Patent ID: 8141647
Filing Date: 2012-03-27
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method of radially expanding a tubular element, the method comprising inducing the wall of the tubular element to bend radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded section of the tubular element extending around an unexpanded section of the tubular element, wherein said bending occurs in a bending zone of the wall, wherein an annular space is defined between the unexpanded and expanded sections, and wherein at least one guide member is located in the annular space, each guide member being arranged to guide the wall during said bending so that the wall bends at an increased bending radius relative to bending of the wall in case the guide member is absent from the annular space; wherein a plurality of said guide members is located in the annular space, the guide members being regularly spaced along the circumference of the annular space.