Expandable tubing and method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus for use in a wellbore, comprising:
- an expandable bistable device configured for deployment proximate a wellbore wall, the expandable bistable device having a plurality of bistable cells arranged in a generally tubular shape, the plurality of bistable cells being stable in a collapsed configuration and in an expanded configuration.
3 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.
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Citations
49 Claims
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1. An apparatus for use in a wellbore, comprising:
an expandable bistable device configured for deployment proximate a wellbore wall, the expandable bistable device having a plurality of bistable cells arranged in a generally tubular shape, the plurality of bistable cells being stable in a collapsed configuration and in an expanded configuration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of stabilizing an uncased section of a wellbore in an underground formation, comprising:
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providing an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape that comprises a plurality of bistable cells;
placing the bistable device at a position in the wellbore while in a first stable state; and
radially expanding the bistable device to a second stable state having a generally tubular configuration without substantially reducing axial length. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method for installing liners within a tubular located in a wellbore, comprising:
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forming an expandable bistable device with a plurality of bistable cells, the expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape;
surrounding the expandable bistable device with an expandable liner element attached to an outer surface of the bistable device;
placing the expandable bistable device at a position within a tubular while in a first stable state; and
expanding the expandable bistable device into a second stable state to hold the liner element against an inner diameter of the tubular. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26)
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27. A method for facilitating use of a wellbore, comprising:
inhibiting sand influx into a wellbore, wherein inhibiting comprises;
placing a bistable device at a desired position in a wellbore; and
expanding the bistable device at least partially through a nonstable range towards a stable state until the bistable device is able to exert hoop stress forces against the wellbore.
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30. A method of facilitating use of a wellbore, comprising:
isolating a portion of a wellbore with an expandable bistable device having a generally tubular shape formed by a plurality of bistable cells that permit the expandable bistable device to be selectively actuated between a contracted state and an expanded state. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29)
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31. A method of sealing a portion of a wellbore tubular, comprising:
locating a bistable device within a wellbore tubular adjacent to a zone to be sealed; and
expanding the bistable device against the wellbore tubular by moving the bistable device through a nonstable region towards an expanded stable state.
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32. An apparatus for use in a wellbore, comprising:
a wellbore conduit having at least one bistable device.
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36. A system for facilitating communication along a wellbore, comprising:
an expandable tubing having a communication line passageway. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35)
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37. A system for facilitating communication along a wellbore, comprising:
an expandable tubing formed of a plurality of bi-stable cells, the expandable tubing having a communication line passageway.
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39. A wellbore tubular, comprising:
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and expandable bistable tubing; and
a device mounted to the tubing. - View Dependent Claims (38)
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41. A method of routing a communication line in a well, comprising:
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deploying an expandable tubing in a well;
routing at least a portion of a communication line adjacent at least a portion of the expandable tubing; and
expanding the expandable tubing. - View Dependent Claims (40)
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- 43. The method as recited in claim 43, wherein routing comprises routing a cable along an exterior of the expandable tubing.
- 44. The method as recited in claim 44, further comprising attaching the communication line to the expandable tubing as the expandable tubing is deployed in the well.
- 49. The method as recited in claim 49, wherein providing comprises attaching an instrument.
Specification