Expandable hanger and packer

Abstract

An apparatus and method of creating a seal between two coaxial tubulars so as to create a hanger and a packer. A first tubular is disposed coaxially within a portion of a second, larger tubular. A portion of the first tubular is expanded into frictional contact with the second tubular, thereby creating a liner and a hanger. In one embodiment, a pattern of grooves is formed in the surface of a portion of the first tubular body. The grooves in one aspect define a continuous pattern about the circumference of the tubular body which intersect to form a plurality of substantially identical shapes, such as diamonds. The grooves serve to improve the tensile strength of the tubular body. At the same time, the grooves allow for expansion of the tubular body by use of less radial force. The grooves further provide a gripping means, providing additional frictional support for hanging the expanded tubular onto the inner surface of a surrounding second tubular. The apparatus and method optionally provides a pliable material fabricated within the grooves on the outer surface of the tubular body. In addition, carbide inserts are preferably interdisposed within the pattern of grooves, providing additional gripping means when the smaller diameter tubular body is expanded into the second tubular.