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,wherein each cell comprises a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member each comprising a mid-point and two ends, andfurther wherein the first member is more flexible than the second member.
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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
25 Claims
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1. An apparatus for use in a wellbore, comprising:
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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, wherein each cell comprises a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member each comprising a mid-point and two ends, and further wherein the first member is more flexible than the second member. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6)
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2. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the first and second members are mechanically connected such that the second member hinders deformation of the first member.
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7. An apparatus for use in a wellborn, comprising:
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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, wherein the bistable device further comprises a wrapping attached to the outer surface of the bistable device. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for use in a wellbore, comprising:
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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, wherein the bistable device in its second generally tubular configuration comprises a plurality of diameters.
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13. 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; radially expanding the bistable device to a second stable state having a generally tubular configuration without substantially reducing axial length; and attaching a wrapping to the outer surface of the bistable device. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. 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 (19, 20)
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21. A method for facilitating use of a wellbore, comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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24. A system for facilitating communication along a wellbore, comprising:
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an expandable tubing formed of a plurality of bi-stable cells, the expandable tubing having a communication line passageway, wherein the communication line passageway is defined by a thinned portion along the expandable tubing.
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25. A method of routing a communication line in a well, comprising:
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deploying an expandable tubing in a well, wherein deploying comprises running an expandable tubing formed of bistable cells into a well; routing at least a portion of a communication line adjacent at least a portion of the expandable tubing; expanding the expandable tubing; and forming the communication line along a thick strut formed between a plurality of bistable cells.
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Specification