METHOD OF RADIALLY EXPANDING A TUBULAR ELEMENT BY BENDING TUBE RADIALLY OUTWARD TO EXTEND AROUND REST OF TUBE

摘要

Disclosed is a method of radially expanding a tubular element extending into a wellbore formed in an earth formation, or more generally expanding a tubular element. The method comprises inducing the wall of the tubular element to bend radially outward and in axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element, wherein said bending occurs in a bending zone of the tubular element. The method further comprises increasing the length of the expanded tubular section by inducing the bending zone to move in axial direction relative to the remaining tubular section. Said wall includes a material that is plastically deformed in the bending zone during the bending process so that the expanded tubular section retains an expanded shape as a result of said plastic deformation.