first and second portions and resisting a radial expansion thereof; and 5f a filter screen having a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, wherein each sheet is coupled to the first connector portion or the second connector portion at one edge and overlaps an adjacent sheet at the opposite edge.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a downhole connector for wellbore tubulars, comprising:
a first wellbore tubular having a first connection member;
a second wellbore tubular having a second connection member;
wherein the first connection member is threadably engaged with the second connection member to form an expandable connection;
an expansion resistance member disposed outside the expandable connection for resisting the expansion of the expandable connection; and a filter screen having a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, wherein each sheet is coupled to one of the first connection member and the second connection member at one edge and overlaps an adjacent sheet at the opposite edge.
These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way or example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of part of a connector in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the connector parts shown separated;
and 5g Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of the connector of Figure 1, with the connector parts shown coupled together.
The drawings illustrate part of a connector 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention- The connector 10 is provided between the ends of two sections of expandable tubing 12, 14, each comprising filter plates 16, 18 sandwiched between inner expandable support tubing 20, 22 and outer expandable protective tubing 24, 26. Each section of expandable tubing 20, 22, 24, 26 defines a large number of longitudinal overlapping slots. The sections of inner or base expandable tubing 20, 22 are formed with co-operating pin and box connections 28, 30, to allow the tubing sections 12, 14 to be made up by relative rotation-As is more clearly apparent from Figure 2, the box connection 30 is upset from the pin 28- The filter plates 13
6 mounted around the box 30 extend beyond the end of the box outer surface 32 such that on making up the connection the filter plates 18 overlap the filter plates 16 mounted on the pin 28. The outer tubing 24 on the pin 28 terminates short of the end of the filter plates-16 to accommodate the filter plate overlap, and the outer tubing 24 is similarly overlapped by the end of the outer tubing 26 on the box 30.
The overlapping filter plates 16, 18 are positioned such that there is a small radial gap G between the filter plates 16, 18, to allow the connection to be made up without snagging or galling of the opposing filter plates.
When the connection is expanded downhole, by passing a cone through the connection, the outer tubing 24, 26 resists the expansion of the inner tubing 20, 22. This results In the outer tubing 24, 26 providing an inward radial force which maintains the overlapping filter plates 16, 18 in engagement and effects a sand-tight seal.
To facilitate make-up and backing-off of the connection 10, the ends of the filter plates 16 are provided with an expandable make-up protection sleeve 32 which prevents the overlapping plates on either the pin 28 or the box 30 from snagging on the opposing filter plates when the pin and box are rotated relative to one another.
To facilitate expansion of the tubing, the filter plates 16, 18 are provided with a coating 34 of a low-friction material, in this case a PTFE-based material such as Teflon.
This coating facilitates relative movement of the plates 16, 18, and relative movement of the plates 16, 18 and the tubing
The overlapping filter plates 16, 18 are positioned such that there is a small radial gap G between the filter plates 16, 18, to allow the connection to be made up without snagging or galling of the opposing filter plates.
When the connection is expanded downhole, by passing a cone through the connection, the outer tubing 24, 26 resists the expansion of the inner tubing 20, 22. This results In the outer tubing 24, 26 providing an inward radial force which maintains the overlapping filter plates 16, 18 in engagement and effects a sand-tight seal.
To facilitate make-up and backing-off of the connection 10, the ends of the filter plates 16 are provided with an expandable make-up protection sleeve 32 which prevents the overlapping plates on either the pin 28 or the box 30 from snagging on the opposing filter plates when the pin and box are rotated relative to one another.
To facilitate expansion of the tubing, the filter plates 16, 18 are provided with a coating 34 of a low-friction material, in this case a PTFE-based material such as Teflon.
This coating facilitates relative movement of the plates 16, 18, and relative movement of the plates 16, 18 and the tubing
7 20, 22, 24, 26, and minimises the risk of tearing of the filter plates 16, 18 as the tubing sections are made up and expanded.
It will be clear to those of skill in the art that the above-described embodiment is merely exemplary of the present invention, and that various modifications and improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention-
It will be clear to those of skill in the art that the above-described embodiment is merely exemplary of the present invention, and that various modifications and improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention-
Claims (22)
1. A tubing connection arrangement comprising two expandable tubing sections, each tubing section comprising a filter screen sandwiched between inner expandable tubing and outer expandable tubing, the filter screen of one tubing section overlapping the filter screen of the other tubing section and the outer expandable tubing of at least one of the tubing sections extending over the overlapping filter screens.
2. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the outer expandable tubing of one tubing section is arranged to overlap the outer expandable tubing of the other tubing section.
3. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the outer expandable tubing of one tubing section is arranged to butt against the outer expandable tubing of the other tubing section.
4. The arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each filter screen comprises a plurality of overlapping sheets individually mounted to the respective inner expandable tubing by axially parallel fixings.
5. The arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each filter screen comprises a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, each sheet being coupled to the inner expandable tubing and coated with a low friction coating configured to reduce the friction between the filter sheets.
6. The arrangement of claim 5, wherein the low friction coating is made from a polytetrafluoroethylene-based material.
7. The arrangement of claim 5 or 6, wherein the low friction coating is further configured to reduce the friction between at least one of the filter sheets and the outer expandable tubing.
8. The arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the filter screen comprises:
a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, each sheet being coupled at one edge to the inner or the outer tubing and having the opposite edge overlapping an adjacent sheet; and means for reducing the friction between at least one of (i) the filter sheets and (ii) the filter sheets and the expandable tubings.
a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, each sheet being coupled at one edge to the inner or the outer tubing and having the opposite edge overlapping an adjacent sheet; and means for reducing the friction between at least one of (i) the filter sheets and (ii) the filter sheets and the expandable tubings.
9. The arrangement of claim 8, wherein the friction reducing means is a low friction coating applied to the filter sheets.
10. The arrangement of claim 9, wherein the low friction coating is made from a polytetrafluoroethylene-based material.
11. The arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the filter screen of one tubing section is initially of greater diameter than the filter screen of the other tubing section such that the filter screens are initially radially spaced apart.
12. The arrangement of claim 11, wherein the inner tubing of said one tubing section has an end of larger diameter than an end of the inner tubing of the other tubing section.
13. The arrangement of claim 12, wherein ends of at least one tubing section are upset.
14. The arrangement of claim 13, wherein the ends of both tubing sections are upset, with a higher upset being provided on one tubing section.
15. The arrangement of claim 13 or 14, wherein the inner tubing sections incorporate pin and box connections, and the upset on the box is higher than the upset on the pin.
16. The arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein an end of at least one filter screen is provided with means for preventing interference between ends of the filter screens when the tubing sections are rotated relative to one another.
17. The arrangement of claim 16, wherein said means for preventing interference is a sleeve of expandable material.
18. The arrangement of claim 17, wherein the sleeve extends internally of at least one of the filter screens.
19. The arrangement of claim 17, wherein the sleeve extends externally of at least one of the filter screens.
20. A tubing connection method comprising:
providing at least two expandable tubing sections, each tubing section comprising a filter screen sandwiched between inner expandable tubing and outer expandable tubing; and connecting ends of the tubing sections such that the filter screen of one tubing section overlaps the filter screen of the other tubing section and the outer expandable tubing of at least one of the tubing sections extends over the overlapping filter screens.
providing at least two expandable tubing sections, each tubing section comprising a filter screen sandwiched between inner expandable tubing and outer expandable tubing; and connecting ends of the tubing sections such that the filter screen of one tubing section overlaps the filter screen of the other tubing section and the outer expandable tubing of at least one of the tubing sections extends over the overlapping filter screens.
21. An expandable connector for connecting portions of expandable tubing comprising:
a first connector portion and a second connector portion, the first and the second portions being threadably engaged to one another;
an outer tubular member for surrounding a portion of the threadably engaged first and second portions and resisting a radial expansion thereof; and a filter screen having a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, wherein each sheet is coupled to the first connector portion or the second connector portion at one edge and overlaps an adjacent sheet at the opposite edge.
a first connector portion and a second connector portion, the first and the second portions being threadably engaged to one another;
an outer tubular member for surrounding a portion of the threadably engaged first and second portions and resisting a radial expansion thereof; and a filter screen having a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, wherein each sheet is coupled to the first connector portion or the second connector portion at one edge and overlaps an adjacent sheet at the opposite edge.
22. A downhole connector for wellbore tubulars, comprising:
a first wellbore tubular having a first connection member;
a second wellbore tubular having a second connection member;
wherein the first connection member is threadably engaged with the second connection member to form an expandable connection;
an expansion resistance member disposed outside the expandable connection for resisting the expansion of the expandable connection; and a filter screen having a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, wherein each sheet is coupled to one of the first connection member and the second connection member at one edge and overlaps an adjacent sheet at the opposite edge.
a first wellbore tubular having a first connection member;
a second wellbore tubular having a second connection member;
wherein the first connection member is threadably engaged with the second connection member to form an expandable connection;
an expansion resistance member disposed outside the expandable connection for resisting the expansion of the expandable connection; and a filter screen having a plurality of circumferentially extending filter sheets, wherein each sheet is coupled to one of the first connection member and the second connection member at one edge and overlaps an adjacent sheet at the opposite edge.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB9817246.3A GB9817246D0 (en) | 1998-08-08 | 1998-08-08 | Connector |
| GB9817246.3 | 1998-08-08 | ||
| CA002337104A CA2337104C (en) | 1998-08-08 | 1999-08-09 | Connector for expandable well screen |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002337104A Division CA2337104C (en) | 1998-08-08 | 1999-08-09 | Connector for expandable well screen |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2546937A1 CA2546937A1 (en) | 2000-02-17 |
| CA2546937C true CA2546937C (en) | 2010-10-12 |
Family
ID=36646344
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2546937A Expired - Lifetime CA2546937C (en) | 1998-08-08 | 1999-08-09 | Connector for expandable well screen |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2546937C (en) |
-
1999
- 1999-08-09 CA CA2546937A patent/CA2546937C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2546937A1 (en) | 2000-02-17 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20190809 |