Isolation Barrier

Abstract

A method and apparatus for well intervention in which an expandable element is provided on a tubular. Using reclaimed drill pipe (12), an a recess (26) is formed at open end of the box section (16) and an annular sleeve (34) is slid over the pipe end into the recess (26). The sleeve (34) is affixed at either end by welding or suitable adhesive to provide a pressure tight chamber. A port (30) drilled through the pipe to access the chamber from the pipe bore is used to expand the sleeve (34) when the drill pipe is run in at tight tolerance in a wellbore.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of well intervention, in which a work string is run into a well, comprising the steps:
 forming a work string from a plurality of sections of drill pipe;   at least one section of drill pipe including an expandable element located thereon;   running the work string into the well and expanding the expandable element to contact a wall of the well.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one section of drill pipe including an expandable element located thereon is manufactured by a process comprising the steps of:
 providing the drill pipe having an annular wall with an outer tubular surface and an inner tubular surface defining a bore; 
 forming a circumferential recess in the outer tubular surface of at least one longitudinal segment of the drill pipe, the recess having at least an outer recess surface; 
 forming a perforation between the inner tubular surface and the outer recess surface; 
 providing an annular sleeve having a first sleeve end, a second sleeve end, an inner sleeve surface and an outer sleeve surface, wherein the sleeve conforms with the recess; and 
 providing airtight seals securing the annular sleeve to the tubular at the first sleeve end and the second sleeve end thus forming a cavity between the inner sleeve surface and outer recess surface wherein the cavity is accessible from the tubular through the perforation to provide the expandable element. 
 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the method involves the step of forming the recess at a box section at an open end of the drill pipe. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the method includes the steps of forming the recess in a centrally positioned longitudinal portion of the drill pipe, providing the annular sleeve as a first sleeve segment and a second sleeve segment which conform longitudinally to form an annular sleeve, arranging the first and second sleeve segment to conform around the tubular recess and securing the first and second sleeve segments longitudinally to create an annular sleeve which conforms with the annular recess. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the step of securing the annular sleeve involves creating welded joints. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 2  wherein the step of securing the annular sleeve involves application of a suitable adhesive material. 
     
     
         7 . An well intervention apparatus comprising:
 a tubular having an annular wall with an outer tubular surface, an inner tubular surface defining a bore, and a circumferential recess formed in the outer tubular surface of at least one longitudinal segment of the tubular, the recess having an outer recess surface and a perforation between the inner tubular surface and the outer recess surface; and   an annular sleeve having a first sleeve end, a second sleeve end, an inner sleeve surface and an outer sleeve surface, wherein the sleeve conforms with the recess and is secured to the tubular at the first sleeve end and the second sleeve end such that a cavity is defined between the inner sleeve surface and outer recess surface which is accessible from the bore via the perforation.   
     
     
         8 . A well intervention apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the tubular is drill pipe. 
     
     
         9 . A well intervention apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the tubular is recycled tubular. 
     
     
         10 . A well intervention apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the annular sleeve is secured to the tubular by welded joints. 
     
     
         11 . A well intervention apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the annular sleeve is secured to the tubular by a suitable adhesive material. 
     
     
         12 . A well intervention apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the recess is formed at an open end of the tubular. 
     
     
         13 . A well intervention apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein the open end is a box section of a box and pin connection. 
     
     
         14 . A well intervention apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the recess is formed at a centrally positioned longitudinal portion of the tubular. 
     
     
         15 . A well intervention apparatus according to  claim 14  wherein the annular sleeve is provided as first sleeve segment and a second sleeve segment which are operable to be secured together longitudinally to form an annular sleeve. 
     
     
         16 . A well intervention apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein the first sleeve segment and second sleeve segment are welded together to form an annular sleeve. 
     
     
         17 . A well intervention apparatus according to  claim 16  wherein the first sleeve segment and second sleeve segment are secured together by a suitable adhesive material to form an annular sleeve.