Patent ID: 7681636
Filing Date: 2010-03-23
Classification: B21D,E21B

Abstract:
1. An expander for radially expanding a tubular element, the expander having an axially forward direction and being provided with thrust means for exerting a thrust force to the expander to move the expander in axially forward direction through the tubular element, the expander comprising: an adjustable rear cone having an expander surface tapering radially inward in the axially forward direction, the adjustable cone being movable between a radially expanded mode and a radially collapsed mode; adjusting means for moving the adjustable cone from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode by the action of said thrust force exerted by the thrust means; and a front cone positioned axially forward of the rear cone and axially moveable relative to the thrust means, said front cone having an expander surface that tapers radially inward in the axially forward direction, a rear surface that tapers radially inward in a direction opposite to the axially forward direction, and a largest diameter smaller than the largest diameter of the rear cone.