Protective sleeve for threaded connections for expandable liner hanger

Abstract

A tubular sleeve is coupled to and overlaps the threaded connection between a pair of adjacent tubular members.

1 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a first tubular member and a second tubular member, comprising: 
 inserting a threaded end portion of the first tubular member into an end of a tubular sleeve having an internal flange;    inserting a threaded end portion of the second tubular member into another end of the tubular sleeve;    threadably coupling the threaded end portions of the first and second tubular members within the tubular sleeve; and    displacing an expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the first and second tubular members;    wherein the internal diameters of the radially expanded and plastically deformed portions of the first and second tubular members are equal.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the internal flange of the tubular sleeve is positioned between the ends of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the internal flange of the tubular sleeve is positioned at one end of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular sleeve further comprises one or more sealing members for sealing the interface between the tubular sleeve and at least one of the tubular members.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 placing the tubular members in another structure; and    displacing the expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising: 
 radially expanding the tubular sleeve into engagement with the structure.    
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising: 
 sealing an annulus between the tubular sleeve and the other structure.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the other structure comprises a wellbore.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the other structure comprises a wellbore casing.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular sleeve further comprises a sealing element coupled to the exterior of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular sleeve is metallic.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular sleeve is non-metallic.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular sleeve is plastic.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular sleeve is ceramic.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 breaking the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular sleeve includes one or more longitudinal slots.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular sleeve includes one or more radial passages.  
   
   
       18 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a first tubular member and a second tubular member, comprising: 
 inserting a threaded end portion of the first tubular member into an end of a tubular sleeve;    coupling the end of the tubular sleeve to the threaded end portion of the first tubular member;    inserting a threaded end portion of the second tubular member into another end of the tubular sleeve;    threadably coupling the threaded end portions of the first and second tubular member within the tubular sleeve;    coupling the other end of the tubular sleeve to the threaded end portion of the second tubular member; and    displacing an expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the first and second tubular members;    wherein the internal diameters of the radially expanded and plastically deformed portions of first and second tubular members are equal.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein coupling the ends of the tubular sleeve to the ends of the first and second tubular members comprises: 
 coupling the ends of the tubular sleeve to the ends of the first and second tubular members using locking rings.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein coupling the ends of the tubular sleeve to the ends of the first and second tubular members using locking rings comprises: 
 wedging the locking rings between the ends of the tubular sleeve and the ends of the first and second tubular members.    
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein coupling the ends of the tubular sleeve to the ends of the first and second tubular members using locking rings comprises: 
 affixing the locking rings to the ends of the first and second tubular members.    
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the locking rings are resilient.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the locking rings are elastomeric.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein coupling the ends of the tubular sleeve to the ends of the first and second tubular members comprises: 
 crimping the ends of the tubular sleeve onto the ends of the first and second tubular members.    
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the tubular sleeve further comprises one or more sealing members for sealing the interface between the tubular sleeve and at least one of the tubular members.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising: 
 placing the tubular members in another structure; and    displacing the expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members.    
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising: 
 radially expanding the tubular sleeve into engagement with the structure.    
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising: 
 sealing an annulus between the tubular sleeve and the other structure.    
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the other structure comprises a wellbore.  
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the other structure comprises a wellbore casing.  
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the tubular sleeve further comprises a sealing element coupled to the exterior of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the tubular sleeve is metallic.  
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the tubular sleeve is non-metallic.  
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the tubular sleeve is plastic.  
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the tubular sleeve is ceramic.  
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising: 
 breaking the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the tubular sleeve includes one or more longitudinal slots.  
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the tubular sleeve includes one or more radial passages.  
   
   
       39 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a first tubular member and a second tubular member, comprising: 
 inserting an end of a tubular sleeve having an external flange into a threaded end of the first tubular member until an end face of the external flange abuts the threaded end of the first tubular member;    inserting the other end of the tubular sleeve into a threaded end of a second tubular member;    threadably coupling the threaded ends of the first and second tubular member within the tubular sleeve until both the first and second tubular members abut end faces of the external flange of the tubular sleeve; and    displacing an expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members.    
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the external flange of the tubular sleeve is positioned between the ends of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the external flange of the tubular sleeve is positioned at one end of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the tubular sleeve further comprises one or more sealing members for sealing the interface between the tubular sleeve and at least one of the tubular members.  
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 39 , further comprising: 
 placing the tubular members in another structure; and    displacing the expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members.    
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the other structure comprises a wellbore.  
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein the other structure comprises a wellbore casing.  
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the tubular sleeve is metallic.  
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the tubular sleeve is non-metallic.  
   
   
       48 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the tubular sleeve is plastic.  
   
   
       49 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the tubular sleeve is ceramic.  
   
   
       50 . The method of  claim 39 , further comprising: 
 breaking the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       51 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the tubular sleeve includes one or more longitudinal slots.  
   
   
       52 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the tubular sleeve includes one or more radial passages.  
   
   
       53 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a first tubular member and a second tubular member, comprising: 
 inserting an end of the first tubular member into an end of a tubular sleeve having an internal flange into abutment with the internal flange;    inserting an end of the second tubular member into another end of the tubular sleeve into abutment with the internal flange;    coupling the ends of the first and second tubular member to the tubular sleeve; and    displacing an expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform the ends of the first and second tubular members;    wherein the internal diameters of the radially expanded and plastically deformed ends of the first and second tubular members are equal.    
   
   
       54 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the internal flange of the tubular sleeve is positioned between the ends of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       55 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the internal flange of the tubular sleeve is positioned at one end of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       56 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the tubular sleeve further comprises one or more sealing members for sealing the interface between the tubular sleeve and at least one of the tubular members.  
   
   
       57 . The method of  claim 53 , further comprising: 
 placing the tubular members in another structure; and    displacing the expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members.    
   
   
       58 . The method of  claim 57 , further comprising: 
 radially expanding the tubular sleeve into engagement with the structure.    
   
   
       59 . The method of  claim 57 , further comprising: 
 sealing an annulus between the tubular sleeve and the other structure.    
   
   
       60 . The method of  claim 57 , wherein the other structure comprises a wellbore.  
   
   
       61 . The method of  claim 57 , wherein the other structure comprises a wellbore casing.  
   
   
       62 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the tubular sleeve further comprises a sealing element coupled to the exterior of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       63 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the tubular sleeve is metallic.  
   
   
       64 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the tubular sleeve is non-metallic.  
   
   
       65 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the tubular sleeve is plastic.  
   
   
       66 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the tubular sleeve is ceramic.  
   
   
       67 . The method of  claim 53 , further comprising: 
 breaking the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       68 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the tubular sleeve includes one or more longitudinal slots.  
   
   
       69 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the tubular sleeve includes one or more radial passages.  
   
   
       70 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein coupling the ends of the first and second tubular member to the tubular sleeve comprises: 
 heating the tubular sleeve and inserting the ends of the first and second tubular members into the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       71 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein coupling the ends of the first and second tubular member to the tubular sleeve comprises: 
 coupling the tubular sleeve to the ends of the first and second tubular members using a locking ring.    
   
   
       72 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 positioning the first tubular member, the second tubular member, the tubular sleeve, and the expansion device within a wellbore; and    then displacing the expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members.    
   
   
       73 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising: 
 positioning the first tubular member, the second tubular member, the tubular sleeve, and the expansion device within a wellbore; and    then displacing the expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members.    
   
   
       74 . The method of  claim 39 , further comprising: 
 positioning the first tubular member, the second tubular member, the tubular sleeve, and the expansion device within a wellbore; and    then displacing the expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members.    
   
   
       75 . The method of  claim 53 , further comprising: 
 positioning the first tubular member, the second tubular member, the tubular sleeve, and the expansion device within a wellbore; and    then displacing the expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members.    
   
   
       76 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a first tubular member comprising a threaded end portion;    a second tubular member comprising a threaded end portion; and    a tubular sleeve that receives, overlaps with, and is coupled to the threaded end portions of the first and second tubular members;    wherein the threaded end portion of the first tubular member is threadably coupled to the threaded end portion of the second tubular member;    wherein portions of the first and second tubular members are radially expanded and plastically deformed; and    wherein the internal diameters of non-threaded portions of the radially expanded and plastically deformed portions of the first and second tubular members are equal.    
   
   
       77 . The apparatus of  claim 76 , wherein the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members are radially expanded and plastically deformed within a wellbore.  
   
   
       78 . The apparatus of  claim 76 , wherein the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members are in circumferential compression; and wherein the tubular sleeve is in circumferential tension.  
   
   
       79 . The apparatus of  claim 76 , wherein the opposite ends of the tubular sleeve are tapered.  
   
   
       80 . The apparatus of  claim 76 , wherein the tubular sleeve comprises an internal flange that abuts the ends faces of the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       81 . The apparatus of  claim 80 , wherein the internal flange is positioned proximate an end of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       82 . The apparatus of  claim 76 , wherein the interface between the exterior surfaces of the first and second tubular members and the interior surface of the tubular sleeve provides a fluid tight seal.  
   
   
       83 . The apparatus of  claim 76 , wherein the tubular sleeve includes one or more sealing members for sealing an interface between the interior surface of the tubular sleeve and the exterior surfaces of at least one of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       84 . The apparatus of  claim 76 , further comprising a structure defining an opening for receiving the first and second tubular members and the tubular sleeve; wherein the tubular sleeve includes one or more sealing members for sealing an interface between the tubular sleeve and the structure.  
   
   
       85 . The apparatus of  claim 76 , wherein the tubular sleeve comprises materials selected from the group consisting of: 
 plastic, ceramic, elastomeric, composite, frangible material, or metal.    
   
   
       86 . The apparatus of  claim 76 , wherein the tubular sleeve defines one or more radial passages.  
   
   
       87 . The apparatus of  claim 86 , wherein one or more of the radial passages comprise axial slots.  
   
   
       88 . The apparatus of  claim 87 , wherein the axial slots are staggered in the axial direction.  
   
   
       89 . The apparatus of  claim 76 , further comprising one or more retaining members for coupling the ends of the tubular sleeve to the exterior surfaces of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       90 . The apparatus of  claim 89 , wherein one or more of the retaining members penetrate the exterior surfaces of at least one of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       91 . The apparatus of  claim 89 , wherein one or more of the retaining members are elastic.  
   
   
       92 . The apparatus of  claim 76 , wherein the ends of the tubular sleeve are deformed into engagement with the exterior surfaces of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       93 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a first tubular member comprising a threaded end;    a second tubular member comprising a threaded end; and    a tubular sleeve that is received within, overlaps with, and is coupled to the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members;    wherein the threaded end of the first tubular member is threadably coupled to the threaded end of the second tubular member; and    wherein the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members are radially expanded and plastically deformed.    
   
   
       94 . The apparatus of  claim 93 , wherein the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members are radially expanded and plastically deformed within a wellbore.  
   
   
       95 . The apparatus of  claim 93 , wherein the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members are in circumferential tension; and wherein the tubular sleeve is in circumferential compression.  
   
   
       96 . The apparatus of  claim 93 , wherein the opposite ends of the tubular sleeve are tapered.  
   
   
       97 . The apparatus of  claim 93 , wherein the tubular sleeve comprises an external flange that abuts ends faces of the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       98 . The apparatus of  claim 97 , wherein the external flange is positioned proximate an end of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       99 . The apparatus of  claim 93 , wherein the interface between the interior surfaces of the first and second tubular members and the exterior surface of the tubular sleeve provides a fluid tight seal.  
   
   
       100 . The apparatus of  claim 93 , wherein the tubular sleeve includes one or more sealing members for sealing an interface between the exterior surface of the tubular sleeve and the interior surfaces of at least one of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       101 . The apparatus of  claim 93 , wherein the tubular sleeve comprises materials selected from the group consisting of: 
 plastic, ceramic, elastomeric, composite, frangible material, or metal.    
   
   
       102 . The apparatus of  claim 93 , wherein the tubular sleeve defines one or more radial passages.  
   
   
       103 . The apparatus of  claim 102 , wherein one or more of the radial passages comprise axial slots.  
   
   
       104 . The apparatus of  claim 103 , wherein the axial slots are staggered in the axial direction.  
   
   
       105 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a first tubular member;    a second tubular member; and    a tubular sleeve that receives, overlaps with, and is coupled to the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members;    wherein the ends of the first and second tubular members are in circumferential compression and the tubular sleeve is in circumferential tension;    wherein the ends of the first and second tubular members are radially expanded and plastically deformed; and    wherein the internal diameters of the radially expanded and plastically deformed ends of the first and second tubular members are equal.    
   
   
       106 . The apparatus of  claim 105 , wherein the ends of the first and second tubular members are radially expanded and plastically deformed within a wellbore.  
   
   
       107 . The apparatus of  claim 105 , wherein the opposite ends of the tubular sleeve are tapered.  
   
   
       108 . The apparatus of  claim 105 , wherein the tubular sleeve comprises an internal flange that abuts the ends faces of the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       109 . The apparatus of  claim 108 , wherein the internal flange is positioned proximate an end of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       110 . The apparatus of  claim 105 , wherein the interface between the exterior surfaces of the first and second tubular members and the interior surface of the tubular sleeve provides a fluid tight seal.  
   
   
       111 . The apparatus of  claim 105 , wherein the tubular sleeve includes one or more sealing members for sealing an interface between the interior surface of the tubular sleeve and the exterior surfaces of at least one of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       112 . The apparatus of  claim 105 , further comprising a structure defining an opening for receiving the first and second tubular members and the tubular sleeve; wherein the tubular sleeve includes one or more sealing members for sealing an interface between the tubular sleeve and the structure.  
   
   
       113 . The apparatus of  claim 105 , wherein the tubular sleeve comprises materials selected from the group consisting of: 
 plastic, ceramic, elastomeric, composite, frangible material, or metal.    
   
   
       114 . The apparatus of  claim 105 , wherein the tubular sleeve defines one or more radial passages.  
   
   
       115 . The apparatus of  claim 114 , wherein one or more of the radial passages comprise axial slots.  
   
   
       116 . The apparatus of  claim 115 , wherein the axial slots are staggered in the axial direction.  
   
   
       117 . The apparatus of  claim 105 , further comprising one or more retaining members for coupling the ends of the tubular sleeve to the exterior surfaces of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       118 . The apparatus of  claim 117 , wherein one or more of the retaining members penetrate the exterior surfaces of at least one of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       119 . The apparatus of  claim 117 , wherein one or more of the retaining members are elastic.  
   
   
       120 . The apparatus of  claim 105 , wherein the ends of the tubular sleeve are deformed into engagement with the exterior surfaces of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       121 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a first tubular member comprising a threaded end portion;    a second tubular member comprising a threaded end portion;    a tubular sleeve that receives, overlaps with, and is coupled to the threaded end portions of the first and second tubular members;    one or more first resilient locking members for locking the first tubular member to the tubular sleeve; and    one or more second resilient locking members for locking the second tubular member to the tubular sleeve;    wherein the threaded end portions of the first and second tubular members are in circumferential compression and the tubular sleeve is in circumferential tension;    wherein portions of the first and second tubular members are radially expanded and plastically deformed; and    wherein the internal diameters of radially expanded and plastically deformed portions of the first and second tubular members are equal.    
   
   
       122 . The apparatus of  claim 121 , wherein the ends of the first and second tubular members are radially expanded and plastically deformed within a wellbore.  
   
   
       123 . The apparatus of  claim 121 , wherein the opposite ends of the tubular sleeve are tapered.  
   
   
       124 . The apparatus of  claim 121 , wherein the tubular sleeve comprises an internal flange that abuts the ends faces of the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       125 . The apparatus of  claim 124 , wherein the internal flange is positioned proximate an end of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       126 . The apparatus of  claim 121 , wherein the interface between the exterior surfaces of the first and second tubular members and the interior surface of the tubular sleeve provides a fluid tight seal.  
   
   
       127 . The apparatus of  claim 121 , wherein the tubular sleeve includes one or more sealing members for sealing an interface between the interior surface of the tubular sleeve and the exterior surfaces of at least one of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       128 . The apparatus of  claim 121 , further comprising a structure defining an opening for receiving the first and second tubular members and the tubular sleeve; wherein the tubular sleeve includes one or more sealing members for sealing an interface between the tubular sleeve and the structure.  
   
   
       129 . The apparatus of  claim 121 , wherein the tubular sleeve comprises materials selected from the group consisting of: 
 plastic, ceramic, elastomeric, composite, frangible material, or metal.    
   
   
       130 . The apparatus of  claim 121 , wherein the tubular sleeve defines one or more radial passages.  
   
   
       131 . The apparatus of  claim 130 , wherein one or more of the radial passages comprise axial slots.  
   
   
       132 . The apparatus of  claim 131 , wherein the axial slots are staggered in the axial direction.  
   
   
       133 . The apparatus of  claim 121 , further comprising one or more retaining members for coupling the ends of the tubular sleeve to the exterior surfaces of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       134 . The apparatus of  claim 133 , wherein one or more of the retaining members penetrate the exterior surfaces of at least one of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       135 . The apparatus of  claim 133 , wherein one or more of the retaining members are elastic.  
   
   
       136 . The apparatus of  claim 121 , wherein the ends of the tubular sleeve are deformed into engagement with the exterior surfaces of the first and second tubular members.  
   
   
       137 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the internal diameter of the non-threaded portion of the first tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       138 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the internal diameter of the non-threaded portion of the second tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       139 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein, after the radial expansion and plastic deformation, the internal diameter of the non-threaded portion of the first tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       140 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein, after the radial expansion and plastic deformation, the internal diameter of the non-threaded portion of the second tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       141 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the first tubular member abuts an end face of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve; and wherein a portion of the second tubular member abuts another end face of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       142 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the internal diameter of the first tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       143 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the internal diameter of the second tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       144 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein, after the radial expansion and plastic deformation, the internal diameter of the first tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       145 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein, after the radial expansion and plastic deformation, the internal diameter of the second tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.  
   
   
       146 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a first tubular member and a second tubular member, comprising: 
 inserting a threaded end portion of the first tubular member into an end of a tubular sleeve having an internal flange;    inserting a threaded end portion of the second tubular member into another end of the tubular sleeve;    threadably coupling the threaded end portions of the first and second tubular members within the tubular sleeve; and    displacing an expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the first and second tubular members;    wherein the internal diameter of at least one of the non-threaded portion of the first tubular member and the non-threaded portion of the second tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       147 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a first tubular member and a second tubular member, comprising: 
 inserting a threaded end portion of the first tubular member into an end of a tubular sleeve having an internal flange;    inserting a threaded end portion of the second tubular member into another end of the tubular sleeve;    threadably coupling the threaded end portions of the first and second tubular members within the tubular sleeve; and    displacing an expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the first and second tubular members;    wherein, after the radial expansion and plastic deformation, the internal diameter of at least one of the non-threaded portion of the first tubular member and the non-threaded portion of the second tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       148 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a first tubular member and a second tubular member, comprising: 
 inserting a threaded end portion of the first tubular member into an end of a tubular sleeve having an internal flange;    inserting a threaded end portion of the second tubular member into another end of the tubular sleeve;    threadably coupling the threaded end portions of the first and second tubular members within the tubular sleeve; and    displacing an expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the first and second tubular members;    wherein a portion of the first tubular member abuts an end face of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve; and    wherein a portion of the second tubular member abuts another end face of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       149 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a first tubular member and a second tubular member, comprising: 
 inserting a threaded end portion of the first tubular member into an end of a tubular sleeve;    coupling the end of the tubular sleeve to the threaded end portion of the first tubular member;    inserting a threaded end portion of the second tubular member into another end of the tubular sleeve;    threadably coupling the threaded end portions of the first and second tubular member within the tubular sleeve;    coupling the other end of the tubular sleeve to the threaded end portion of the second tubular member; and    displacing an expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the first and second tubular members;    wherein the internal diameter of at least one of the non-threaded portion of the first tubular member and the non-threaded portion of the second tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       150 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a first tubular member and a second tubular member, comprising: 
 inserting a threaded end portion of the first tubular member into an end of a tubular sleeve;    coupling the end of the tubular sleeve to the threaded end portion of the first tubular member;    inserting a threaded end portion of the second tubular member into another end of the tubular sleeve;    threadably coupling the threaded end portions of the first and second tubular member within the tubular sleeve;    coupling the other end of the tubular sleeve to the threaded end portion of the second tubular member; and    displacing an expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the first and second tubular members;    wherein, after the radial expansion and plastic deformation, the internal diameter of at least one of the non-threaded portion of the first tubular member and the non-threaded portion of the second tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       151 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a first tubular member and a second tubular member, comprising: 
 inserting a threaded end portion of the first tubular member into an end of a tubular sleeve;    coupling the end of the tubular sleeve to the threaded end portion of the first tubular member;    inserting a threaded end portion of the second tubular member into another end of the tubular sleeve;    threadably coupling the threaded end portions of the first and second tubular member within the tubular sleeve;    coupling the other end of the tubular sleeve to the threaded end portion of the second tubular member; and    displacing an expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform portions of the first and second tubular members;    wherein a portion of the first tubular member abuts an end face of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve; and    wherein a portion of the second tubular member abuts another end face of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       152 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a first tubular member and a second tubular member, comprising: 
 inserting an end of the first tubular member into an end of a tubular sleeve having an internal flange into abutment with the internal flange;    inserting an end of the second tubular member into another end of the tubular sleeve into abutment with the internal flange;    coupling the ends of the first and second tubular member to the tubular sleeve; and    displacing an expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform the ends of the first and second tubular members;    wherein the internal diameter of at least one of the non-threaded portion of the first tubular member and the non-threaded portion of the second tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       153 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming a first tubular member and a second tubular member, comprising: 
 inserting an end of the first tubular member into an end of a tubular sleeve having an internal flange into abutment with the internal flange;    inserting an end of the second tubular member into another end of the tubular sleeve into abutment with the internal flange;    coupling the ends of the first and second tubular member to the tubular sleeve; and    displacing an expansion device through the interiors of the first and second tubular members to radially expand and plastically deform the ends of the first and second tubular members;    wherein, after the radial expansion and plastic deformation, the internal diameter of at least one of the non-threaded portion of the first tubular member and the non-threaded portion of the second tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       154 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a first tubular member comprising a threaded end portion;    a second tubular member comprising a threaded end portion; and    a tubular sleeve that receives, overlaps with, and is coupled to the threaded end portions of the first and second tubular members;    wherein the threaded end portion of the first tubular member is threadably coupled to the threaded end portion of the second tubular member;    wherein portions of the first and second tubular members are radially expanded and plastically deformed; and    wherein the internal diameter of at least one of the non-threaded portion of the first tubular member and the non-threaded portion of the second tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       155 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a first tubular member comprising a threaded end portion;    a second tubular member comprising a threaded end portion; and    a tubular sleeve that receives, overlaps with, and is coupled to the threaded end portions of the first and second tubular members;    wherein the threaded end portion of the first tubular member is threadably coupled to the threaded end portion of the second tubular member; and    wherein portions of the first and second tubular members are radially expanded and plastically deformed;    wherein a portion of the first tubular member abuts an end face of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve; and    wherein a portion of the second tubular member abuts another end face of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       156 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a first tubular member comprising a threaded end portion;    a second tubular member comprising a threaded end portion; and    a tubular sleeve that receives, overlaps with, and is coupled to the threaded end portions of the first and second tubular members;    wherein the threaded end portion of the first tubular member is threadably coupled to the threaded end portion of the second tubular member;    wherein the internal diameter of at least one of the non-threaded portion of the first tubular member and the non-threaded portion of the second tubular member is equal to the internal diameter of the internal flange of the tubular sleeve.    
   
   
       157 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a first tubular member comprising a threaded end;    a second tubular member comprising a threaded end; and    a tubular sleeve that is received within, overlaps with, and is coupled to the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members;    wherein the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members are radially expanded and plastically deformed.    
   
   
       158 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a first tubular member comprising a threaded end;    a second tubular member comprising a threaded end; and    a tubular sleeve that is received within, overlaps with, and is coupled to the threaded ends of the first and second tubular members;    wherein the threaded end of the first tubular member is threadably coupled to the threaded end of the second tubular member.