US20070175630A1 - Pressure cycling to control the material properties of a tubular member - Google Patents
Pressure cycling to control the material properties of a tubular member Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070175630A1 US20070175630A1 US11/623,980 US62398007A US2007175630A1 US 20070175630 A1 US20070175630 A1 US 20070175630A1 US 62398007 A US62398007 A US 62398007A US 2007175630 A1 US2007175630 A1 US 2007175630A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tubular member
- pressure
- control
- filed
- strength
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 36
- 230000001351 cycling effect Effects 0.000 title 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 230000003595 spectral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 52
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 16
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 13
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 8
- 239000003566 sealing material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/02—Subsoil filtering
- E21B43/10—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells
- E21B43/103—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells of expandable casings, screens, liners, or the like
- E21B43/105—Expanding tools specially adapted therefor
Definitions
- patent application Ser. No. 10/076,659 attorney docket no. 25791.78, filed on Feb. 15, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (54)
- U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/078,928, attorney docket no. 25791.79 filed on Feb. 20, 2002, which is a divisional of 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.
- PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2004/0771 1, attorney docket number 25791.253.02, filed on Mar. Nov. 2004, (127) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2004/029025, attorney docket number 25791.260.02, filed on Mar. 26, 2004, (128) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2004/010317, attorney docket number 25791.270.02, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, (129) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2004/010712, attorney docket number 25791.272.02, filed on Apr. 6, 2004, (130) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2004/010762, attorney docket number 25791.273.02, filed on Apr.
- the present disclosure relates to the material properties of tubing and/or casing located in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of a conventional method for drilling a borehole in a subterranean formation.
- FIG. 2 is an illustration of a device for coupling an expandable tubular member to an existing tubular member.
- FIG. 3 is an illustration of a hardenable fluidic sealing material being pumped down the device of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is an illustration of the expansion of an expandable tubular member using the expansion device of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 5 is an of the completion of the radial expansion and plastic deformation of an expandable tubular member.
- FIG. 6 is an illustration of a pressure source inside an expandable tubular member.
- FIG. 7 is a graphical illustration of an sinusoidal pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 8 is a graphical illustration of a square wave pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 9 is a graphical illustration of a triangular pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 10 is a graphical illustration of the spectral content of a pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 11 is a graphical illustration of varying the collapse strength of a tubular member by varying the spectral content of the pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 12 is a graphical illustration of varying the collapse strength of a tubular member by varying the maximum magnitude of the pressure of the pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 13 is a graphical illustration of varying the collapse strength of a tubular member by varying the number of cycles of the pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 14 is a graphical illustration of varying the burst strength of a tubular member by varying the spectral content of the pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 15 is a graphical illustration of varying the burst strength of a tubular member by varying the maximum magnitude of the pressure of the pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 16 is a graphical illustration of varying the burst strength of a tubular member by varying the number of cycles of the pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 17 is a graphical illustration of varying the yield strength of a tubular member by varying the spectral content of the pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 18 is a graphical illustration of varying the yield strength of a tubular member by varying the maximum magnitude of the pressure of the pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 19 is a graphical illustration of varying the yield strength of a tubular member by varying the number of cycles of the pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 20 is a graphical illustration of varying the wall thickness of a tubular member by varying the spectral content of the pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 21 is a graphical illustration of varying the wall thickness of a tubular member by varying the maximum magnitude of the pressure of the pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 22 is a graphical illustration of varying the wall thickness of a tubular member by varying the number of cycles of the pressure cycle signal.
- FIG. 23 is an illustration of a partially expanded expandable tubular member.
- a conventional device 100 for drilling a borehole 102 in a subterranean formation 104 is shown.
- the borehole 102 may be lined with a casing 106 at the top portion of its length.
- An annulus 108 formed between the casing 106 and the formation 104 may be filled with a sealing material 110 , such as, for example, cement.
- the device 100 may be operated in a conventional manner to extend the length of the borehole 102 beyond the casing 106 .
- the device 200 includes a shoe 206 that defines a centrally positioned valveable passage 206 a adapted to receive, for example, a ball, plug or other similar device for closing the passage.
- An end of the shoe 206 b is coupled to a lower tubular end 208 a of a tubular launcher assembly 208 that includes the lower tubular end, an upper tubular end 208 b , and a tapered tubular transition member 208 c .
- the lower tubular end 208 a of the tubular launcher assembly 208 has a greater inside diameter than the inside diameter of the upper tubular end 208 b .
- the tapered tubular transition member 208 c connects the lower tubular end 208 a and the upper tubular end 208 b .
- the upper tubular end 208 b of the tubular launcher assembly 208 is coupled to an end of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- One or more seals 210 are coupled to the outside surface of the other end of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- An expansion device 212 is centrally positioned within and mates with the tubular launcher assembly 208 .
- the expansion device 212 defines a centrally positioned fluid pathway 212 a , and includes a lower section 212 b , a middle section 212 c , and an upper section 212 d .
- the lower section 212 b of the expansion device 212 defines an inclined expansion surface 212 ba that supports the tubular launcher assembly 208 by mating with the tapered tubular transition member 208 c of the tubular launcher assembly.
- the upper section 212 d of the expansion device 212 is coupled to an end of a tubular member 218 that defines a fluid pathway 218 a .
- the fluid pathway 218 a of the tubular member 218 is fluidicly coupled to the fluid pathway 212 a defined by the expansion device 212 .
- One or more spaced apart cup seals 220 and 222 are coupled to the outside surface of the tubular member 218 for sealing against the interior surface of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- cup seal 222 is positioned near a top end of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- a top fluid valve 224 is coupled to the tubular member 218 above the cup seal 222 and defines a fluid pathway 226 that is fluidicly coupled to the fluid pathway 218 a .
- the device 200 is initially lowered into the borehole 102 .
- a fluid 228 within the borehole 102 passes upwardly through the device 200 through the valveable passage 206 a into the fluid pathway 212 a and 218 a and out of the device 200 through the fluid pathway 226 defined by the top fluid valve 224 .
- a hardenable fluidic sealing material 300 such as, for example, cement, is then pumped down the fluid pathway 218 a and 212 a and out through the valveable passage 206 a into the borehole 102 with the top fluid valve 224 in a closed position.
- the hardenable fluidic sealing material 300 thereby fills an annular space 302 between the borehole 102 and the outside diameter of the expandable tubular member 102 .
- a plug 402 is then injected with a fluidic material 404 .
- the plug thereby fits into and closes the valveable passage 206 a to further fluidic flow.
- Continued injection of the fluidic material 404 then pressurizes a chamber 406 defined by the shoe 206 , the bottom of the expansion device 212 , and the walls of the launcher assembly 208 and the expandable tubular member 202 .
- Continued pressurization of the chamber 406 then displaces the expansion device 212 in an upward direction 408 relative to the expandable tubular member 202 thereby causing radial expansion and plastic deformation of the launcher assembly 208 and the expandable tubular member.
- the pressure in chamber 406 is cycled between a minimum P min and maximum pressure P max over a length 410 of the expandable tubular member 202 , during operation of the device 200 .
- the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member 202 is then completed and the expandable tubular member is coupled to the existing casing 106 .
- the hardenable fluidic sealing material 300 such as, for example, cement fills the annulus 302 between the expandable tubular member 202 and the borehole 102 .
- the device 200 has been withdrawn from the borehole and a conventional device 100 for drilling the borehole 102 may then be utilized to drill out the shoe 206 and continue drilling the borehole 102 , if desired.
- the interior of the expandable tubular member 202 is pressure cycled using a pressure source 602 positioned within and/or operably coupled to the interior of the expandable tubular member, to generate a pressure cycle signal 604 .
- the pressure source 602 may comprise a hydraulic, pneumatic, or impulse type pressure source.
- a controller 606 is coupled to the pressure source 602 for controlling the operation of the pressure source.
- the controller 606 operates the pressure source 602 to generate a pressure cycle signal 604 to control one or more of the following material properties: collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength, and wall thickness of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the controller 606 operates the pressure source 602 to generate a sinusoidal pressure cycle signal 700 within the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the sinusoidal pressure cycle signal 700 varies from a maximum value P max to a minimum value P min over time.
- the controller 606 operates the pressure source 602 to generate a square wave pressure cycle signal 800 within the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the square wave pressure cycle signal 800 varies from a maximum value P max to a minimum value P min over time.
- the controller 606 operates the pressure source 602 to generate a triangular pressure cycle signal 900 within the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the triangular pressure cycle signal 900 varies from a maximum value P max to a minimum value P min over time.
- the controller 606 may operate the pressure source 602 to generate a pressure cycle signal 604 that includes one or more of the pressure cycle signals 700 , 800 , and 900 .
- the spectral content of the pressure cycle signals of 700 , 800 , or 900 include one or more center frequencies CF within the spectral content 1000 of the pressure signal.
- the collapse strength of the expandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the spectral content 1100 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 .
- the spectral content 1100 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical center frequencies C F for maximizing the collapse strength C-S max of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the collapse strength of the expandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the maximum magnitude of the pressure 1200 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 .
- the maximum magnitude of the pressure 1200 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical pressures, P-C 1 and P-C 2 , for maximizing the collapse strength C-S max of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the collapse strength of the expandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the number of cycles 1300 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 .
- the number of cycles 1300 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more number of critical cycles, C 1 and C 2 , for maximizing the collapse strength C-S max of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the burst strength of the expandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the spectral content 1400 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 .
- the spectral content 1400 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical center frequencies C F for maximizing the burst strength B-S max of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the burst strength of the expandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the maximum magnitude of the pressure 1500 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 .
- the maximum magnitude of the pressure 1500 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical pressures, P-C 1 and P-C 2 , for maximizing the burst strength B-S max of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the burst strength of the expandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the number of cycles 1600 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 .
- the number of cycles 1600 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more number of critical cycles, C 1 and C 2 , for maximizing the burst strength B-S max of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the yield strength of the expandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the spectral content 1700 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 .
- the spectral content 1700 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical center frequencies C F for maximizing the yield strength Y-S max of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the yield strength of the expandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the maximum magnitude of the pressure 1800 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 .
- the maximum magnitude of the pressure 1800 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical pressures, P-C 1 and P-C 2 , for maximizing the yield strength Y-S max of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the yield strength of the expandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the number of cycles 1900 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 .
- the number of cycles 1900 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more number of critical cycles, C 1 and C 2 , for maximizing the yield strength Y-S max of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the wall thickness of the expandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the spectral content 2000 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 .
- the spectral content 2000 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical center frequencies C F for maximizing the wall thickness W-T max of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the wall thickness of the expandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the maximum magnitude of the pressure 2100 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 .
- the maximum magnitude of the pressure 2100 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical pressures, P-C 1 and P-C 2 , for maximizing the wall thickness W-T max of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the wall thickness of the expandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the number of cycles 2200 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 .
- the number of cycles 2200 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more number of critical cycles, C 1 and C 2 , for maximizing the wall thickness W-T max of the expandable tubular member 202 .
- the critical parameters of the pressure cycle signal 604 including: one or more critical center frequencies C F ; one or more critical pressures P-C; and one or more number of critical cycles, C 1 and C 2 ; for maximizing the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength, and wall thickness of the expandable tubular member 202 , may be empirically determined.
- a non-expanded end of an expandable tubular member 2100 defines a non-expanded interior diameter ID pre and outer diameter OD pre .
- the other expanded end of the expandable tubular member 2100 defines an interior diameter lD post and outer diameter OD post .
- the maximization of a material property of the expandable tubular member 202 may result in the decrease in another material property, for example, maximization of the collapse strength of the expandable tubular 202 member may result in a decrease in the yield strength of the expandable tubular member.
- different combinations of material properties may be achieved by adjusting the parameters of the pressure cycle signal 604 .
- the teaching of the present disclosure may be used to determine the empirical relationship between one or more of the following material properties of the expandable tubular member 202 including: collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength and wall thickness; and one or more of the parameters of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 including spectral content, maximum magnitude of the pressure, and number of cycles.
- PCS J pressure cycle signal parameter, e.g, spectral content, maximum magnitude of pressure, and number of cycles;
- a method of controlling the material properties of a tubular member includes positioning a pressure source within the tubular member.
- the tubular member is located in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation and the tubular member comprises a plastically deformed tubular member.
- the pressure source is operated to generate a pressure cycle signal comprising; a spectral content selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; a number of cycles selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; and a sinusoidal signal that varies from a maximum value P max to a minimum value P min over time.
- An apparatus has been described that includes a tubular member; wherein the tubular member is located in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation and the tubular member comprises a plastically deformed tubular member; a pressure source operably coupled to the interior of the tubular member; and a controller adapted to control the operation of the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal.
- the pressure cycle signal includes a spectral content selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; a number of cycles selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; and a sinusoidal signal that varies from a maximum value P max to a minimum value P min over time.
- a method of determining the optimum pressure cycle signal parameter, parameters including spectral content, pressure, and number of cycles, at which to control the material properties of a tubular member, including collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength and wall thickness has been described that includes: (a) positioning a pressure source within a tubular member; and operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal having pressure cycle parameters comprising a first spectral content, a maximum magnitude of pressure, and a number of cycles; (b) determining the material properties of the tubular member in which the pressure source was operated to generate a pressure cycle signal having pressure cycle parameters comprising the first spectral content, the maximum magnitude of pressure, and the number of cycles; (c) incrementing one of the pressure cycle signal parameters and holding the other parameters constant and operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal comprising the incremented pressure cycle parameter; (d) determining the material properties of the tubular member in which the pressure source was operated to generate a pressure signal comprising the incremented pressure cycle parameter; and repeating the procedure (a)-(
- a method of determining one or more pressure cycle signal parameters at which to operate a pressure source that generates a pressure cycle signal within a tubular member to control the material properties of a tubular member has been described that includes the pressure cycle signal parameter as a function of the following factors:
- a method of coupling a tubular member to an existing tubular member in a borehole located in a subterranean formation includes: installing a tubular liner and an expansion device in the borehole; overlapping the tubular liner with an existing tubular member; injecting fluidic material into the borehole; pressurizing a portion of an interior region of the tubular liner; radially expanding at least a portion of the liner in the borehole by extruding at least a portion of the liner off of the expansion device; positioning a pressure source within the liner; and operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal.
- the pressure cycle signal includes: a spectral content selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; a number of cycles selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; and a sinusoidal signal that varies from a maximum value P max to a minimum value P min over time.
- a method of coupling a tubular member to an existing tubular member in a borehole located in a subterranean formation includes: means for installing a tubular liner and an expansion device in the borehole; means for overlapping the tubular liner with an existing tubular member; means for injecting fluidic material into the borehole; means for pressurizing a portion of an interior region of the tubular liner; means for radially expanding at least a portion of the liner in the borehole by extruding at least a portion of the liner off of the expansion device; means for positioning a pressure source within the liner; and means for operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal.
Abstract
A method of controlling the material properties of a tubular member including positioning a pressure source within the tubular member; and operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/761,324, attorney docket number 25791.340, filed on Jan. 23, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/030,593, attorney docket number 25791.25.08, filed on Jan. 8, 2002, which was the National Stage for PCT application serial number PCT/US00/18635, attorney docket number 25791.25.02, filed on Jul. 7, 2000, which claimed the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/137,998, filed on Jun. 7, 1999, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, attorney docket number 25791.17.02, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,557,640 which issued May 6, 2003) which claimed the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/137,998, filed on Jun. 7, 1999, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/559,122, attorney docket number 25791.23.02, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,763 which issued Aug. 12, 2003) which claimed the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/131,106, filed on Apr. 26, 1999, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/523,460, attorney docket number 25791.11.02, (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,903 which issued Nov. 4, 2003) which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, attorney docket number 25791.7.02, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/121,702, filed on Feb. 25, 1999, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, attorney docket number 25791.8.02, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,937 which issued Nov. 30, 2004) which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/119,611, attorney docket number 25791.8, filed on Feb. 11, 1999, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket number 25791.3.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, (now U.S. Pat. 6,497,289 which issued Dec. 24, 2002) which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/111,293, filed on Dec. 7, 1998.
- 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. 10/111,982, 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. Oct. 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. 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, (41) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,471, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.64, 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, (42) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,467, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.65, 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, (43) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/962,468, filed on Sep. 25, 2001, attorney docket no. 25791.66, 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, (44) PCT application US 02/25727, filed on Aug. 14, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.67.03, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/317,985, attorney docket no. 25791.67, filed on Sep. 6, 2001, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/318,386, attorney docket no. 25791.67.02, filed on Sep. 10, 2001, (45) PCT application US 02/39425, filed on Dec. 10, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.68.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/343,674, attorney docket no. 25791.68, filed on Dec. 27, 2001, (46) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/969,922, attorney docket no. 25791.69, filed on Oct. 3, 2001, which is 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, (47) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 10/516,467, attorney docket no. 25791.70, filed on Dec. 10, 2001, which is a continuation application of U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/969,922, attorney docket no. 25791.69, filed on Oct. 3, 2001, which is 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, (48) PCT application US 03/000609, 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, (49) U.S. patent application Ser. No. Oct. 074,703, attorney docket no. 25791.74, filed on Feb. 12, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (50) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 074,244, attorney docket no. 25791.75, filed on Feb. 12, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (51) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/076,660, attorney docket no. 25791.76, filed on Feb. 15, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (52) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/076,661, attorney docket no. 25791.77, filed on Feb. 15, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (53) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/076,659, attorney docket no. 25791.78, filed on Feb. 15, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (54) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/078,928, attorney docket no. 25791.79, filed on Feb. 20, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (55) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/078,922, attorney docket no. 25791.80, filed on Feb. 20, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (56) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/078,921, attorney docket no. 25791.81, filed on Feb. 20, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (57) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/261,928, attorney docket no. 25791.82, filed on Oct. 1, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (58) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/079,276 , attorney docket no. 25791.83, filed on Feb. 20, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (59) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/262,009, attorney docket no. 25791.84, filed on Oct. 1, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (60) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/092,481, attorney docket no. 25791.85, filed on Mar. 7, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (61) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/261,926, attorney docket no. 25791.86, filed on Oct. 1, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (62) PCT application US 02/36157, filed on Nov. 12, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.87.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/338,996, attorney docket no. 25791.87, filed on Nov. 12, 2001, (63) PCT application US 02/36267, filed on Nov. 12, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.88.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/339,013, attorney docket no. 25791.88, filed on Nov. 12, 2001, (64) PCT application US 03/11765, filed on Apr. 16, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.89.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/383,917, attorney docket no. 25791.89, filed on May 29, 2002, (65) PCT application US 03/15020, filed on May 12, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.90.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/391,703, attorney docket no. 25791.90, filed on Jun. 26, 2002, (66) PCT application US 02/39418, filed on Dec. 10, 2002, attorney docket no. 25791.92.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/346,309, attorney docket no. 25791.92, filed on Jan. 7, 2002, (67) PCT application US 03/06544, filed on Mar. 4, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.93.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/372,048, attorney docket no. 25791.93, filed on Apr. 12, 2002, (68) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/331,718, attorney docket no. 25791.94, filed on Dec. 30, 2002, which is a divisional 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, (69) PCT application US 03/04837, filed on Feb. 29, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.95.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/363,829, attorney docket no. 25791.95, filed on Mar. 13, 2002, (70) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/261,927, attorney docket no. 25791.97, filed on Oct. 1, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (71) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/262,008, attorney docket no. 25791.98, filed on Oct. 1, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (72) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/261,925, attorney docket no. 25791.99, filed on Oct. 1, 2002, which is a divisional of 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, (73) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/199,524, attorney docket no. 25791.100, filed on Jul. 19, 2002, which is a continuation 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, (74) PCT application US 03/10144, filed on Mar. 28, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.101.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/372,632, attorney docket no. 25791.101, filed on Apr. 15, 2002, (75) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,542, attorney docket no. 25791.102, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (76) PCT application US 03/14153, filed on May 6, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.104.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/380,147, attorney docket no. 25791.104, filed on May 6, 2002, (77) PCT application US 03, 19993, filed on Jun. 24, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.106.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/397,284, attorney docket no. 25791.106, filed on Jul. 19, 2002, (78) PCT application US 03/13787, filed on May 5, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.107.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/387,486 , attorney docket no. 25791.107, filed on Jun. 10, 2002, (79) PCT application US 03/18530, filed on Jun. 11, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.108.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/387,961, attorney docket no. 25791.108, filed on Jun. 12, 2002, (80) PCT application US 03/20694, filed on Jul. 1, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.110.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/398,061, attorney docket no. 25791.110, filed on Jul. 24, 2002, (81) PCT application US 03/20870, filed on Jul. 2, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.111.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/399,240, attorney docket no. 25791.111, filed on Jul. 29, 2002, (82) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,487, attorney docket no. 25791.112, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (83) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,488, attorney docket no. 25791.114, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (84) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/280,356, attorney docket no. 25791.115, filed on Oct. 25, 2002, which is a continuation of 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, (85) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,177, attorney docket no. 25791.117, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (86) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,653, attorney docket no. 25791.118, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (87) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/405,610, attorney docket no. 25791.119, filed on Aug. 23, 2002, (88) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/405,394, attorney docket no. 25791.120, filed on Aug. 23, 2002, (89) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,544, attorney docket no. 25791.121, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (90) PCT application US 03/24779, filed on Aug. 8, 2003, attorney docket no. 25791.125.02, which claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/407,442, attorney docket no. 25791.125, filed on Aug. 30, 2002, (91) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/423,363, attorney docket no. 25791.126, filed on Dec. 10, 2002, (92) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,196, attorney docket no. 25791.127, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (93) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,187, attorney docket no. 25791.128, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (94) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/412,371, attorney docket no. 25791.129, filed on Sep. 20, 2002, (95) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/382,325, attorney docket no. 25791.145, filed on Mar. 10, 2003, which is a continuation of 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, (96) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/624,842, attorney docket no. 25791.151, filed on Jul. 22, 2003, which is a divisional of 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, (97) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/431,184, attorney docket no. 25791.157, filed on Dec. 5, 2002, (98) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/448,526, attorney docket no. 25791.185, filed on Feb. 18, 2003, (99) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/461,539, attorney docket no. 25791.186, filed on Apr. 10, 2003, (100) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/462,750, attorney docket no. 25791.193, filed on Apr. 14, 2003, (101) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/436,106, attorney docket no. 25791.200, filed on Dec. 23, 2002, (102) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/442,942, attorney docket no. 25791.213, filed on Jan. 27, 2003, (103) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/442,938, attorney docket no. 25791.225, filed on Jan. 27, 2003, (104) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/418,687, attorney docket no. 25791.228, filed on Apr. 18, 2003, (105) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/454,896, attorney docket no. 25791.236, filed on Mar. 14, 2003, (106) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/450,504, attorney docket no. 25791.238, filed on Feb. 26, 2003, (107) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/451,152, attorney docket no. 25791.239, filed on Mar. Sep. 03, (108) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/455,124, attorney docket no. 25791.241, filed on Mar. 17, 2003, (109) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/453,678, attorney docket no. 25791.253, filed on Mar. 11, 2003, (110) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/421,682, attorney docket no. 25791.256, filed on Apr. 23, 2003, which is a continuation 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, (111) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/457,965, attorney docket no. 25791.260, filed on Mar. 27, 2003, (112) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/455,718, attorney docket no. 25791.262, filed on Mar. 18, 2003, (113) U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,821, which was filed as patent application Ser. No. 09/811,734, filed on Mar. 19, 2001, (114) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/436,467, attorney docket no. 25791.268, filed on May 12, 2003, which is a continuation of 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, (115) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/459,776, attorney docket no. 25791.270, filed on Apr. 2, 2003, (116) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/461,094, attorney docket no. 25791.272, filed on Apr. 8, 2003, (117) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/461,038, attorney docket no. 25791.273, filed on Apr. 7, 2003, (118) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/463,586, attorney docket no. 25791.277, filed on Apr. 17, 2003, (119) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/472,240, attorney docket no. 25791.286, filed on May 20, 2003, (120) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/619,285, attorney docket no. 25791.292, filed on Jul. 14, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/969,922, attorney docket no. 25791.69, filed on Oct. 3, 2001, which is 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, (121) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 10/418,688, attorney docket no. 25791.257, which was filed on Apr. 18, 2003, as a division of U.S. utility 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, (122) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2004/06246, attorney docket no. 25791.238.02, filed on Feb. 26/2004, (123) PCT patent application serial no. PCT/US2004/08170, attorney docket number 25791.40.02, filed on Mar. 15/04, (124) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2004/08171, attorney docket number 25791.236.02, filed on Mar. 15/04, (125) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2004/08073, attorney docket number 25791.262.02, filed on Mar. 18, 2004, (126) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2004/0771 1, attorney docket number 25791.253.02, filed on Mar. Nov. 2004, (127) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2004/029025, attorney docket number 25791.260.02, filed on Mar. 26, 2004, (128) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2004/010317, attorney docket number 25791.270.02, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, (129) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2004/010712, attorney docket number 25791.272.02, filed on Apr. 6, 2004, (130) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2004/010762, attorney docket number 25791.273.02, filed on Apr. 6, 2004, (131) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2004/011973, attorney docket number 25791.277.02, filed on Apr. 15, 2004, (132) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/495,056, attorney docket number 25791.301, filed on Aug. 14, 2003, (133) U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/600,679, attorney docket number 25791.194, filed on Aug. 11, 2004, (134) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/027318, attorney docket number 25791.329.02, filed on Jul. 29, 2005, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. (135) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028936, attorney docket number 25791.338.02, filed on Aug. 12, 2005, (136) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028669, attorney docket number 25791.194.02, filed on Aug. 11/2005, (137) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028453, attorney docket number 25791.371, filed on Aug. 11, 2005, (138) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028641, attorney docket number 25791.372, filed on Aug. 11, 2005, (139) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028819, attorney docket number 25791.373, filed on Aug. 11/2005, (140) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028446, attorney docket number 25791.374, filed on Aug. 11, 2005, (141) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028642, attorney docket number 25791.375, filed on Aug. 11, 2005, (142) PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028451, attorney docket number 25791.376, filed on Aug. 11, 2005, and (143). PCT patent application serial number PCT/US2005/028473, attorney docket number 25791.377, filed on Jul. 29, 2005, (144) U.S. National Stage application Ser. No. 10/546,084, attorney docket no. 25791.185.05, filed on Aug. 17, 2005; (145) U.S. National Stage application Ser. No. 10/546,082, attorney docket no. 25791.378, filed on Aug. 17, 2005; (146) U.S. National Stage application Ser. No. 10/546,076, attorney docket no. 25791.379, filed on Aug. 17, 2005; (147) U.S. National Stage application Ser. No. 10/546,936, attorney docket no. 25791.380, filed on Aug. 17, 2005; (148) U.S. National Stage application Ser. No. 10/546,079, attorney docket no. 25791.381, filed on Aug. 17, 2005; (149) U.S. National Stage application Ser. No. 10/545,941, attorney docket no. 25791.382, filed on Aug. 17, 2005; (150) U.S. National Stage application Ser. No. 10/546,078, attorney docket no. 25791.383, filed on Aug. 17, 2005; (151) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/702,935, attorney docket no. 25791.133 filed on Jul. 27, 2005; (152) U.S. National Stage application Ser. No. 10/548,934, attorney docket no. 25791.253.05, filed on Sep. 12, 2005; (153) U.S. National Stage application Ser. No. 10/549,410, attorney docket no. 25791.262.05, filed on Sep. 13, 2005; (154) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/717,391, attorney docket no. 25791.214 filed on Sep. 15, 2005; (155) U.S. National Stage application Ser. No. 10/550,906, attorney docket no. 25791.260.06, filed on Sep. 27, 2005; (156) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/721,579, attorney docket no. 25791.327 filed on Sep. 28, 2005; (157) U.S. National Stage application Ser. No. 10/551,880, attorney docket no. 25791.270.06, filed on Sep. 30, 2005; (158) U.S. National Stage application Ser. No. 10/552,253, attorney docket no. 25791.273.06, filed on Oct. 4, 2005; (159) U.S. National Stage application Ser. No. 10/552,790, attorney docket no. 25791.272.06, filed on Oct. 10, 2005; (160) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/725,181, attorney docket no. 25791.184 filed on Oct. 11, 2005; (161) U.S. National Stage application Ser. No. 10/553,094, attorney docket no. 25791.193.03, filed on Oct. 13, 2005; (162) U.S. Utility Patent Application No. 11/249,967, attorney docket no. 25791.384 filed on Oct. 13, 2005; (163) U.S. National Stage application Ser. No. 10/553,566, attorney docket no. 25791.277.06, filed on Oct. 17, 2005; (164) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/721,579, attorney docket no. 25791.327 filed on Nov. 4, 2005; (165) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/734,302, attorney docket no. 25791.24 filed on Nov. 7, 2005; (166) PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2005/43122, attorney docket no. 25791.326.02; and (167) PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2006/02449, attorney docket no. 25791.324.02 filed on Jan. 20, 2006, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure relates to the material properties of tubing and/or casing located in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation.
-
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a conventional method for drilling a borehole in a subterranean formation. -
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a device for coupling an expandable tubular member to an existing tubular member. -
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a hardenable fluidic sealing material being pumped down the device ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is an illustration of the expansion of an expandable tubular member using the expansion device ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5 is an of the completion of the radial expansion and plastic deformation of an expandable tubular member. -
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a pressure source inside an expandable tubular member. -
FIG. 7 is a graphical illustration of an sinusoidal pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 8 is a graphical illustration of a square wave pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 9 is a graphical illustration of a triangular pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 10 is a graphical illustration of the spectral content of a pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 11 is a graphical illustration of varying the collapse strength of a tubular member by varying the spectral content of the pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 12 is a graphical illustration of varying the collapse strength of a tubular member by varying the maximum magnitude of the pressure of the pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 13 is a graphical illustration of varying the collapse strength of a tubular member by varying the number of cycles of the pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 14 is a graphical illustration of varying the burst strength of a tubular member by varying the spectral content of the pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 15 is a graphical illustration of varying the burst strength of a tubular member by varying the maximum magnitude of the pressure of the pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 16 is a graphical illustration of varying the burst strength of a tubular member by varying the number of cycles of the pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 17 is a graphical illustration of varying the yield strength of a tubular member by varying the spectral content of the pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 18 is a graphical illustration of varying the yield strength of a tubular member by varying the maximum magnitude of the pressure of the pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 19 is a graphical illustration of varying the yield strength of a tubular member by varying the number of cycles of the pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 20 is a graphical illustration of varying the wall thickness of a tubular member by varying the spectral content of the pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 21 is a graphical illustration of varying the wall thickness of a tubular member by varying the maximum magnitude of the pressure of the pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 22 is a graphical illustration of varying the wall thickness of a tubular member by varying the number of cycles of the pressure cycle signal. -
FIG. 23 is an illustration of a partially expanded expandable tubular member. - Referring initially to
FIG. 1 , aconventional device 100 for drilling a borehole 102 in asubterranean formation 104 is shown. The borehole 102 may be lined with acasing 106 at the top portion of its length. Anannulus 108 formed between thecasing 106 and theformation 104 may be filled with a sealingmaterial 110, such as, for example, cement. In an exemplary embodiment, thedevice 100 may be operated in a conventional manner to extend the length of theborehole 102 beyond thecasing 106. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , adevice 200 for coupling anexpandable tubular member 202 to an existing tubular member, such as, for example, the existingcasing 106 , is shown. Thedevice 200 includes ashoe 206 that defines a centrally positionedvalveable passage 206 a adapted to receive, for example, a ball, plug or other similar device for closing the passage. An end of theshoe 206 b is coupled to a lowertubular end 208 a of atubular launcher assembly 208 that includes the lower tubular end, an uppertubular end 208 b, and a taperedtubular transition member 208 c. The lowertubular end 208 a of thetubular launcher assembly 208 has a greater inside diameter than the inside diameter of the uppertubular end 208 b. The taperedtubular transition member 208 c connects the lowertubular end 208 a and the uppertubular end 208 b. The uppertubular end 208 b of thetubular launcher assembly 208 is coupled to an end of theexpandable tubular member 202. One ormore seals 210 are coupled to the outside surface of the other end of theexpandable tubular member 202. - An
expansion device 212 is centrally positioned within and mates with thetubular launcher assembly 208. Theexpansion device 212 defines a centrally positionedfluid pathway 212 a, and includes alower section 212 b, amiddle section 212 c, and anupper section 212 d. Thelower section 212 b of theexpansion device 212 defines aninclined expansion surface 212 ba that supports thetubular launcher assembly 208 by mating with the taperedtubular transition member 208 c of the tubular launcher assembly. Theupper section 212 d of theexpansion device 212 is coupled to an end of atubular member 218 that defines afluid pathway 218 a. Thefluid pathway 218 a of thetubular member 218 is fluidicly coupled to thefluid pathway 212 a defined by theexpansion device 212. One or more spaced apart cup seals 220 and 222 are coupled to the outside surface of thetubular member 218 for sealing against the interior surface of theexpandable tubular member 202. In an exemplary embodiment,cup seal 222 is positioned near a top end of theexpandable tubular member 202. A topfluid valve 224 is coupled to thetubular member 218 above thecup seal 222 and defines afluid pathway 226 that is fluidicly coupled to thefluid pathway 218 a. - During operation of the
device 200, as illustrated inFIG. 2 , thedevice 200 is initially lowered into theborehole 102. In an exemplary embodiment, during the lowering of thedevice 200 into theborehole 102, afluid 228 within the borehole 102 passes upwardly through thedevice 200 through thevalveable passage 206 a into thefluid pathway device 200 through thefluid pathway 226 defined by the topfluid valve 224. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , in an exemplary embodiment, a hardenablefluidic sealing material 300, such as, for example, cement, is then pumped down thefluid pathway valveable passage 206 a into the borehole 102 with the topfluid valve 224 in a closed position. The hardenablefluidic sealing material 300 thereby fills anannular space 302 between the borehole 102 and the outside diameter of theexpandable tubular member 102. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , aplug 402 is then injected with afluidic material 404. The plug thereby fits into and closes thevalveable passage 206 a to further fluidic flow. Continued injection of thefluidic material 404 then pressurizes achamber 406 defined by theshoe 206, the bottom of theexpansion device 212, and the walls of thelauncher assembly 208 and theexpandable tubular member 202. Continued pressurization of thechamber 406 then displaces theexpansion device 212 in anupward direction 408 relative to theexpandable tubular member 202 thereby causing radial expansion and plastic deformation of thelauncher assembly 208 and the expandable tubular member. - In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure in
chamber 406 is cycled between a minimum Pmin and maximum pressure Pmax over alength 410 of theexpandable tubular member 202, during operation of thedevice 200. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , the radial expansion and plastic deformation of theexpandable tubular member 202 is then completed and the expandable tubular member is coupled to the existingcasing 106. The hardenablefluidic sealing material 300, such as, for example, cement fills theannulus 302 between theexpandable tubular member 202 and theborehole 102. Thedevice 200 has been withdrawn from the borehole and aconventional device 100 for drilling theborehole 102 may then be utilized to drill out theshoe 206 and continue drilling theborehole 102, if desired. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , in an exemplary embodiment, the interior of theexpandable tubular member 202 is pressure cycled using a pressure source 602 positioned within and/or operably coupled to the interior of the expandable tubular member, to generate a pressure cycle signal 604. In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure source 602 may comprise a hydraulic, pneumatic, or impulse type pressure source. In an exemplary embodiment, a controller 606 is coupled to the pressure source 602 for controlling the operation of the pressure source. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 606 operates the pressure source 602 to generate a pressure cycle signal 604 to control one or more of the following material properties: collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength, and wall thickness of theexpandable tubular member 202. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , in an exemplary embodiment, the controller 606 operates the pressure source 602 to generate a sinusoidalpressure cycle signal 700 within theexpandable tubular member 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the sinusoidalpressure cycle signal 700 varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , in an exemplary embodiment, the controller 606 operates the pressure source 602 to generate a square wavepressure cycle signal 800 within theexpandable tubular member 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the square wavepressure cycle signal 800 varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time. - Referring now to
FIG. 9 , in an exemplary embodiment, the controller 606 operates the pressure source 602 to generate a triangularpressure cycle signal 900 within theexpandable tubular member 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the triangularpressure cycle signal 900 varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time. - In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 606 may operate the pressure source 602 to generate a pressure cycle signal 604 that includes one or more of the pressure cycle signals 700, 800, and 900.
- Referring now to
FIG. 10 , in an exemplary embodiment, the spectral content of the pressure cycle signals of 700, 800, or 900 include one or more center frequencies CF within thespectral content 1000 of the pressure signal. - Referring now to
FIG. 11 , in an exemplary embodiment, the collapse strength of theexpandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of thespectral content 1100 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602. In an exemplary embodiment, thespectral content 1100 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical center frequencies CF for maximizing the collapse strength C-Smax of theexpandable tubular member 202. - Referring now to
FIG. 12 , in an exemplary embodiment, the collapse strength of theexpandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the maximum magnitude of thepressure 1200 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum magnitude of thepressure 1200 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical pressures, P-C1 and P-C2, for maximizing the collapse strength C-Smax of theexpandable tubular member 202. - Referring now to
FIG. 13 , in an exemplary embodiment, the collapse strength of theexpandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the number ofcycles 1300 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602. In an exemplary embodiment, the number ofcycles 1300 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more number of critical cycles, C1 and C2, for maximizing the collapse strength C-Smax of theexpandable tubular member 202. - Referring now to
FIG. 14 , in an exemplary embodiment, the burst strength of theexpandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of thespectral content 1400 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602. In an exemplary embodiment, thespectral content 1400 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical center frequencies CF for maximizing the burst strength B-Smax of theexpandable tubular member 202. - Referring now to
FIG. 15 , in an exemplary embodiment, the burst strength of theexpandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the maximum magnitude of thepressure 1500 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum magnitude of thepressure 1500 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical pressures, P-C1 and P-C2, for maximizing the burst strength B-Smax of theexpandable tubular member 202. - Referring now to
FIG. 16 , in an exemplary embodiment, the burst strength of theexpandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the number ofcycles 1600 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602. In an exemplary embodiment, the number ofcycles 1600 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more number of critical cycles, C1 and C2, for maximizing the burst strength B-Smax of theexpandable tubular member 202. - Referring now to
FIG. 17 , in an exemplary embodiment, the yield strength of theexpandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of thespectral content 1700 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602. In an exemplary embodiment, thespectral content 1700 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical center frequencies CF for maximizing the yield strength Y-Smax of theexpandable tubular member 202. - Referring now to
FIG. 18 , in an exemplary embodiment, the yield strength of theexpandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the maximum magnitude of thepressure 1800 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum magnitude of thepressure 1800 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical pressures, P-C1 and P-C2, for maximizing the yield strength Y-Smax of theexpandable tubular member 202. - Referring now to
FIG. 19 , in an exemplary embodiment, the yield strength of theexpandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the number ofcycles 1900 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602. In an exemplary embodiment, the number ofcycles 1900 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more number of critical cycles, C1 and C2, for maximizing the yield strength Y-Smax of theexpandable tubular member 202. - Referring now to
FIG. 20 , in an exemplary embodiment, the wall thickness of theexpandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of thespectral content 2000 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602. In an exemplary embodiment, thespectral content 2000 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical center frequencies CF for maximizing the wall thickness W-Tmax of theexpandable tubular member 202. - Referring now to
FIG. 21 , in an exemplary embodiment, the wall thickness of theexpandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the maximum magnitude of thepressure 2100 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum magnitude of thepressure 2100 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more critical pressures, P-C1 and P-C2, for maximizing the wall thickness W-Tmax of theexpandable tubular member 202. - Referring now to
FIG. 22 , in an exemplary embodiment, the wall thickness of theexpandable tubular member 202 varies as a function of the number ofcycles 2200 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602. In an exemplary embodiment, the number ofcycles 2200 of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 includes one or more number of critical cycles, C1 and C2, for maximizing the wall thickness W-Tmax of theexpandable tubular member 202. - In an exemplary embodiment, the critical parameters of the pressure cycle signal 604 including: one or more critical center frequencies CF; one or more critical pressures P-C; and one or more number of critical cycles, C1 and C2; for maximizing the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength, and wall thickness of the
expandable tubular member 202, may be empirically determined. - Referring now to
FIG. 23 , a non-expanded end of anexpandable tubular member 2100 defines a non-expanded interior diameter IDpre and outer diameter ODpre. The other expanded end of theexpandable tubular member 2100 defines an interior diameter lDpost and outer diameter ODpost. - In an exemplary embodiment, the maximization of a material property of the
expandable tubular member 202 may result in the decrease in another material property, for example, maximization of the collapse strength of theexpandable tubular 202 member may result in a decrease in the yield strength of the expandable tubular member. Additionally, different combinations of material properties may be achieved by adjusting the parameters of the pressure cycle signal 604. In an exemplary embodiment, the teaching of the present disclosure may be used to determine the empirical relationship between one or more of the following material properties of theexpandable tubular member 202 including: collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength and wall thickness; and one or more of the parameters of the pressure cycle signal 604 generated by the pressure source 602 including spectral content, maximum magnitude of the pressure, and number of cycles. - A generalized vector equation may represent the modification of the material properties of the tubular member by the operation of a pressure source within the tubular member to generate a pressure cycle signal 604, as follows:
where: -
- MPi=particular material property of the tubular member, e.g. collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength, and wall thickness;
- PCSJ=pressure cycle signal parameter, e.g, spectral content, maximum magnitude of pressure, and number of cycles;
-
- i=1 to M
- j=1 to N
- A method of controlling the material properties of a tubular member has been described that includes positioning a pressure source within the tubular member. The tubular member is located in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation and the tubular member comprises a plastically deformed tubular member. The pressure source is operated to generate a pressure cycle signal comprising; a spectral content selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; a number of cycles selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; and a sinusoidal signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time.
- An apparatus has been described that includes a tubular member; wherein the tubular member is located in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation and the tubular member comprises a plastically deformed tubular member; a pressure source operably coupled to the interior of the tubular member; and a controller adapted to control the operation of the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal. The pressure cycle signal includes a spectral content selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; a number of cycles selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; and a sinusoidal signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time.
- A method of determining the optimum pressure cycle signal parameter, parameters including spectral content, pressure, and number of cycles, at which to control the material properties of a tubular member, including collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength and wall thickness, has been described that includes: (a) positioning a pressure source within a tubular member; and operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal having pressure cycle parameters comprising a first spectral content, a maximum magnitude of pressure, and a number of cycles; (b) determining the material properties of the tubular member in which the pressure source was operated to generate a pressure cycle signal having pressure cycle parameters comprising the first spectral content, the maximum magnitude of pressure, and the number of cycles; (c) incrementing one of the pressure cycle signal parameters and holding the other parameters constant and operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal comprising the incremented pressure cycle parameter; (d) determining the material properties of the tubular member in which the pressure source was operated to generate a pressure signal comprising the incremented pressure cycle parameter; and repeating the procedure (a)-(d) above until the last increment of pressure cycle parameter is reached. Comparing the material properties of the tubular members for each increment of the pressure cycle parameter; determining what is the optimum material property and what is the corresponding increment of the pressure cycle parameter; and operating at that pressure cycle parameter.
- A method of determining one or more pressure cycle signal parameters at which to operate a pressure source that generates a pressure cycle signal within a tubular member to control the material properties of a tubular member has been described that includes the pressure cycle signal parameter as a function of the following factors:
-
- IDpre=internal diameter of the unexpanded tubular member;
- ODpre=outside diameter of the unexpanded tubular member;
- IDpost=internal diameter of the expanded tubular member; and
- ODpost=outside diameter of the expanded tubular member.
- A method of coupling a tubular member to an existing tubular member in a borehole located in a subterranean formation has been described that includes: installing a tubular liner and an expansion device in the borehole; overlapping the tubular liner with an existing tubular member; injecting fluidic material into the borehole; pressurizing a portion of an interior region of the tubular liner; radially expanding at least a portion of the liner in the borehole by extruding at least a portion of the liner off of the expansion device; positioning a pressure source within the liner; and operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal. The pressure cycle signal includes: a spectral content selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; a number of cycles selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; and a sinusoidal signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time.
- A method of coupling a tubular member to an existing tubular member in a borehole located in a subterranean formation has been described that includes: means for installing a tubular liner and an expansion device in the borehole; means for overlapping the tubular liner with an existing tubular member; means for injecting fluidic material into the borehole; means for pressurizing a portion of an interior region of the tubular liner; means for radially expanding at least a portion of the liner in the borehole by extruding at least a portion of the liner off of the expansion device; means for positioning a pressure source within the liner; and means for operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal. The pressure cycle signal includes: a spectral content selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; a number of cycles selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; and a sinusoidal signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time.
- Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, changes and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. In some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features, and some steps of the present invention may be executed without a corresponding execution of other steps. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes and substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims, and it is appropriate that the claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.
Claims (23)
1. A method of controlling the material properties of a tubular member, comprising:
positioning a pressure source within the tubular member; and
operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tubular member is located in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the tubular member comprises a plastically deformed tubular member.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal comprises one or more of the following:
operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal comprising a predetermined spectral content;
operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal that varies between a maximum and a minimum pressure; and
operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal comprising a predetermined number of cycles.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pressure source is operated to generate a pressure cycle signal comprising one or more of the following:
a spectral content selected to control the collapse strength of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the collapse strength of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the collapse strength of the expanded tubular member;
a spectral content selected to control the burst strength of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the burst strength of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the burst strength of the expanded tubular member;
a spectral content selected to control the yield strength of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the yield strength of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the yield strength of the expanded tubular member;
a spectral content selected to control the wall thickness of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the wall thickness of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the wall thickness of the expanded tubular member;
a sinusoidal signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time;
a square wave signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time; and
a triangular signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time.
6. A method of controlling the material properties of a tubular member located in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation, the tubular member comprising a plastically deformed tubular member, the method comprising:
positioning a pressure source within the tubular member; and
operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal comprising:
a spectral content selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; and
a sinusoidal signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time.
7. An apparatus, comprising:
a tubular member;
a pressure source operably coupled to the interior of the tubular member; and
a controller adapted to control the operation of the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the tubular member is located in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the tubular member comprises a plastically deformed tubular member.
10. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the pressure cycle signal comprises one or more of the following:
a predetermined spectral content;
a maximum and a minimum pressure; and
a predetermined number of cycles.
11. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the pressure cycle signal comprises one or more of the following:
a spectral content selected to control the collapse strength of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the collapse strength of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the collapse strength of the expanded tubular member;
a spectral content selected to control the burst strength of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the burst strength of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the burst strength of the expanded tubular member;
a spectral content selected to control the yield strength of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the yield strength of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the yield strength of the expanded tubular member;
a spectral content selected to control the wall thickness of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the wall thickness of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the wall thickness of the expanded tubular member;
a sinusoidal signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time;
a square wave signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time; and
a triangular signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time.
12. An apparatus, comprising:
a tubular member adapted to be located in a borehole traversing a subterranean formation, the tubular member comprising a plastically deformed tubular member;
a pressure source operably coupled to the interior of the tubular member; and
a controller adapted to control the operation of the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal;
wherein the pressure cycle signal comprises:
a spectral content selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; and
a sinusoidal signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time.
13. A method of determining optimum pressure cycle signal parameter at which to control the material properties of a tubular member, the parameters comprising spectral content, maximum magnitude of pressure and number of cycles, the material properties comprising collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength and wall thickness, the method comprising:
positioning a pressure source within a tubular member;
a) operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal having pressure cycle parameters comprising a first spectral content, a maximum magnitude of pressure, and a number of cycles;
b) determining the material properties of the tubular member in which the pressure source was operated to generate a pressure cycle signal having pressure cycle parameters comprising the first spectral content, the maximum magnitude of pressure, and the number of cycles;
c) incrementing one of the pressure cycle signal parameters and holding the other parameters constant and operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal comprising the incremented pressure cycle parameter;
d) determining the material properties of the tubular member in which the pressure source was operated to generate a pressure signal comprising the incremented pressure cycle parameter;
repeating the procedure a)-d) above until the last increment of the incremented pressure cycle parameter is reached;
comparing the material properties of the tubular member for each increment of the incremented pressure cycle parameter;
determining what is the optimum material property and what is the corresponding increment of the incremented pressure cycle parameter; and
operating the pressure source at the increment of the incremented pressure cycle parameter corresponding to the optimum material property.
14. A method comprising:
providing a pressure source; and
determining one or more pressure cycle signal parameters at which to operate the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal within a tubular member to control at least one of the material properties of the tubular member;
wherein at least one of the one or more pressure cycle signal parameters is a function of the following factors:
IDpre=internal diameter of the unexpanded tubular member;
ODpre=outside diameter of the unexpanded tubular member;
IDpost=internal diameter of the expanded tubular member; and
ODpost=outside diameter of the expanded tubular member.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the at least one of the one or more pressure cycle signal parameters comprises one or more of the following:
a spectral content of the pressure cycle signal;
a maximum magnitude of pressure of the pressure cycle signal; and
a number of cycles of the pressure cycle signal; and
wherein the at least one of the material properties of the tubular member
comprises one or more of the following:
the collapse strength of the tubular member;
the burst strength of the tubular member;
the yield strength of the tubular member; and
the wall thickness of the tubular member.
16. A method of coupling a tubular member to an existing tubular member in a borehole located in a subterranean formation comprising:
installing a tubular liner and an expansion device in the borehole;
overlapping the tubular liner with an existing tubular member;
injecting fluidic material into the borehole;
pressurizing a portion of an interior region of the tubular liner;
radially expanding at least a portion of the liner in the borehole by extruding at least a portion of the liner off of the expansion device;
positioning a pressure source within the liner; and
operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal comprises one or more of the following:
operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal comprising a predetermined spectral content;
operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal that varies between a maximum and a minimum pressure; and
operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal comprising a predetermined number of cycles.
18. The method of claim 16 , wherein the pressure source is operated to generate a pressure cycle signal comprising one or more of the following:
a spectral content selected to control the collapse strength of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the collapse strength of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the collapse strength of the expanded tubular member;
a spectral content selected to control the burst strength of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the burst strength of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the burst strength of the expanded tubular member;
a spectral content selected to control the yield strength of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the yield strength of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the yield strength of the expanded tubular member;
a spectral content selected to control the wall thickness of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the wall thickness of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the wall thickness of the expanded tubular member;
a sinusoidal signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time;
a square wave signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time; and
a triangular signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time.
19. A method of coupling a tubular member to an existing tubular member in a borehole located in a subterranean formation, the method comprising:
installing a tubular liner and an expansion device in the borehole;
overlapping the tubular liner with an existing tubular member;
injecting fluidic material into the borehole;
pressurizing a portion of an interior region of the tubular liner;
radially expanding at least a portion of the liner in the borehole by extruding at least a portion of the liner off of the expansion device;
positioning a pressure source within the liner; and
operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal, the pressure cycle signal comprising:
a spectral content selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; and
a sinusoidal signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time.
20. A system for coupling a tubular member to an existing tubular member in a borehole located in a subterranean formation, the system comprising:
means for installing a tubular liner and an expansion device in the borehole;
means for overlapping the tubular liner with an existing tubular member;
means for injecting fluidic material into the borehole;
means for pressurizing a portion of an interior region of the tubular liner;
means for radially expanding at least a portion of the liner in the borehole by extruding at least a portion of the liner off of the expansion device;
means for positioning a pressure source within the liner; and
means for operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal.
21. The system of claim 20 , wherein means for operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal comprises one or more of the following:
means for operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal comprising a predetermined spectral content;
means for operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal that varies between a maximum and a minimum pressure; and
means for operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal comprising a predetermined number of cycles.
22. The system of claim 20 , wherein the pressure cycle signal comprises one or more of the following:
a spectral content selected to control the collapse strength of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the collapse strength of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the collapse strength of the expanded tubular member;
a spectral content selected to control the burst strength of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the burst strength of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the burst strength of the expanded tubular member;
a spectral content selected to control the yield strength of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the yield strength of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the yield strength of the expanded tubular member;
a spectral content selected to control the wall thickness of the expanded tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the wall thickness of the expanded tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the wall thickness of the expanded tubular member;
a sinusoidal signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time;
a square wave signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time; and
a triangular signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time.
23. A system for coupling a tubular member to an existing tubular member in a borehole located in a subterranean formation, the system comprising:
means for installing a tubular liner and an expansion device in the borehole;
means for overlapping the tubular liner with an existing tubular member;
means for injecting fluidic material into the borehole;
means for pressurizing a portion of an interior region of the tubular liner;
means for radially expanding at least a portion of the liner in the borehole by extruding at least a portion of the liner off of the expansion device;
means for positioning a pressure source within the liner; and
means for operating the pressure source to generate a pressure cycle signal, the pressure cycle signal comprising:
a spectral content selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member;
a maximum magnitude of pressure selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member;
a number of cycles selected to control the collapse strength, burst strength, yield strength or wall thickness of the plastically deformed tubular member; and
a sinusoidal signal that varies from a maximum value Pmax to a minimum value Pmin over time.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/623,980 US20070175630A1 (en) | 1998-12-07 | 2007-01-17 | Pressure cycling to control the material properties of a tubular member |
Applications Claiming Priority (16)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11129398P | 1998-12-07 | 1998-12-07 | |
US11961199P | 1999-02-11 | 1999-02-11 | |
US12170299P | 1999-02-25 | 1999-02-25 | |
US12404299P | 1999-03-11 | 1999-03-11 | |
US13110699P | 1999-04-26 | 1999-04-26 | |
US13799899P | 1999-06-07 | 1999-06-07 | |
US09/454,139 US6497289B1 (en) | 1998-12-07 | 1999-12-03 | Method of creating a casing in a borehole |
US09/502,350 US6823937B1 (en) | 1998-12-07 | 2000-02-10 | Wellhead |
US09/510,913 US7357188B1 (en) | 1998-12-07 | 2000-02-23 | Mono-diameter wellbore casing |
US09/523,468 US6640903B1 (en) | 1998-12-07 | 2000-03-10 | Forming a wellbore casing while simultaneously drilling a wellbore |
US09/559,122 US6604763B1 (en) | 1998-12-07 | 2000-04-26 | Expandable connector |
US09/588,946 US6557640B1 (en) | 1998-12-07 | 2000-06-07 | Lubrication and self-cleaning system for expansion mandrel |
PCT/US2000/018635 WO2001004535A1 (en) | 1999-07-09 | 2000-07-07 | Two-step radial expansion |
US3059302A | 2002-10-29 | 2002-10-29 | |
US76132406P | 2006-01-23 | 2006-01-23 | |
US11/623,980 US20070175630A1 (en) | 1998-12-07 | 2007-01-17 | Pressure cycling to control the material properties of a tubular member |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2000/018635 Continuation-In-Part WO2001004535A1 (en) | 1998-12-07 | 2000-07-07 | Two-step radial expansion |
US3059302A Continuation-In-Part | 1998-12-07 | 2002-10-29 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070175630A1 true US20070175630A1 (en) | 2007-08-02 |
Family
ID=38320889
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/623,980 Abandoned US20070175630A1 (en) | 1998-12-07 | 2007-01-17 | Pressure cycling to control the material properties of a tubular member |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070175630A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7793721B2 (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2010-09-14 | Eventure Global Technology, Llc | Apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member |
US20110220356A1 (en) * | 2010-03-11 | 2011-09-15 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Multiple stage cementing tool with expandable sealing element |
-
2007
- 2007-01-17 US US11/623,980 patent/US20070175630A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7793721B2 (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2010-09-14 | Eventure Global Technology, Llc | Apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member |
US20110220356A1 (en) * | 2010-03-11 | 2011-09-15 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Multiple stage cementing tool with expandable sealing element |
US8230926B2 (en) | 2010-03-11 | 2012-07-31 | Halliburton Energy Services Inc. | Multiple stage cementing tool with expandable sealing element |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7552776B2 (en) | Anchor hangers | |
EP1485567B1 (en) | Mono-diameter wellbore casing | |
EP1549823B1 (en) | Bottom plug for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing | |
US7121352B2 (en) | Isolation of subterranean zones | |
US7146702B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for forming a mono-diameter wellbore casing | |
CA2453063C (en) | Liner hanger | |
US7308755B2 (en) | Apparatus for forming a mono-diameter wellbore casing | |
US20060054330A1 (en) | Mono diameter wellbore casing | |
US7363984B2 (en) | System for radially expanding a tubular member | |
US8201635B2 (en) | Apparatus and methods for expanding tubular elements | |
US7195064B2 (en) | Mono-diameter wellbore casing | |
US20070034383A1 (en) | Apparatus and method for radially expanding a wellbore casing using an expansion mandrel and a rotary expansion tool | |
CA2438807C (en) | Mono-diameter wellbore casing | |
US20070051520A1 (en) | Expansion system | |
AU2002240366A1 (en) | Mono-diameter wellbore casing | |
US20070175630A1 (en) | Pressure cycling to control the material properties of a tubular member | |
GB2403972A (en) | Mono - diameter wellbore casing | |
GB2418690A (en) | Expansion device | |
US20080093068A1 (en) | System for Lining a Wellbore Casing | |
GB2443098A (en) | Expansion cone with stepped or curved gradient | |
GB2440858A (en) | Fluid expansion of liner into contact with existing tubular | |
WO2007076078A2 (en) | Expandable, inflatable packer | |
GB2440693A (en) | Fabrication of an expandable tubular |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ENVENTURE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, L.L.C., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:COSTA, DARRELL SCOTT;CALES, GERRY;BULLOCK, MICHAEL;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:019151/0481;SIGNING DATES FROM 20070228 TO 20070410 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: EXPRESSLY ABANDONED -- DURING EXAMINATION |