Numerical Analysis on the Expanding Process of Expandable Casing and Contact Evaluation of its Threaded Connection

Abstract:

A detailed analysis of the expansion process will not only provide proper estimates for processing accuracy, but will also provide critical information needed to properly design the driving force required to perform the expansion process. Furthermore, accurate analysis of the contact of the threaded connection is necessary for estimating the sealing capacity of an expandable casing section after expansion. The 3D Finite Element Method has been used to numerically simulate the expansion process fora given expandable casing section. The principal results obtained from this numerical analysis include: 1) maximum value and distribution of equivalent plastic strain after expansion within the casing, 2) deformed casing shape, 3) maximum value and distribution of contact force at contact surface between pin thread and box thread, and 4) variation in values of the driving force of the mandrel cone during the expansion process.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 378)
• Pages: 632-638
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.378.632
• Online since: August 2013
• Authors: Xin Pu Shen, Guo Yang Shen
• Keywords: Contact, Expandable Casing, Numerical Modeling, Plasticity, Threaded Connection

References

[1] G.N. Murchey and L.E. Zulia: Problems in Casing Collapse. 519-G. The 30th Annual Fall Meeting of the Petroleum Branch of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers. New Orleans, October 2-5, (1955).

[2] R.P. Vincent and E.R. Jennings: Stressed Steel Liner Yields Stronger Casing Repairs, Petroleum Equipment, December, 1962 SPE 278, 1337-1341.

DOI: 10.2118/278-pa

[3] G. Kemp: Field Results of the Stressed Steel Liner Casing Patch, Casing Repairs, 1964, vol. 2, 147-149, SPE 0663.

DOI: 10.2118/663-pa

[4] E.S. Robert and P. A. Fischer: Expandable Technology Growth Is Changing Drilling Practices, World Oil, July, (2003).

[5] J.D. Neely: The Use of Casing Patches to Improve Workover Success Rates, SPE13996/January, (1984).

DOI: 10.2118/13996-ms

[6] R.B. Stewart, F. Marketz, W.C.M. Lohbeck, F.D. Fischer, W. Daves, F.G. Rammerstorfer, and H.J. Böhm: Expandable Wellbore Tubulars, Quest for Solutions in aChanging Industry, SPE 60766, The 1999 SPE Technical Symposium held in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, October (1999).

DOI: 10.2118/60766-ms

[7] Sanders T., Hogg C., York P., Tompek F.: Integration Optimized Casing Exit and Solid Expandable Technology, SPE-160839, The SPE Saudi Arabia Section Technology and Exhibition, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, 8-11 Apr, (2012).

DOI: 10.2118/160839-ms

[8] A. Bufalini, R. Morana P.I. Nice, MBailey: Assessment of Post Expanded Mechanical Performance of Materials and Evaluation of Material Expandability Limit, SPE-159694, The SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, USA, 8-10, Oct, (2012).

DOI: 10.2118/159684-ms

[9] T. Berge, K.D. Mathisen, O. Storebo,M. Muir: Expandable Liner Hanger Milling: North Sea Case Histories: SPE/IADC-163568, The SPE/IADC Drilling Conference and Exhibition, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 5-7 Mar, (2013).

DOI: 10.2118/163568-ms

[10] L.B. Hilbert Jr, J.S. Bergstrom: Evaluation Pressure Integrity of Polymer Ring Seals for Threaded Connections in HP/HT Wells and Expandable Casing, IADC/SPE 87214, The IADC/SPE Drilling Conference in Dallas, Texas, USA, 2-4 March (2004).

DOI: 10.2118/87214-pa