Patent EA-003447-B1 (EA)
Title: Apparatus and method of anchoring an expandable conduit
Inventor: DUCASSE CHRISTOCHER
IPC: E21B43/16
Filed: 2000-09-06
Abstract: 1. Apparatus for anchoring an expandable conduit, the apparatus comprising at least one formation provided on an outer surface of the expandable conduit, the formation being capable of engaging a second conduit in which the expandable conduit is located, the formation providing an anchor and/or seal for the expandable conduit when the expandable conduit is at least partially expanded. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the formation comprises resilient material. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the formation comprises first and second bands of a first resilient material. 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first and second bands are axially spaced-apart, with a third band of a second resilient material being located between the first and second bands. 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first resilient material is harder than the second resilient material. 6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the first and/or second resilient materials are profiled on an outer surface thereof to enhance anchoring and/or sealing. 7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first resilient material comprises a first rubber, and the second resilient material comprises a second rubber. 8. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the formation comprises a band of resilient material that defines a zigzag pattern on an outer surface of the conduit. 9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the formation is applied to the outer surface of the conduit before the conduit is expanded. 10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the formation comprises two or more axially spaced formations. 11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the expandable conduit is temporarily anchored to the second conduit. 12. An expandable conduit, the conduit having a formation on its outer surface adapted to engage a second member when the expandable conduit is expanded. 13. An expandable conduit according to claim 12, wherein the formation comprises resilient material. 14. An expandable conduit according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the formation comprises first and second bands of a first resilient material. 15. An expandable conduit according to claim 14, wherein the first and second bands are axially spaced apart, with a third band of a second resilient material being located between the first and second bands. 16. An expandable conduit according to claim 15, wherein the first resilient material is harder than the second resilient material. 17. An expandable conduit according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the first and/or second resilient materials are profiled on an outer surface thereof to enhance anchoring and/or sealing. 18. An expandable conduit according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the first resilient material comprises a first rubber, and the second resilient material comprises a second rubber. 19. Apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the formation comprises a band of resilient material that defines a zigzag pattern on an outer surface of the conduit. 20. An expandable conduit according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the formation is applied to the outer surface of the conduit before the conduit is expanded. 21. An expandable conduit according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the formation comprises two or more axially spaced formations. 22. An expandable conduit according to any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein the expandable conduit is temporarily anchored to the second conduit using a mechanical anchoring device. 23. A method of anchoring an expandable conduit, the method comprising the steps of providing an expandable conduit having at least one formation on an outer surface thereof, the formation being capable of engaging a second conduit in which the expandable conduit is located to provide an anchor and/or seal for the expandable conduit, anchoring the expandable conduit to the second conduit, and expanding at least a portion of the expandable conduit to force the formation into contact with the second conduit. 24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the method includes the additional step of providing an expander device to radially expand the expandable conduit. 25. A method according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the method includes the additional step of temporarily anchoring the expandable using a mechanical anchoring device.