Increasing Solid Expandable Tubular Technology Reliability in a Myriad of Downhole Environments

Abstract

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractSince the spectacular arrival of solid expandable tubulars four years ago, customers have embraced this technology as a revolutionary well construction and production solution. Through innovative technical development and equipment reliability, solid expandable tubulars continue to grow in acceptance and use.Solid expandable tubulars have been used successfully to reach required total depth (TD) with adequate completion size, slim the well construction process, and overcome abnormal pressures encountered down hole while drilling. In addition, this technology has been used to rejuvenate wellbores for well deepening, casing reinforcement for stimulation, as a solution for corrosion problems, and to cover leaks and perforations. As a result, the overall cost of drilling and production operations has been reduced.This expansion process requires the successful integration of the following conditions and equipment:• casing capable of surviving in-situ reforming • friction reduction between the expansion cone and the casing • expandable flush joint connection

Radial Expansion of T5-6063 Aluminum Tubes: An Experimental Investigation and Numerical Simulation

“…This technology can also be used in different types of wells as in multiple fixing wells, high-angle and horizontal wells, and in deep and hot wells. Several field trials [2][3][4][5][6][7] proved the viability of this technology as a solution to aging wells. Other research work related to simulation of downhole solid tubular expansion field cases was performed by Pervez et al [8] and Seibi et al [9] to study the effect of the expansion ratio, cone angle, and friction coefficient on the expansion force and showed that the drawing force increases when the friction coefficient, mandrel angle, and expansion ratio increase.…”

Three Diverse Applications on Three Continents for a Single Major Operator

“…To date, over 250 solid expandable tubular installations have been performed, and more than 250,000 ft of pipe expanded. 2 The combination of a steadily increasing success rate and a greater understanding of the benefits of the technology led a major international operator to use solid expandable casing in a well in Africa. The success in West Africa led to two additional installations of solid expandable tubulars in other regions of the world.…”

Experimental Study of Expanded T5-6063 Aluminum Tubes With Transverse Holes

“…Moreover, this technology is used to increase the rate of production by enlarging the volume of the production tubing as well as sand control screens in open holes. Several studies related to SETT have been performed over the last two decades 2–5 and proved its viability in field applications 6–12 . However, very limited studies dealing with expansion of sand control screens have been conducted 11 …”

“…Several studies related to SETT have been performed over the last two decades 2-5 and proved its viability in field applications. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] However, very limited studies dealing with expansion of sand control screens have been conducted. 11 The challenge that remains facing field engineers in deep wells with corrosive environments is the selection of appropriate corrosion resistant alloys that can sustain large expansion ratios up to 25% without jeopardizing their strength especially in the presence of perforations at the base pipe of sand control screens.…”