What Does
Expansion Cone Mean?
An expansion cone is a device designed to enlarge the diameter of a borehole. It is used to improve the structure of the borehole and ensure optimal borehole size to facilitate the installation of the pipeline.
Expansions cones are part of the operator’s toolkit in the trenchless construction industry.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Expansion Cone
Borehole expansion is sometimes necessary during a drilling operation. The process of expanding a borehole is especially challenging in the oil and gas industry when a non-conforming borehole structure is deep underground. The same problems occur in trenchless construction operations during the excavation for pipeline installation. Traditional expansion methods include the use of compressed air to force a reamer through an existing hole.
A new expansion tool is now available. An expansion cone, perhaps made of steel, can enlarge the size of a borehole as much as 10-15%. This tool may be used in conjunction with expandable casings. Some newer designs of expansion tools are actually adjustable. Expansion cones are among the many advancements in trenchless technology.