Summary
Since the introduction almost 15 years ago of today's solid-expandable-liner
systems, threaded-connection technologies have advanced very little compared
with the development of sophisticated, state-of-the-art expansion tools and
systems. The severity of damage caused to threaded connections during the
downhole expansion process leaves some threads unengaged and badly deformed,
reducing the connections? mechanical dependability. Even worse, traditional
metal seals incorporated into most proprietary premium connections are
destroyed during the expansion process or damaged to the point of being
undependable.
Even though solid-expandable-liner systems offer a large number of important
and valuable solutions, connection performance is obviously a problem. For more
than a decade, engineers have worked on the development of connection features
that are more resistant to damage caused during expansion. Although there has
been some advancement, today most or all expanded connections share little
resemblance to unexpanded connections when subjected to ISO 13679 (2002)
qualification tests with gas.
This paper details new expansion-cone technology that eliminates the
majority of damage caused to connections when expanded with traditional cones.
This paper will provide finite-element analyses and physical-testing
verification to show how this new technology leaves connections with minimal
visible damage to the threads and metal seals after expansion.
Even though solid expandable liner systems offer a large number of important
and valuable solutions, connection performance is obviously a problem. For more
than a decade, engineers have worked on the development of connection features
that are more resistant to damage caused during expansion. Although there has
been some advancement, today most or all expanded connections today share
little resemblance to unexpanded connections when subjected to ISO 13679
qualification tests with gas.
This paper details new expansion cone technology that eliminates the
majority of damage caused to connections when expanded with traditional cones.
This paper will provide Finite Element Analyses and physical testing
verification to show how this new technology leaves connections with minimal
visible damage to the threads and metal seals after expansion.
© 2011. Society of Petroleum Engineers
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History
- Original manuscript received:
18 November 2010
- Meeting paper published:
21 September 2010
- Revised manuscript received:
23 March 2011
- Manuscript approved:
1 April 2011
- Published online:
8 September 2011
- Version of record:
15 September 2011
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