EXPANSION ASSEMBLY FOR A TUBULAR EXPANDER TOOL, AND METHOD OF TUBULAR EXPANSION

摘要

An improved expansion assembly for an expander toot is provided. The expander tool is used to expand a surrounding tubular body within a wellbore . Accordingly, a method for expanding a surrounding tubular is also provided. The expansion assembly first comprises a piston disposed within a recess of the expander tool. The top surface of the piston closely receives a pad. The pad is held in close proximity to the top surface of the piston such that it does not rotate about a shaft. This arrangement reduces the geometric size of the expansion assembly , affording a larger inner diameter for the hollow bore of the expander tool itself. At least one reinforcement member is disposed on or within the pad to strengthe n the pad during an expansion operation. The reinforcement member is fabricated fr om a durable material, and is arranged along the pad in the area of contact with the surrounding tubular during an expansion operation.