Apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member

Abstract

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member.

1 . A method comprising: 
 positioning a packer assembly comprising a sealing element within a tubular member;    setting the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member; and    preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises: 
 applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and    applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises: 
 preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 coupling a packer control device to the packer assembly.    
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the tubular member extends within a wellbore; and 
 wherein the method further comprises:    positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly outside of the tubular member and in the wellbore.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member.    
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising: 
 moving the packer control device and the packer assembly so that the packer control device and the packer assembly extend within the at least a portion of the tubular member.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the packer assembly further comprises at least one other sealing element; and 
 wherein the method further comprises:    setting the at least one other sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising: 
 decoupling the packer control device from the packer assembly.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising: 
 testing the ability of at least one of the sealing element and the at least one other sealing element to maintain a pressure seal against the interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       11 . A method comprising: 
 positioning a packer assembly comprising a sealing element within a tubular member;    applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and    applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising: 
 preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element prevents the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising: 
 coupling a packer control device to the packer assembly;    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the tubular member extends within a wellbore; and 
 wherein the method further comprises:    positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly outside of the tubular member and in the wellbore.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising: 
 moving the packer control device and the packer assembly so that the packer control device and the packer assembly extend within the at least a portion of the tubular member.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the packer assembly further comprises at least one other sealing element; and 
 wherein the method further comprises:    setting the at least one other sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising: 
 decoupling the packer control device from the packer assembly.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising: 
 testing the ability of at least one of the sealing element and the at least one other sealing element to maintain a pressure seal against the interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       21 . A method comprising: 
 coupling a packer control device to a packer assembly comprising a sealing element;    positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly within a tubular member that extends within a wellbore;    radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member;    setting the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member, wherein setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises: 
 applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and  
 applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member; and  
   preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member by preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element.    
   
   
       22 . An apparatus for controlling the operation of a packer assembly, comprising: 
 a first tubular support;    a second tubular support at least partially extending within the first tubular support;    one or more first retaining dogs coupled to the first tubular support for releasably engaging the second tubular support; and    a stinger coupled to the second tubular support for releasably engaging the packer assembly.    
   
   
       23 . The apparatus of  claim 22  wherein the one or more first retaining dogs and the first tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support.  
   
   
       24 . The apparatus of  claim 22  further comprising: 
 one or more second retaining dogs releasably engaged with the first tubular support.    
   
   
       25 . The apparatus of  claim 24  wherein the one or more first retaining dogs and the first tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support and the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the first tubular support.  
   
   
       26 . The apparatus of  claim 22  further comprising: 
 a third tubular support coupled to the second tubular support and the stinger.    
   
   
       27 . The apparatus of  claim 26  further comprising: 
 a compressible element at least partially circumferentially extending about the third tubular support.    
   
   
       28 . The apparatus of  claim 27  wherein the compressible element comprises: 
 a first configuration in which the compressible element is uncompressed; and    a second configuration in which the compressible element is at least partially compressed.    
   
   
       29 . The apparatus of  claim 28  wherein, when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support, the one or more first retaining dogs and the first tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support to place the compressible element in the second configuration.  
   
   
       30 . The apparatus of  claim 29  wherein, when the compressible element is in the second configuration, the first tubular support is movable in a direction relative to the second tubular support to cause a first force to be applied against at least one sealing element of the packer assembly.  
   
   
       31 . The apparatus of  claim 30  wherein the third tubular support comprises an external flange for preventing further movement of the first tubular support in the direction when the compressible element is in the second configuration.  
   
   
       32 . The apparatus of  claim 31  wherein the compressible element further comprises a third configuration in which the compressible element is permitted to uncompress to cause a second force to be applied against the at least one sealing element of the packer assembly.  
   
   
       33 . The apparatus of  claim 32  wherein the at least one sealing element is adapted to be set against an interior surface of a tubular member in response to the second force applied against the at least one sealing element.  
   
   
       34 . The apparatus of  claim 33  wherein the compressible element comprises a spring.  
   
   
       35 . The apparatus of  claim 34  further comprising: 
 a fourth tubular support coupled to the third tubular support and through which the third tubular support extends, the fourth tubular support comprising an external flange and engaging the external flange of the third tubular support;    a spring mandrel coupled to the first tubular support and through which the fourth tubular support extends, the spring mandrel at least partially defining an annular region in which the spring extends; and    a spring sleeve at least partially circumferentially extending about the spring for retaining the spring within the annular region;    wherein the spring mandrel is movable in the direction relative to the spring sleeve to place the spring in the second configuration.    
   
   
       36 . The apparatus of  claim 35  wherein the spring mandrel is adapted to engage the external flange of the fourth tubular support when the spring is in the second configuration; and 
 wherein movement of the first tubular support and the spring mandrel in the direction is prevented in response to the engagement of the spring mandrel with the external flange of the fourth tubular support and the engagement of the fourth tubular support with the external flange of the third tubular support.    
   
   
       37 . The apparatus of  claim 36  wherein the spring mandrel comprises an internal annular recess and the fourth tubular support comprises an external annular recess; and 
 wherein the apparatus further comprises a locking dog received within the internal annular recess of the spring mandrel, the locking dog comprising: 
 a first configuration in which the locking dog engages an exterior surface of the fourth tubular support; and  
 a second configuration in which the locking dog is received within the external annular recess of the fourth tubular support to limit movement of the spring mandrel relative to the fourth tubular support.  
   
   
   
       38 . The apparatus of  claim 26  further comprising: 
 one or more rupture discs coupled to the third tubular support;    wherein an exterior surface of the third tubular support and an interior surface of the first tubular support define an annular region;    wherein, when the one or more rupture discs rupture, fluidic material is permitted to flow into the annular region; and    wherein the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the first tubular support in response to the flow of the fluidic material into the annular region.    
   
   
       39 . The apparatus of  claim 22  further comprising the packer assembly.  
   
   
       40 . The apparatus of  claim 39  further comprising a tubular member within which the packer assembly at least partially extends.  
   
   
       41 . The apparatus of  claim 39  wherein the packer assembly comprises: 
 a support member defining a passage;    a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member;    one or more sealing elements movably coupled to the support member; and    a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the support member;    wherein the stinger engages the sliding sleeve valve.    
   
   
       42 . An apparatus for controlling the operation of a packer assembly, comprising: 
 a first tubular support;    a stinger coupled to the first tubular support for releasably engaging the packer assembly; and    a compressible element at least partially circumferentially extending about the first tubular support;    wherein the compressible element comprises: 
 a first configuration in which the compressible element is uncompressed; and  
 a second configuration in which the compressible element is at least partially compressed.  
   
   
   
       43 . The apparatus of  claim 42  further comprising: 
 a second tubular support coupled to the first tubular support and within which the first tubular support at least partially extends; and    a third tubular support within which the second tubular support at least partially extends;    wherein, when the compressible element is in the second configuration, the third tubular support is movable in a direction relative to the second tubular support to cause a first force to be applied against at least one sealing element of the packer assembly.    
   
   
       44 . The apparatus of  claim 43  wherein the first tubular support comprises an external flange for preventing further movement of the third tubular support in the direction when the compressible element is in the second configuration.  
   
   
       45 . The apparatus of  claim 44  wherein the compressible element further comprises a third configuration in which the compressible element is permitted to uncompress to cause a second force to be applied against the at least one sealing element of the packer assembly.  
   
   
       46 . The apparatus of  claim 45  wherein the at least one sealing element is adapted to be set against an interior surface of a tubular member in response to the second force applied against the at least one sealing element.  
   
   
       47 . The apparatus of  claim 46  further comprising: 
 one or more first retaining dogs coupled to the third tubular support for releasably engaging the second tubular support.    
   
   
       48 . The apparatus of  claim 47  wherein the one or more first retaining dogs and the third tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support.  
   
   
       49 . The apparatus of  claim 47  further comprising: 
 one or more second retaining dogs releasably engaged with the third tubular support.    
   
   
       50 . The apparatus of  claim 49  wherein the one or more first retaining dogs and the third tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support and the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the third tubular support.  
   
   
       51 . The apparatus of  claim 50  wherein the compressible element comprises a spring.  
   
   
       52 . The apparatus of  claim 51  further comprising: 
 a fourth tubular support coupled to the first tubular support and through which the first tubular support extends, the fourth tubular support comprising an external flange and engaging the external flange of the first tubular support;    a spring mandrel coupled to the third tubular support and through which the fourth tubular support extends, the spring mandrel at least partially defining an annular region in which the spring extends; and    a spring sleeve at least partially circumferentially extending about the spring for retaining the spring within the annular region;    wherein the spring mandrel is movable in the direction relative to the spring sleeve to place the spring in the second configuration.    
   
   
       53 . The apparatus of  claim 52  wherein the spring mandrel is adapted to engage the external flange of the fourth tubular support when the spring is in the second configuration; and 
 wherein movement of the third tubular support and the spring mandrel in the direction is prevented in response to the engagement of the spring mandrel with the external flange of the fourth tubular support and the engagement of the fourth tubular support with the external flange of the first tubular support.    
   
   
       54 . The apparatus of  claim 53  wherein the spring mandrel comprises an internal annular recess and the fourth tubular support comprises an external annular recess; and 
 wherein the apparatus further comprises a locking dog received within the internal annular recess of the spring mandrel, the locking dog comprising: 
 a first configuration in which the locking dog engages an exterior surface of the fourth tubular support; and  
 a second configuration in which the locking dog is received within the external annular recess of the fourth tubular support to limit movement of the spring mandrel relative to the fourth tubular support.  
   
   
   
       55 . The apparatus of  claim 50  further comprising: 
 one or more rupture discs coupled to the first tubular support;    wherein an exterior surface of the first tubular support and an interior surface of the third tubular support define an annular region;    wherein, when the one or more rupture discs rupture, fluidic material is permitted to flow into the annular region; and    wherein the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the third tubular support in response to the flow of the fluidic material into the annular region.    
   
   
       56 . The apparatus of  claim 42  further comprising the packer assembly.  
   
   
       57 . The apparatus of  claim 56  further comprising a tubular member within which the packer assembly at least partially extends.  
   
   
       58 . The apparatus of  claim 56  wherein the packer assembly comprises: 
 a support member defining a passage;    a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member;    one or more sealing elements movably coupled to the support member; and    a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the support member;    wherein the stinger engages the sliding sleeve valve.    
   
   
       59 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a packer control device for controlling the operation of a packer, the packer control device comprising: 
 a first support member;  
 one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and  
 a stinger coupled to the first support member for engaging the packer.  
   
   
   
       60 . The apparatus of  claim 59  further comprising: 
 the packer comprising: 
 a second support member defining a passage;  
 a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the second support member;  
 one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the second support member; and  
 a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the second support member;  
   wherein the stinger engages the sliding sleeve valve.    
   
   
       61 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a packer control device for controlling the operation of a packer, the packer control device comprising: 
 a first support member;  
 one or more drag blocks releasably coupled to the support member; and  
 a stinger coupled to the first support member for engaging the packer; and  
   the packer comprising: 
 a second support member defining a passage;  
 a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the second support member;  
 one or more compressible packer elements movably coupled to the second support member; and  
 a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the second support member;  
 wherein the stinger engages the sliding sleeve valve.  
   
   
   
       62 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 a support member;    a cutting device for cutting the tubular member coupled to the support member;    an expansion device for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member coupled to the support member;    a gripping device for gripping the tubular member coupled to the support member;    a sealing device for sealing an interface with the tubular member coupled to the support member;    a locking device for locking the position of the tubular member relative to the support member;    an actuator for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member;    a packer assembly coupled to the support member; and    a device for controlling the operation of the packer assembly, the device comprising: 
 a tubular support;  
 a stinger coupled to the tubular support for releasably engaging the packer assembly; and  
 a compressible element at least partially circumferentially extending about the first tubular support;  
 wherein the compressible element comprises: 
 a first configuration in which the compressible element is uncompressed; and  
 a second configuration in which the compressible element is at least partially compressed.  
 
   
   
   
       63 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member, comprising: 
 positioning the tubular member within a preexisting structure, comprising: 
 locking the tubular member to an expansion device;  
   radially expanding and plastically deforming a lower portion of the tubular member to form a bell section, comprising: 
 lowering an expansion device out of an end of the tubular member; and  
 pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member, comprising: 
 gripping the tubular member; and  
 pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member;  
 
   radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section;    positioning a packer assembly comprising a sealing element within the tubular member;    setting the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member; and    preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       64 . A system comprising: 
 means for positioning a packer assembly comprising a sealing element within a tubular member;    means for setting the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member; and    means for preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       65 . The system of  claim 64  wherein the means for setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises: 
 means for applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and    means for applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       66 . The system of  claim 65  wherein the means for preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises: 
 means for preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element.    
   
   
       67 . The system of  claim 64  further comprising: 
 means for coupling a packer control device to the packer assembly;    
   
   
       68 . The system of  claim 67  wherein the tubular member extends within a wellbore; and 
 wherein the system further comprises:    means for positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly outside of the tubular member and in the wellbore.    
   
   
       69 . The system of  claim 68  further comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member.    
   
   
       70 . The system of  claim 69  further comprising: 
 means for moving the packer control device and the packer assembly so that the packer control device and the packer assembly extend within the at least a portion of the tubular member.    
   
   
       71 . The system of  claim 70  wherein the packer assembly further comprises at least one other sealing element; and 
 wherein the system further comprises:    means for setting the at least one other sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       72 . The system of  claim 71  further comprising: 
 means for decoupling the packer control device from the packer assembly.    
   
   
       73 . The system of  claim 72  further comprising: 
 means for testing the ability of at least one of the sealing element and the at least one other sealing element to maintain a pressure seal against the interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       74 . A system comprising: 
 means for coupling a packer control device to a packer assembly comprising a sealing element;    means for positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly within a tubular member that extends within a wellbore;    means for radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member;    means for setting the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member, wherein the means for setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises: 
 means for applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and  
 means for applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member; and  
   means for preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member by preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element.    
   
   
       75 . A system comprising: 
 means for positioning a packer assembly comprising a sealing element within a tubular member;    means for applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and    means for applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       76 . The system of  claim 75  further comprising: 
 means for preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element.    
   
   
       77 . The system of  claim 76  wherein preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element prevents the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member.  
   
   
       78 . The system of  claim 75  further comprising: 
 means for coupling a packer control device to the packer assembly;    
   
   
       79 . The system of  claim 78  wherein the tubular member extends within a wellbore; and 
 wherein the system further comprises:    means for positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly outside of the tubular member and in the wellbore.    
   
   
       80 . The system of  claim 79  further comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member.    
   
   
       81 . The system of  claim 80  further comprising: 
 means for moving the packer control device and the packer assembly so that the packer control device and the packer assembly extend within the at least a portion of the tubular member.    
   
   
       82 . The system of  claim 81  wherein the packer assembly further comprises at least one other sealing element; and 
 wherein the system further comprises:    means for setting the at least one other sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       83 . The system of  claim 82  further comprising: 
 means for decoupling the packer control device from the packer assembly.    
   
   
       84 . The system of  claim 83  further comprising: 
 means for testing the ability of at least one of the sealing element and the at least one other sealing element to maintain a pressure seal against the interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       85 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member, comprising: 
 means for positioning the tubular member within a preexisting structure, comprising: 
 means for locking the tubular member to an expansion device;  
   means for radially expanding and plastically deforming a lower portion of the tubular member to form a bell section, comprising: 
 means for lowering an expansion device out of an end of the tubular member; and  
 means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member, comprising: 
 means for gripping the tubular member; and  
 means for pulling the expansion device through the end of the tubular member;  
 
   means for radially expanding and plastically deforming a portion of the tubular member above the bell section;    means for positioning a packer assembly comprising a sealing element within the tubular member;    means for setting the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member; and    means for preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       86 . An apparatus for controlling the operation of a packer assembly, comprising: 
 a first tubular support;    a second tubular support at least partially extending within the first tubular support;    one or more first retaining dogs coupled to the first tubular support for releasably engaging the second tubular support;    a stinger coupled to the second tubular support for releasably engaging the packer assembly;    one or more second retaining dogs releasably engaged with the first tubular support, wherein the one or more first retaining dogs and the first tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support and the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the first tubular support;    a third tubular support coupled to the second tubular support and the stinger;    a compressible element at least partially circumferentially extending about the third tubular support, wherein the compressible element comprises: 
 a first configuration in which the compressible element is uncompressed; and  
 a second configuration in which the compressible element is at least partially compressed;  
   wherein, when the one or more first retaining dogs are released from the second tubular support and the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the first tubular support, the one or more first retaining dogs and the first tubular support are movable relative to the second tubular support to place the compressible element in the second configuration;    wherein, when the compressible element is in the second configuration, the first tubular support is movable in a direction relative to the second tubular support to cause a first force to be applied against at least one sealing element of the packer assembly;    wherein the third tubular support comprises an external flange for preventing further movement of the first tubular support in the direction when the compressible element is in the second configuration;    wherein the compressible element further comprises a third configuration in which the compressible element is permitted to uncompress to cause a second force to be applied against the at least one sealing element of the packer assembly; and    wherein the at least one sealing element is adapted to be set against an interior surface of a tubular member in response to the second force applied against the at least one sealing element;    wherein the compressible element comprises a spring;    wherein the apparatus further comprises: 
 a fourth tubular support coupled to the third tubular support and through which the third tubular support extends, the fourth tubular support comprising an external flange and engaging the external flange of the third tubular support;  
 a spring mandrel coupled to the first tubular support and through which the fourth tubular support extends, the spring mandrel at least partially defining a first annular region in which the spring extends; and  
 a spring sleeve at least partially circumferentially extending about the spring for retaining the spring within the first annular region;  
   wherein the spring mandrel is movable in the direction relative to the spring sleeve to place the spring in the second configuration;    wherein the spring mandrel is adapted to engage the external flange of the fourth tubular support when the spring is in the second configuration; and    wherein movement of the first tubular support and the spring mandrel in the direction is prevented in response to the engagement of the spring mandrel with the external flange of the fourth tubular support and the engagement of the fourth tubular support with the external flange of the third tubular support;    wherein the spring mandrel comprises an internal annular recess and the fourth tubular support comprises an external annular recess;    wherein the apparatus further comprises: 
 a locking dog received within the internal annular recess of the spring mandrel, the locking dog comprising: 
 a first configuration in which the locking dog engages an exterior surface of the fourth tubular support; and  
 a second configuration in which the locking dog is received within the external annular recess of the fourth tubular support to limit movement of the spring mandrel relative to the fourth tubular support;  
 
 one or more rupture discs coupled to the third tubular support; and  
 the packer assembly;  
   wherein an exterior surface of the third tubular support and the interior surface of the first tubular support define a second annular region;    wherein, when the one or more rupture discs rupture, fluidic material is permitted to flow into the second annular region;    wherein the one or more second retaining dogs are released from the first tubular support in response to the flow of the fluidic material into the second annular region; and    wherein the packer assembly comprises: 
 a support member to which the at least one sealing element is movably coupled, the support member defining a passage;  
 a shoe comprising a float valve coupled to an end of the support member; and  
 a sliding sleeve valve positioned within the passage of the support member;  
 wherein the stinger engages the sliding sleeve valve.  
   
   
   
       87 . A method comprising: 
 coupling a packer control device to a packer assembly comprising a sealing element and at least one other sealing element;    positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly within a tubular member that extends within a wellbore;    positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly outside of the tubular member and in the wellbore;    radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member;    moving the packer control device and the packer assembly so that the packer control device and the packer assembly extend within the at least a portion of the tubular member;    setting the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member, wherein setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises: 
 applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and  
 applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member;  
   preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member by preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element;    setting the at least one other sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member;    decoupling the packer control device from the packer assembly; and    testing the ability of at least one of the sealing element and the at least one other sealing element to maintain a pressure seal against the interior surface of the tubular member.    
   
   
       88 . A system comprising: 
 means for coupling a packer control device to a packer assembly comprising a sealing element and at least one other sealing element;    means for positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly within a tubular member that extends within a wellbore;    means for positioning the packer control device and the packer assembly outside of the tubular member and in the wellbore;    means for radially expanding and plastically deforming at least a portion of the tubular member;    means for moving the packer control device and the packer assembly so that the packer control device and the packer assembly extend within the at least a portion of the tubular member;    means for setting the sealing element against an interior surface of the tubular member, wherein the means for setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member comprises: 
 means for applying a first force against the sealing element to move the sealing element relative to the tubular member; and  
 means for applying a second force against the sealing element to set the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member;  
   means for preventing the application of an impact load against the interior surface of the tubular member during setting the sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member by preventing further application of the first force against the sealing element;    means for setting the at least one other sealing element against the interior surface of the tubular member;    means for decoupling the packer control device from the packer assembly; and    means for testing the ability of at least one of the sealing element and the at least one other sealing element to maintain a pressure seal against the interior surface of the tubular member.