Method for expanding a tubular element

Abstract

A method is provided of expanding a tubular element from a first inner diameter to a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter. The method comprises the steps of: a) installing a sleeve of flexible material in the tubular element; b) installing an expander in the tubular element, the expander being suitable to radially expand the sleeve to an outer diameter larger than said first inner diameter by moving the expander in axial direction through the sleeve; and c) moving the expander in axial direction through the sleeve thereby radially expanding the tubular element from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter.

1 . A method of expanding a tubular element from a first inner diameter to a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter, the method comprising the steps of:
 a) installing a sleeve of flexible material in the tubular element;   b) installing an expander in the tubular element, the expander being suitable to radially expand the sleeve to an outer diameter larger than said first inner diameter by moving the expander in axial direction through the sleeve; and   c) moving the expander in axial direction through the sleeve thereby radially expanding the tubular element from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter, wherein the sleeve is installed in a portion of the tubular element, and wherein the expander has a size allowing the expander to be moved substantially unobstructed through a remaining portion of the tubular element.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible material is a resilient material. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible material comprises an elastomer. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said flexible material comprises polyurethane. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve is adapted to elastically deform, after moving the expander through the sleeve, to an outer diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter of the sleeve before moving the expander through the sleeve. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the expander and the sleeve are simultaneously installed in the tubular element. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the expander and the sleeve are coupled to each other during installation of the expander and the sleeve in the tubular element. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the sleeve rests on the expander during installation of the expander and the sleeve in the tubular element. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the expander and the sleeve are inserted into the tubular element using a string extending in longitudinal direction through the tubular element, the string being connected to at least one of the expander and the sleeve. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve has an outer surface adapted to be bonded to the inner surface of the tubular element. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the outer surface of the sleeve is fixedly connected to the inner surface of the tubular element. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the outer surface of the sleeve is bonded to the inner surface of the tubular element as a result of vulcanising the sleeve. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the expander has a conical end portion, and wherein prior to moving the expander through the sleeve, said conical end portion is positioned adjacent an end portion of the sleeve having a shape substantially complementary to said conical end portion of the expander. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular element extends into a borehole formed in an earth formation. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the tubular element is a wellbore casing or a wellbore liner. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled)