Patent ID: 7503396
Filing Date: 2009-03-17
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method of expanding a tubular in a wellbore, comprising: providing a first tubular string having upper and lower ends and having an expansion member disposed adjacent the lower end, the expansion member having an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the first tubular string and attached to the first tubular string with a threaded connection permitting movement of the expansion member relative to the first tubular string in a first direction; locating the first tubular string in the wellbore while supporting the upper end of the first tubular string from well surface; running a second tubular string into the wellbore, the second tubular string inserted inside the first tubular string and having a latch disposed at a lower end thereof; attaching the second tubular string to the expansion member utilizing the latch and a mating profile in the expansion member; releasing the first tubular string at the well surface; lowering the first tubular string to a predetermined location in the wellbore with the second tubular string; securing the first tubular string to enable movement of the expansion member; moving the expansion member in the first direction relative to the first tubular string to expand the lower portion in an area of the threaded connection and thereby bringing the outer surface of the lower end into frictional contact with the wellbore, wherein the expansion member is released from the threaded connection by movement of the expansion member in the first direction; and continuing to move the expansion member in the first direction, thereby expanding an inner and outer diameter of the first tubular string.