Patent ID: 6758278
Filing Date: 2004-07-06
Classification: E21B,F16L

Abstract:
A method of isolating a first subterranean zone from a second subterranean zone in a wellbore, comprising:positioning one or more primary solid tubulars within the wellbore, the primary solid tubulars traversing the first subterranean zone; positioning one or more slotted tubulars within the wellbore, the slotted tubulars traversing the second subterranean zone; fluidicly coupling the slotted tubulars and the solid tubulars; preventing the passage of fluids from the first subterranean zone to the second subterranean zone within the wellbore external to the solid and slotted tubulars; and radially expanding at least one of the primary solid tubulars and the slotted tubulars within the wellbore by a process that comprises: positioning an expansion cone assembly within at least one of the primary solid tubulars and the slotted tubulars, the expansion cone assembly comprising a tubular support member, and a tubular expansion cone movably coupled to the tubular support member, wherein the tubular support member and the tubular expansion cone define an annular chamber; pressurizing the annular chamber; and displacing the expansion cone relative to at least one of the primary solid tubulars and the slotted tubulars; wherein the tubular expansion cone is displaced in a first direction during the pressurization of the annular chamber; and wherein the tubular expansion cone is displaced in a second direction during a de-pressurization of the annular chamber.