US20080257542A1 - Low Carbon Steel Expandable Tubular - Google Patents

Low Carbon Steel Expandable Tubular Download PDF

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Publication number
US20080257542A1
US20080257542A1 US11/573,465 US57346505A US2008257542A1 US 20080257542 A1 US20080257542 A1 US 20080257542A1 US 57346505 A US57346505 A US 57346505A US 2008257542 A1 US2008257542 A1 US 2008257542A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
expandable
tubular member
filed
expandable tubular
attorney docket
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Abandoned
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US11/573,465
Inventor
David Paul Brisco
Brock Wayne Watson
Mark Shuster
Malcolm Gray
Grigoriy Grinberg
Scott Costa
Russell Wasson
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Enventure Global Technology Inc
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Enventure Global Technology Inc
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Priority to US11/573,465 priority Critical patent/US20080257542A1/en
Assigned to ENVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, L.L.C. reassignment ENVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, L.L.C. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: WASSON, RUSSELL, BRISCO, DAVID PAUL, SHUSTER, MARK, WATSON, BROCK WAYNE, GRAY, MALCOLM, GRINBERG, GRIGORIY, COSTA, SCOTT
Publication of US20080257542A1 publication Critical patent/US20080257542A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK 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
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B23/00—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells
    • E21B23/04—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells operated by fluid means, e.g. actuated by explosion
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22C—ALLOYS
    • C22C38/00—Ferrous alloys, e.g. steel alloys
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B23/00—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells
    • E21B23/08—Introducing or running tools by fluid pressure, e.g. through-the-flow-line tool systems
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B29/00—Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windows; Deforming of pipes in boreholes or wells; Reconditioning of well casings while in the ground
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B29/00—Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windows; Deforming of pipes in boreholes or wells; Reconditioning of well casings while in the ground
    • E21B29/10—Reconditioning of well casings, e.g. straightening
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK 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
    • E21B43/08—Screens or liners
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK 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
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/02—Subsoil filtering
    • E21B43/10—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells
    • E21B43/103—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells of expandable casings, screens, liners, or the like
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/02—Subsoil filtering
    • E21B43/10—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells
    • E21B43/103—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells of expandable casings, screens, liners, or the like
    • E21B43/105—Expanding tools specially adapted therefor
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
    • Y10T436/23—Carbon containing

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to oil and gas exploration, and in particular to forming and repairing wellbore casings to facilitate oil and gas exploration.
  • an expandable tubular member wherein the carbon content of the tubular member is less than or equal to 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the tubular member is less than 0.21.
  • an expandable tubular member wherein the carbon content of the tubular member is greater than 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the tubular member is less than 0.36.
  • a method for manufacturing an expandable member used to complete a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member includes forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08%.
  • an expandable member for use in completing a wellbore by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member at a downhole location in the wellbore includes a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08%.
  • a structural completion includes one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members positioned within the wellbore; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members are fabricated from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08%.
  • a method for manufacturing an expandable member used to complete a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member includes forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules.
  • an expandable member for use in completing a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member includes a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules.
  • a structural completion includes one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members are fabricated from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules.
  • a method for manufacturing an expandable member used to complete a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member includes forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
  • an expandable member for use in completing a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member includes a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
  • a structural completion includes one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members are fabricated from a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
  • a method for manufacturing a tubular member used to complete a wellbore by radially expanding the tubular member at a downhole location in the wellbore includes forming a steel alloy comprising a concentration of carbon between approximately 0.002% and 0.08% by weight of the steel alloy.
  • an expandable tubular member is fabricated from a steel alloy having a concentration of carbon between approximately 0.002% and 0.08% by weight of the steel alloy.
  • a method for manufacturing an expandable tubular member used to complete a wellbore completion within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member within the wellbore includes forming the expandable tubular member from a steel alloy comprising a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs; forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules; forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
  • an expandable tubular member for use in completing a wellbore completion within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member within the wellbore includes a steel alloy having a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs; a steel alloy having a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules; and a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
  • a wellbore completion positioned within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation includes one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable tubular members positioned within the wellbore completion; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable tubular members are fabricated to from a steel alloy comprising a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs; a steel alloy comprising a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules; and a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
  • FIG. 1 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular member positioned within a preexisting structure.
  • FIG. 2 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 1 after positioning an expansion device within the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 2 after operating the expansion device within the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a portion of the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 3 after operating the expansion device within the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform another portion of the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 5 is a graphical illustration of exemplary embodiments of the stress/strain curves for several portions of the expandable tubular member of FIGS. 1-4 .
  • FIG. 6 is a graphical illustration of the an exemplary embodiment of the yield strength vs. ductility curve for at least a portion of the expandable tubular member of FIGS. 1-4 .
  • FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross sectional illustration of an embodiment of a series of overlapping expandable tubular members.
  • FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular member positioned within a preexisting structure.
  • FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 8 after positioning an expansion device within the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 9 after operating the expansion device within the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a portion of the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 11 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 10 after operating the expansion device within the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform another portion of the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 12 is a graphical illustration of exemplary embodiments of the stress/strain curves for several portions of the expandable tubular member of FIGS. 8-11 .
  • FIG. 13 is a graphical illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the yield strength vs. ductility curve for at least a portion of the expandable tubular member of FIGS. 8-11 .
  • FIG. 14 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular member positioned within a preexisting structure.
  • FIG. 15 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 14 after positioning an expansion device within the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 16 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 15 after operating the expansion device within the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a portion of the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 17 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 16 after operating the expansion device within the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform another portion of the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a method of processing an expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 19 is a graphical illustration of the an exemplary embodiment of the yield strength vs. ductility curve for at least a portion of the expandable tubular member during the operation of the method of FIG. 18 .
  • FIG. 20 is a graphical illustration of stress/strain curves for an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 21 is a graphical illustration of stress/strain curves for an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 35 a is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 35 b is a graphical illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the variation in the yield point for the expandable tubular member of FIG. 35 a.
  • FIG. 36 a is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a method for processing a tubular member.
  • FIG. 36 b is an illustration of the microstructure of an exemplary embodiment of a tubular member prior to thermal processing.
  • FIG. 36 c is an illustration of the microstructure of an exemplary embodiment of a tubular member after thermal processing.
  • FIG. 37 a is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a method for processing a tubular member.
  • FIG. 37 b is an illustration of the microstructure of an exemplary embodiment of a tubular member prior to thermal processing.
  • FIG. 37 c is an illustration of the microstructure of an exemplary embodiment of a tubular member after thermal processing.
  • FIG. 38 a is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a method for processing a tubular member.
  • FIG. 38 b is an illustration of the microstructure of an exemplary embodiment of a tubular member prior to thermal processing.
  • FIG. 38 c is an illustration of the microstructure of an exemplary embodiment of a tubular member after thermal processing.
  • an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular assembly 10 includes a first expandable tubular member 12 coupled to a second expandable tubular member 14 .
  • the ends of the first and second expandable tubular members, 12 and 14 are coupled using, for example, a conventional mechanical coupling, a welded connection, a brazed connection, a threaded connection, and/or an interference fit connection.
  • the first expandable tubular member 12 has a plastic yield point YP 1
  • the second expandable tubular member 14 has a plastic yield point YP 2 .
  • the expandable tubular assembly 10 is positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore 16 that traverses a subterranean formation 18 .
  • an expansion device 20 may then be positioned within the second expandable tubular member 14 .
  • the expansion device 20 may include, for example, one or more of the following conventional expansion devices: a) an expansion cone; b) a rotary expansion device; c) a hydroforming expansion device; d) an impulsive force expansion device; d) any one of the expansion devices commercially available from, or disclosed in any of the published patent applications or issued patents, of Weatherford International, Baker Hughes, Halliburton Energy Services, Shell Oil Co., Schlumberger, and/or Enventure Global Technology L.L.C.
  • the expansion device 20 is positioned within the second expandable tubular member 14 before, during, or after the placement of the expandable tubular assembly 10 within the preexisting structure 16 .
  • the expansion device 20 may then be operated to radially expand and plastically deform at least a portion of the second expandable tubular member 14 to form a bell-shaped section.
  • the expansion device 20 may then be operated to radially expand and plastically deform the remaining portion of the second expandable tubular member 14 and at least a portion of the first expandable tubular member 12 .
  • At least a portion of at least a portion of at least one of the first and second expandable tubular members, 12 and 14 are radially expanded into intimate contact with the interior surface of the preexisting structure 16 .
  • the plastic yield point YP 1 is greater than the plastic yield point YP 2 .
  • the amount of power and/or energy required to radially expand the second expandable tubular member 14 is less than the amount of power and/or energy required to radially expand the first expandable tubular member 12 .
  • the first expandable tubular member 12 and/or the second expandable tubular member 14 have a ductility D PE and a yield strength YS PE prior to radial expansion and plastic deformation, and a ductility D AE and a yield strength YS AE after radial expansion and plastic deformation.
  • D PE is greater than D AE
  • YS AE is greater than YS PE .
  • the amount of power and/or energy required to radially expand each unit length of the first and/or second expandable tubular members, 12 and 14 is reduced. Furthermore, because the YS AE is greater than YS PE , the collapse strength of the first expandable tubular member 12 and/or the second expandable tubular member 14 is increased after the radial expansion and plastic deformation process.
  • At least a portion of the second expandable tubular member 14 has an inside diameter that is greater than at least the inside diameter of the first expandable tubular member 12 .
  • a bell-shaped section is formed using at least a portion of the second expandable tubular member 14 .
  • Another expandable tubular assembly 22 that includes a first expandable tubular member 24 and a second expandable tubular member 26 may then be positioned in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular assembly 10 and radially expanded and plastically deformed using the methods described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4 .
  • At least a portion of the second expandable tubular member 26 has an inside diameter that is greater than at least the inside diameter of the first expandable tubular member 24 .
  • a bell-shaped section is formed using at least a portion of the second expandable tubular member 26 .
  • a mono-diameter tubular assembly is formed that defines an internal passage 28 having a substantially constant cross-sectional area and/or inside diameter.
  • an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular assembly 100 includes a first expandable tubular member 102 coupled to a tubular coupling 104 .
  • the tubular coupling 104 is coupled to a tubular coupling 106 .
  • the tubular coupling 106 is coupled to a second expandable tubular member 108 .
  • the tubular couplings, 104 and 106 provide a tubular coupling assembly for coupling the first and second expandable tubular members, 102 and 108 , together that may include, for example, a conventional mechanical coupling, a welded connection, a brazed connection, a threaded connection, and/or an interference fit connection.
  • the first and second expandable tubular members 12 have a plastic yield point YP 1
  • the tubular couplings, 104 and 106 have a plastic yield point YP 2
  • the expandable tubular assembly 100 is positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore 110 that traverses a subterranean formation 112 .
  • an expansion device 114 may then be positioned within the second expandable tubular member 108 .
  • the expansion device 114 may include, for example, one or more of the following conventional expansion devices: a) an expansion cone; b) a rotary expansion device; c) a hydroforming expansion device; d) an impulsive force expansion device; d) any one of the expansion devices commercially available from, or disclosed in any of the published patent applications or issued patents, of Weatherford International, Baker Hughes, Halliburton Energy Services, Shell Oil Co., Schlumberger, and/or Enventure Global Technology L.L.C.
  • the expansion device 114 is positioned within the second expandable tubular member 108 before, during, or after the placement of the expandable tubular assembly 100 within the preexisting structure 110 .
  • the expansion device 114 may then be operated to radially expand and plastically deform at least a portion of the second expandable tubular member 108 to form a bell-shaped section.
  • the expansion device 114 may then be operated to radially expand and plastically deform the remaining portion of the second expandable tubular member 108 , the tubular couplings, 104 and 106 , and at least a portion of the first expandable tubular member 102 .
  • At least a portion of at least a portion of at least one of the first and second expandable tubular members, 102 and 108 are radially expanded into intimate contact with the interior surface of the preexisting structure 110 .
  • the plastic yield point YP 1 is less than the plastic yield point YP 2 .
  • the amount of power and/or energy required to radially expand each unit length of the first and second expandable tubular members, 102 and 108 is less than the amount of power and/or energy required to radially expand each unit length of the tubular couplings, 104 and 106 .
  • the first expandable tubular member 12 and/or the second expandable tubular member 14 have a ductility D PE and a yield strength YS PE prior to radial expansion and plastic deformation, and a ductility D AE and a yield strength YS AE after radial expansion and plastic deformation.
  • D PE is greater than D AE
  • YS AE is greater than YS PE .
  • the amount of power and/or energy required to radially expand each unit length of the first and/or second expandable tubular members, 12 and 14 is reduced. Furthermore, because the YS AE is greater than YS PE , the collapse strength of the first expandable tubular member 12 and/or the second expandable tubular member 14 is increased after the radial expansion and plastic deformation process.
  • an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular assembly 200 includes a first expandable tubular member 202 coupled to a second expandable tubular member 204 that defines radial openings 204 a , 204 b , 204 c , and 204 d .
  • the ends of the first and second expandable tubular members, 202 and 204 are coupled using, for example, a conventional mechanical coupling, a welded connection, a brazed connection, a threaded connection, and/or an interference fit connection.
  • one or more of the radial openings, 204 a , 204 b , 204 c , and 204 d have circular, oval, square, and/or irregular cross sections and/or include portions that extend to and interrupt either end of the second expandable tubular member 204 .
  • the expandable tubular assembly 200 is positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore 206 that traverses a subterranean formation 208 .
  • an expansion device 210 may then be positioned within the second expandable tubular member 204 .
  • the expansion device 210 may include, for example, one or more of the following conventional expansion devices: a) an expansion cone; b) a rotary expansion device; c) a hydroforming expansion device; d) an impulsive force expansion device; d) any one of the expansion devices commercially available from, or disclosed in any of the published patent applications or issued patents, of Weatherford International, Baker Hughes, Halliburton Energy Services, Shell Oil Co., Schlumberger, and/or Enventure Global Technology L.L.C.
  • the expansion device 210 is positioned within the second expandable tubular member 204 before, during, or after the placement of the expandable tubular assembly 200 within the preexisting structure 206 .
  • the expansion device 210 may then be operated to radially expand and plastically deform at least a portion of the second expandable tubular member 204 to form a bell-shaped section.
  • the expansion device 20 may then be operated to radially expand and plastically deform the remaining portion of the second expandable tubular member 204 and at least a portion of the first expandable tubular member 202 .
  • the anisotropy ratio AR for the first and second expandable tubular members is defined by the following equation:
  • the anisotropy ratio AR for the first and/or second expandable tubular members, 204 and 204 is greater than 1.
  • the second expandable tubular member 204 had an anisotropy ratio AR greater than 1, and the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the second expandable tubular member did not result in any of the openings, 204 a , 204 b , 204 c , and 204 d , splitting or otherwise fracturing the remaining portions of the second expandable tubular member. This was an unexpected result.
  • one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12 , 14 , 24 , 26 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 202 and/or 204 are processed using a method 300 in which a tubular member in an initial state is thermo-mechanically processed in step 302 .
  • the thermo-mechanical processing 302 includes one or more heat treating and/or mechanical forming processes.
  • the tubular member is transformed to an intermediate state.
  • the tubular member is then further thermo-mechanically processed in step 304 .
  • the thermo-mechanical processing 304 includes one or more heat treating and/or mechanical forming processes.
  • the tubular member is transformed to a final state.
  • the tubular member has a ductility D PE and a yield strength YS PE prior to the final thermo-mechanical processing in step 304 , and a ductility D AE and a yield strength YS AE after final thermo-mechanical processing.
  • D PE is greater than D AE
  • YS AE is greater than YS PE .
  • the amount of energy and/or power required to transform the tubular member, using mechanical forming processes, during the final thermo-mechanical processing in step 304 is reduced.
  • the YS AE is greater than YS PE , the collapse strength of the tubular member is increased after the final thermo-mechanical processing in step 304 .
  • one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12 , 14 , 24 , 26 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 202 and/or 204 have the following characteristics:
  • one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12 , 14 , 24 , 26 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 202 and/or 204 are characterized by an expandability coefficient f:
  • the anisotropy coefficient for one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12 , 14 , 24 , 26 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 202 and/or 204 is greater than 1.
  • the strain hardening exponent for one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12 , 14 , 24 , 26 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 202 and/or 204 is greater than 0.12.
  • the expandability coefficient for one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12 , 14 , 24 , 26 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 202 and/or 204 is greater than 0.12.
  • a tubular member having a higher expandability coefficient requires less power and/or energy to radially expand and plastically deform each unit length than a tubular member having a lower expandability coefficient. In an exemplary embodiment, a tubular member having a higher expandability coefficient requires less power and/or energy per unit length to radially expand and plastically deform than a tubular member having a lower expandability coefficient.
  • one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12 , 14 , 24 , 26 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 202 and/or 204 are steel alloys having one of the following compositions:
  • a sample of an expandable tubular member composed of Alloy A exhibited a yield point before radial expansion and plastic deformation YP BE , a yield point after radial expansion and plastic deformation of about 16% YP AE16% , and a yield point after radial expansion and plastic deformation of about 24% YP AE24% .
  • YP AE24% >YP AE16% >YP BE .
  • the ductility of the sample of the expandable tubular member composed of Alloy A also exhibited a higher ductility prior to radial expansion and plastic deformation than after radial expansion and plastic deformation.
  • a sample of an expandable tubular member composed of Alloy A exhibited the following tensile characteristics before and after radial expansion and plastic deformation:
  • a sample of an expandable tubular member composed of Alloy B exhibited a yield point before radial expansion and plastic deformation YP BE , a yield point after radial expansion and plastic deformation of about 16% YP AE16% , and a yield point after radial expansion and plastic deformation of about 24% YP AE24% .
  • YP AE24% >YP AE16% >YP BE .
  • the ductility of the sample of the expandable tubular member composed of Alloy B also exhibited a higher ductility prior to radial expansion and plastic deformation than after radial expansion and plastic deformation.
  • a sample of an expandable tubular member composed of Alloy B exhibited the following tensile characteristics before and after radial expansion and plastic deformation:
  • samples of expandable tubulars composed of Alloys A, B, C, and D exhibited the following tensile characteristics prior to radial expansion and plastic deformation:
  • one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12 , 14 , 24 , 26 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 202 and/or 204 have a strain hardening exponent greater than 0.12, and a yield ratio is less than 0.85.
  • the carbon equivalent C e for tubular members having a carbon content (by weight percentage) less than or equal to 0.12%, is given by the following expression:
  • the carbon equivalent value C e for tubular members having a carbon content less than or equal to 0.12% (by weight), for one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12 , 14 , 24 , 26 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 202 and/or 204 is less than 0.21.
  • the carbon equivalent C e for tubular members having more than 0.12% carbon content (by weight), is given by the following expression:
  • the carbon equivalent value C e for tubular members having greater than 0.12% carbon content (by weight), for one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12 , 14 , 24 , 26 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 202 and/or 204 is less than 0.36.
  • the first and second tubular members described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21 are radially expanded and plastically deformed using the expansion device in a conventional manner and/or using one or more of the methods and apparatus disclosed in one or more of the following:
  • the present application is related to the following: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, attorney docket no. 25791.7.02, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, attorney docket no. 25791.8.02,. filed on Feb. 10, 2000, (4) U.S.
  • an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular member 3500 includes a first tubular region 3502 and a second tubular portion 3504 .
  • the material properties of the first and second tubular regions, 3502 and 3504 are different.
  • the yield points of the first and second tubular regions, 3502 and 3504 are different.
  • the yield point of the first tubular region 3502 is less than the yield point of the second tubular region 3504 .
  • one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12 , 14 , 24 , 26 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 202 and/or 204 incorporate the tubular member 3500 .
  • the yield point within the first and second tubular regions, 3502 a and 3502 b , of the expandable tubular member 3502 vary as a function of the radial position within the expandable tubular member.
  • the yield point increases as a function of the radial position within the expandable tubular member 3502 .
  • the relationship between the yield point and the radial position within the expandable tubular member 3502 is a linear relationship.
  • the relationship between the yield point and the radial position within the expandable tubular member 3502 is a non-linear relationship.
  • the yield point increases at different rates within the first and second tubular regions, 3502 a and 3502 b , as a function of the radial position within the expandable tubular member 3502 .
  • the functional relationship, and value, of the yield points within the first and second tubular regions, 3502 a and 3502 b , of the expandable tubular member 3502 are modified by the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.
  • one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12 , 14 , 24 , 26 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 202 , 204 and/or 3502 prior to a radial expansion and plastic deformation, include a microstructure that is a combination of a hard phase, such as martensite, a soft phase, such as ferrite, and a transitionary phase, such as retained austentite.
  • the hard phase provides high strength
  • the soft phase provides ductility
  • the transitionary phase transitions to a hard phase, such as martensite, during a radial expansion and plastic deformation.
  • the yield point of the tubular member increases as a result of the radial expansion and plastic deformation. Further, in this manner, the tubular member is ductile, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, thereby facilitating the radial expansion and plastic deformation.
  • the composition of a dual-phase expandable tubular member includes (weight percentages): about 0.1% C, 1.2% Mn, and 0.3% Si.
  • one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12 , 14 , 24 , 26 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 202 , 204 and/or 3502 are processed in accordance with a method 3600 , in which, in step 3602 , an expandable tubular member 3602 a is provided that is a steel alloy having following material composition (by weight percentage): 0.065% C, 1.44% Mn, 0.01% P, 0.002% S, 0.24% Si, 0.01% Cu,0.01% Ni,0.02% Cr, 0.05% V, 0.01% Mo, 0.01% Nb, and 0.01% Ti.
  • the expandable tubular member 3602 a provided in step 3602 has a yield strength of 45 ksi, and a tensile strength of 69 ksi.
  • the expandable tubular member 3602 a includes a microstructure that includes martensite, pearlite, and V, Ni, and/or Ti carbides.
  • the expandable tubular member 3602 a is then heated at a temperature of 790° C. for about 10 minutes in step 3604 .
  • the expandable tubular member 3602 a is then quenched in water in step 3606 .
  • the expandable tubular member 3602 a includes a microstructure that includes new ferrite, grain pearlite, martensite, and ferrite.
  • the expandable tubular member 3602 a has a yield strength of 67 ksi, and a tensile strength of 95 ksi.
  • the expandable tubular member 3602 a is then radially expanded and plastically deformed using one or more of the methods and apparatus described above.
  • the yield strength of the expandable tubular member is about 95 ksi.
  • one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12 , 14 , 24 , 26 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 202 , 204 and/or 3502 are processed in accordance with a method 3700 , in which, in step 3702 , an expandable tubular member 3702 a is provided that is a steel alloy having following material composition (by weight percentage): 0.18% C, 1.28% Mn, 0.017% P, 0.004% S, 0.29% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, 0.03% Cr, 0.04% V, 0.01% Mo, 0.03% Nb, and 0.01% Ti.
  • the expandable tubular member 3702 a provided in step 3702 has a yield strength of 60 ksi, and a tensile strength of 80 ksi.
  • the expandable tubular member 3702 a includes a microstructure that includes pearlite and pearlite striation.
  • the expandable tubular member 3702 a is then heated at a temperature of 790° C. for about 10 minutes in step 3704 .
  • the expandable tubular member 3702 a is then quenched in water in step 3706 .
  • the expandable tubular member 3702 a includes a microstructure that includes ferrite, martensite, and bainite.
  • the expandable tubular member 3702 a has a yield strength of 82 ksi, and a tensile strength of 130 ksi.
  • the expandable tubular member 3702 a is then radially expanded and plastically deformed using one or more of the methods and apparatus described above.
  • the yield strength of the expandable tubular member is about 130 ksi.
  • one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12 , 14 , 24 , 26 , 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 , 202 , 204 and/or 3502 are processed in accordance with a method 3800 , in which, in step 3802 , an expandable tubular member 3802 a is provided that is a steel alloy having following material composition (by weight percentage): 0.08% C, 0.82% Mn, 0.006% P, 0.003% S, 0.30% Si, 0.06% Cu, 0.05% Ni, 0.05% Cr, 0.03% V, 0.03% Mo, 0.01% Nb, and 0.01% Ti.
  • the expandable tubular member 3802 a provided in step 3802 has a yield strength of 56 ksi, and a tensile strength of 75 ksi.
  • the expandable tubular member 3802 a includes a microstructure that includes grain pearlite, widmanstatten martensite and carbides of V, Ni, and/or Ti.
  • the expandable tubular member 3802 a is then heated at a temperature of 790° C. for about 10 minutes in step 3804 .
  • the expandable tubular member 3802 a is then quenched in water in step 3806 .
  • the expandable tubular member 3802 a includes a microstructure that includes bainite, pearlite, and new ferrite. In an exemplary experimental embodiment, following the completion of step 3806 , the expandable tubular member 3802 a has a yield strength of 60 ksi, and a tensile strength of 97 ksi.
  • the expandable tubular member 3802 a is then radially expanded and plastically deformed using one or more of the methods and apparatus described above.
  • the yield strength of the expandable tubular member is about 97 ksi.
  • teachings of the present disclosure are combined with one or more of the teachings disclosed in FR 2 841 626, filed on Jun. 28, 2002, and published on Jan. 2, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the tubular members include one or more of the following characteristics: high burst and collapse, the ability to be radially expanded more than about 40%, high fracture toughness, defect tolerance, strain recovery @150 F, good bending fatigue, optimal residual stresses, and corrosion resistance to H 2 S in order to provide optimal characteristics during and after radial expansion and plastic deformation.
  • the tubular members are fabricated from a steel alloy having a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs in order to provided enhanced characteristics during and after radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.
  • the tubular members are fabricated from a steel alloy having a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08% in order to provide enhanced characteristics during and after radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular members.
  • the tubular members are fabricated from a steel alloy having reduced sulfur content in order to minimize hydrogen induced cracking.
  • the tubular members are fabricated from a steel alloy having a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy-V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules in order to provide enhanced characteristics during and after radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular members.
  • the tubular members are fabricated from a steel alloy having a low weight percentage of carbon in order to enhance toughness, ductility, weldability, shelf energy, and hydrogen induced cracking resistance.
  • the tubular members are fabricated from a steel alloy having the following percentage compositions in order to provide enhanced characteristics during and after radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular members:
  • the ratio of the outside diameter D of the tubular members to the wall thickness t of the tubular members range from about 12 to 22 in order to enhance the collapse strength of the radially expanded and plastically deformed tubular members.
  • the outer portion of the wall thickness of the radially expanded and plastically deformed tubular members includes tensile residual stresses in order to enhance the collapse strength following radial expansion and plastic deformation.
  • reducing residual stresses in samples of the tubular members prior to radial expansion and plastic deformation increased the collapse strength of the radially expanded and plastically deformed tubular members.
  • the collapse strength of radially expanded and plastically deformed samples of the tubulars were determined on an as-received basis, after strain aging at 250 F for 5 hours to reduce residual stresses, and after strain aging at 350 F for 14 days to reduce residual stresses as follows:
  • the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.
  • the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.
  • a method for manufacturing an expandable member used to complete a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member includes forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08%.
  • An expandable member for use in completing a wellbore by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member at a downhole location in the wellbore has been described that includes a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08%.
  • a structural completion has been described that includes one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members positioned within the wellbore; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members are fabricated from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08%.
  • a method for manufacturing an expandable member used to complete a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member includes forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules.
  • An expandable member for use in completing a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member has been described that includes a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules.
  • a structural completion has been described that include one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members are fabricated from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules.
  • a method for manufacturing an expandable member used to complete a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member includes forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
  • An expandable member for use in completing a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member has been described that includes a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
  • a structural completion has been described that includes one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members are fabricated from a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
  • a method for manufacturing a tubular member used to complete a wellbore by radially expanding the tubular member at a downhole location in the wellbore includes forming a steel alloy comprising a concentration of carbon between approximately 0.002% and 0.08% by weight of the steel alloy.
  • the method includes forming the steel alloy with a concentration of niobium comprising between approximately 0.015% and 0.12% by weight of the steel alloy.
  • the method includes forming the steel alloy with low concentrations of niobium and titanium; and limiting the total concentration of niobium and titanium to less than approximately 0.6% by weight of the steel alloy.
  • An expandable tubular member has been described that is fabricated from a steel alloy having a concentration of carbon between approximately 0.002% and 0.08% by weight of the steel alloy.
  • a method for manufacturing an expandable tubular member used to complete a wellbore completion within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member within the wellbore includes forming the expandable tubular member from a steel alloy comprising a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs; forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules; forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
  • An expandable tubular member for use in completing a wellbore completion within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member within the wellbore has been described that includes a steel alloy having a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs; a steel alloy having a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules; and a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
  • a wellbore completion positioned within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation has been described that includes one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable tubular members positioned within the wellbore completion; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable tubular members are fabricated from:
  • teachings of the present illustrative embodiments may be used to provide a wellbore casing, a pipeline, or a structural support.
  • the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative embodiments.
  • one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.

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Abstract

A low carbon steel expandable tubular (10, 100, 200).

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/600,679, attorney docket number 25791.194, filed on Aug. 11, 2004, the disclosure which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • This application is a continuation-in-part of one or more of the following: (1) PCT application US02/04353, filed on Feb. 14, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.50.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/270,007, attorney docket no. 25791.50,-filed on Feb. 20, 2001; (2) PCT application US 03/00609, filed on Jan. 9, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.71.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/357,372, attorney docket no. 25791.71, filed on Feb. 15, 2002; and (3) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/585,370, attorney docket number 25791.299, filed on Jul. 2, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • This application is related to the following co-pending applications: (1) U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, attorney docket no. 25791.7.02, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,702, filed on Feb. 25, 1999, (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, attorney docket no. 25791.8.02, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/119,611, filed on Feb. 11, 1999, (4) U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, attorney docket number 25791.9.02, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on Nov. 16, 1998, (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/169,434, attorney docket no. 25791.10.04, filed on Jul. 1, 2002, which claims priority from provisional application 60/183,546, filed on Feb. 18, 2000, (6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (7) U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,471, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,841, filed on Feb. 26, 1999, (8) U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,240, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/511,941, attorney docket no. 25791.16.02, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/121,907, filed on Feb. 26, 1999, (9) U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,640, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/137,998, filed on Jun. 7, 1999, (10) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/981,916, attorney docket no. 25791.18, filed on Oct. 18, 2001 as a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,113, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, attorney docket number 25791.9.02, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/108,558, filed on Nov. 16, 1998, (11) U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,763, which was filed as application Ser. No. 09/559,122, attorney docket no. 25791.23.02, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/131,106, filed on Apr. 26, 1999, (12) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/030,593, attorney docket no. 25791.25.08, filed on Jan. 8, 2002, which claims priority from provisional application 60/146,203, filed on Jul. 29, 1999, (13) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/143,039, attorney docket no. 25791.26, filed on Jul. 9, 1999, (14) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/1 11,982, attorney docket no. 25791.27.08, filed on Apr. 30, 2002, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/162,671, attorney docket no. 25791.27, filed on Nov. 1, 1999, (15) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/154,047, attorney docket no. 25791.29, filed on Sep. 16, 1999, (16) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/438,828, attorney docket no. 25791.31, filed on Jan. 9, 2003, (17) U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,875, which was filed as application Ser. No. 09/679,907, attorney docket no. 25791.34.02, on Oct. 5, 2000, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,082, attorney docket no. 25791.34, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (18) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/089,419, filed on Mar. 27, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.36.03, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,039, attorney docket no. 25791.36, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (19) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/679,906, filed on Oct. 5, 2000, attorney docket no. 25791.37.02, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,033, attorney docket no. 25791.37, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (20) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/303,992, filed on Nov. 22, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.38.07, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/212,359, attorney docket no. 25791.38, filed on Jun. 19, 2000, (21) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/165,228, attorney docket no. 25791.39, filed on Nov. 12, 1999, (22) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/455,051, attorney docket no. 25791.40, filed on Mar. 14, 2003, (23) PCT application US02/2477, filed on Jun. 26, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.44.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/303,711, attorney docket no. 25791.44, filed on Jul. 6, 2001, (24) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/311,412, filed on Dec. 12, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.45.07, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,443, attorney docket no. 25791.45, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (25) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/______, filed on Dec. 18, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.46.07, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,645, attorney docket no. 25791.46, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (26) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/322,947, filed on Jan. 22, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.47.03, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/233,638, attorney docket no. 25791.47, filed on Sep. 18, 2000, (27) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/406,648, filed on Mar. 31, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.48.06, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/237,334, attorney docket no. 25791.48, filed on Oct. 2, 2000, (28) PCT application US02/04353, filed on Feb. 14, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.50.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/270,007, attorney docket no. 25791.50, filed on Feb. 20, 2001, (29) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/465,835, filed on Jun. 13, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.51.06, which claims priority from provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/262,434, attorney docket no. 25791.51, filed on Jan. 17, 2001, (30) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/465,831, filed on Jun. 13, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.52.06, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/259,486, attorney docket no. 25791.52, filed on Jan. 3, 2001, (31) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/452,303, filed on Mar. 5, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.53, (32) U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,966, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/850,093, filed on May. 7, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.55, as a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (33) U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,227, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/852,026, filed on May. 9, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.56, as a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (34) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/852,027, filed on May 9, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.57, as a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,497,289, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claims priority from provisional application 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998, (35) PCT Application US02/25608, attorney docket no. 25791.58.02, filed on Aug. 13, 2002, which claims priority from provisional application 60/318,021, filed on Sep. 7, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.58, (36) PCT Application US02/24399, attorney docket no. 25791.59.02, filed on Aug. 1, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/313,453, attorney docket no. 25791.59, filed on Aug. 20, 2001, (37) PCT Application US02/29856, attorney docket no. 25791.60.02, filed on Sep. 19, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/326,886, attorney docket no. 25791.60, filed on Oct. 3, 2001, (38) PCT Application US02/20256, attorney docket no. 25791.61.02, filed on Jun. 26, 2002, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/303,740, attorney docket no. 25791.61, filed on Jul. 6, 2001, (39) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,469, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.62, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,468, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claims priority from provisional application 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, (40) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,470, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.63, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. 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    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention relates generally to oil and gas exploration, and in particular to forming and repairing wellbore casings to facilitate oil and gas exploration.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • According to one aspect of the present invention, an expandable tubular member is provided, wherein the carbon content of the tubular member is less than or equal to 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the tubular member is less than 0.21.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, an expandable tubular member is provided, wherein the carbon content of the tubular member is greater than 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the tubular member is less than 0.36.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an expandable member used to complete a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member includes forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08%.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, an expandable member for use in completing a wellbore by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member at a downhole location in the wellbore includes a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08%.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, a structural completion includes one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members positioned within the wellbore; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members are fabricated from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08%.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an expandable member used to complete a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member includes forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, an expandable member for use in completing a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member includes a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, a structural completion includes one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members are fabricated from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an expandable member used to complete a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member includes forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
      • C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
      • Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
      • Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
      • P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
      • S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
      • Al, up to about 0.04;
      • N, up to about 0.01;
      • Cu, up to about 0.3;
      • Cr, up to about 0.5;
      • Ni, up to about 18;
      • Nb, up to about 0.12;
      • Ti, up to about 0.6;
      • Co, up to about 9; and
      • Mo, up to about 5.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, an expandable member for use in completing a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member includes a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
      • C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
      • Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
      • Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
      • P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
      • S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
      • Al, up to about 0.04;
      • N, up to about 0.01;
      • Cu, up to about 0.3;
      • Cr, up to about 0.5;
      • Ni, up to about 18;
      • Nb, up to about 0.12;
      • Ti, up to about 0.6;
      • Co, up to about 9; and
      • Mo, up to about 5.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, a structural completion includes one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members are fabricated from a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
      • C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
      • Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
      • Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
      • P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
      • S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
      • Al, up to about 0.04;
      • N, up to about 0.01;
      • Cu, up to about 0.3;
      • Cr, up to about 0.5;
      • Ni, up to about 18;
      • Nb, up to about 0.12;
      • Ti, up to about 0.6;
      • Co, up to about 9; and
      • Mo, up to about 5.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a tubular member used to complete a wellbore by radially expanding the tubular member at a downhole location in the wellbore includes forming a steel alloy comprising a concentration of carbon between approximately 0.002% and 0.08% by weight of the steel alloy.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, an expandable tubular member is fabricated from a steel alloy having a concentration of carbon between approximately 0.002% and 0.08% by weight of the steel alloy.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an expandable tubular member used to complete a wellbore completion within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member within the wellbore includes forming the expandable tubular member from a steel alloy comprising a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs; forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules; forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
      • C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
      • Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
      • Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
      • P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
      • S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
      • Al, up to about 0.04;
      • N, up to about 0.01;
      • Cu, up to about 0.3;
      • Cr, up to about 0.5;
      • Ni, up to about 18;
      • Nb, up to about 0.12;
      • Ti, up to about 0.6;
      • Co, up to about 9; and
      • Mo, up to about 5;
        forming the expandable tubular member with a ratio of the of an outside diameter of the expandable tubular member to a wall thickness of the expandable tubular member ranging from about 12 to 22; and strain aging the expandable tubular member prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member within the wellbore.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, an expandable tubular member for use in completing a wellbore completion within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member within the wellbore includes a steel alloy having a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs; a steel alloy having a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules; and a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
      • C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
      • Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
      • Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
      • P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
      • S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
      • Al, up to about 0.04;
      • N, up to about 0.01;
      • Cu, up to about 0.3;
      • Cr, up to about 0.5;
      • Ni, up to about 18;
      • Nb, up to about 0.12;
      • Ti, up to about 0.6;
      • Co, up to about 9; and
      • Mo, up to about 5;
        wherein a ratio of the of an outside diameter of the expandable tubular member to a wall thickness of the expandable tubular member ranging from about 12 to 22; and wherein the expandable tubular member is strain aged prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member within the wellbore.
  • According to another aspect of the present invention, a wellbore completion positioned within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation includes one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable tubular members positioned within the wellbore completion; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable tubular members are fabricated to from a steel alloy comprising a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs; a steel alloy comprising a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules; and a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
      • C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
      • Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
      • Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
      • P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
      • S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
      • Al, up to about 0.04;
      • N, up to about 0.01;
      • Cu, up to about 0.3;
      • Cr, up to about 0.5;
      • Ni, up to about 18;
      • Nb, up to about 0.12;
      • Ti, up to about 0.6;
      • Co, up to about 9; and
      • Mo, up to about 5;
        wherein at least one of the expandable members comprises a ratio of the of an outside diameter of the expandable member to a wall thickness of the expandable member ranging from about 12 to 22; wherein an outer portion of the wall thickness of at least one of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable comprises tensile residual stresses; and wherein at least one of the expandable tubular member is strain aged prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member within the wellbore.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular member positioned within a preexisting structure.
  • FIG. 2 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 1 after positioning an expansion device within the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 2 after operating the expansion device within the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a portion of the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 3 after operating the expansion device within the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform another portion of the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 5 is a graphical illustration of exemplary embodiments of the stress/strain curves for several portions of the expandable tubular member of FIGS. 1-4.
  • FIG. 6 is a graphical illustration of the an exemplary embodiment of the yield strength vs. ductility curve for at least a portion of the expandable tubular member of FIGS. 1-4.
  • FIG. 7 is a fragmentary cross sectional illustration of an embodiment of a series of overlapping expandable tubular members.
  • FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular member positioned within a preexisting structure.
  • FIG. 9 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 8 after positioning an expansion device within the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 9 after operating the expansion device within the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a portion of the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 11 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 10 after operating the expansion device within the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform another portion of the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 12 is a graphical illustration of exemplary embodiments of the stress/strain curves for several portions of the expandable tubular member of FIGS. 8-11.
  • FIG. 13 is a graphical illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the yield strength vs. ductility curve for at least a portion of the expandable tubular member of FIGS. 8-11.
  • FIG. 14 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular member positioned within a preexisting structure.
  • FIG. 15 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 14 after positioning an expansion device within the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 16 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 15 after operating the expansion device within the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a portion of the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 17 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of the expandable tubular member of FIG. 16 after operating the expansion device within the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform another portion of the expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a method of processing an expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 19 is a graphical illustration of the an exemplary embodiment of the yield strength vs. ductility curve for at least a portion of the expandable tubular member during the operation of the method of FIG. 18.
  • FIG. 20 is a graphical illustration of stress/strain curves for an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 21 is a graphical illustration of stress/strain curves for an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 35 a is a fragmentary cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular member.
  • FIG. 35 b is a graphical illustration of an exemplary embodiment of the variation in the yield point for the expandable tubular member of FIG. 35 a.
  • FIG. 36 a is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a method for processing a tubular member.
  • FIG. 36 b is an illustration of the microstructure of an exemplary embodiment of a tubular member prior to thermal processing.
  • FIG. 36 c is an illustration of the microstructure of an exemplary embodiment of a tubular member after thermal processing.
  • FIG. 37 a is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a method for processing a tubular member.
  • FIG. 37 b is an illustration of the microstructure of an exemplary embodiment of a tubular member prior to thermal processing.
  • FIG. 37 c is an illustration of the microstructure of an exemplary embodiment of a tubular member after thermal processing.
  • FIG. 38 a is a flow chart illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a method for processing a tubular member.
  • FIG. 38 b is an illustration of the microstructure of an exemplary embodiment of a tubular member prior to thermal processing.
  • FIG. 38 c is an illustration of the microstructure of an exemplary embodiment of a tubular member after thermal processing.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
  • Referring initially to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular assembly 10 includes a first expandable tubular member 12 coupled to a second expandable tubular member 14. In several exemplary embodiments, the ends of the first and second expandable tubular members, 12 and 14, are coupled using, for example, a conventional mechanical coupling, a welded connection, a brazed connection, a threaded connection, and/or an interference fit connection. In an exemplary embodiment, the first expandable tubular member 12 has a plastic yield point YP1, and the second expandable tubular member 14 has a plastic yield point YP2. In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable tubular assembly 10 is positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore 16 that traverses a subterranean formation 18.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 2, an expansion device 20 may then be positioned within the second expandable tubular member 14. In several exemplary embodiments, the expansion device 20 may include, for example, one or more of the following conventional expansion devices: a) an expansion cone; b) a rotary expansion device; c) a hydroforming expansion device; d) an impulsive force expansion device; d) any one of the expansion devices commercially available from, or disclosed in any of the published patent applications or issued patents, of Weatherford International, Baker Hughes, Halliburton Energy Services, Shell Oil Co., Schlumberger, and/or Enventure Global Technology L.L.C. In several exemplary embodiments, the expansion device 20 is positioned within the second expandable tubular member 14 before, during, or after the placement of the expandable tubular assembly 10 within the preexisting structure 16.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 3, the expansion device 20 may then be operated to radially expand and plastically deform at least a portion of the second expandable tubular member 14 to form a bell-shaped section.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 4, the expansion device 20 may then be operated to radially expand and plastically deform the remaining portion of the second expandable tubular member 14 and at least a portion of the first expandable tubular member 12.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of at least a portion of at least one of the first and second expandable tubular members, 12 and 14, are radially expanded into intimate contact with the interior surface of the preexisting structure 16.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the plastic yield point YP1 is greater than the plastic yield point YP2. In this manner, in an exemplary embodiment, the amount of power and/or energy required to radially expand the second expandable tubular member 14 is less than the amount of power and/or energy required to radially expand the first expandable tubular member 12.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the first expandable tubular member 12 and/or the second expandable tubular member 14 have a ductility DPE and a yield strength YSPE prior to radial expansion and plastic deformation, and a ductility DAE and a yield strength YSAE after radial expansion and plastic deformation. In an exemplary embodiment, DPE is greater than DAE, and YSAE is greater than YSPE. In this manner, the first expandable tubular member 12 and/or the second expandable tubular member 14 are transformed during the radial expansion and plastic deformation process. Furthermore, in this manner, in an exemplary embodiment, the amount of power and/or energy required to radially expand each unit length of the first and/or second expandable tubular members, 12 and 14, is reduced. Furthermore, because the YSAE is greater than YSPE, the collapse strength of the first expandable tubular member 12 and/or the second expandable tubular member 14 is increased after the radial expansion and plastic deformation process.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, following the completion of the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular assembly 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4, at least a portion of the second expandable tubular member 14 has an inside diameter that is greater than at least the inside diameter of the first expandable tubular member 12. In this manner a bell-shaped section is formed using at least a portion of the second expandable tubular member 14. Another expandable tubular assembly 22 that includes a first expandable tubular member 24 and a second expandable tubular member 26 may then be positioned in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular assembly 10 and radially expanded and plastically deformed using the methods described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4. Furthermore, following the completion of the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular assembly 20, in an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the second expandable tubular member 26 has an inside diameter that is greater than at least the inside diameter of the first expandable tubular member 24. In this manner a bell-shaped section is formed using at least a portion of the second expandable tubular member 26. Furthermore, in this manner, a mono-diameter tubular assembly is formed that defines an internal passage 28 having a substantially constant cross-sectional area and/or inside diameter.
  • Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular assembly 100 includes a first expandable tubular member 102 coupled to a tubular coupling 104. The tubular coupling 104 is coupled to a tubular coupling 106. The tubular coupling 106 is coupled to a second expandable tubular member 108. In several exemplary embodiments, the tubular couplings, 104 and 106, provide a tubular coupling assembly for coupling the first and second expandable tubular members, 102 and 108, together that may include, for example, a conventional mechanical coupling, a welded connection, a brazed connection, a threaded connection, and/or an interference fit connection. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second expandable tubular members 12 have a plastic yield point YP1, and the tubular couplings, 104 and 106, have a plastic yield point YP2. In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable tubular assembly 100 is positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore 110 that traverses a subterranean formation 112.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 9, an expansion device 114 may then be positioned within the second expandable tubular member 108. In several exemplary embodiments, the expansion device 114 may include, for example, one or more of the following conventional expansion devices: a) an expansion cone; b) a rotary expansion device; c) a hydroforming expansion device; d) an impulsive force expansion device; d) any one of the expansion devices commercially available from, or disclosed in any of the published patent applications or issued patents, of Weatherford International, Baker Hughes, Halliburton Energy Services, Shell Oil Co., Schlumberger, and/or Enventure Global Technology L.L.C. In several exemplary embodiments, the expansion device 114 is positioned within the second expandable tubular member 108 before, during, or after the placement of the expandable tubular assembly 100 within the preexisting structure 110.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 10, the expansion device 114 may then be operated to radially expand and plastically deform at least a portion of the second expandable tubular member 108 to form a bell-shaped section.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 11, the expansion device 114 may then be operated to radially expand and plastically deform the remaining portion of the second expandable tubular member 108, the tubular couplings, 104 and 106, and at least a portion of the first expandable tubular member 102.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of at least a portion of at least one of the first and second expandable tubular members, 102 and 108, are radially expanded into intimate contact with the interior surface of the preexisting structure 110.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the plastic yield point YP1 is less than the plastic yield point YP2. In this manner, in an exemplary embodiment, the amount of power and/or energy required to radially expand each unit length of the first and second expandable tubular members, 102 and 108, is less than the amount of power and/or energy required to radially expand each unit length of the tubular couplings, 104 and 106.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the first expandable tubular member 12 and/or the second expandable tubular member 14 have a ductility DPE and a yield strength YSPE prior to radial expansion and plastic deformation, and a ductility DAE and a yield strength YSAE after radial expansion and plastic deformation. In an exemplary embodiment, DPE is greater than DAE, and YSAE is greater than YSPE. In this manner, the first expandable tubular member 12 and/or the second expandable tubular member 14 are transformed during the radial expansion and plastic deformation process. Furthermore, in this manner, in an exemplary embodiment, the amount of power and/or energy required to radially expand each unit length of the first and/or second expandable tubular members, 12 and 14, is reduced. Furthermore, because the YSAE is greater than YSPE, the collapse strength of the first expandable tubular member 12 and/or the second expandable tubular member 14 is increased after the radial expansion and plastic deformation process.
  • Referring to FIG. 14, an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular assembly 200 includes a first expandable tubular member 202 coupled to a second expandable tubular member 204 that defines radial openings 204 a, 204 b, 204 c, and 204 d. In several exemplary embodiments, the ends of the first and second expandable tubular members, 202 and 204, are coupled using, for example, a conventional mechanical coupling, a welded connection, a brazed connection, a threaded connection, and/or an interference fit connection. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the radial openings, 204 a, 204 b, 204 c, and 204 d, have circular, oval, square, and/or irregular cross sections and/or include portions that extend to and interrupt either end of the second expandable tubular member 204. In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable tubular assembly 200 is positioned within a preexisting structure such as, for example, a wellbore 206 that traverses a subterranean formation 208.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 15, an expansion device 210 may then be positioned within the second expandable tubular member 204. In several exemplary embodiments, the expansion device 210 may include, for example, one or more of the following conventional expansion devices: a) an expansion cone; b) a rotary expansion device; c) a hydroforming expansion device; d) an impulsive force expansion device; d) any one of the expansion devices commercially available from, or disclosed in any of the published patent applications or issued patents, of Weatherford International, Baker Hughes, Halliburton Energy Services, Shell Oil Co., Schlumberger, and/or Enventure Global Technology L.L.C. In several exemplary embodiments, the expansion device 210 is positioned within the second expandable tubular member 204 before, during, or after the placement of the expandable tubular assembly 200 within the preexisting structure 206.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 16, the expansion device 210 may then be operated to radially expand and plastically deform at least a portion of the second expandable tubular member 204 to form a bell-shaped section.
  • As illustrated in FIG. 16, the expansion device 20 may then be operated to radially expand and plastically deform the remaining portion of the second expandable tubular member 204 and at least a portion of the first expandable tubular member 202.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the anisotropy ratio AR for the first and second expandable tubular members is defined by the following equation:

  • AR=In(WT f /WT o)/In(D f /D o);
      • where AR=anisotropy ratio;
      • where WTf=final wall thickness of the expandable tubular member following the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member;
      • where WTi=initial wall thickness of the expandable tubular member prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member;
      • where Df=final inside diameter of the expandable tubular member following the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member; and
      • where Di=initial inside diameter of the expandable tubular member prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the anisotropy ratio AR for the first and/or second expandable tubular members, 204 and 204, is greater than 1.
  • In an exemplary exoperimental embodiment, the second expandable tubular member 204 had an anisotropy ratio AR greater than 1, and the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the second expandable tubular member did not result in any of the openings, 204 a, 204 b, 204 c, and 204 d, splitting or otherwise fracturing the remaining portions of the second expandable tubular member. This was an unexpected result.
  • Referring to FIG. 18, in an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12, 14, 24, 26, 102, 104, 106, 108, 202 and/or 204 are processed using a method 300 in which a tubular member in an initial state is thermo-mechanically processed in step 302. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermo-mechanical processing 302 includes one or more heat treating and/or mechanical forming processes. As a result, of the thermo-mechanical processing 302, the tubular member is transformed to an intermediate state. The tubular member is then further thermo-mechanically processed in step 304. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermo-mechanical processing 304 includes one or more heat treating and/or mechanical forming processes. As a result, of the thermo-mechanical processing 304, the tubular member is transformed to a final state.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 19, during the operation of the method 300, the tubular member has a ductility DPE and a yield strength YSPE prior to the final thermo-mechanical processing in step 304, and a ductility DAE and a yield strength YSAE after final thermo-mechanical processing. In an exemplary embodiment, DPE is greater than DAE, and YSAE is greater than YSPE. In this manner, the amount of energy and/or power required to transform the tubular member, using mechanical forming processes, during the final thermo-mechanical processing in step 304 is reduced. Furthermore, in this manner, because the YSAE is greater than YSPE, the collapse strength of the tubular member is increased after the final thermo-mechanical processing in step 304.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12, 14, 24, 26, 102, 104, 106, 108, 202 and/or 204, have the following characteristics:
  • Characteristic Value
    Tensile Strength 60 to 120 ksi
    Yield Strength 50 to 100 ksi
    Y/T Ratio Maximum of 50/85%
    Elongation During Radial Expansion and Minimum of 35%
    Plastic Deformation
    Width Reduction During Radial Expansion Minimum of 40%
    and Plastic Deformation
    Wall Thickness Reduction During Radial Minimum of 30%
    Expansion and Plastic Deformation
    Anisotropy Minimum of 1.5
    Minimum Absorbed Energy at −4 F. (−20 C.) in 80 ft-lb
    the Longitudinal Direction
    Minimum Absorbed Energy at −4 F. (−20 C.) in 60 ft-lb
    the Transverse Direction
    Minimum Absorbed Energy at −4 F. (−20 C.) 60 ft-lb
    Transverse To A Weld Area
    Flare Expansion Testing Minimum of 75%
    Without A Failure
    Increase in Yield Strength Due To Radial Greater than 5.4%
    Expansion and Plastic Deformation
  • In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12, 14, 24, 26, 102, 104, 106, 108, 202 and/or 204, are characterized by an expandability coefficient f:
      • i. f=r×n
      • ii. where f=expandability coefficient;
        • 1. r=anisotropy coefficient; and
        • 2. n=strain hardening exponent.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the anisotropy coefficient for one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12, 14, 24, 26, 102, 104, 106, 108, 202 and/or 204 is greater than 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the strain hardening exponent for one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12, 14, 24, 26, 102, 104, 106, 108, 202 and/or 204 is greater than 0.12. In an exemplary embodiment, the expandability coefficient for one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12, 14, 24, 26, 102, 104, 106, 108, 202 and/or 204 is greater than 0.12.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, a tubular member having a higher expandability coefficient requires less power and/or energy to radially expand and plastically deform each unit length than a tubular member having a lower expandability coefficient. In an exemplary embodiment, a tubular member having a higher expandability coefficient requires less power and/or energy per unit length to radially expand and plastically deform than a tubular member having a lower expandability coefficient.
  • In several exemplary experimental embodiments, one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12, 14, 24, 26, 102, 104, 106, 108, 202 and/or 204, are steel alloys having one of the following compositions:
  • Steel Element and Percentage By Weight
    Alloy C Mn P S Si Cu Ni Cr
    A 0.065 1.44 0.01 0.002 0.24 0.01 0.01 0.02
    B 0.18 1.28 0.017 0.004 0.29 0.01 0.01 0.03
    C 0.08 0.82 0.006 0.003 0.30 0.16 0.05 0.05
    D 0.02 1.31 0.02 0.001 0.45 — 9.1 18.7
  • In exemplary experimental embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 20, a sample of an expandable tubular member composed of Alloy A exhibited a yield point before radial expansion and plastic deformation YPBE, a yield point after radial expansion and plastic deformation of about 16% YPAE16%, and a yield point after radial expansion and plastic deformation of about 24% YPAE24%. In an exemplary experimental embodiment, YPAE24%>YPAE16%>YPBE. Furthermore, in an exemplary experimental embodiment, the ductility of the sample of the expandable tubular member composed of Alloy A also exhibited a higher ductility prior to radial expansion and plastic deformation than after radial expansion and plastic deformation. These were unexpected results.
  • In an exemplary experimental embodiment, a sample of an expandable tubular member composed of Alloy A exhibited the following tensile characteristics before and after radial expansion and plastic deformation:
  • Yield Wall
    Point Yield Width Thickness
    ksi Ratio Elongation % Reduction % Reduction % Anisotropy
    Before 46.9 0.69 53 −52 55 0.93
    Radial
    Expansion
    and Plastic
    Deformation
    After 16% 65.9 0.83 17 42 51 0.78
    Radial
    Expansion
    After 24% 68.5 0.83 5 44 54 0.76
    Radial
    Expansion
    % Increase 40% for
    16%
    radial
    expansion
    46% for
    24%
    radial
    expansion
  • In exemplary experimental embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 21, a sample of an expandable tubular member composed of Alloy B exhibited a yield point before radial expansion and plastic deformation YPBE, a yield point after radial expansion and plastic deformation of about 16% YPAE16%, and a yield point after radial expansion and plastic deformation of about 24% YPAE24%. In an exemplary embodiment, YPAE24%>YPAE16%>YPBE. Furthermore, in an exemplary experimental embodiment, the ductility of the sample of the expandable tubular member composed of Alloy B also exhibited a higher ductility prior to radial expansion and plastic deformation than after radial expansion and plastic deformation. These were unexpected results.
  • In an exemplary experimental embodiment, a sample of an expandable tubular member composed of Alloy B exhibited the following tensile characteristics before and after radial expansion and plastic deformation:
  • Yield Wall
    Point Yield Width Thickness
    ksi Ratio Elongation % Reduction % Reduction % Anisotropy
    Before 57.8 0.71 44 43 46 0.93
    Radial
    Expansion
    and Plastic
    Deformation
    After 16% 74.4 0.84 16 38 42 0.87
    Radial
    Expansion
    After 24% 79.8 0.86 20 36 42 0.81
    Radial
    Expansion
    % Increase 28.7%
    increase
    for 16%
    radial
    expansion
    38%
    increase
    for 24%
    radial
    expansion
  • In an exemplary experimental embodiment, samples of expandable tubulars composed of Alloys A, B, C, and D exhibited the following tensile characteristics prior to radial expansion and plastic deformation:
  • Absorbed Expand-
    Steel Yield Yield Elongation Energy ability
    Alloy ksi Ratio % Anisotropy ft-lb Coefficient
    A 47.6 0.71 44 1.48 145
    B 57.8 0.71 44 1.04 62.2
    C 61.7 0.80 39 1.92 268
    D 48 0.55 56 1.34 —
  • In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12, 14, 24, 26, 102, 104, 106, 108, 202 and/or 204 have a strain hardening exponent greater than 0.12, and a yield ratio is less than 0.85.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the carbon equivalent Ce, for tubular members having a carbon content (by weight percentage) less than or equal to 0.12%, is given by the following expression:

  • Ce=C+Mn/6+(Cr+Mo+V+Ti+Nb)/5+(Ni+Cu)/15
  • where Ce=carbon equivalent value;
      • a. C=carbon percentage by weight;
      • b. Mn=manganese percentage by weight;
      • c. Cr=chromium percentage by weight;
      • d. Mo=molybdenum percentage by weight;
      • e. V=vanadium percentage by weight;
      • f. Ti=titanium percentage by weight;
      • g. Nb=niobium percentage by weight;
      • h. Ni=nickel percentage by weight; and
      • i. Cu=copper percentage by weight.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the carbon equivalent value Ce, for tubular members having a carbon content less than or equal to 0.12% (by weight), for one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12, 14, 24, 26, 102, 104, 106, 108, 202 and/or 204 is less than 0.21.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the carbon equivalent Ce, for tubular members having more than 0.12% carbon content (by weight), is given by the following expression:

  • Ce=C+Si/30+(Mn+Cu+Cr)/20+Ni/60+Mo/15+V/10+5*B
  • where Ce=carbon equivalent value;
      • a. C=carbon percentage by weight;
      • b. Si=silicon percentage by weight;
      • c. Mn=manganese percentage by weight;
      • d. Cu=copper percentage by weight;
      • e. Cr=chromium percentage by weight;
      • f. Ni=nickel percentage by weight;
      • g. Mo=molybdenum percentage by weight;
      • h. V=vanadium percentage by weight; and
      • i. B=boron percentage by weight.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the carbon equivalent value Ce, for tubular members having greater than 0.12% carbon content (by weight), for one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12, 14, 24, 26, 102, 104, 106, 108, 202 and/or 204 is less than 0.36.
  • In several exemplary embodiments, the first and second tubular members described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21 are radially expanded and plastically deformed using the expansion device in a conventional manner and/or using one or more of the methods and apparatus disclosed in one or more of the following: The present application is related to the following: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.03.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, attorney docket no. 25791.7.02, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, attorney docket no. 25791.8.02,. filed on Feb. 10, 2000, (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, attorney docket no. 25791.9.02, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,460, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, (6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (7) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/511,941, attorney docket no. 25791.16.02, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, (8) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, (9) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/559,122, attorney docket no. 25791.23.02, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, (10) PCT patent application serial no. PCT/US00/18635, attorney docket no. 25791.25.02, filed on Jul. 9, 2000, (11) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/162,671, attorney docket no. 25791.27, filed on Nov. 11, 1999, (12) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/154,047, attorney docket no. 25791.29, filed on Sep. 16, 1999, (13) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,082, attorney docket no. 25791.34, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (14) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,039, attorney docket no. 25791.36, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (15) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/159,033, attorney docket no. 25791.37, filed on Oct. 12, 1999, (16) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/212,359, attorney docket no. 25791.38, filed on Jun. 19, 2000, (17) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/165,228, attorney docket no. 25791.39, filed on Nov. 12, 1999, (18) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,443, attorney docket no. 25791.45, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (19) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/221,645, attorney docket no. 25791.46, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, (20) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/233,638, attorney docket no. 25791.47, filed on Sep. 18, 2000, (21) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/237,334, attorney docket no. 25791.48, filed on Oct. 2, 2000, (22) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/270,007, attorney docket no. 25791.50, filed on Feb. 20, 2001, (23) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/262,434, attorney docket no. 25791.51, filed on Jan. 17, 2001, (24) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/259,486, attorney docket no. 25791.52, filed on Jan. 3, 2001, (25) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/303,740, attorney docket no. 25791.61, filed on Jul. 6, 2001, (26) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/313,453, attorney docket no. 25791.59, filed on Aug. 20, 2001, (27) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/317,985, attorney docket no. 25791.67, filed on Sep. 6, 2001, (28) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/3318,386, attorney docket no. 25791.67.02, filed on Sep. 10, 2001, (29) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/969,922, attorney docket no. 25791.69, filed on Oct. 3, 2001, (30) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 10/016,467, attorney docket no. 25791.70, filed on Dec. 10, 2001, (31) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/343,674, attorney docket no. 25791.68, filed on Dec. 27, 2001; and (32) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/346,309, attorney docket no. 25791.92, filed on Jan. 7, 2002, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Referring to FIG. 35 a an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tubular member 3500 includes a first tubular region 3502 and a second tubular portion 3504. In an exemplary embodiment, the material properties of the first and second tubular regions, 3502 and 3504, are different. In an exemplary embodiment, the yield points of the first and second tubular regions, 3502 and 3504, are different. In an exemplary embodiment, the yield point of the first tubular region 3502 is less than the yield point of the second tubular region 3504. In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12, 14, 24, 26, 102, 104, 106, 108, 202 and/or 204 incorporate the tubular member 3500.
  • Referring to FIG. 35 b, in an exemplary embodiment, the yield point within the first and second tubular regions, 3502 a and 3502 b, of the expandable tubular member 3502 vary as a function of the radial position within the expandable tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the yield point increases as a function of the radial position within the expandable tubular member 3502. In an exemplary embodiment, the relationship between the yield point and the radial position within the expandable tubular member 3502 is a linear relationship. In an exemplary embodiment, the relationship between the yield point and the radial position within the expandable tubular member 3502 is a non-linear relationship. In an exemplary embodiment, the yield point increases at different rates within the first and second tubular regions, 3502 a and 3502 b, as a function of the radial position within the expandable tubular member 3502. In an exemplary embodiment, the functional relationship, and value, of the yield points within the first and second tubular regions, 3502 a and 3502 b, of the expandable tubular member 3502 are modified by the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.
  • In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12, 14, 24, 26, 102, 104, 106, 108, 202, 204 and/or 3502, prior to a radial expansion and plastic deformation, include a microstructure that is a combination of a hard phase, such as martensite, a soft phase, such as ferrite, and a transitionary phase, such as retained austentite. In this manner, the hard phase provides high strength, the soft phase provides ductility, and the transitionary phase transitions to a hard phase, such as martensite, during a radial expansion and plastic deformation. Furthermore, in this manner, the yield point of the tubular member increases as a result of the radial expansion and plastic deformation. Further, in this manner, the tubular member is ductile, prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation, thereby facilitating the radial expansion and plastic deformation. In an exemplary embodiment, the composition of a dual-phase expandable tubular member includes (weight percentages): about 0.1% C, 1.2% Mn, and 0.3% Si.
  • In an exemplary experimental embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 36 a-36 c, one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12, 14, 24, 26, 102, 104, 106, 108, 202, 204 and/or 3502 are processed in accordance with a method 3600, in which, in step 3602, an expandable tubular member 3602 a is provided that is a steel alloy having following material composition (by weight percentage): 0.065% C, 1.44% Mn, 0.01% P, 0.002% S, 0.24% Si, 0.01% Cu,0.01% Ni,0.02% Cr, 0.05% V, 0.01% Mo, 0.01% Nb, and 0.01% Ti. In an exemplary experimental embodiment, the expandable tubular member 3602 a provided in step 3602 has a yield strength of 45 ksi, and a tensile strength of 69 ksi.
  • In an exemplary experimental embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 36 b, in step 3602, the expandable tubular member 3602 a includes a microstructure that includes martensite, pearlite, and V, Ni, and/or Ti carbides.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable tubular member 3602 a is then heated at a temperature of 790° C. for about 10 minutes in step 3604.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable tubular member 3602 a is then quenched in water in step 3606.
  • In an exemplary experimental embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 36 c, following the completion of step 3606, the expandable tubular member 3602 a includes a microstructure that includes new ferrite, grain pearlite, martensite, and ferrite. In an exemplary experimental embodiment, following the completion of step 3606, the expandable tubular member 3602 a has a yield strength of 67 ksi, and a tensile strength of 95 ksi.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable tubular member 3602 a is then radially expanded and plastically deformed using one or more of the methods and apparatus described above. In an exemplary embodiment, following the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member 3602 a, the yield strength of the expandable tubular member is about 95 ksi.
  • In an exemplary experimental embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 37 a-37 c, one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12, 14, 24, 26, 102, 104, 106, 108, 202, 204 and/or 3502 are processed in accordance with a method 3700, in which, in step 3702, an expandable tubular member 3702 a is provided that is a steel alloy having following material composition (by weight percentage): 0.18% C, 1.28% Mn, 0.017% P, 0.004% S, 0.29% Si, 0.01% Cu, 0.01% Ni, 0.03% Cr, 0.04% V, 0.01% Mo, 0.03% Nb, and 0.01% Ti. In an exemplary experimental embodiment, the expandable tubular member 3702 a provided in step 3702 has a yield strength of 60 ksi, and a tensile strength of 80 ksi.
  • In an exemplary experimental embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 37 b, in step 3702, the expandable tubular member 3702 a includes a microstructure that includes pearlite and pearlite striation.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable tubular member 3702 a is then heated at a temperature of 790° C. for about 10 minutes in step 3704.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable tubular member 3702 a is then quenched in water in step 3706.
  • In an exemplary experimental embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 37 c, following the completion of step 3706, the expandable tubular member 3702 a includes a microstructure that includes ferrite, martensite, and bainite. In an exemplary experimental embodiment, following the completion of step 3706, the expandable tubular member 3702 a has a yield strength of 82 ksi, and a tensile strength of 130 ksi.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable tubular member 3702 a is then radially expanded and plastically deformed using one or more of the methods and apparatus described above. In an exemplary embodiment, following the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member 3702 a, the yield strength of the expandable tubular member is about 130 ksi.
  • In an exemplary experimental embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 38 a-38 c, one or more of the expandable tubular members, 12, 14, 24, 26, 102, 104, 106, 108, 202, 204 and/or 3502 are processed in accordance with a method 3800, in which, in step 3802, an expandable tubular member 3802 a is provided that is a steel alloy having following material composition (by weight percentage): 0.08% C, 0.82% Mn, 0.006% P, 0.003% S, 0.30% Si, 0.06% Cu, 0.05% Ni, 0.05% Cr, 0.03% V, 0.03% Mo, 0.01% Nb, and 0.01% Ti. In an exemplary experimental embodiment, the expandable tubular member 3802 a provided in step 3802 has a yield strength of 56 ksi, and a tensile strength of 75 ksi.
  • In an exemplary experimental embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 38 b, in step 3802, the expandable tubular member 3802 a includes a microstructure that includes grain pearlite, widmanstatten martensite and carbides of V, Ni, and/or Ti.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable tubular member 3802 a is then heated at a temperature of 790° C. for about 10 minutes in step 3804.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable tubular member 3802 a is then quenched in water in step 3806.
  • In an exemplary experimental embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 38 c, following the completion of step 3806, the expandable tubular member 3802 a includes a microstructure that includes bainite, pearlite, and new ferrite. In an exemplary experimental embodiment, following the completion of step 3806, the expandable tubular member 3802 a has a yield strength of 60 ksi, and a tensile strength of 97 ksi.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the expandable tubular member 3802 a is then radially expanded and plastically deformed using one or more of the methods and apparatus described above. In an exemplary embodiment, following the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member 3802 a, the yield strength of the expandable tubular member is about 97 ksi.
  • In several exemplary embodiments, the teachings of the present disclosure are combined with one or more of the teachings disclosed in FR 2 841 626, filed on Jun. 28, 2002, and published on Jan. 2, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular members include one or more of the following characteristics: high burst and collapse, the ability to be radially expanded more than about 40%, high fracture toughness, defect tolerance, strain recovery @150 F, good bending fatigue, optimal residual stresses, and corrosion resistance to H2S in order to provide optimal characteristics during and after radial expansion and plastic deformation.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular members are fabricated from a steel alloy having a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs in order to provided enhanced characteristics during and after radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular members are fabricated from a steel alloy having a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08% in order to provide enhanced characteristics during and after radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular members.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular members are fabricated from a steel alloy having reduced sulfur content in order to minimize hydrogen induced cracking.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular members are fabricated from a steel alloy having a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy-V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules in order to provide enhanced characteristics during and after radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular members.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular members are fabricated from a steel alloy having a low weight percentage of carbon in order to enhance toughness, ductility, weldability, shelf energy, and hydrogen induced cracking resistance.
  • In several exemplary embodiments, the tubular members are fabricated from a steel alloy having the following percentage compositions in order to provide enhanced characteristics during and after radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular members:
  • C Si Mn P S Al N Cu Cr Ni Nb Ti Co Mo
    EXAMPLE A 0.030 0.22 1.74 0.005 0.0005 0.028 0.0037 0.30 0.26 0.1 0.095 0.014 0.0034
    EXAMPLE 0.020 0.23 1.70 0.004 0.0005 0.026 0.0030 0.27 0.26 0.16 0.096 0.012 0.0021
    B MIN
    EXAMPLE 0.032 0.26 1.92 0.009 0.0010 0.035 0.0047 0.32 0.29 0.18 0.120 0.016 0.0050
    B MAX
    EXAMPLE C 0.028 0.24 1.77 0.007 0.0008 0.030 0.0035 0.29 0.27 0.17 0.101 0.014 0.0028 0.0020
    EXAMPLE D 0.08 0.30 0.5 0.07 0.005 0.010 0.10 0.50 0.10
    EXAMPLE E 0.0028 0.009 0.17 0.011 0.006 0.027 0.0029 0.029 0.014 0.035 0.007
    EXAMPLE F 0.03 0.1 0.1 0.015 0.005 18.0 0.6 9 5
    EXAMPLE G 0.002 0.01 0.15 0.07 0.005 0.04 0.0025 0.015 0.010
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the outside diameter D of the tubular members to the wall thickness t of the tubular members range from about 12 to 22 in order to enhance the collapse strength of the radially expanded and plastically deformed tubular members.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the outer portion of the wall thickness of the radially expanded and plastically deformed tubular members includes tensile residual stresses in order to enhance the collapse strength following radial expansion and plastic deformation.
  • In several exemplary experimental embodiments, reducing residual stresses in samples of the tubular members prior to radial expansion and plastic deformation increased the collapse strength of the radially expanded and plastically deformed tubular members.
  • In several exemplary experimental embodiments, the collapse strength of radially expanded and plastically deformed samples of the tubulars were determined on an as-received basis, after strain aging at 250 F for 5 hours to reduce residual stresses, and after strain aging at 350 F for 14 days to reduce residual stresses as follows:
  • Collapse Strength
    After 10% Radial
    Tubular Sample Expansion
    Tubular Sample 1 - as received from 4000 psi
    manufacturer
    Tubular Sample 1 - strain aged at 250 F. for 4800 psi
    5 hours to reduce residual stresses
    Tubular Sample 1 - strain aged at 350 F. for 5000 psi
    14 days to reduce residual stresses
  • As indicated by the above table, reducing residual stresses in the tubular members, prior to radial expansion and plastic deformation, significantly increased the resulting collapse strength—post expansion.
  • An expandable tubular member has been described, wherein the carbon content of the tubular member is less than or equal to 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the tubular member is less than 0.21. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.
  • An expandable tubular member has been described, wherein the carbon content of the tubular member is greater than 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the tubular member is less than 0.36. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.
  • A method for manufacturing an expandable member used to complete a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member has been described that includes forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08%.
  • An expandable member for use in completing a wellbore by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member at a downhole location in the wellbore has been described that includes a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08%.
  • A structural completion has been described that includes one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members positioned within the wellbore; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members are fabricated from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08%.
  • A method for manufacturing an expandable member used to complete a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member has been described that includes forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules.
  • An expandable member for use in completing a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member has been described that includes a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules.
  • A structural completion has been described that include one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members are fabricated from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules.
  • A method for manufacturing an expandable member used to complete a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member has been described that includes forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
      • C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
      • Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
      • Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
      • P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
      • S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
      • Al, up to about 0.04;
      • N, up to about 0.01;
      • Cu, up to about 0.3;
      • Cr, up to about 0.5;
      • Ni, up to about 18;
      • Nb, up to about 0.12;
      • Ti, up to about 0.6;
      • Co, up to about 9; and
      • Mo, up to about 5.
  • An expandable member for use in completing a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member has been described that includes a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
      • C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
      • Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
      • Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
      • P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
      • S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
      • Al, up to about 0.04;
      • N, up to about 0.01;
      • Cu, up to about 0.3;
      • Cr, up to about 0.5;
      • Ni, up to about 18;
      • Nb, up to about 0.12;
      • Ti, up to about 0.6;
      • Co, up to about 9; and
      • Mo, up to about 5.
  • A structural completion has been described that includes one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members are fabricated from a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
      • C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
      • Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
      • Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
      • P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
      • S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
      • Al, up to about 0.04;
      • N, up to about 0.01;
      • Cu, up to about 0.3;
      • Cr, up to about 0.5;
      • Ni, up to about 18;
      • Nb, up to about 0.12;
      • Ti, up to about 0.6;
      • Co, up to about 9; and
      • Mo, up to about 5.
  • A method for manufacturing a tubular member used to complete a wellbore by radially expanding the tubular member at a downhole location in the wellbore has been described that includes forming a steel alloy comprising a concentration of carbon between approximately 0.002% and 0.08% by weight of the steel alloy. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes forming the steel alloy with a concentration of niobium comprising between approximately 0.015% and 0.12% by weight of the steel alloy. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes forming the steel alloy with low concentrations of niobium and titanium; and limiting the total concentration of niobium and titanium to less than approximately 0.6% by weight of the steel alloy.
  • An expandable tubular member has been described that is fabricated from a steel alloy having a concentration of carbon between approximately 0.002% and 0.08% by weight of the steel alloy.
  • A method for manufacturing an expandable tubular member used to complete a wellbore completion within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member within the wellbore has been described that includes forming the expandable tubular member from a steel alloy comprising a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs; forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules; forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
      • C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
      • Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
      • Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
      • P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
      • S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
      • Al, up to about 0.04;
      • N, up to about 0.01;
      • Cu, up to about 0.3;
      • Cr, up to about 0.5;
      • Ni, up to about 18;
      • Nb, up to about 0.12;
      • Ti, up to about 0.6;
      • Co, up to about 9; and
      • Mo, up to about 5;
        forming the expandable tubular member with a ratio of the of an outside diameter of the expandable tubular member to a wall thickness of the expandable tubular member ranging from about 12 to 22; and strain aging the expandable tubular member prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member within the wellbore.
  • An expandable tubular member for use in completing a wellbore completion within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member within the wellbore has been described that includes a steel alloy having a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs; a steel alloy having a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules; and a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
      • C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
      • Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
      • Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
      • P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
      • S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
      • Al, up to about 0.04;
      • N, up to about 0.01;
      • Cu, up to about 0.3;
      • Cr, up to about 0.5;
      • Ni, up to about 18;
      • Nb, up to about 0.12;
      • Ti, up to about 0.6;
      • Co, up to about 9; and
      • Mo, up to about 5;
        wherein a ratio of the of an outside diameter of the expandable tubular member to a wall thickness of the expandable tubular member ranging from about 12 to 22; and wherein the expandable tubular member is strain aged prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member within the wellbore.
  • A wellbore completion positioned within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation has been described that includes one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable tubular members positioned within the wellbore completion; wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable tubular members are fabricated from:
      • a steel alloy comprising a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs;
      • a steel alloy comprising a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules; and
      • a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
      • C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
      • Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
      • Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
      • P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
      • S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
      • Al, up to about 0.04;
      • N, up to about 0.01;
      • Cu, up to about 0.3;
      • Cr, up to about 0.5;
      • Ni, up to about 18;
      • Nb, up to about 0.12;
      • Ti, up to about 0.6;
      • Co, up to about 9; and
      • Mo, up to about 5;
        wherein at least one of the expandable members comprises a ratio of the of an outside diameter of the expandable member to a wall thickness of the expandable member ranging from about 12 to 22; wherein an outer portion of the wall thickness of at least one of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable comprises tensile residual stresses; and wherein at least one of the expandable tubular member is strain aged prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member within the wellbore.
  • It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the teachings of the present illustrative embodiments may be used to provide a wellbore casing, a pipeline, or a structural support. Furthermore, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments.
  • 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. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. An expandable tubular member, wherein the carbon content of the tubular member is less than or equal to 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the tubular member is less than 0.21.
2. The tubular member of claim 1, wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.
3. An expandable tubular member, wherein the carbon content of the tubular member is greater than 0.12 percent; and wherein the carbon equivalent value for the tubular member is less than 0.36.
4. The tubular member of claim 3, wherein the tubular member comprises a wellbore casing.
5. A method for manufacturing an expandable member used to complete a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member, comprising:
forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08%.
6. An expandable member for use in completing a wellbore by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member at a downhole location in the wellbore, comprising:
a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08%.
7. A structural completion, comprising:
one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members positioned within the wellbore;
wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members are fabricated from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.08%.
8. A method for manufacturing an expandable member used to complete a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member, comprising:
forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules.
9. An expandable member for use in completing a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member, comprising:
a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules.
10. A structural completion, comprising:
one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members;
wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members are fabricated from a steel alloy comprising a weight percentage of carbon of less than about 0.20% and a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules.
11. A method for manufacturing an expandable member used to complete a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member, comprising:
forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
Al, up to about 0.04;
N, up to about 0.01;
Cu, up to about 0.3;
Cr, up to about 0.5;
Ni, up to about 18;
Nb, up to about 0.12;
Ti, up to about 0.6;
Co, up to about 9; and
Mo, up to about 5.
12. An expandable member for use in completing a structure by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable member, comprising:
a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
Al, up to about 0.04;
N, up to about 0.01;
Cu, up to about 0.3;
Cr, up to about 0.5;
Ni, up to about 18;
Nb, up to about 0.12;
Ti, up to about 0.6;
Co, up to about 9; and
Mo, up to about 5.
13. A structural completion, comprising:
one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members;
wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable members are fabricated from a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
Al, up to about 0.04;
N, up to about 0.01;
Cu, up to about 0.3;
Cr, up to about 0.5;
Ni, up to about 18;
Nb, up to about 0.12;
Ti, up to about 0.6;
Co, up to about 9; and
Mo, up to about 5.
14. A method for manufacturing a tubular member used to complete a wellbore by radially expanding the tubular member at a downhole location in the wellbore comprising: forming a steel alloy comprising a concentration of carbon between approximately 0.002% and 0.08% by weight of the steel alloy.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising forming the steel alloy with a concentration of niobium comprising between approximately 0.015% and 0.12% by weight of the steel alloy.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: forming the steel alloy with low concentrations of niobium and titanium; and limiting the total concentration of niobium and titanium to less than approximately 0.6% by weight of the steel alloy.
17. An expandable tubular member fabricated from a steel alloy having a concentration of carbon between approximately 0.002% and 0.08% by weight of the steel alloy.
18. A method for manufacturing an expandable tubular member used to complete a wellbore completion within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member within the wellbore, comprising:
forming the expandable tubular member from a steel alloy comprising a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs;
forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules;
forming the expandable member from a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
Al, up to about 0.04;
N, up to about 0.01;
Cu, up to about 0.3;
Cr, up to about 0.5;
Ni, up to about 18;
Nb, up to about 0.12;
Ti, up to about 0.6;
Co, up to about 9; and
Mo, up to about 5;
forming the expandable tubular member with a ratio of the of an outside diameter of the expandable tubular member to a wall thickness of the expandable tubular member ranging from about 12 to 22; and
strain aging the expandable tubular member prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member within the wellbore.
19. An expandable tubular member for use in completing a wellbore completion within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation by radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member within the wellbore, comprising:
a steel alloy having a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs;
a steel alloy having a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules; and
a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
Al, up to about 0.04;
N, up to about 0.01;
Cu, up to about 0.3;
Cr, up to about 0.5;
Ni, up to about 18;
Nb, up to about 0.12;
Ti, up to about 0.6;
Co, up to about 9; and
Mo, up to about 5;
wherein a ratio of the of an outside diameter of the expandable tubular member to a wall thickness of the expandable tubular member ranging from about 12 to 22; and
wherein the expandable tubular member is strain aged prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member within the wellbore.
20. A wellbore completion positioned within a wellbore that traverses a subterranean formation, comprising:
one or more radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable tubular members positioned within the wellbore completion;
wherein one or more of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable tubular members are fabricated from:
a steel alloy comprising a charpy energy of at least about 90 ft-lbs;
a steel alloy comprising a charpy V-notch impact toughness of at least about 6 joules; and
a steel alloy comprising the following ranges of weight percentages:
C, from about 0.002 to about 0.08;
Si, from about 0.009 to about 0.30;
Mn, from about 0.10 to about 1.92;
P, from about 0.004 to about 0.07;
S, from about 0.0008 to about 0.006;
Al, up to about 0.04;
N, up to about 0.01;
Cu, up to about 0.3;
Cr, up to about 0.5;
Ni, up to about 18;
Nb, up to about 0.12;
Ti, up to about 0.6;
Co, up to about 9; and
Mo, up to about 5;
wherein at least one of the expandable members comprises a ratio of the of an outside diameter of the expandable member to a wall thickness of the expandable member ranging from about 12 to 22;
wherein an outer portion of the wall thickness of at least one of the radially expanded and plastically deformed expandable comprises tensile residual stresses; and
wherein at least one of the expandable tubular member is strain aged prior to the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member within the wellbore.
US11/573,465 2004-08-11 2005-08-11 Low Carbon Steel Expandable Tubular Abandoned US20080257542A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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US60067904P 2004-08-11 2004-08-11
PCT/US2005/028473 WO2006020734A2 (en) 2004-08-11 2005-08-11 Low carbon steel expandable tubular
US11/573,465 US20080257542A1 (en) 2004-08-11 2005-08-11 Low Carbon Steel Expandable Tubular

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US11/573,066 Abandoned US20080035251A1 (en) 2004-08-11 2005-08-11 Method of Manufacturing a Tubular Member
US11/573,485 Abandoned US20100024348A1 (en) 2004-08-11 2005-08-11 Method of expansion
US11/573,309 Abandoned US20080000645A1 (en) 2004-08-11 2005-08-11 Radial Expansion System
US11/573,465 Abandoned US20080257542A1 (en) 2004-08-11 2005-08-11 Low Carbon Steel Expandable Tubular
US11/573,482 Active 2027-12-13 US8196652B2 (en) 2004-08-11 2005-08-11 Radial expansion system
US11/573,467 Abandoned US20080236230A1 (en) 2004-08-11 2005-08-11 Hydroforming Method and Apparatus

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US11/573,485 Abandoned US20100024348A1 (en) 2004-08-11 2005-08-11 Method of expansion
US11/573,309 Abandoned US20080000645A1 (en) 2004-08-11 2005-08-11 Radial Expansion System

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US11/573,467 Abandoned US20080236230A1 (en) 2004-08-11 2005-08-11 Hydroforming Method and Apparatus

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US (6) US20080035251A1 (en)
EP (3) EP1792044A4 (en)
JP (3) JP2008510069A (en)
CN (3) CN101035963A (en)
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GB (4) GB2432609A (en)
NO (2) NO20071309L (en)
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