Patent Publication Number: US-2011049872-A1

Title: Connections for expandable tubulars

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/937,802 filed on Jun. 29, 2007 and entitled “Couplings for Expandable Tubular” in the name of Jeffery A. Spray, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to expandable tubular members. More specifically, embodiments disclosed herein relate to connections and methods used to connect expandable tubular members. 
     2. Background Art 
     When joining segments of conduits and tubular members in an end-to-end manner for transporting fluid, such as fluid under pressure, typical threaded connections are usually used to form the connection between the conduits and tubular members. Oil field tubular goods generally use such threaded connections for connecting adjacent sections of conduit or pipe. These threaded connections usually include a male thread formed on a pin member and a female thread formed on a box member. This threaded connection may be made up by rotating the pin member with respect to the box member, in which the male thread and the female thread of the tubular members will engage. 
     As such, an important part of any connection is to create or maintain a seal within the connection to keep the conduit fluid pressure-tight and from leaking. Typically, connections will be designed to include elastomeric or metal-to-metal seals therein. Metal-to-metal seals have the advantage of not requiring gaskets or other additional sealing devices, which would typically have to be replaced periodically as the connections are coupled and uncoupled. Metal seals are created when contact pressure between two metal surfaces exceeds the fluid pressure to be sealed. These contact pressures may be created during make up of the connection. On the other hand, elastomeric seals have the advantage of not requiring a constant contact pressure between the metal surfaces of the pin and box members of a connection to maintain a seal. 
     More recently then, oilfield tubular members have been developed that may be radially expanded from their initial diameters after being installed for the intended application. These tubular members may be expanded using elastic and/or plastic deformation. If using elastic deformation, the deformation to the tubular members is usually reversible and the deformation is not permanent. On the other hand, if using plastic deformation, the deformation of the tubular members is permanent. With this deformation, traditional threads may not maintain a seal and/or strength across the connection between the expandable tubular members. Moreover, traditional threads may not even maintain a connection between the expandable tubular members. Accordingly, there exists a need for a connection that may be used to connect and maintain connection between expandable tubular members, such as during expansion of the tubular members. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to an expandable tubular connection. The connection includes a first expandable tubular member and a second expandable tubular member. Each of the first expandable tubular member and the second expandable tubular member have an axis defined therethrough and include a plurality of curved leaves, each leaf having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, in which the plurality of curved leaves are disposed adjacent to each other about the axis, an attachment point that attaches one of the plurality of curved leaves to another of the plurality of curved leaves, and a plurality of connection members, each disposed on at least one of the plurality of curved leaves. The first expandable tubular member and the second expandable tubular member are configured to one of expand from a first diameter to a second larger diameter and contract from the second larger diameter to the first diameter. Further, the plurality of connection members of the first tubular member are configured to engage the plurality of connection members of the second tubular member. 
     In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to an expandable tubular member having a coupling connection and an axis defined therethrough. The member includes a plurality of curved leaves, each having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, in which the plurality of curved leaves are disposed adjacent to each other about the axis, an attachment point that attaches one of the plurality of curved leaves to another of the plurality of curved leaves, and a plurality of connection members, each disposed on at least one of the plurality of curved leaves. The plurality of connection members are configured to connect with another plurality of connection members disposed on another expandable tubular member and the expandable tubular member is configured to expand from a first diameter to a second larger diameter. 
     In yet another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of manufacturing an expandable tubular member. The method includes providing a plurality of curved leaves, in which each of the plurality of curved leaves comprises a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, disposing a plurality of connection members on the expandable tubular member, in which each of the plurality of connection members is disposed on at least one of the plurality of curved leaves, and attaching the plurality of curved leaves to each other with at least one attachment point such that the plurality of curved leaves are disposed adjacent to each other about an axis and the expandable tubular member is configured to expand from a first diameter to a second larger diameter. 
     Further, in yet another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of connecting a first expandable tubular member to a second expandable tubular member. The method includes providing the first expandable tubular member and the second expandable tubular member, each having a plurality of curved leaves, each of the plurality of curved leaves having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, in which the plurality of curved leaves are disposed adjacent to each other about an axis of the expandable tubular member. Each of the first expandable tubular member and the second expandable tubular member further include an attachment point that attaches one of the plurality of curved leaves to another of the plurality of curved leaves and a plurality of connection members, each disposed on at least one of the plurality of curved leaves. The method then further includes engaging the plurality of connection members of the first expandable tubular member with the plurality of connection members of the second expandable tubular member. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  show multiple views of an expandable tubular member in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 2  shows a cross-sectional view of an expandable tubular member in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  shows planar cross-sectional views of an expandable tubular connection in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 4  shows a planar cross-sectional view of an expandable tubular connection in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 5-7  show multiple views of curved leaves in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 8-13  show multiple views of curved leaves in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 14-16  show multiple views of curved leaves in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 17  shows a planar cross-sectional view of an expandable tubular connection in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 18  shows a sectional view of an expandable tubular connection in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 19  shows a planar cross-sectional view of an expandable tubular connection in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 20  shows a planar cross-sectional view of an expandable tubular connection in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 21  shows a planar cross-sectional view of an expandable tubular connection in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 22  shows a planar cross-sectional view of an expandable tubular connection in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 23  shows a planar cross-sectional view of an expandable tubular connection in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 24  shows an above end view of expandable tubular members in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 25-28  show multiple stylistic views of sleeves in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. Like elements in the various figures may be denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. Further, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. 
     In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to an expandable tubular connection and a method for connecting expandable tubular members to each other. The expandable tubular member includes a plurality of curved leaves, in which each of the leaves has a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface. These leaves may have a linear surface, such as a smooth surface, or a non-linear surface, such as a helical surface. The leaves are then attached to each other using and through attachment points such that the leaves are formed about an axis of the expandable tubular member. This expandable tubular member may expand from a smaller first diameter to a larger second diameter. 
     A plurality of connection members are disposed upon the plurality of leaves. The connection members may be formed upon the leaves, or the connection members may be manufactured separately and attached (e.g., joined) to the leaves. Each of the connection members is disposed upon one or more leaves, in which the connection members may be disposed upon or towards an end of the leaves and/or may be disposed upon the inner and outer surfaces of the leaves. The connection members from one expandable tubular member are configured to engage the connection members of another expandable tubular member. 
     As described herein, the present disclosure may be used within the production of hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas. For example, the present disclosure may be used within water wells, dewatering wells, monitoring and remediation wells, tunnels, shafts, pipelines, and other similarly known tubular applications. Further, the present disclosure is related to tubular members. As used herein, “tubular” refers to any structure that may be generally round, generally oval, and/or generally elliptical. Further, these tubular members may be completely solid, or may include perforations therein, such as present within sand screens, or these tubular members may be continuous, such as continuous coil tubing. Accordingly, these structures may be incorporated into the embodiments disclosed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , multiple views of an expandable tubular member  101  in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein are shown. In  FIG. 1A , a cross-sectional view of the expandable tubular member  101  is shown. In  FIG. 1B , a perspective view of the expandable tubular member  101  is shown. The expandable tubular member  101  includes multiple curved leaves  121 . In this embodiment, the expandable tubular member  101  only includes two curved leaves  121 . However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure is not so limited, and the expandable tubular member may have any number of curved leaves. 
     Each of the curved leaves  121  includes at least one concave inner surface  123  and at least one convex outer surface  125 . The leaves  121  are arranged and attached to each other such that the leaves  121  form the expandable tubular member  101  about an axis  100 . As such, the curved leaves  121  may form an arc or a spiral about the axis  100  of the expandable tubular member  101 . Further, the leaves  121  may be attached to each other using one, or more, attachment points  141  (discussed more below), in which the leaves  121  may deflect radially inwards and outwards, slide against, and move with respect to each other for the expandable tubular member  101  to increase and decrease in diameter (e.g., expand or contract in size). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a cross-sectional view of an expandable tubular member  201  having an axis  200  defined therethrough in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is shown. The expandable tubular member  201  includes multiple curved leaves  221  attached to each other using multiple attachment points  241 . Specifically, in this embodiment, each attachment point  241  is used to attach two curved leaves  221  to each other. The attachment points  241  may include one or more of the following materials, devices, and/or methods: a joining material, such as a weld material, adhesive material, a braze material, and/or a solder material to join the curved leaves  221  to each other; an elastomeric material, such as by using an elastomer or elastomeric strip to attach the curved leaves  221  to each other; a mechanical fastener, such as by using a clamp to attach the curved leaves  221  to each other; an interference fit, such as by using an interference between the surfaces of the curved leaves  221  to attach the curved leaves  221  to each other; and/or may include any other method or material known in the art to attach the curved leaves to each other. 
     Further, as shown, the leaves  221  may have a non-uniform thickness to facilitate the expansion and contraction of the expandable tubular member  201 . In this embodiment, each of the leaves  221  decreases in thickness from the outside of the expandable tubular member  201  moving radially inward with respect to the axis  200 . As such, during expansion of the expandable tubular member  201 , the curved leaves  221  may slide against each other as each of the leaves  221  expand radially outward. Conversely, during contraction of the expandable tubular member  201 , the curved leaves  221  may slide against and/or move with respect to each other as each of the leaves  221  contract radially inward. Other similar expandable tubular members are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/832,530 and PCT Application No. PCT/US07/06193. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , planar cross-sectional views of an expandable tubular connection  391  in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein are shown. The expandable tubular connection  391  includes two expandable tubular members  301 A,  301 B, in which  FIG. 3A  shows the expandable tubular members  301 A,  301 B disconnected from each other, and  FIG. 3B  show the expandable tubular members  301 A,  301 B connected to each other. 
     The expandable tubular members  301 A,  301 B each include multiple curved leaves  321 A,  321 B and multiple connection members  331 A,  331 B. As shown, each connection member  331 A,  331 B is disposed upon one of the curved leaves  321 A,  321 B, respectively. Specifically, in this embodiment, each connection member  331 A,  331 B is disposed on an end of one of the curved leaves  321 A,  321 B. Further, the connection members  331 A,  331 B may be disposed on the curved leaves  321 A,  321 B such that a gap is maintained between the connection members  331 A,  331 B of the respective expandable tubular members  301 A,  301 B. For example, as shown, the connection members  331 A may be disposed on alternating curved leaves  321 A such that a gap is formed between the connection members  331 A of the expandable tubular member  301 A. 
     As such, the connection members  331 A of the expandable tubular member  301 A may engage the connection members  331 B of the expandable tubular member  301 B. For example, the connection members  331 A,  331 B may be aligned and the tubular members  301 A,  301 B may be rotated and/or otherwise moved (e.g., radial or longitudinal movement) with respect to each other. The connection members  331 A,  331 B may then engage each other to form a connection  391  between the expandable tubular members  301 A,  301 B. This connection  391  may be used to secure the expandable tubular members  301 A,  301 B to each other, in addition to providing an engagement that may withstand operating pressures of the tubular members  301 A,  301 B and/or a seal between the tubular members  301 A,  301 B. Further, this connection  391  may be used to allow the curved leaves  321 A,  321 B of the expandable tubular members  301 A,  301 B to slide and move along each other when the expandable tubular members  301 A,  301 B are expanding and contracting, while still maintaining strength for the connection  391 . Furthermore, this connection  391  may also be used to allow the connection members  331 A,  331 B to rotate relative to each other when the expandable tubular members  301 A,  301 B are expanding and contracting, while still maintaining strength for the connection  391 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a planar cross-sectional view of an expandable tubular connection  491  in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is shown. The expandable tubular connection  491  includes an expandable tubular member  401 A connected to an expandable tubular member  401 B. Each of the expandable tubular members  401 A,  401 B has multiple curved leaves  421 A,  421 B, respectively. Further, as shown, connection members  431 A,  431 B are disposed on the curved leaves  421 A,  421 B, respectively. In this embodiment, each connection member  431 A,  431 B is disposed on an end of one of the curved leaves  421 A,  421 B. 
     Similar to the connection  391  shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the connection  491  in  FIG. 4  has the connection members  431 A,  431 B disposed on the curved leaves  421 A,  421 B such that a gap is maintained between the connection members  431 A,  431 B of the respective expandable tubular members  401 A,  401 B. In this embodiment, however, rather than having the connection members  431 A,  431 B disposed on alternating curved leaves  421 A,  421 B, the connection members  431 A,  431 B may instead be disposed on every third curved leaf  421 A,  421 B. When the expandable tubular members  401 A,  401 B connect, the connection members  431 A,  431 B still engage each other to form and establish the connection  491 . For example, as shown, by having the connection members  431 A,  431 B disposed on the ends of the curved leaves  421 A,  421 B, each connection member  431 A,  431 B may abut or be disposed adjacent the ends of two curved leaves  421 A,  421 B of the opposing expandable tubular member  401 A,  401 B. 
     Though, in the above embodiments, the expandable tubular members are shown as having the connection members disposed on alternating leaves, or on every third curved leaf, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure is not so limited, and in other embodiments the connection members may be disposed on other arrangements of the curved leaves. For example, in one embodiment, the connection members may be disposed on every fourth leaf, in which the connection members may abut the ends of three leaves of the opposing expandable tubular member. Further, in another embodiment, the connection members may have be disposed on alternating leaves, in addition to having other connection members disposed on every third or fourth leaf. As such, in these embodiments, the connection members may be arranged and disposed on the leaves of the expandable tubular members such that the connection members engage each other to form a connection between the expandable tubular members. Furthermore, to increase the strength of the engagement between the connection members, the leaves with connection members disposed thereon may be attached to or formed with the leaves not having connection members disposed thereon. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5-7 , multiple views of curved leaves  521 - 721  in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein are shown. Each of the curved leaves  521 - 721  includes a connection member  531 - 731  disposed thereon. Specifically, in this embodiment, each of the connection members  531 - 731  is disposed on an end of each of the curved leaves  521 - 721 . As shown, each of the connection members  531 - 731  may have a dovetail shape to increase the engagement between the connection members  531 - 731  when connecting expandable tubular members to each other. By using connection members that have dovetail shapes, the connection members on opposing expandable tubular members may be able to engage each other by having similar shaped connection members provided on the curved leaves complimentary to the expandable tubular members. 
     In  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the connection members  531 ,  731  each have a trapezoidal shape, in which the narrower end of the connection members  531 ,  731  are disposed on the curved leaves  521 ,  721 . The connection member  531  disposed on the curved leaf  521  may further include a groove  533  formed therein. In this embodiment, the groove  533  is formed within en end, specifically the wider end, of the connection member  531 . The groove  533  may be used to provide relief for the connection member  531 , such as stress relief, when the connection member  531  is engaged with other connection members of another expandable tubular member, or may be used in other manners, such as to fit seals within an expandable tubular member or create interference with another expandable tubular member. 
     In  FIG. 6  then, the connection member  631  may have a triangular shape, in which the narrower end of the connection member  631  may be disposed on the curved leaf  621 . Further, the end of the curved leaf  621  may have a groove formed therein, in which the connection member  631  may then be disposed within the groove of the curved leaf. 
     As described above, the connection members are disposed on the curved leaves of the expandable tubular members to form an expandable tubular connection. As such, the connection members may be disposed on the curved leaves using a number of methods. For example, in one or more embodiments, the connection members may be attached to the curved leaves of the expandable tubular members. As shown in  FIG. 8 , a connection member  831  having a trapezoidal shape may have the narrower end of the connection member  831  attached to the end of the curved leaf  821 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , a connection member  931  may have a groove formed therein, in which the end of the curved leaf  931  then fits within the groove of the connection member  931  to attach to the connection member  931 . 
     Further, the curved leaves of the expandable tubular members may have features formed therein or attached thereto that facilitate the attachment of the connection members with the curved leaves. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , an interference fit between connection members  1031 - 1331  and the attachment features of curved leaves  1021 - 1321  may be used to attach the connection members  1031 - 1331  and the curved leaves  1021 - 1321 . In  FIG. 10 , grooves may be formed on one or more of the side surfaces of the curved leaf  1021 , in which the connection member  1031  may then have a shape corresponding to the grooves of the leaf  1021  also formed therein. As such, the connection member  1031  may attach to the curved leaf  1021  using an interference fit or other methods known in the art (e.g., sliding engagement). 
     In  FIG. 11 , multiple leaves  1121  adjacent to each other may be used together, such as by having corresponding shapes and grooves formed within the curved leaves  1121 . The connection member  1131  may then have a shape corresponding to both of the curved leaves  1121  disposed adjacent to each other, in which the connection member  1131  may then attach to both curved leaves  1121  using an interference fit. 
     In  FIGS. 12 and 13  then, rather than forming grooves and features within the curved leaves (as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ), rails  1227 ,  1327  may be attached to the curved leaves  1221 ,  1321  to form an interference fit between the curved leaves  1221 ,  1321  and the connection members  1231 ,  1331 . In  FIG. 12 , the curved leaf  1221  has multiple rails  1227  attached to both sides, in which the connection member  1231  has a shape corresponding to the rails  1227  formed therein. In  FIG. 13 , the curved leaf  1321  has only one rail  1327  attached thereto, in which the connection member  1331  has a shape corresponding to the one rail  1327  formed therein. 
     Furthermore, rather than forming grooves and attaching rails to the curved leaves to create an interference fit, the end of the curved leaves may instead be bent to create an interference fit. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 14-16 , ends, or portions thereof, of the curved leaves  1421 - 1621  may be bent when forming an interference fit with connection members  1431 - 1631 . In  FIGS. 14A and 14B , the end of the curved leaf  1421  is bent in a single direction to attach the connection member  1431  thereto. The connection member  1431  has a shape formed therein corresponding to the bent end of the curved leaf  1421 , in which the connection member  1431  may then be disposed on the curved leaf  1421 . In  FIGS. 15A and 15B , the end of the curved leaf  1521  is bent in multiple directions, specifically two directions, to attach the connection member  1531  thereto. The connection member  1531  then has a shape formed therein corresponding to the bent end of the curved leaf  1521 , in which the connection member  1531  may then be disposed on the curved leaf  1521 . Further, in  FIG. 16 , rather than only using one curved leaf, the ends of multiple curved leaves  1621  are bent, in which the end of each curved leaf  1621  is bent in a single direction opposing the end of the other curved leaf  1621 . The connection member  1631  then has a shape formed therein corresponding to the bent ends of the curved leaves  1621 . 
     When attaching the connection members on the curved leaves, the connection members may be secured to the ends of the curved leaves, or the connection members may instead be able to slide and move with respect to the curved leaves (such as when the connection members use interference fit to attach to the curved leaves). If the connection members are secured to the curved leaves, numerous materials and methods may be used to attach the connection members upon the curved leaves. The attachment may include one or more of the following materials, devices, and/or methods: a joining material (such as a weld material, adhesive material, a braze material, and/or a solder material); an elastomeric material; a mechanical fastener; an interference fit; and/or may include any other method, mechanisms, or material known in the art. 
     Further, in addition to attaching the connection members on the curved leaves, the connection members may be monolithically formed with the curved leaves. For example, rather than having the connection members individually attached to the curved leaves, the connection members may be formed within the curved leaves during manufacturing. The connection members may be formed, for example, by using an extrusion process having a die that forms the connection members, by using a filing or grinding process that forms the connection members, by using a removal, cutting, shaping, molding, or forging process, or by any other similar process known in the art. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , a planar cross-sectional view of an expandable tubular connection  1791  in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is shown. In this embodiment, the connection  1791  includes a curved leaf  1721 A of one expandable tubular member connecting with a curved leaf  1721 B of another expandable tubular member. Those having ordinary skill in the art, though, will appreciate that the expandable tubular members of the connection may each include more than one curved leaf. 
     As shown, the curved leaf  1721 A includes a connection member  1731 A disposed thereon, and the curved leaf  1721 B includes a corresponding connection members  1731 B disposed thereon. In the above embodiments, the connection members generally used a dovetail shape to engage the connection members within a connection. However, in this embodiment, rather than using a dovetail shape, another “trapped” shape is used for the connection members. As used herein, a trapped shape refers to the shape of a connection member having a smaller base for attaching to a curved leaf, as compared to the main body of the connection member. This trapped shape may be used to create interference and engagement between the connection members of curved leaves when connecting two or more expandable tubular members to each other. Accordingly, a trapped shape may engage on both sides of the connection member, or only one side of the connection member. Further, as shown, the curved leaves  1721 A,  1721 B and/or the connection members  1731 A,  1731 B may include voids  1735 A,  1735 B formed therein. The voids  1735 A,  1735 B may be formed within the connection  1791  to provide relief, such as stress, bending, and/or interference relief, for the curved leaves  1721 A,  1721 B and/or connection members  1731 A,  1731 B when the connection members  1731 A,  1731 B are engaged with each other. Further, the voids may be filled, or at least partially filled, with a material disposed therein. This material may then have different material characteristics, such as a higher or smaller modulus of elasticity or yield strength, as compared to the materials used for the expandable tubular member to adjust and vary the qualities of the expandable tubular members. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18 , a sectional view of an expandable tubular member  1801  in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is shown. The expandable tubular member  1801  includes multiple curved leaves  1821  attached to each other. In the above embodiments, the ends of the curved leaves have been arranged substantially in-line and flush with each other so as to form a planar end surface for the expandable tubular member. In this embodiment, however, the ends of the curved leaves  1821  may be arranged with respect to each other such that a planar end surface is not formed for the expandable tubular member  1801 . Specifically, as shown, one or more of the curved leaves  1821  may extend out further longitudinally than other curved leaves  1821 , thereby forming gaps between the ends of some of the curved leaves  1821 . As such, rather than having connection members disposed on the ends of the curved leaves, other arrangements of the connection members may be used to connect these expandable tubular members. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 19 , a planar cross-sectional view of an expandable tubular connection  1991  in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is shown. In this embodiment, the connection  1991  includes a curved leaf  1921 A of one expandable tubular member connecting with a curved leaf  1921 B of another expandable tubular member. As shown, the curved leaf  1921 A includes one or more connection member  1931 A disposed thereon, and the curved leaf  1921 B includes one or more corresponding connection members  1931 B disposed thereon. 
     In the above embodiments, the connection members have been disposed on the ends of the curved leaves to connect expandable tubular members. In this embodiment, though, the connection members  1931 A,  1931 B are, instead, disposed on side surfaces of the curved leaves  1921 A,  1921 B. As such, the connection members  1931 A of the curved leaf  1921 A may be disposed on the concave inner surface of the curved leaf  1921 A, and the connection members  1931 B of the curved leaf  1921 B may be disposed on the convex outer surface of the curved leaf  1921 B. This may enable the connection members  1931 A,  1931 B to engage each other to form the connection  1991  between the two expandable tubular members. Further, this connection  1991  may be used with expandable tubular members that do not have a planar end surface formed thereon, such as the expandable tubular member  1801  shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 20 , another planar cross-sectional view of an expandable tubular connection  2091  in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is shown. In this embodiment, the connection  2091  includes a curved leaf  2021 A of one expandable tubular member connecting with a curved leaf  2021 B of another expandable tubular member. The connection members  2031 A,  2031 B may be disposed on side surfaces of the curved leaves  2021 A,  2021 B. Specifically, the connection members  2031 A of the curved leaf  2021 A may be disposed on the concave inner surface of the curved leaf  2021 A, and the connection members  2031 B of the curved leaf  2021 B may be disposed on the convex outer surface of the curved leaf  2021 B. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 21 , yet another planar cross-sectional view of an expandable tubular connection  2191  in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is shown. The expandable tubular connection  2191  may include connection members  2131 A,  2131 B may be disposed on side surfaces of curved leaves  2121 A,  2121 B. In the above embodiments, the connection members had a trapped shape to assist in the connection of the expandable tubular members. However, in this embodiment, the connection members  2131 A,  2131 B instead have an “open” shape. As used herein, an open shape refers to the shape of a connection member having a larger base for attaching to a curved leaf, as compared to the main body of the connection member. Though this open shape may not create interference and/or engagement between the connection members when the curved leaves move radially away from each other, this open shape may still be used to create interference and engagement between the connection members of the curved when the curved leaves move longitudinally with respect to each other. Accordingly, the connection members may still be able to engage each other in at least one direction with respect to each other. Further, the curved leaves and the connection members disposed thereon may have convex surfaces, concave surfaces, or a combination of the two. Furthermore, the connection members may be disposed on a generally tapered surface such that the leaves taper at the ends thereof. Furthermore still, the connection members may be disposed on a reverse tapered surface such that the leaves are taper, with the larger ends of the taper disposed at the ends thereof. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , planar cross-sectional views of expandable tubular connections  2291 ,  2391  are shown. The expandable tubular connections  2291 ,  2391  each include an expandable tubular member  2201 A,  2301 A connected to an expandable tubular member  2201 B,  2301 B. Each of the expandable tubular members  2201 A,  2201 B,  2301 A,  2301 B has multiple curved leaves  2221 A,  2221 B,  2321 A,  2321 B. As shown, connection members  2231 A,  2231 B,  2331 A,  2331 B are disposed on the curved leaves  2221 A,  2221 B,  2321 A,  2321 B. Further, the expandable tubular connections  2291 ,  2391  may include one or more seals  2261 ,  2361  disposed therein. The seals  2261 ,  2361  may be disposed within the expandable tubular connections  2291 ,  2391  to prevent fluid from leaking through the connections  2291 ,  2391 . 
     In  FIG. 22 , the seals  2261  are disposed adjacent the ends of the connection members  2231 A,  2231 B. As such, the seals  2261  may form a seal between the ends of the connection members  2231 A,  2231 B and the respective opposing ends of the curved leaves  2221 A,  2221 B. These seals  2261  may be used when the connection  2291  is in compression and the expandable tubular members  2201 A,  2201 B are pushed into each other. In  FIG. 23  then, the seals  2361  are disposed adjacent the sides of the connection members  2331 A,  2331 B. As such, the seals  2361  may form a seal between the sides of the connection members  2331 A,  2331 B when engaged with each other. These seals  2361  may be used when the connection  2391  is in tension and the expandable tubular members  2301 A,  2301 B are pulled away from each other. 
     Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, though the seals are shown as being disposed adjacent to the connection members within the expandable tubular connection, the present disclosure is not so limited, as the seals may be disposed in numerous locations. For example, in another embodiment, the seals may be disposed between the curved leaves of the expandable tubular members and still prevent leakage through the expandable tubular connections. 
     Further, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, though the seals are shown as having a circular cross-section, the present disclosure is not so limited, as the seals may have any cross-sectional shape known in the art. For example, in another embodiment, the seals may instead have a rectangular cross-section, a hollowed cross-section, or a “C” shaped cross-section without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the seals may be formed from any sealing material known in the art. For example, the seals may be formed from an elastic material, such as rubber or plastic, may be formed from metal, such as a soft metal to form a seal when compressed or deformed, or may even be formed from a combination of materials, such as a spring energized c-ring. 
     In one or more embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure, the connection members may be disposed upon the curved leaves such that the connection members extend about the entire circumference of the expandable tubular members. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure is not so limited, and in other embodiments, the connection members may extend only over a portion of the circumference of the expandable tubular members. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 24 , expandable tubular members  2401 A,  2401 B have connection members  2431 A,  2431 B disposed thereon, in which the connection members  2431 A,  2431 B only extend over a portion of the end of the tubular members  2401 A,  2401 B. When connecting the expandable tubular members  2401 A,  2401 B to each other, the portions of the tubular members  2401 A,  2401 B having connection members  2431 A,  2431 B disposed thereon may be aligned and disposed adjacent to the portions of the tubular members  2401 A,  2401 B not having connection members  2431 A,  2431 B disposed thereon. The tubular members  2401 A,  2401 B may then be rotated with respect to each other, in which the connection members  2431 A,  2431 B of the tubular members  2401 A,  2401 B may then engage each other and form a connection. Though connection members  2431 A,  2431 B are not disposed about the entire circumference of the expandable tubular members  2401 A,  2401 B, the connection between the expandable tubular members  2401 A,  2401 B may still form a seal therebetween to prevent leakage of fluid. 
     Further, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, sleeves and/or rings may be used with the expandable tubular connections to prevent leakage of fluid between the expandable tubular members and/or provide structural support for the expandable tubular connections. For example, a sleeve may be placed within an expandable tubular connection and expanded to contact the expandable tubular connection, or a sleeve may be placed about an expandable tubular connection and be contracted to contact the expandable tubular connection. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 25-28 , multiple stylistic views of sleeves  2581 - 2881  in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein are shown. In  FIG. 25 , the sleeve  2581  includes a sealing material  2583  disposed about an outer surface of the sleeve  2581 . In  FIG. 26 , the sleeve  2681  includes a seal  2685 , such as an o-ring, disposed about an outer surface of the sleeve  2681 . This seal  2685  may be disposed within a groove formed within the sleeve  2681 . With the seals  2685  and sealing material  2583  disposed on an outer surface of the sleeves  2581 ,  2681 , these sleeves  2581 ,  2681  may be used as internal sleeves to be disposed within an expandable tubular connection. 
     In  FIG. 27  then, the sleeve  2781  includes a sealing material  2783  disposed within an inner surface of the sleeve  2781 . In  FIG. 28 , the sleeve  2881  includes a seal  2885 , such as an o-ring, disposed within an inner surface of the sleeve  2881 . This seal  2885  may be disposed within a groove formed within the sleeve  2881 . With the seals  2885  and sealing material  2783  disposed within an inner surface of the sleeves  2781 ,  2881 , these sleeves  2781 ,  2881  may be used as external sleeves to be disposed about an expandable tubular connection. 
     The sleeves may then be manufactured using a variety of different materials and methods. For example, the sleeves may be formed from or include a high strength material, such as metal, elastomer, or composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber or Kevlar). The sealing material may then be disposed about the outer surface of the sleeves, such as by having the sealing material melted about, sprayed upon, wound upon, or otherwise disposed upon a sleeve. This may create a sleeve that has high strength in tension to provide structural support for expandable tubular connections, in addition to having sealing capabilities to prevent leakage of fluid between the expandable tubular members. 
     Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein may provide for one or more of the following advantages. First, embodiments disclosed herein may be used to connect to each other expandable tubular members formed from curved leaves. By disposing a connection member upon the curved leaves of an expandable tubular member, the expandable tubular may then connect with a corresponding expandable tubular member. Next, embodiments disclosed herein may provide sealing engagement across a connection between expandable tubular members. By disposing a seal between connection members of expandable tubular members, an expandable tubular connection may prevent leakage of fluid therebetween. Finally, embodiments disclosed herein may increase the strength of the connection between expandable tubular members. For example, by disposing a sleeve about or within an expandable tubular connection, the strength of the connection may be increased and/or enhanced to evenly distribute stress thereabout. 
     While the present disclosure has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should be limited only by the attached claims.