Mono diameter wellbore casing

• US 7,383,889 B2
• Filed: 11/12/2002
• Issued: 06/10/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC (Halliburton Company)
• Original Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC (Halliburton Company)
• Inventors: Brisco, David Paul, Ring, Lev, Waddell, Kevin K., Watson, Brock Wayne
• Primary Examiner(s): Bates; Zakiya W.
• Application Number:
  US10/495,344
• Publication Number:
  US 20050056433A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,037 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 166/382
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/105 Expanding tools specially adapted therefor

Abstract

An apparatus and method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing.

Claims

1. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising:

a float shoe adapted to mate with an end of the expandable tubular member;

an adjustable expansion device coupled to the float shoe adapted to be controllably expanded to a larger outside dimension for radial expansion of the expandable tubular member or collapsed to a smaller outside dimension;

an actuator coupled to the adjustable expansion device adapted to controllably displace the adjustable expansion device relative to the expandable tubular member;

a locking device coupled to the actuator adapted to controllably engage the expandable tubular member; and

a support member coupled to the locking device.

2. A method for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole, comprising:

positioning an adjustable expansion device within the expandable tubular member;

supporting the expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within the borehole;

lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device; and

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the expandable tubular member.

3. A method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing, comprising:

positioning an adjustable expansion device within a first expandable tubular member;

supporting the first expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within a borehole;

lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the first expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device;

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member m times to radially expand and plastically deform m portions of the first expandable tubular member within the borehole;

positioning the adjustable expansion device within a second expandable tubular member;

supporting the second expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within the borehole in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular member;

lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the second expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device; and

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the second expandable tubular member within the borehole.

4. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising:

a float shoe adapted to mate with an end of the expandable tubular member;

an adjustable expansion device coupled to the float shoe adapted to be controllably expanded to a larger outside dimension for radial expansion of the expandable tubular member or collapsed to a smaller outside dimension;

an actuator coupled to the adjustable expansion device adapted to controllably displace the adjustable expansion device relative to the expandable tubular member;

a locking device coupled to the actuator adapted to controllably engage the expandable tubular member;

a support member coupled to the locking device; and

a sealing member for sealingly engaging the expandable tubular member adapted to define a pressure chamber above the adjustable expansion device during radial expansion of the expandable tubular member.

5. A method for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole, comprising:

positioning an adjustable expansion device within the expandable tubular member;

supporting the expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within the borehole;

lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device;

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the expandable tubular member within the borehole; and

pressurizing an interior region of the expandable tubular member above the adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member within the borehole.

6. A method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing, comprising:

positioning an adjustable expansion device within a first expandable tubular member;

supporting the first expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within a borehole;

lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the first expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device;

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member m times to radially expand and plastically deform m portions of the first expandable tubular member within the borehole;

pressurizing an interior region of the first expandable tubular member above the adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first expandable tubular member within the borehole;

positioning the adjustable expansion device within a second expandable tubular member;

supporting the second expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within the borehole in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular member;

lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the second expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device;

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the second expandable tubular member within the borehole; and

pressurizing an interior region of the second expandable tubular member above the adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the second expandable tubular member within the borehole.

7. An apparatus for drilling a borehole within a subterranean formation and then radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within the drilled borehole, comprising:

a float shoe adapted to mate with an end of the expandable tubular member;

a drilling member coupled to the float shoe adapted to drill the borehole;

an adjustable expansion device coupled to the float shoe adapted to be controllably expanded to a larger outside dimension for radial expansion of the expandable tubular member or collapsed to a smaller outside dimension;

an actuator coupled to the adjustable expansion device adapted to controllably displace the adjustable expansion device relative to the expandable tubular member;

a locking device coupled to the actuator adapted to controllably engage the expandable tubular member; and

a support member coupled to the locking device.

8. A method for drilling a borehole within a subterranean formation and then radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within the drilled borehole, comprising:

positioning an adjustable expansion device within the expandable tubular member;

coupling a drilling member to an end of the expandable tubular member;

drilling the borehole using the drilling member;

positioning the adjustable expansion device and the expandable tubular member within the drilled borehole;

lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device; and

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the expandable tubular member within the drilled borehole.

9. A method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing within a borehole, comprising:

positioning an adjustable expansion device within a first expandable tubular member;

coupling a drilling member to an end of the first expandable tubular member;

drilling a first section of the borehole using the drilling member;

supporting the first expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within the drilled first section of the borehole;

lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the first expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device;

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member m times to radially expand and plastically deform m portions of the first expandable tubular member within the drilled first section of the borehole;

positioning the adjustable expansion device within a second expandable tubular member;

coupling the drilling member to an end of the second expandable tubular member;

drilling a second section of the borehole using the drilling member;

supporting the second expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within the borehole in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular member within the second drilled section of the borehole;

lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the second expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device; and

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the second expandable tubular member within the drilled second section of the borehole.

10. An apparatus for drilling a borehole within a subterranean formation and then radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within the drilled borehole, comprising:

a float shoe adapted to mate with an end of the expandable tubular member;

a drilling member coupled to the float shoe adapted to drill the borehole;

an adjustable expansion device coupled to the float shoe adapted to be controllably expanded to a larger outside dimension for radial expansion of the expandable tubular member or collapsed to a smaller outside dimension;

an actuator coupled to the adjustable expansion device adapted to controllably displace the adjustable expansion device relative to the expandable tubular member;

a locking device coupled to the actuator adapted to controllably engage the expandable tubular member;

a support member coupled to the locking device; and

a sealing member for sealing engaging the expandable tubular member adapted to define a pressure chamber above the adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the expandable tubular member.

11. A method for drilling a borehole within a subterranean formation and then radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within the drilled borehole, comprising:

positioning an adjustable expansion device within the expandable tubular member;

coupling a drilling member to an end of the expandable tubular member;

drilling the borehole using the drilling member;

positioning the adjustable expansion device and the expandable tubular member within the drilled borehole;

lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device;

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the expandable tubular member within the drilled borehole; and

pressuring an interior portion of the expandable tubular member above the adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member within the drilled borehole.

12. A method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing within a borehole, comprising:

positioning an adjustable expansion device within a first expandable tubular member;

coupling a drilling member to an end of the first expandable tubular member;

drilling a first section of the borehole using the drilling member;

supporting the first expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within the drilled first section of the borehole;

lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the first expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device;

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member m times to radially expand and plastically deform m portions of the first expandable tubular member within the drilled first section of the borehole;

pressuring an interior portion of the first expandable tubular member above the adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the first expandable tubular member within the first drilled section of the borehole;

positioning the adjustable expansion device within a second expandable tubular member;

coupling the drilling member to an end of the second expandable tubular member;

drilling a second section of the borehole using the drilling member;

supporting the second expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within the borehole in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular member within the second drilled section of the borehole;

lowering

the adjustable expansion device out of the second expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device;

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the second expandable tubular member within the drilled second section of the borehole; and

pressuring an interior portion of the second expandable tubular member above the adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the second expandable tubular member within the drilled second section of the borehole.

13. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising:

a float shoe adapted to mate with an end of the expandable tubular member;

a first adjustable expansion device coupled to the float shoe adapted to be controllably expanded to a first larger outside dimension for radial expansion of the expandable tubular member or collapsed to a first smaller outside dimension;

a second adjustable expansion device coupled to the first adjustable expansion device adapted to be controllably expanded to a second larger outside dimension for radial expansion of the expandable tubular member or collapsed to a second smaller outside dimension;

an actuator coupled to the first and second adjustable expansion devices adapted to controllably displace the first and second adjustable expansion devices relative to the expandable tubular member;

a locking device coupled to the actuator adapted to controllably engage the expandable tubular member; and

a support member coupled to the locking device;

wherein the first larger outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device is larger than the second larger outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device.

14. A method for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole, comprising:

positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within the expandable tubular member;

supporting the expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within the borehole;

lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device;

displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the expandable tubular member;

displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the expandable tubular member;

decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device;

displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the expandable tubular member;

wherein the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device is greater than the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device.

15. A method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing, comprising:

positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within a first expandable tubular member;

supporting the first expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within a borehole;

lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the first expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device;

displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the first expandable tubular member;

displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member;

decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device;

displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the first expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the expandable tubular member;

positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within a second expandable tubular member;

supporting the first expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within the borehole in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular member;

lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the second expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device;

displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the second expandable tubular member;

displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member;

decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device; and

displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the second expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the second expandable tubular member;

wherein the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device is greater than the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device.

16. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising:

a float shoe adapted to mate with an end of the expandable tubular member;

a first adjustable expansion device coupled to the float shoe adapted to be controllably expanded to a first larger outside dimension for radial expansion of the expandable tubular member or collapsed to a first smaller outside dimension;

a second adjustable expansion device coupled to the first adjustable expansion device adapted to be controllably expanded to a second larger outside dimension for radial expansion of the expandable tubular member or collapsed to a second smaller outside dimension;

an actuator coupled to the first and second adjustable expansion devices adapted to controllably displace the first and second adjustable expansion devices relative to the expandable tubular member;

a locking device coupled to the actuator adapted to controllably engage the expandable tubular member;

a support member coupled to the locking device; and

a sealing member for sealingly engaging the expandable tubular adapted to define a pressure chamber above the first and second adjustable expansion devices during the radial expansion of the expandable tubular member;

wherein the first larger outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device is larger than the second larger outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device.

17. A method for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole, comprising:

positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within the expandable tubular member;

supporting the expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within the borehole;

lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device;

displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the expandable tubular member;

pressurizing an interior region of the expandable tubular member above the first adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the lower portion of the expandable tubular member by the first adjustable expansion device;

displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the expandable tubular member;

decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device;

displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the expandable tubular member; and

pressurizing an interior region of the expandable tubular member above the second adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the portions of the expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the expandable tubular member by the second adjustable expansion device;

wherein the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device is greater than the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device.

18. A method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing, comprising:

positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within a first expandable tubular member;

supporting the first expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within a borehole;

lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the first expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device;

displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the first expandable tubular member;

pressurizing an interior region of the first expandable tubular member above the first adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the lower portion of the first expandable tubular member by the first adjustable expansion device;

displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member;

decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device;

displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the first expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the first expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the expandable tubular member;

pressurizing an interior region of the first expandable tubular member abovethe second adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the portions of the first expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the first expandable tubular member by the second adjustable expansion device;

positioning first and second adjustable expansion devices within a second expandable tubular member;

supporting the first expandable tubular member and the first and second adjustable expansion devices within the borehole in overlapping relation to the first expandable tubular member;

lowering the first adjustable expansion device out of the second expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device;

displacing the first adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a lower portion of the second expandable tubular member;

pressurizing an interior region of the second expandable tubular member above the first adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the lower portion of the second expandable tubular member by the first adjustable expansion device;

displacing the first adjustable expansion device and the second adjustable expansion device downwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member;

decreasing the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device and increasing the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device;

displacing the second adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the second expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the second expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the second expandable tubular member; and

pressurizing an interior region of the second expandable tubular member above the second adjustable expansion device during the radial expansion of the portions of the second expandable tubular member above the lower portion of the second expandable tubular member by the second adjustable expansion device;

wherein the outside dimension of the first adjustable expansion device is greater than the outside dimension of the second adjustable expansion device.

19. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising:

a support member;

a locking device coupled to the support member and releasably coupled to the expandable tubular member;

an adjustable expansion device adapted to be controllably expanded to a larger outside dimension for radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member or collapsed to a smaller outside dimension; and

an actuator coupled to the locking member and the adjustable expansion device adapted to displace the adjustable expansion device upwardly through the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform a portion of the expandable tubular member.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising:

a gripping assembly coupled to the support member and the actuator for controllably gripping at least one of the expandable tubular member or another tubular member.

21. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising:

one or more cup seals coupled to the support member for sealingly engaging the expandable tubular member above the adjustable expansion device.

22. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising:

an expansion device coupled to the adjustable expansion device; and

a float collar assembly coupled to the adjustable expansion device comprising;

a float valve assembly; and

a sealing sleeve coupled to the float valve assembly adapted to be radially expanded and plastically deformed by the expansion device.

23. A method for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole, comprising:

supporting the expandable tubular member, an hydraulic actuator, and an adjustable expansion device within the borehole;

increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device; and

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform a portion of the expandable tubular member.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device after the portion of the expandable tubular member has been radially expanded and plastically deformed.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising:

fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member after reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising:

permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator after fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising:

injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and a preexisting structure after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator.

28. The method of claim 26, further comprising:

increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising:

displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform another portion of the expandable tubular member.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising:

if the end of the other portion of the expandable tubular member overlaps with a preexisting structure, then

not permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator; and

displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform the end of the other portion of the expandable tubular member that overlaps with the preexisting structure.

31. A method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing within a borehole that includes a preexisting wellbore casing, comprising:

supporting the expandable tubular member, an hydraulic actuator, and an adjustable expansion device within the borehole;

increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device;

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform a portion of the expandable tubular member; and

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member and a portion of the preexisting wellbore casing that overlaps with an end of the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising:

reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device after the portion of the expandable tubular member has been radially expanded and plastically deformed.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising:

fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member after reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising:

permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator after fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member.

35. The method of claim 34, further comprising:

injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and the borehole after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator.

36. The method of claim 34, further comprising:

increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising:

displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising:

not permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator; and

displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform the end of the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member that overlaps with the preexisting wellbore casing after not permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator.

39. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising:

a support member;

an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member; and

an actuator coupled to the support member for upwardly displacing the expansion device relative to the support member to radially expand and plastically deform the tubular member.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising:

a sealing device for sealing an interface with the tubular member coupled to the support member.

41. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising:

a locking device for locking the position of the tubular member relative to the support member.

42. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the expansion device comprises:

a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein:

the expansion elements are movable between a first position and a second position;

wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and

wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member.

44. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising:

a support member;

an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member;

an actuator coupled to the support member for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member; and

a gripping device for gripping the tubular member coupled to the support member.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the gripping device comprises a plurality of movable gripping elements.

46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the gripping elements are moveable in a radial direction relative to the support member.

47. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the expansion device comprises an adjustable expansion device.

48. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising:

a support member;

an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member;

an actuator coupled to the support member for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member;

a sealing device for sealing an interface with the tubular member coupled to the support member,

wherein the sealing device seals an annulus defined between the support member and the tubular member.

49. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising:

a support member;

an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member;

an actuator coupled to the support member for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member; and

a locking device for locking the position of the tubular member relative to the support member,

wherein the locking device comprises a pressure sensor for controllably unlocking the locking device from engagement with the tubular member when the operating pressure within the apparatus exceeds a predetermined amount.

50. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising:

a support member;

an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member;

an actuator coupled to the support member for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member; and

wherein the locking device comprises;

a position sensor for controllably unlocking the locking device from engagement with the tubular member when the position of the actuator exceeds a predetermined amount.

51. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising:

a support member;

an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member; and

an actuator coupled to the support member for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member;

wherein the expansion device comprises a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member, the expansion elements being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member, and wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member,

wherein the expansion elements comprise;

a first set of expansion elements; and

a second set of expansion elements;

wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements.

52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

53. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

54. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising:

a support member;

an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member; and

an actuator coupled to the support member for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member, wherein the expansion device comprises a plurality of expansion mechanisms.

55. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein at least one of the expansion mechanisms comprises an adjustable expansion mechanism.

56. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the adjustable expansion mechanism comprises:

a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member.

57. The apparatus of claim 56, wherein:

the expansion elements are movable between a first position and a second position;

wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and

wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member.

58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the expansion elements comprise:

a first set of expansion elements; and

a second set of expansion elements;

wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements.

59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

60. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

61. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising:

an elongated support member;

an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member, the expansion device being longitudinally displaceable relative to the support member; and

a sealing assembly for sealing an annulus defined between the support member and the tubular member.

62. The apparatus of claim 61, further comprising:

a gripping device for gripping the tubular member coupled to the support member.

63. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the gripping device comprises a plurality of movable gripping elements.

64. The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the gripping elements are moveable in a radial direction relative to the support member.

65. The apparatus of claim 61, further comprising:

a locking device for locking the position of the tubular member relative to the support member.

66. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the locking device comprises:

a pressure sensor for controllably unlocking the locking device from engagement with the tubular member when the operating pressure within the apparatus exceeds a predetermined amount.

67. The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the locking device comprises:

a position sensor for controllably unlocking the locking device from engagement with the tubular member when the position of a portion of the apparatus exceeds a predetermined amount.

68. The apparatus of claim 61, further comprising:

an actuator for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member.

69. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the actuator comprises means for transferring torsional loads between the support member and the expansion device.

70. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the actuator comprises a plurality of pistons positioned within corresponding piston chambers.

71. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the expansion device comprises:

a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member.

72. The apparatus of claim 71, wherein:

the expansion elements are movable between a first position and a second position;

wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and

wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member.

73. The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the expansion elements comprise:

a first set of expansion elements; and

a second set of expansion elements;

wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements.

74. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

75. The apparatus of claim 73, wherein in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

76. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the expansion device comprises an adjustable expansion device.

77. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the expansion device comprises a plurality of expansion mechanisms.

78. The apparatus of claim 77, wherein at least one of the expansion mechanisms comprises an adjustable expansion mechanism.

79. The apparatus of claim 78, wherein the adjustable expansion mechanism comprises:

a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member.

80. The apparatus of claim 79, wherein:

the expansion elements are movable between a first position and a second position;

wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and

wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member.

81. The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the expansion elements comprise:

a first set of expansion elements; and

a second set of expansion elements;

wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements.

82. The apparatus of claim 81, wherein in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

83. The apparatus of claim 81, wherein in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

84. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising:

a support member;

a gripping device for gripping the tubular member coupled to the support member;

a first adjustable expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member; and

a second adjustable expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member.

85. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein the gripping device comprises a plurality of movable gripping elements.

86. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein the gripping elements are moveable in a radial direction relative to the support member.

87. The apparatus of claim 84, further comprising:

a sealing device for sealing an interface with the tubular member coupled to the support member.

88. The apparatus of claim 87, wherein the sealing device seals an annulus defines between the support member and the tubular member.

89. The apparatus of claim 84, further comprising:

a locking device for locking the position of the tubular member relative to the support member.

90. The apparatus of claim 89, wherein the locking device comprises:

a pressure sensor for controllably unlocking the locking device from engagement with the tubular member when the operating pressure within the apparatus exceeds a predetermined amount.

91. The apparatus of claim 89, wherein the locking device comprises:

a position sensor for controllably unlocking the locking device from engagement with the tubular member when the position of a portion of the apparatus exceeds a predetermined amount.

92. The apparatus of claim 84, further comprising:

an actuator for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member.

93. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein the actuator comprises means for transferring torsional loads between the support member and the expansion device.

94. The apparatus of claim 92, wherein the actuator comprises a plurality of pistons positioned within corresponding piston chambers.

95. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein at least one of the first and second expansion devices comprise:

a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member.

96. The apparatus of claim 95, wherein:

the expansion elements are movable between a first position and a second position;

wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and

wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member.

97. The apparatus of claim 96, wherein the expansion elements comprise:

a first set of expansion elements; and

a second set of expansion elements;

wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements.

98. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

99. The apparatus of claim 97, wherein in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

100. The apparatus of claim 84, wherein at least one of the first and second expansion devices comprise a plurality of expansion devices.

101. The apparatus of claim 100, wherein at least one of the first and second expansion device comprise an adjustable expansion device.

102. The apparatus of claim 101, wherein the adjustable expansion device comprises:

a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member.

103. The apparatus of claim 102, further comprising:

an actuator coupled to the support member for moving the expansion elements between a first position and a second position;

wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and

wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member.

104. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the expansion elements comprise:

a first set of expansion elements; and

a second set of expansion elements;

wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements.

105. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

106. The apparatus of claim 104, wherein in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

107. An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising:

a support member;

a gripping device for gripping the tubular member coupled to the support member;

a sealing device for sealing an interface with the tubular member coupled to the support member;

a locking device for locking the position of the tubular member relative to the support member;

a first adjustable expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member;

a second adjustable expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member;

a packer coupled to the support member; and

an actuator for displacing one or more of the sealing assembly, first and second adjustable expansion devices, and packer relative to the support member.

108. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein the locking device comprises:

a pressure sensor for controllably unlocking the locking device from engagement with the tubular member when the operating pressure within the apparatus exceeds a predetermined amount.

109. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein the locking device comprises:

a position sensor for controllably unlocking the locking device from engagement with the tubular member when the position of a portion of the apparatus exceeds a predetermined amount.

110. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein the gripping device comprises a plurality of movable gripping elements.

111. The apparatus of claim 110, wherein the gripping elements are moveable in a radial direction relative to the support member.

112. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein the sealing device seals an annulus defines between the support member and the tubular member.

113. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein the actuator comprises means for transferring torsional loads between the support member and the expansion devices.

114. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein the actuator comprises a plurality of pistons positioned within corresponding piston chambers.

115. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein at least one of the adjustable expansion devices comprise:

a plurality of movable expansion elements coupled to the support member.

116. The apparatus of claim 115, wherein:

the expansion elements between a first position and a second position;

wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and

wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member.

117. The apparatus of claim 116, wherein the expansion elements comprise:

a first set of expansion elements; and

a second set of expansion elements;

wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements.

118. The apparatus of claim 117, wherein in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

119. The apparatus of claim 117, wherein in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

120. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein at least one of the adjustable expansion devices comprise a plurality of movable expansion elements.

121. The apparatus of claim 120, wherein:

the plurality of movable expansion elements are coupled to the support member.

122. The apparatus of claim 121, wherein:

the expansion elements are movable between a first position and a second position;

wherein in the first position, the expansion elements do not engage the tubular member; and

wherein in the second position, the expansion elements engage the tubular member.

123. The apparatus of claim 122, wherein the expansion elements comprise:

a first set of expansion elements; and

a

second set of expansion elements;

wherein the first set of expansion elements are interleaved with the second set of expansion elements.

124. The apparatus of claim 123, wherein in the first position, the first set of expansion elements are not axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

125. The apparatus of claim 123, wherein in the second position, the first set of expansion elements are axially aligned with the second set of expansion elements.

126. An actuator, comprising:

a tubular housing;

a tubular piston rod movably coupled to and at least partially positioned within the housing;

a plurality of annular piston chambers defined by the tubular housing and the tubular piston rod; and

a plurality of tubular pistons coupled to the tubular piston rod, each tubular piston movably positioned within a corresponding annular piston chamber.

127. The actuator of claim 126, further comprising means for transmitting torsional loads between the tubular housing and the tubular piston rod.

128. A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole having a preexisting wellbore casing, comprising:

positioning the tubular member within the borehole in overlapping relation to the wellbore casing;

radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member to form a bell section; and

radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section comprising a portion of the tubular member that overlaps with the wellbore casing;

wherein the inside diameter of the bell section is greater than the inside diameter of the radially expanded and plastically deformed portion of the tubular member above the bell section.

129. The method of claim 128, wherein radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member to form a bell section comprises:

positioning an adjustable expansion device within the expandable tubular member;

supporting the expandable tubular member and the adjustable expansion device within the borehole;

lowering the adjustable expansion device out of the expandable tubular member;

increasing the outside dimension of the adjustable expansion device; and

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member n times to radially expand and plastically deform n portions of the expandable tubular member, wherein n is greater than or equal to 1.

130. A method for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member within a borehole, comprising:

supporting the expandable tubular member, an hydraulic actuator, and an adjustable expansion device within the borehole;

increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device; and

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform a portion of the expandable tubular member.

131. The method of claim 130, further comprising:

reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device after the portion of the expandable tubular member has been radially expanded and plastically deformed.

132. The method of claim 131, further comprising:

fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member after reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device.

133. The method of claim 132, further comprising:

permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator after fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member.

134. The method of claim 133, further comprising:

injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and a preexisting structure after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator.

135. The method of claim 133, further comprising:

increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator.

136. The method of claim 135, further comprising:

displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform another portion of the expandable tubular member.

137. The method of claim 136, further comprising:

if the end of the other portion of the expandable tubular member overlaps with a preexisting structure, then

not permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator; and

displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform the end of the other portion of the expandable tubular member that overlaps with the preexisting structure.

138. A method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing within a borehole that includes a preexisting wellbore casing, comprising:

supporting the expandable tubular member, an hydraulic actuator, and an adjustable expansion device within the borehole;

increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device;

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform a portion of the expandable tubular member; and

displacing the adjustable expansion device upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member and a portion of the preexisting wellbore casing that overlaps with an end of the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member.

139. The method of claim 138, further comprising:

reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device after the portion of the expandable tubular member has been radially expanded and plastically deformed.

140. The method of claim 139, further comprising:

fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member after reducing the size of the adjustable expansion device.

141. The method of claim 140, further comprising:

permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator after fluidicly sealing the radially expanded and plastically deformed end of the expandable tubular member.

142. The method of claim 141, further comprising:

injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and the borehole after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator.

143. The method of claim 141, further comprising:

increasing the size of the adjustable expansion device after permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator.

144. The method of claim 143, further comprising:

displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member to radially expand and plastically deform the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member.

145. The method of claim 144, further comprising:

not permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator; and

displacing the adjustable expansion cone upwardly relative to the expandable tubular member using the hydraulic actuator to radially expand and plastically deform the end of the remaining portion of the expandable tubular member that overlaps with the preexisting wellbore casing after not permitting the position of the expandable tubular member to float relative to the position of the hydraulic actuator.

146. The method of claim 141, wherein radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section comprises:

lowering an expansion device out of an end of the tubular member; and

pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member.

147. The method of claim 146, wherein lowering an expansion device out of an end of the tubular member comprises:

lowering the expansion device out of the end of the tubular member; and

adjusting the size of the expansion device.

148. The method of claim 147, wherein the expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes.

149. The method of claim 147, wherein the expansion device comprises a plurality of adjustable expansion devices.

150. The method of claim 149, wherein at least one of the adjustable expansion devices is adjustable to a plurality of sizes.

151. The method of claim 146, wherein pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member comprises:

gripping the tubular member; and

pulling an expansion device through an end of the tubular member.

152. The method of claim 151, wherein gripping the tubular member comprises:

permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a first direction; and

not permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a second direction.

153. The method of claim 151, wherein pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member comprises:

pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using an actuator.

154. The method of claim 146, wherein pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member comprises:

pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using fluid pressure.

155. The method of claim 154, wherein pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using fluid pressure comprises:

pressurizing an annulus within the tubular member above the expansion device.

156. A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member, comprising:

positioning the tubular member within a preexisting structure;

radially expanding and plastically deforming a lower portion of the tubular member to form a bell section; and

radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section.

157. The method of claim 156, wherein positioning the tubular member within a preexisting structure comprises:

locking the tubular member to an expansion device.

158. The method of claim 157, wherein positioning the tubular member within a preexisting structure comprises:

unlocking the tubular member from an expansion device if the operating pressure within the preexisting structure exceeds a predetermined amount.

159. The method of claim 157, wherein positioning the tubular member within a preexisting structure comprises:

unlocking the tubular member from an expansion device if the position of an actuator coupled to the tubular member exceeds a predetermined amount.

160. The method of claim 156, wherein radially expanding and plastically deforming a lower portion of the tubular member to form a bell section comprises:

lowering an expansion device out of an end of the tubular member; and

pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member.

161. The method of claim 160, wherein lowering an expansion device out of an end of the tubular member comprises:

lowering the expansion device out of the end of the tubular member; and

adjusting the size of the expansion device.

162. The method of claim 161, wherein the expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes.

163. The method of claim 161, wherein the expansion device comprises a plurality of adjustable expansion devices.

164. The method of claim 163, wherein at least one of the adjustable expansion devices is adjustable to a plurality of sizes.

165. The method of claim 160, wherein pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member comprises:

gripping the tubular member; and

pulling an expansion device through an end of the tubular member.

166. The method of claim 165, wherein gripping the tubular member comprises:

permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a first direction; and

not permitting axial displacement of the tubular member in a second direction.

167. The method of claim 165, wherein pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member comprises:

pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using an actuator.

168. The method of claim 156, wherein radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section comprises:

fluidicly sealing an end of the tubular member; and

pulling the expansion device through the tubular member.

169. The method of claim 168, wherein the expansion device is adjustable.

170. The method of claim 169, wherein the expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes.

171. The method of claim 168, wherein the expansion device comprises a plurality of adjustable expansion devices.

172. The method of claim 171, wherein at least one of the adjustable expansion devices is adjustable to a plurality of sizes.

173. The method of claim 168, wherein pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member comprises:

gripping the tubular member; and

pulling an expansion device through an end of the tubular member.

174. The method of claim 173, wherein pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member comprises:

pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using an actuator.

175. The method of claim 168, wherein pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member comprises:

pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using fluid pressure.

176. The method of claim 175, wherein pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member using fluid pressure comprises:

pressurizing an annulus within the tubular member above the expansion device.

177. The method of claim 156, wherein radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section comprises:

overlapping the portion of the tubular member above the bell section with an end of a preexisting tubular member; and

pulling an expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member.

178. The method of claim 177, wherein the expansion device is adjustable.

179. The method of claim 178, wherein the expansion device is adjustable to a plurality of sizes.

180. The method of claim 177, wherein the expansion device comprises a plurality of adjustable expansion devices.

181. The method of claim 180, wherein at least one of the adjustable expansion devices is adjustable to a plurality of sizes.

182. The method of claim 177, wherein pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member comprises:

gripping the tubular member; and

pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member.

183. The method of claim 182, wherein pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member comprises:

pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member using an actuator.

184. The method of claim 177, wherein pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member comprises:

pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member using fluid pressure.

185. The method of claim 184, wherein pulling the expansion device through the overlapping portions of the tubular member and the preexisting tubular member using fluid pressure comprises:

pressurizing an annulus within the tubular member above the expansion device.

186. The method of claim 156, further comprising:

injecting a hardenable fluidic sealing material into an annulus between the expandable tubular member and the preexisting structure.

187. A method of engaging a tubular member, comprising:

positioning a plurality of elements within the tubular member;

bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member, wherein the elements comprise;

a first group of elements, and a second group of elements, the first group of elements being interleaved with the second group of elements.

188. The method of claim 187, wherein bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member comprises:

bringing the elements into axial alignment.

189. The method of claim 187, wherein bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member further comprises:

pivoting the elements.

190. The method of claim 187, wherein bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member further comprises:

translating the elements.

191. The method of claim 187, wherein bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member further comprises:

pivoting the elements; and

translating the elements.

192. The method of claim 187, wherein bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member comprises:

rotating the elements about a common axis.

193. The method of claim 187, wherein bringing the elements into engagement with the tubular member comprises:

pivoting the elements about corresponding axes;

translating the elements; and

rotating the elements about a common axis.

194. The method of claim 187, further comprising:

preventing the elements from coming into engagement with the tubular member if the inside diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value.

195. The method of claim 194, wherein preventing the elements from coming into engagement with the tubular member if the inside diameter of the tubular member is less than a predetermined value comprises:

sensing the inside diameter of the tubular member.

196. A locking device for locking a tubular member to a support member, comprising:

a radially movable locking device coupled to the support member for engaging an interior surface of the tubular member, and

a pressure sensor for controllably unlocking the locking device from engagement with the tubular member when an operating pressure exceeds a predetermined amount.

197. A locking device for locking a tubular member to a support member, comprising:

a radially movable locking device coupled to the support member for engaging an interior surface of the tubular member, and

a position sensor for controllably unlocking the locking device from engagement with the tubular member when a position exceeds a predetermined amount.

198. The method of locking a tubular member to a support member, comprising:

locking a locking element in a position that engages an interior surface of the tubular member; and

controllably unlocking the locking element from engagement with the tubular member when an operating pressure exceeds a predetermined amount.

199. A method of locking a tubular member to a support member, comprising:

locking a locking element in a position that engages an interior surface of the tubular member; and

controllably unlocking the locking element from engagement with the tubular member when a position exceeds a predetermined amount.