Expansion device and method of use

Abstract

Herein disclosed is an expansion device comprising at least one expanding segment; an actuator; and a connector linking the at least one expanding segment to the actuator such that when the actuator is activated, the expanding segment expands or retracts. The actuator is propelled by hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric power. Also disclosed herein is a method expanding a portion of a tubular comprising providing an expansion device comprising at least one expanding segment, an actuator, and a connector linking the at least one expanding segment to the actuator such that when the actuator is activated, the expanding segment expands or retracts; and placing the at least one expanding segment inside the tubular.

1 . An expansion device comprising
 at least one expanding segment; a sizing ring; an actuator; and   a smooth shaft linking the at least one expanding segment to the actuator such that when the actuator is activated, the expanding segment expands or retracts caused by axial motion of the shaft;   wherein the at least one expanding segment is configured to be placed inside a tubular and the sizing ring is configured to be placed outside the tubular before the tubular is expanded and removed after the tubular is expanded, wherein no part of the sizing ring moves when the tubular is expanded.   
     
     
         2 . The expansion device of  claim 1  wherein said actuator is propelled by hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric power. 
     
     
         3 . The expansion device of  claim 1  wherein said at least one expanding segment is in the shape of a portion of a ring. 
     
     
         4 . The expansion device of  claim 1  wherein said at least one expanding segment is tapered. 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The expansion device of  claim 5  wherein said shaft comprises a tapered fixture on one end. 
     
     
         7 . The expansion device of  claim 1  further comprising a tapered pull nut or wedge. 
     
     
         8 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The expansion device of  claim 1  wherein the inside diameter of the sizing ring is the diameter of the expanded portion of the tubular. 
     
     
         11 . A method of expanding a portion of a tubular comprising
 providing an expansion device comprising at least one expanding segment, a sizing ring; an actuator, and a smooth shaft linking the at least one expanding segment to the actuator such that when the actuator is activated, the expanding segment expands or retracts caused by axial motion of the shaft;   placing the at least one expanding segment inside the tubular;   placing the sizing ring outside the tubular;   causing the expanding segment to expand and retract while no part of the sizing ring moves; and   removing the sizing ring from the outside of the tubular.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  comprising activating the actuator such that the shaft causes the at least one expanding segment to expand outward to create at least one complete ring or at least one partial ring on the tubular. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the at least one complete ring or at least one partial ring is configured to centralize said expandable tubular when the tubular is in use. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the at least one complete ring or at least one partial ring has the same diameter as the expandable tubular after the tubular is radially expanded in use. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  comprising reversing the actuator such that the shaft causes the at least one expanding segment to close. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  comprising moving the expansion device to another location and creating another complete or partial ring on the tubular. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the inside diameter of the sizing ring is the diameter of the expanded portion of the tubular. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said expansion device is propelled by hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric power. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said at least one expanding segment is in the shape of a portion of a ring and is tapered.