Axial compression enhanced tubular expansion

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for expanding a tubular with the aid of a compressive force are disclosed. A tubular is run into a wellbore. While the tubular is in a compressive state, the tubular is expanded into its desired form. The expanded tubular can be used for multiple downhole functions such as completing multilateral junctions in a wellbore, patching apertures in a wellbore and lining a wellbore.

1 . A method of expanding a tubular in a wellbore, comprising: 
 positioning the tubular in the wellbore;    affixing at least first and second locations spaced along a length of the tubular to desired locations in the wellbore; and    expanding a portion of the tubular between the locations outward radially with a rotary expander tool, such that the tubular is in axial compression while expanding.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein affixing the second location includes supporting a lower end of the tubular on a bottom of the wellbore.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein affixing the at least first and second locations includes expanding the tubular into frictional contact with a surrounding surface.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein affixing the at least first and second locations includes setting slips on an outer surface of the tubular.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein affixing the second location includes supporting a lower end of the tubular on a plug.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular is longitudinally corrugated.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular includes shaped pipe.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compression is at least partly as a result of the expanding.  
   
   
       9 . A method of lining a drilled wellbore, comprising: 
 running a tubular into a wellbore;    applying a compressive force to at least a portion of the tubular; and    applying fluid pressure to an inside surface of the tubular in an area of the tubular that is in compression to expand the tubular to a larger diameter.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising supporting a lower end of the tubular on a bottom of the wellbore.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein applying the compressive force includes placing weight on an upper end of the tubular.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein applying the compressive force includes operating a compressive force apparatus.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein applying the fluid pressure to the inside surface of the tubular expands a lower portion of the tubular into a bell shaped configuration.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein running the tubular includes positioning the tubular in the wellbore proximate to a window in the wellbore.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein applying the fluid pressure to the inside surface of the tubular forms a bulge in a wall of the tubular that extends into a lateral junction which starts at the window.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising drilling out a portion of the wall of the tubular that is extended into the lateral junction.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising hanging a liner from the tubular extended into the lateral junction.  
   
   
       18 . An apparatus for wellbore completion, comprising: 
 a tubular coupled to a conveyance member;    one or more compression pistons for applying a compressive load to at least a length of the tubular; and    first and second seals for isolating an inside of the tubular corresponding to at least a portion of the length of the tubular having the compressive load applied thereto, wherein a port to the inside of the tubular supplies hydraulic pressure for acting on a inner surface of the tubular and expanding the tubular.    
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , further comprising a radially extendable expander for expanding sections of the tubular proximate the first and second seals.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the tubular is longitudinally corrugated.  
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the tubular is shaped pipe.  
   
   
       22 . A method of expanding a tubular in a wellbore, comprising: 
 positioning the tubular in the wellbore;    applying a compressive force to at least a portion of the tubular; and    expanding the portion of the tubular in compression outwardly, wherein expanding includes translating an expansion tool axially while the tubular is in compression.