Apparatus and method for expanding tubular elements

Abstract

An apparatus for expanding tubular elements includes a tool body, an axially compressible expansion body mounted on the tool body such that the outer surface of the expansion body is substantially the same outer diameter as that of the tool body, and means for axially compressing the expansion body such that its outer surface is expanded beyond the outer diameter of the tool body.

1 . An apparatus for expanding tubular elements, comprising:
 a tool body having an outer surface including an outer diameter, the tool body having a longitudinal axis;   an axially compressible expansion body mounted on the tool body such that the outer surface of the expansion body has an uncompressed diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tool body; and   means for axially compressing the expansion body such that the outer surface of the axially compressible expansion body is expanded beyond the outer diameter of the tool body.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the expansion body comprises one or more rings. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the expansion body comprises a cylinder. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the expansion body is mounted coaxially on the longitudinal axis of the tool body. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the expansion body is made from a flexible elastic material. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the flexible elastic material is polyurethane. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the expansion body comprises more than one section. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the means for axially compressing the expansion member comprises a pair of surfaces on the tool body arranged such that the expansion body can be squeezed therebetween. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the pair of surfaces comprises a first surface that is fixed on the tool body and a second surface that is moveable relative to the tool body. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the first surface and the second surface are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool body. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the first surface and the second surface are at different angles to the longitudinal axis of the tool body. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the tool body comprises a cylinder in which a piston is slidably located, the second surface being formed on the piston. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the cylinder is provided with a supply of pressurized fluid for causing movement of the piston to axially compress the expansion body. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the cylinder has a mechanical arrangement for causing movement of the piston to axially compress the expansion body. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the first surface is fixed to the body via an axial shaft around which the expansion body and piston are mounted. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising means for moving the tool body through the tubular element. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method for expanding a tubular element having an inner wall, the method, comprising:
 positioning an apparatus at a predetermined position in the tubular element, the apparatus including
 a tool body having an outer surface having an outer diameter; 
 an axially compressible expansion body mounted on the tool body such that the outer surface of the expansion body has an uncompressed diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tool body; and 
 means for axially compressing the expansion body such that the outer surface of the axially compressible expansion body is expanded beyond the outer diameter of the tool body; and 
   compressing the expansion body such that its outer surface expands against the inner wall of the tubular element and causes it to expand and deform permanently.   
     
     
         19 . A method as claimed in  claim 18 , further comprising moving the apparatus with the expansion body in its compressed configuration along the tubular element to progressively expand and permanently deform a length of the tubular element. 
     
     
         20 . A method as claimed in  claim 18 , further comprising releasing the expansion body from compression such that it returns to its uncompressed shape and moving the tool body to another location in the tubular element. 
     
     
         21 . A method as claimed in  claim 20 , further comprising repeating expansion of the tubular element at the other location. 
     
     
         22 - 59 . (canceled)