Patent ID: 8146960
Filing Date: 2012-04-03
Classification: E21B,F16L

Abstract:
1. An assembly of two fluid tight expandable threaded tubular joints, disposed symmetrically and each comprising: a first tubular element arranged at an end of a tube and comprising a first portion provided with a male thread and a second portion extending from said first portion, the first tubular element further comprising: a second tubular element comprising: wherein one of said second tubular element is disposed on each of two opposing ends of a female/female connection sleeve, separated by a central portion provided with an outer annular surface, said outer annular surface having a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the annular surface of portions of the sleeve provided with the female thread, the diameter of the outer annular surface of the central portion being selected such that the area defined as the annular cross-sectional area of the connection sleeve, in a plane positioned normal to the axis of the sleeve, in the region of this outer annular surface is greater than or equal to the smallest of the critical sections of the threaded elements of the joints, each second abutment surface rests against the corresponding third abutment surface and/or each first abutment surface rests against the corresponding fourth abutment surface, wherein the outer annular surface extends, axially, from an innermost end of the female thread on a first of the two opposing ends of the female/female connection sleeve to an innermost end of the female thread on a second of the two opposing ends of the female/female connection sleeve, wherein the assembly is configured to develop, after diametral expansion in the plastic deformation region, sealing interference contacts sealing the assembly, and the first and second tubular elements will be sealed with respect to a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the first and second tubular elements; wherein said second tubular element comprises, at a selected location of its third inner surface, an inner annular groove arranged substantially in the region of said first outer surface; wherein said first and second expandable tubular elements are shaped in such a way that, after said expansion, a sealing interference contact is defined between an inner end portion of said first lip and said second outer surface.