System for radially expanding tubular members

Abstract

A system for radially expanding tubular members includes an expansion device and a vibratory device that generates vibratory energy for agitating at least one of the expansion device and/or the expandable tubular member.

1 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member;    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device; and    an actuator device coupled to the expansion device for displacing the expansion device relative to the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the expansion device comprises: 
 a tapered expansion cone.    
   
   
       3 . (canceled)  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the expansion device further comprises: 
 a locking device coupled to the actuator for fixing the position of the expandable tubular member relative to the actuator during the axial displacement of the expansion cone relative to the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the expansion device comprises: 
 a rotary expansion device.    
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the vibratory device is positioned within a non-expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the vibratory device is positioned within an expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the vibratory device is positioned within the expansion device.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the vibratory device comprises a plurality of vibratory devices.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the vibratory devices is positioned within a non-expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein at least another one of the vibratory devices is positioned within an expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein at least another one of the vibratory devices is positioned within the expansion device.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein at least another one of the vibratory devices is positioned within the expansion device.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the vibratory devices is positioned within an expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein at least another one of the vibratory devices is positioned within the expansion device.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein at least another one of the vibratory devices is positioned within the expansion device.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the vibratory device comprises: 
 a fluid powered vibratory device.    
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy in one or more planes.    
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having a plurality of center frequencies.    
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy in a plurality of planes.    
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having a plurality of center frequencies.    
   
   
       22 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       23 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having a plurality of center frequencies.    
   
   
       24 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the magnitude of the vibratory energy is variable.  
   
   
       25 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the magnitude of the vibratory energy is constant.  
   
   
       26 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plane of the vibratory energy is variable.  
   
   
       27 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plane of the vibratory energy is constant.  
   
   
       28 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a welbore casing.  
   
   
       29 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a pipeline.  
   
   
       30 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a structural support.  
   
   
       31 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device;    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device; and    displacing the expansion device relative to the expandable tubular member during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member using an actuator coupled to the expansion device.    
   
   
       32 . (canceled)  
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 32 , further comprising: 
 fixing the position of the expandable tubular member relative to the expansion device during the axial displacement of the expansion device relative to the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising: 
 rotating the expansion device during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the vibratory energy is injected from a location within a non-expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the vibratory energy is injected from a location within an expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the vibratory energy is injected from a location within the expansion device.  
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the vibratory energy is injected from a plurality of locations.  
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein at least some portion of the vibratory energy is injected from a location within a non-expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein at least another portion of the vibratory energy is injected from a location within an expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein at least another portion of the vibratory energy is injected from a location within the expansion device.  
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein at least another portion of the vibratory energy is injected from a location within the expansion device.  
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein at least some portion of the vibratory energy is injected from a location within an expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein at least another portion of the vibratory energy is injected from a location within the expansion device.  
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein at least a portion of the vibratory energy is injected from a location within the expansion device.  
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device comprises: 
 injecting fluidic materials into the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy in one or more planes.    
   
   
       48 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       49 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having a plurality of center frequencies.    
   
   
       50 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy in a plurality of planes.    
   
   
       51 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       52 . The method of  claim 51 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having a plurality of center frequencies.    
   
   
       53 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       54 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having a plurality of center frequencies.    
   
   
       55 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the magnitude of the vibratory energy is variable.  
   
   
       56 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the magnitude of the vibratory energy is constant.  
   
   
       57 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the plane of the vibratory energy is variable.  
   
   
       58 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the plane of the vibratory energy is constant.  
   
   
       59 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a welbore casing.  
   
   
       60 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a pipeline.  
   
   
       61 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a structural support.  
   
   
       62 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the vibratory device coupled to the expansion device generates vibratory energy to agitate the expandable tubular member and the expansion device.  
   
   
       63 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising: 
 injecting vibratory energy into the expandable tubular member and the expansion device.    
   
   
       64 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device;    means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device; and    actuator means for displacing the expansion device relative to the expandable tubular member during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       65 . (canceled)  
   
   
       66 . The system of  claim 65 , further comprising: 
 means for fixing the position of the expandable tubular member relative to the means for displacing the expansion device during the axial displacement of the expansion device relative to the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       67 . The system of  claim 64 , further comprising: 
 means for rotating the expansion device during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       68 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the vibratory energy is injected from a location within a non-expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       69 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the vibratory energy is injected from a location within an expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       70 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the vibratory energy is injected for a location within the expansion device.  
   
   
       71 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the vibratory energy is injected from a plurality of locations.  
   
   
       72 . The system of  claim 71 , wherein at least some portion of the vibratory energy is injected from a location within a non-expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       73 . The system of  claim 72 , wherein at least another portion of the vibratory energy is injected from a location within an expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       74 . The system of  claim 72 , wherein at least another portion of the vibratory energy is injected from a location within the expansion device.  
   
   
       75 . The system of  claim 73 , wherein at least another portion of the vibratory energy is injected from a location within the expansion device.  
   
   
       76 . The system of  claim 71 , wherein at least some portion of the vibratory energy is injected from a location within an expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       77 . The system of  claim 76 , wherein at least another portion of the vibratory energy is injected from a location within the expansion device.  
   
   
       78 . The system of  claim 71 , wherein at least a portion of the vibratory energy is injected from a location within the expansion device.  
   
   
       79 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device comprises: 
 injecting fluidic materials into the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       80 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy in one or more planes.    
   
   
       81 . The system of  claim 80 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       82 . The system of  claim 81 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having a plurality of center frequencies.    
   
   
       83 . The system of  claim 80 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy in a plurality of planes.    
   
   
       84 . The system of  claim 83 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       85 . The system of  claim 84 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having a plurality of center frequencies.    
   
   
       86 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       87 . The system of  claim 86 , wherein the vibratory energy comprises: 
 vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having a plurality of center frequencies.    
   
   
       88 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the magnitude of the vibratory energy is variable.  
   
   
       89 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the magnitude of the vibratory energy is constant.  
   
   
       90 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the plane of the vibratory energy is variable.  
   
   
       91 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the plane of the vibratory energy is constant.  
   
   
       92 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a welbore casing.  
   
   
       93 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a pipeline.  
   
   
       94 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a structural support.  
   
   
       95 . The system of  claim 64 , further comprising: 
 means for injecting vibratory energy into the expandable tubular member and the expansion device.    
   
   
       96 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein one of the planes is radial; and wherein another one of the planes is longitudinal.  
   
   
       97 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein one of the planes is radial; and wherein another one of the planes is longitudinal.  
   
   
       98 . The system of  claim 83 , wherein one of the planes is longitudinal; and wherein another one of the planes is radial.  
   
   
       99 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to impart rotation to the expansion device.    
   
   
       100 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising: 
 injecting vibratory energy into the expansion device to impart rotation to the expansion device.    
   
   
       101 . The system of  claim 64 , further comprising: 
 means for injecting vibratory energy into the expansion device to impart rotation to the expansion device.    
   
   
       102 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    means for reducing the required radial expansion forces during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       103 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the vibratory device is adapted to impact the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
       104 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device, comprises: 
 impacting the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       105 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device, comprises: 
 means for impacting the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       106 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the vibratory device is adapted to impact the expansion device.  
   
   
       107 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device, comprises: 
 impacting the expansion device.    
   
   
       108 . The system of  claim 64 , wherein means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device, comprises: 
 means for impacting the expansion device.    
   
   
       109 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising: 
 inserting the expansion device and the expandable tubular member into a preexisting structure; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device during the insertion.    
   
   
       110 . The method of  claim 31 , further comprising: 
 removing the expansion device and the expandable tubular member from a preexisting structure; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device during the removal.    
   
   
       111 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expansion device comprises one or more external arcuate spherical surfaces.    
   
   
       112 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expansion device comprises one or more external arcuate elliptical surfaces.    
   
   
       113 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expansion device comprises one or more external arcuate hyperbolic surfaces.    
   
   
       114 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expansion device comprises one or more external arcuate surfaces that are faceted.    
   
   
       115 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expansion device comprises one or more external arcuate spherical surfaces.    
   
   
       116 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expansion device comprises one or more external arcuate elliptical surfaces.    
   
   
       117 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expansion device comprises one or more external arcuate hyperbolic surfaces.    
   
   
       118 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expansion device comprises one or more external arcuate surfaces that are faceted.    
   
   
       119 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expansion device comprises a rotary expansion device.    
   
   
       120 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member by rotating an expansion device within the expandable tubular member; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device.    
   
   
       121 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory device is positioned within an expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       122 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member by using an expansion device within the expandable tubular member; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device from a location within the radially expanded and plastically deformed portion of the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       123 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory device is positioned within the expansion device.    
   
   
       124 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member by using an expansion device within the expandable tubular member; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device from a location within the expansion device.    
   
   
       125 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory device comprises a plurality of vibratory devices.    
   
   
       126 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member by using an expansion device within the expandable tubular member; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device from a plurality of discrete spaced apart locations.    
   
   
       127 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having a plurality of center frequencies.    
   
   
       128 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member by using an expansion device within the expandable tubular member; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having a plurality of center frequencies.    
   
   
       129 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having a plurality of center frequencies; and    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy in a plurality of planes.    
   
   
       130 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member by using an expansion device within the expandable tubular member; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having a plurality of center frequencies; and    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy in a plurality of planes.    
   
   
       131 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the plane of the vibratory energy is variable.    
   
   
       132 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member by using an expansion device within the expandable tubular member; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the plane of the vibratory energy is variable.    
   
   
       133 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy has a center frequency of about 40 Hz.    
   
   
       134 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member by using an expansion device within the expandable tubular member; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy has a center frequency of about 40 Hz.    
   
   
       135 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device:    means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device; and    means for rotating the expansion device during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       136 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device from a location within the radially expanded and plastically deformed portion of the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       137 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device from a location within the expansion device.    
   
   
       138 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for imparting rotation to the expansion device.    
   
   
       139 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    injecting vibratory energy into expansion device to impart rotation to the expansion device.    
   
   
       140 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    increasing the plasticity and formability of the expandable tubular before the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       141 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    means for increasing the plasticity and formability of the expandable tubular before the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       142 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    increasing the plasticity and formability of the expandable tubular during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       143 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    means for increasing the plasticity and formability of the expandable tubular during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       144 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device;    injecting vibratory energy into one or more of the expansion device and the expandable tubular member, wherein the injected vibratory energy is provided in an initial plane, has an initial center frequency, and has an initial amplitude; and    during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member: 
 a) incrementing at least one of the plane, center frequency, and amplitude for the injected vibratory energy;  
 b) monitoring the amount of energy required to continue the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member; and  
 c) repeating steps a) and b) until the completion of the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
   
       145 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device;    means for injecting vibratory energy into one or more of the expansion device and the expandable tubular member, wherein the injected vibratory energy is provided in an initial plane, has an initial center frequency, and has an initial amplitude; and    means for during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member: 
 a) means for incrementing at least one of the plane, center frequency, and amplitude for the injected vibratory energy;  
 b) means for monitoring the amount of energy required to continue the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member; and  
 c) means for repeating steps a) and b) until the completion of the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
   
       146 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device;    injecting vibratory energy into one or more of the expansion device and the expandable tubular member, wherein the injected vibratory energy is provided in an initial plane, has an initial center frequency, and has an initial amplitude; and    during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member: 
 a) incrementing two or more of the plane, center frequency, and amplitude for the injected vibratory energy;  
 b) monitoring the amount of energy required to continue the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member; and  
 c) repeating steps a) and b) until the completion of the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
   
       147 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device;    means for injecting vibratory energy into one or more of the expansion device and the expandable tubular member, wherein the injected vibratory energy is provided in an initial plane, has an initial center frequency, and has an initial amplitude; and    means for during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member: 
 a) means for incrementing two or more of the plane, center frequency, and amplitude for the injected vibratory energy;  
 b) means for monitoring the amount of energy required to continue the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member; and  
 c) means for repeating steps a) and b) until the completion of the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the expandable tubular member.  
   
   
   
       148 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expansion device further comprises:    a locking device coupled to the actuator for fixing the position of the expandable tubular member relative to the actuator during the axial displacement of the expansion cone relative to the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       149 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory device is positioned within a non-expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       150 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory device is positioned within an expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       151 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory device is positioned within the expansion device.    
   
   
       152 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory device comprises a plurality of vibratory devices.    
   
   
       153 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a plurality of vibratory devices coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein at least one of the vibratory devices is positioned within a non-expanded portion of the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       154 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       155 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       156 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       157 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the magnitude of the vibratory energy is variable.    
   
   
       158 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the plane of the vibratory energy is variable.    
   
   
       159 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a welbore casing.    
   
   
       160 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a pipeline.    
   
   
       161 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device comprises injecting fluidic materials into the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       162 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       163 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy in a plurality of planes; and    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       164 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       165 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the magnitude of the vibratory energy is variable.    
   
   
       166 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the plane of the vibratory energy is variable.    
   
   
       167 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a welbore casing.    
   
   
       168 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a pipeline.    
   
   
       169 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device comprises: injecting fluidic materials into the expandable tubular member.    
   
   
       170 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy in one or more planes; and    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       171 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy in a plurality of planes; and    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       172 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy having a frequency distribution having one or more center frequencies.    
   
   
       173 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the magnitude of the vibratory energy is variable.    
   
   
       174 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the plane of the vibratory energy is variable.    
   
   
       175 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a welbore casing.    
   
   
       176 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the expandable tubular member comprises a pipeline.    
   
   
       177 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy in a plurality of planes;    wherein one of the planes is radial; and    wherein another one of the planes is longitudinal.    
   
   
       178 . An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 an expansion device movable in the expandable tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to agitate at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device; and    a vibratory device coupled to the expansion device for generating vibratory energy to impart rotation to the expansion device.    
   
   
       179 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy in a plurality of planes;    wherein one of the planes is radial; and    wherein another one of the planes is longitudinal.    
   
   
       180 . A method of radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device;    injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device; and    injecting vibratory energy into the expansion device to impart rotation to the expansion device.    
   
   
       181 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device; and    means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device;    wherein the vibratory energy comprises vibratory energy in a plurality of planes;    wherein one of the planes is longitudinal; and    wherein another one of the planes is radial.    
   
   
       182 . A system for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member, comprising: 
 means for radially expanding and plastically deforming the expandable tubular member using an expansion device;    means for injecting vibratory energy into at least one of the expandable tubular member and the expansion device; and    means for injecting vibratory energy into the expansion device to impart rotation to the expansion device.