Lubrication system for radially expanding tubular members

A method for radially expanding a tubular member comprising:

• providing a tubular member having an inside diameter;
• providing an expansion cone having an annular outer peripheral surface
• comprising a diameter greater than the inside diameter of the tubular member;
• texturing the outer peripheral surface with friction reducing reliefs recessed into the surface;
• and
• moving the expansion cone axially through the tubular member for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member.

A reduced friction radial expansion apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of tubular members having an axial passage formed therethrough comprising an inside diameter;
• an expansion cone having an annular outer peripheral surface comprising an outside diameter greater than the inside diameter of the axial passage;
• and
• at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface being textured with friction reducing reliefs recessed into the surface.

An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member, comprising:

• a support member;
• an expansion device coupled to an end of the support member comprising one or more expansion surfaces for engaging the tubular member during the radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member;
• and
• a lubrication system for lubricating an interface between one or more of the expansion surfaces of the expansion device and one or more interior surfaces of the tubular member.

A tribological system for lubricating an interface between an expansion device and a tubular member during a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member, comprising:

• an expansion surface coupled to the expansion device defining a surface texture;
• a first lubricating film coupled to the expansion surface;
• a second lubricating film coupled to an interior surface of the tubular member;
• and
• a lubricating material disposed within an annulus defined between the expansion surface of the expansion device and the interior surface of the tubular member.

A method of lubricating an interface between an expansion surface of an expansion device and a tubular member during a radial expansion and plastic deformation of the tubular member, comprising:

• texturing the expansion surface;
• coupling a first lubricating film coupled to the expansion surface;
• coupling a second lubricating film to an interior surface of the tubular member;
• and
• disposing a lubricating material within an annulus defined between the expansion surface of the expansion device and the interior surface of the tubular member.