How does expandable casing work

The bottom of the expansion system houses the launcher, which contains expansion assembly including a solid cone that is driven through the expandable liner using hydraulic pressure or mechanical force, or a combination of both.

During the expansion process, the increased pipe diameter causes the overall pipe length to shorten from the top as a result of material balance. As the liner is expanded, its outer diameter OD increases significantly, while the wall thickness decreases only slightly. This preserves the greatest post expansion burst and collapse values possible. You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.

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Published: April 08 Abstract Six recent well recompletions in Hassi Messaoud Field, Algeria utilized shallow angle casing exit technology in conjunction with solid expandable liner systems to optimize a workover campaign and revitalize an aging field. Copyright , Society of Petroleum Engineers. You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download. Sign in Don't already have an account? Personal Account. You could not be signed in.

Please check your username and password and try again. Unlike other solutions, expandables do not restrict the diameter of the wellbore, eliminating any chance of decreasing the completion size of the well. During drilling operations, expandable liners can be employed on casing strings to warden off problem zones and allow drilling to continue by stopping fluid loss from depleted areas. Also, expandables can be used during drilling to extend the diameter of the well within the reservoir and increase production rates.

Sometimes after casing a well, the casing can become damaged, and the well can fall in upon itself, and halt production. Many times expandables are used to repair worn casings, upgrade them or close perforations that need to be completed again.