METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR EXPANDING TUBULAR MEMBERS

A tool for expanding a tubular member in a well, comprises: a locating device for locating the tool in the tubular member to be expanded; and an expanding device for expanding the tubular member beyond its starting diameter, the expanding device comprising a radial array of expanding elements, each element, in use, acting on the tubular member to deform it radially outwardly; wherein each element is moveable in an axial direction independently of the other elements in the array. A method of expanding a tubular member in a well, comprises: positioning an expansion tool in the tubular member in the well, the expansion tool comprising a radial array of expanding elements ; and moving the elements in an axial direction to act on the tubular and deform it in a radial direction, each at least on element moving in an axial direction independently of others in the array. A system comprises a tool suspended on a wireline cable and connected to control equipment located at the surface so as to be operable in a well to expand tubular members located therein.