Expander for expanding a tubular element

摘要

An expander for radially expanding a tubular element, comprising an expander body connectable to an elongate member for moving the expander in axial direction through the tubular element, the expander body having a first body portion and a second body portion axially displaced from the first body portion, wherein the first body portion has a larger outer diameter than the second body portion. A set of expander segments is arranged around the expander body, each segment being movable relative the expander body between a radially extended position in which the segment is axially aligned with the first body portion and a radially retracted position in which the segment is axially aligned with the second body portion. Actuating means is provided for moving each segment between the extended position and the retracted position. Each segment and the first body portion are provided with co-operating support profiles for preventing axial movement of the segment relative to the first body portion during expansion of the tubular element whereby the segment is in the extended position.