Helically wound expandable tubular insert

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector arrangement for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for connecting tubulars in such a way that the connection is prevented from becoming unmade in response to expansion of the tubulars in a wellbore. More particularly, the present invention provides a tubular connection using a helical or spiral thread insert to seal and maintain mechanical strength in a tubular connection after expansion.

1 . An insert for use in connecting two threaded wellbore tubulars end-to-end, the insert comprising: 
 a wire thread wherein the inner diameter is engaged with the threads of a first tubular, or the outer diameter is engaged with corresponding mating threads of a second tubular.    
     
     
         2 . The insert of  claim 1 , wherein the insert is helically or spirally shaped.  
     
     
         3 . The insert of  claim 2 , wherein the insert is metallic.  
     
     
         4 . The insert of  claim 3 , wherein the insert is coated with a sealant.  
     
     
         5 . A method for connecting two wellbore tubulars end-to-end comprising: 
 threading an insert around the external threads of a first tubular prior to joining the first tubular with a second tubular; and    threading the tubulars.    
     
     
         6 . A method for connecting two wellbore tubulars end-to-end comprising: 
 threading an insert around the external threads of a first tubular prior to joining the first tubular with a second tubular; and    threading the tubulars.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the insert is helically or spirally shaped.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the insert is metallic.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the insert is coated with a sealant.