Patent ID: 7597140
Filing Date: 2009-10-06
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An expansion device for expanding a pipe, wherein the expansion device has a front end and a rear end, and wherein the expanding device comprises: an expansion cone tapering in forward direction towards the front end of the expansion device; an anchor capable of being selectively anchored to the inner surface of the pipe; and an actuator for moving the expansion cone in forward direction through the pipe, the actuator comprising a first member connected to the expansion cone, a second member axially movable relative to the first member, the second member being connected to the anchor, and hydraulic drive means for axially moving the first and second members relative to each other, wherein the hydraulic drive means includes a front hydraulic chamber for moving the expansion cone in a forward direction through the pipe when it is desired to expand the pipe and a rear hydraulic chamber for moving the first and second members relative to each other so as to move the anchor in a forward direction through the pipe when it is desired to advance the anchor through the pipe.