Connector for an expandable tubing string

Joints and connections – Member ends joined by inserted section – Expansible section

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C403S309000, C403S312000, C285S404000, C285S370000, C166S207000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06273634

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a connector for use in connecting sections of an expandable tubing string, and in particular but not exclusively for use in the connection of sections of an expandable slotted tubing (EST) string as utilized in downhole applications in oil and gas production operations.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Expandable slotted tubings are known from International patent application No. PCT/EP 93/01460. This reference discloses a slotted tube which may be expanded downhole by running an expansion mandrel through the tubing whereby the slots are expanded to diamond-shaped apertures.
When a tubing is expanded it is desirable that this can be accomplished by a substantially uniform expansion force, also at the locations where adjacent tubing sections are interconnected.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connector for an expandable tubing that can be expanded smoothly and made up easily without requiring welding operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The connector according to the invention thereto comprises a plastically expandable sleeve that is in use arranged co-axially relative to an end of each of the adjacent tubing sections, and means for fastening the sleeve to said ends.
Preferably the outer surface of an end of each of the adjacent tubing sections has been machined away to form an annular recess in which the sleeve is located.
Alternatively the inner surface of an end of each of the adjacent tubing sections has been machined away to form an annular recess in which the sleeve is located.
It is preferred that the thickness of the sleeve is substantially equal to the depth of the annular recess so that a flush-type connection is created.
It is furthermore preferred that the fastening means comprise a series of circumferentially spaced screws that pass through holes that are drilled through the sleeve and the adjacent wall of ends of the adjacent tubing sections. If desired, the screws may be replaced by rivets or other mechanical fasteners.
The connector according to the invention is particularly attractive for interconnecting sections of an expandable string of oil and/or gas well tubulars that may be slotted. If the connector is used for interconnecting sections of an expandable slotted tubing string then the sleeve is provided with a series of staggered substantially longitudinal slots which are deformable into diamond-shaped apertures upon expansion of the sleeve.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2155370 (1939-04-01), Hall et al.
patent: 3491182 (1970-01-01), Hunder et al.
patent: 3851983 (1974-12-01), MacKenzie
patent: 4068346 (1978-01-01), Binder
patent: 4093389 (1978-06-01), Wilbrow
patent: 5209599 (1993-05-01), Kronenberg
patent: 5366012 (1994-11-01), Lohbeck
patent: 5480196 (1996-01-01), Adams, Jr.
patent: 5667011 (1997-09-01), Gill et al.
patent: 5901789 (1999-05-01), Donnelly et al.
patent: 5924745 (1999-07-01), Campbell
patent: 5984568 (1999-11-01), Lohbeck
patent: 239345 (1925-09-01), None
patent: WO 94/01460 (1994-01-01), None

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