GB2435280A

GB2435280A - An expandable cone or tubular having a coating of tungsten disulfide

Info

Publication number: GB2435280A
Application number: GB0702989A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Patrick Parker
Original assignee: Enventure Global Technology Inc
Current assignee: Enventure Global Technology Inc
Priority date: 2006-02-17
Filing date: 2007-02-15
Publication date: 2007-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 2027-02-15
Also published as: US20070051520A1; GB2435280B; GB0702989D0; CA2577742A1

Abstract

An expansion cone 600 for expanding a tubular includes on one of its surfaces a coating of tungsten disulfide which acts as a solid lubricant. The tungsten disulfide may also be applied to the interior surface of the tubular being expanded. The expansion cone 600 has a first outer surface comprising a first angle of attack 602 from about 8-20 degrees and a second outer surface having an angle of attack 604 from 4-15 degrees. In another embodiment the angle of attack 702 of said surfaces may be described by a parabolic equation.

Description

EXPANSION SYSTEM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application serial number 10/199,524, attorney docket number 25791.100, filed on 7/19/2002, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application serial number 09/454,139, attorney docket number 25791.3.02, filed 12/311999 (now U.S. Patent 6,497,289, issued 12/24/02) which claimed priority to U.S. provisional patent application serial number 60/111,293, attorney docket no. 25791.3, filed on 1217/1998, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to the following co-pending applications: (1) U.S. Patent Number 6,497,289, Which was filed as U.S. Patent Application serial no. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on 12/3/1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on 12/7/98, (2) U.S. patent application serial no. 09/510,913, attorney docket no. 25791.7.02, filed on 2/23/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,702, filed on 2/25/99, (3) U.S. patent application serial no. 09/502,350, attorney docket no. 25791.8.02, filed on 2/1 0/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/119,611, filed on 2/11/99, (4) U.S. patent no. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. Patent Application serial number 09/440,338, attorney docket number 25791.9.02, filed on 11/15/99, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on 11/1 6/98, (5) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/169,434, attorney docket no. 25791.10.04, filed on 7/1/02, which claims priority from provisional application 60/183,546, filed on 2/18/00, (6) U.S. patent application serial no. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on 3/10/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/1 24,042, filed on 3/11/99, (7) U.S. patent number 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/512,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on 2/24/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, filed on 2/26/99, (8) U.S. patent number 6,575,240, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/511,941, attorney docket no. 25791.16.02, filed on 2/24/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,907, filed on 2/26/99, (9) U.S. patent number 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on 6/7/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/1 37,998, filed on 6/7/99, (10) U.S. patent application serial no. 09/981,916, attorney docket no. 25791.18, filed on 10/18/01 as a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent no. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. Patent Application serial number 09/440,338, attorney docket number 25791.9.02, filed on 11/15/99, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on 11/16/98, (11) U.S. patent number 6,604,763, which was filed as application serial no. 09/559,122, attorney docket no. 25791.23.02, filed on 4/26/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/131,106, filed on 4/26199, (12) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/030,593, attorney docket no. 25791.25.08, filed on 1/8/02, which claims priority from provisional application 60/146,203, filed on 7/29/99, (13) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/1 43,039, attorney docket no. 25791.26, filed on 7/9/99, (14) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/111,982, attorney docket no. 25791.27.08, filed on 4/30/02, which claims priority from provisional patent application serial no. 60/162,671, attorney docket no. 25791.27, filed on 11/1/1999, (15) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/154,047, attorney docket no. 25791.29, filed on 9/16/1999, (16) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/438,828, attorney docket no. 25791.31, filed on 1/9/03, (17) U.S. patent number 6,564,875, which was filed as application serial no. 09/679,907, attorney docket no. 25791.34.02, on 10/5/00, which claims priority from provisional patent application serial no. 60/159,082, attorney docket no. 25791.34, filed on 10/12/1999, (18) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/089,419, ified on 3/27/02, attorney docket no. 25791.36.03, which claims priority from provisional patent application serial no. 60/1 59,039, attorney docket no. 25791.36, filed on 10/12/1999, (19) U.S. patent application serial no. 09/679,906, filed on 10/5/00, attorney docket no. 25791.37.02, which claims priority from provisional patent application serial no. 60/159,033, attorney docket no. 25791.37, filed on 10/1211999, (20) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/303,992, filed on 11/22/02, attorney docket no. 25791.38.07, which claims priority from provisional patent application serial no. 60/212,359, attorney docket no. 25791.38, filed on 6/19/2000, (21) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/165,228, attorney docket no. 25791.39, fIled on 11/12/1999, (22) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/455,051, attorney docket no. 25791.40, filed on 3/14/03, (23) PCT application US0212477, filed on 6/26102, attorney docket no. 25791.44.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/303,711, attorney docket no. 25791.44, filed on 7/6/01, (24) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/311,412, filed on 12/12/02, attorney docket no. 25791.45.07, whIch claims priority from provisional patent application serial no. 60/221,443, attorney docket no. 25791.45, filed on 7/28/2000, (25) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/, filed on 12/18/02, attorney docket no. 25791.46.07, which daims priority from provisional patent application serial no. 60/221,645, attorney docket no. 25791.46, filed on 7/28/2000, (26) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/322,947, filed on 1/22/03, attorney docket no. 25791.47.03, which claims priority from provisional patent application serial no. 60/233,638, attorney docket no. 25791.47, filed on 9/18/2000, (27) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/406,648, filed on 3/31/03, attorney docket no. 25791.48.06, which claims priority from provisional patent application serial no. 60/237,334, attorney docket no. 25791.48, filed on 10/2/2000, (28) PCI application USO2/04353, filed on 2/14/02, attorney docket no. 25791.50.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/270,007, attorney docket no. 25791.50, filed on 2/20/2001, (29) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/465,835, filed on 6/13/03, attorney docket no. 25791.51.06, which claims priority from provisional patent application serial no. 60/262,434, attorney docket no. 25791.51, filed on 1/17/2001, (30) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/465,831, filed on 6/13/03, attorney docket no. 25791.52.06, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/259,486, attorney docket no. 25791.52, filed on 1/3/2001, (31) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/452,303, filed on 3/5/03, attorney docket no. 25791.53, (32) U.S. patent number 6,470,966, which was filed as patent application serial number 09/850,093, filed on 5/7/01, attorney docket no. 25791.55, as a divisional applIcation of U.S. Patent Number 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. Patent Application serial no. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on 12/3/1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on 12/7/98, (33) U.S. patent number 6,561,227, which was filed as patent application serial number 09/852,026, filed on 5/9/01, attorney docket no. 25791.56, as a divisional application of U.S. Patent Number 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. Patent Application serial no. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on 12/3/1999, which claims priority from provisional application 601111,293, filed on 12/7/98, (34) U.S. patent application serial number 09/852,027, filed on 5/9/01, attorney docket no. 25791.57, as a divisional application of U.S. Patent Number 6497,289, which was filed as U.S. Patent Application serial no. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on 12/3/1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on 12/7/98, (35) PCI Application USO2/25608, attorney docket no. 25791.58.02, filed on 8/13/02, which claims priority from provisional application 60/31 8,021, filed on 9/7/01, attorney docket no. 25791.58, (36) PCT Application USO2/24399, attorney docket no. 25791.59.02, filed on 8/1/02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/313,453, attorney docket no. 25791.59, filed on 8/20/2001, (37) PCT Application USO2/29856, attorney docket no. 25791.60.02, flIed on 9/19/02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/326,886, attorney docket no. 25791.60, filed on 10/3/2001, (38) PCT Application USO2/20256, attorney docket no. 25791.61.02, filed on 6/26/02, which daims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/303,740, attorney docket no. 25791.61, filed on 7/6/2001, (39) U.S. patent application serial no. 09/962,469, filed on 9/25/01, attorney docket no. 25791.62, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application serial no. 09/523,488, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on 3/10/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/1 24,042, filed on 3111/99, (40) U.S. patent application serial no. 09/962,470, filed on 9125/01, attorney docket no. 25791.63, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application serial no. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on 3/10/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on 3/11/99, (41) U.S. patent application serial no. 09/962471, filed on 9/25/01, attorney docket no. 25791.64, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application serial no. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, fIled on 3/10/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on 3/11/89, (42) U.S. patent application serial no. 09/962,467, filed on 9/25101, attorney docket no. 25791.65, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application serial no. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on 3/10/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/1 24,042, filed on 3/11/99, (43) U.S. patent application serial no. 09/962,468, filed on 9/25/01. attorney docket no. 25791.66, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application serial no. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on 3/10/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/1 24,042, filed on 3/11/99, (44) PCT application US 02/25727, filed on 8/14/02, attorney docket no. 25791.67.03, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 601317,985, attorney docket no. 25791.67, filed on 9/6/2001, and U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/318,386, attorney docket no. 25791.67.02, filed on 9/10/2001, (45) PCT application US 02/39425, filed on 12/10/02, attorney docket no. 25791.68.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/343,674, attorney docket no. 25791.68, filed on 12/27/2001, (46) u.s.

utility patent application serial no. 09/969,922, attorney docket no. 25791.69, filed on 10/3/2001, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent no. 6.328,113, which was filed as U.S. Patent Application serial number 09/440,338, attorney docket number 25791.9.02, filed on 11/15/99, which claims priority from provisional application 60/1 08,558, filed on 11/16/98, (47) U.S. utility patent application serial no. 10/516,467, attorney docket no. 25791.70, filed on 12/10/01, which Is a continuation application of U.S. utility patent application serial no. 09/969,922, attorney docket no. 25791.69, filed on 10/3/2001, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent no. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. Patent Application serial number 09/440,338, attorney docket number 25791.9.02, filed on 11/15/99, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on 11/16/98, (48) PCT application US 03/00609, filed on 1/9/03, attorney docket no. 25791.71.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/357,372, attorney docket no. 25791.71, filed on 2/15/02, (49) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/074,703, attorney docket no. 25791.74, filed on 2/12102, which is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/512,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on 2/24/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, filed on 2/26199, (50) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/074,244, attorney docket no. 25791.75, filed on 2/12/02, which Is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6.568,471, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/512,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on 2/24/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, filed on 2/26/99, (51) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/076,660, attorney docket no. 25791.76, filed on 2/15/02, which is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/51 2,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on 2/24/2000, which daims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, filed on 2126/99, (52) U.S. patent applIcation serial no. 10/076,661, attorney docket no. 25791.77, filed on 2/15/02, which is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/51 2,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on 2124/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/1 21.841, filed on 2/26199, (53) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/076,659, attorney docket no. 25791.78, filed on 2/15/02, whIch is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6,568,471, WhiCh was filed as patent application serial no. 09/512,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, flied on 2/2412000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, filed on 2/26/99, (54) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/078,928, attorney docket no. 25791.79, filed on 2/20/02, which is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/512,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on 2/24/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, filed on 2/26/99, (55) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/078,922, attorney docket no. 25791.80, filed on 2/20/02, which is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/51 2,895, attorney docket no.25791.12.02, filed on 2/24/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, fIled on 2/26/99, (56) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/078,921, attorney docket no. 25791.81, filed on 2/20/02, which is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/512,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on 2/24/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, flied on 2/26/99, (57) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/261,928, attorney docket no. 25791.82, filed on 10/1/02, which is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on 6/7/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/1 37,998, tiled on 6/7/99, (58) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/079,276, attorney docket no. 25791.83, filed on 2/20/02, which is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/512,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on 2/24/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, fIled on 2/26/99, (59) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/262,009, attorney docket no. 25791.84, filed on 10/1/02, which is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on 6/712000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on 617/99, (60) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/092,481, attorney docket no. 25791.85, filed on 3/7/02, which is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/512,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on 2/24/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 601121,841, filed on 2/26/99, (61) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/261,926, attorney docket no. 25791.86, filed on 10/1/02, which is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on 6I7/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/1 37,998, filed on 6/7/99, (62) PCT application US 02/36157, filed on 11/12/02, attorney docket no. 25791.87.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/338,996, attorney docket no. 25791.87, filed on 11/12/01, (63) PCT application US 02/36267, filed on 11/12/02, attorney docket no. 25791.88.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/339,013, attorney docket no. 25791.88, fIled on 11/12/01, (64) PCI application US 03/11765, filed on 4/16/03, attorney docket no. 25791.89.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/383,917, attorney docket no. 25791.89, filed on 5/29/02, (65) PCT application Us 03/15020, filed on 5/12/03, attorney docket no. 25791.90.02, WhiCh claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/391,703, attorney docket no. 25791.90, filed on 6/26/02, (66) PCI application US 02/39418, filed on 12/10/02, attorney docket no. 25791.92.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/346,309, attorney docket no. 25791.92, filed on 1/7/02, (67) PCT application US 03/06544, filed on 3/4/03, attorney docket no. 25791.93.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/372,048, attorney docket no. 25791.93, filed on 4/12/02, (68) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/331,71 8, attorney docket no. 25791.94, filed on 12/30/02, which is a divisional U.S. patent application serial no. 09/679,906, filed on 10/5/00, attorney docket no. 25791.37.02, which claims priority from provisional patent application serial no. 60/159,033, attorney docket no. 25791.37, filed on 10/1 211 999, (69) PCI application US 03/04837, filed on 2/29/03, attorney docket no. 25791.95.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/363,829, attorney docket no. 25791.95, filed on 3/13/02, (70) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/261,927, attorney docket no. 25791.97, filed on 10/1/02, which is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application serial no.09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on 6/7/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, flIed on 8/7/99, (71) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/262,008, attorney docket no. 25791.98, filed on 1011/02, which is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on 6/7/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on 6/7/99, (72) u.s.

patent application serial no. 10/261,925, attorney docket no. 25791.99, fIled on 10/1102, which is a divisional of U.S. patent number 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on 6/7/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on 6/7/99, (73) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/199,524, attorney docket no. 25791.100, filed on 7119/02, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Number 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. Patent Application serial no. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, fIled on 12/3/1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on 12/7/98, (74) PCT application US 03/10144, filed on 3/28/03, attorney docket no. 25791.101.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/372,632, attorney docket no. 25791.101, filed on 4/1 5/02, (75) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/412,542, attorney docket no. 25791.102, filed on 9/20/02, (76) PCI application US 03/14153, flied on 5/6/03, attorney docket no. 25791.104.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/380,147, attorney docket no. 25791.104, filed on 5/6/02, (77) PCT application US 03/19993, filed on 6/24/03, attorney docket no. 25791.106.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/397,284, attorney docket no. 25791.108, filed on 7/19/02, (78) PCI application US 03/1 3787, filed on 5/5/03, attorney docket no. 25791.107.02, which claims priority from (iS, provisional patent application serial no. 60/387,486, attorney docket no. 25791.107, filed on 6/10/02, (79) PCT application US 03/1 8530, filed on 6/1 1/03, attorney docket no. 25791.108.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/387,961, attorney docket no. 25791.108, filed on 6/12/02, (80) PCI application US 03/20694, filed on 7/1/03, attorney docket no. 25791.110.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/398,061, attorney docket no. 25791.110, filed on 7/24/02, (81) PCI application US 03/20870, filed on 7/2/03, attorney docket no. 25791.111.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/399,240, attorney docket no. 25791.111, filed on 7/29/02, (82) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/41 2,487, attorney docket no. 25791.112, filed on 9/20102, (83) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/412,488, attorney docket no. 25791.114, filed on 9/20/02, (84) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/280,356, attorney docket no. 25791.115, filed on 10/25102, which is a continuation of U.S. patent number 6,470,956, which was filed as patent apphcation serial number 09/850,093, filed on 5/7/01, attorney docket no. 25791.55, as a divisional application of U.S. Patent Number 6,497289, which was filed as U.S. Patent Application serial no. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02 filed on 12/3/1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111293, filed on 12/7/98, (85) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/412,177, attorney docket no. 25791.117, filed on 9/20/02, (86) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/41 2,653, attorney docket no. 25791.118, flied on 9/20/02, (87) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/405,610, attorney docket no. 25791.119, filed on 8/23/02, (88) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/405,394, attorney docket no. 25791.120, filed on 8/23/02, (89) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/412,544, attorney docket no. 25791.121, filed on 9/20/02, (90) PCT application US 03/24779, filed on 8/8/03, attorney docket no. 25791.125.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/407,442, attorney docket no. 25791.125, fIled on 8/30/02, (91) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/423,363, attorney docket no. 25791.126, filed on 12/10/02, (92) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/412,196, attorney docket no. 25791.127, filed on 9/20/02, (93) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/41 2,187, attorney docket no. 25791.128, fIled on 9/20/02, (94) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 6412,371, attorney docket no. 25791.129, filed on 9/20/02, (95) U.S. patent application serial no. 10/382,325, attorney docket no. 25791.145, filed on 3/5/03, which isa continuation of U.S. patent number 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application serial no. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on 6/7/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on 6/7/99, (96) U.S. patent application senal no. 10/624,842, attorney docket no. 25791.151, fifed on 7/22/03, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application serial no. 09/502,350, attorney docket no. 25791.8.02, fIled on 2/10/2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/119,611, filed on 2/11199, (97) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/431,184, attorney docket no. 25791.157, filed on 12/5/02, (98) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/448,526, attorney docket no. 25791.185, fIled on 2/18/03, (99) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/461,539, attorney docket no. 25791.186, filed on 4/9/03, (100) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/462,750, attorney docket no. 25791.193, filed on 4/14/03, (101) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/436,106, attorney docket no. 25791.200, filed on 12/23/02, (102) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/442,942, attorney docket no. 25791.213, filed on 1/27/03, (103) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/442,938, attorney docket no. 25791.225, filed on 1/27/03, (104) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/418,687, attorney docket no. 25791.228, filed on 4/18/03, (105) U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disdosure relates generally to wellbore casings, and in particular to wellbore casings that are formed using expandable tubing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an illustration of a conventional method for drilling a borehole in a subterranean formation.

Figure 2 is an illustration of a device for coupling an expandable tubular member to an existing tubular member.

Figure 3 is an illustration of a hardenable fluidic sealing material being pumped down the device of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is an illustration of the expansion of an expandable tubular member using the expansion device of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is an illustration of the completion of the radial expansion and plastic deformation of an expandable tubular member.

Figure 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an expansion device of Figure 2.

Figure 7 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of an expansion device of Figure 2.

Figure 8 is an illustration of a method of applying tungsten disuffide to an expansion device of Figure 2.

Figure 9 is an illustration of a method of applying tungsten disulfide to the interior surface of the expandable tubular member of Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring initially to Figure 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 Figure 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 indudes a shoe 206 that defines a centrally positioned valveable passage 206a adapted to receive, for example, a ball, plug or other similar device for dosing the passage. An end of the shoe 206b is coupled to a lower tubular end 208a of a tubular launcher assembly 208 that includes the lower tubular end, an upper tubular end 208b, and a tapered tubular transition member 208c. The lower tubular end 208a of the tubular launcher assembly 208 has a greater inside diameter than the inside diameter of the upper tubular end 208b. The tapered tubular transition member 208c connects the lower tubular end 208a and the upper tubular end 208b.

The upper tubular end 208b 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 212a, and includes a lower section 212b, a middle section 212c, and an upper section 212d.

The lower section 212b of the expansion device 212 defines an inclined expansion surface 212ba that supports the tubular launcher assembly 208 by mating with the tapered tubular transition member 208c of the tubular launcher assembly. The upper section 212d of the expansion device 212 is coupled to an end of a tubular member 218 that defines a fluid pathway 218a. The fluid pathway 218a of the tubular member 218 is fluidicly coupled to the fluid pathway 212a 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 218a.

During operation of the device 200, as Illustrated in Figure 2, the device 200 is initially lowered into the borehole 102. In an exemplary embodiment, during the lowering of the device into the borehole 102, a fluid 228 within the borehole 102 passes upwardly through the device 200 through the valveable passage 206a into the fluid pathway 21 2a and 21 8a and out of the device 200 through the fluid pathway 226 defined by the top fluid valve 224.

Referring now to Figure 3, in an exemplary embodiment, a hardenable fluidic sealing material 300, such as, for example, cement, is then pumped down the fluid pathway 21 8a and 21 2a and out through the valveable passage 206a 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 Figure 4, a plug 402 is then injected with a fluidic material 404. The plug thereby fits into and closes the valveable passage 206a 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 Figure 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 Figure 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 a1. The middle cone 604 has an outer inclined surface 612 that defines an angle a2. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle 0i is greater than the angle 02. 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 Figure 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 Figure 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 Figure 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 disultide 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 Figure 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 disulflde 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 disuifide 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 -15-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 disuffide 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 indudes 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 indudes 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 continuaUy 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 substftutions 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

25791.386.03 P107942GB00 Claims What is claimed is: 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 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; 25791.386.03 P107942GB00 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 disultide 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 25791.386.03 P1 07942GB00 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 daim 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 fbr 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; 25791.386.03 P1079420B00 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.

25791.386.03 P1070426B00 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 daim 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. -22 -

25791.386.03 P107942GB00 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 compnses 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. -23 -