Patent ID: 8387709

Claim:
A method of radially expanding a tubular element in a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the method comprising: arranging the tubular element in the wellbore such that a lower end portion of the wall of the tubular element extends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to define an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element; axially extending the expanded tubular section by moving the remaining tubular section a selected distance downward relative to the expanded tubular section so that said lower end portion of the wall bends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction; and axially extending the remaining tubular section at an upper end thereof with an extended tubular portion of a length at least equal to said distance of downward movement of the remaining tubular section, wherein the extended tubular portion is formed from first and second wall sections axially displaced from each other, and a third wall section axially overlapping with said first and second wall sections; wherein a conduit extends into the remaining tubular section; and wherein the extended tubular portion is assembled around said conduit.