METHOD AND APPARATUS TO REDUCE THE WIDTH OF A SLOT OR OPENING IN A PIPE, TUBE OR OTHER OBJECT

摘要

A method to reduce the width of slots or openings in a pipe. The method involve determining the position of the slots relative to the surface of the pipe an d determining the width of the slots. A signal is generated corresponding to the determine d width and relative position of the slots and the signal is directed to a controller. T he controller compares the determined width of the slots with a pre-determined value and identifies slots having widths greater than the pre-determined value. The exterior surface of the pipe adjacent to the slots having determined widths greater than the pre- determined value is treated through causing one or more compression tools to be moved to selectively contact the exterior surface of the pipe adjacent to the identified slots so as to selectively reduce the width of the slots.