Patent ID: 10081845

Abstract:
A process for hardening tubulars and increasing their surface area for heat transfer can be performed in place in a borehole or on the surface. A pattern is applied to an interior wall with at laser, electron beam or radiation source that is remotely controlled to apply the hardening pattern to the inside or outside wall as inert gas or clean fluid is applied. Pressure differential is applied to the wall so that the non-hardened portions or the negative of the hardened pattern plastically or elastically deform to increase surface area and enhance load resistance of tubular or sheets. Alternatively, wall differential pressure is applied with an insert having a raised pattern on its exterior surface causing the spaces where the pattern is absent to plastically deform to enhance surface area. When done in a borehole annulus pressure or stand pipe pressure is applied or a vacuum is pulled inside the tubular to generate differential pressure for hydro-forming or switching dents in an opposite stable condition. The insert can be removed mechanically, or by dissolving or disintegration. Geothermal and SAGD applications are envisioned.