Method of Sealing an Annular Space in a Wellbore

摘要

A method is provided of sealing an annular space between an expandable tubular element arranged in a wellbore and a wall surrounding the expandable tubular element. A pressure difference occurs between a first location in the annular space and a second location in the annular space axially spaced from the first location. The method comprises: installing the tubular element in the wellbore; locating a body of fluid in the annular space between the first and second locations, the fluid having a yield strength selected such that the pressure difference is insufficient to induce axial flow of the body of fluid in the annular space after radial expansion of the tubular element; and radially expanding the tubular element.