| 摘要 |
An apparatus for translating an expander tool within a wellbore. The apparatus enables an expander tool to be moved axially within a wellbore during an expansion operation without raising or lowering the working string during the expansion operation. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a shaft, a nut member which rides along the shaft when the shaft is rotated, and a recess connected to the nut member for receiving the shaft as the nut member travels axially along the shaft. The expander tool is connected at an end to the nut member such that translation of the nut member along the shaft serves to translate the expander tool axially within the wellbore. In one aspect, the shaft employs helical threads for incrementally advancing the nut member upon rotation of the shaft. In a further aspect, the apparatus includes a nut housing for holding the nut member, and a key member disposed within the circumference of the nut and the nut housing. The key member extends into a spline fabricated into the inner surface of the tubular to be expanded, such as a lower string of casing, to maintain the nut member in a non-rotational manner during rotation of the shaft.
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