Importance

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Abstract

In a method for slotting a pipe, a sacrificial liner is inserted into the pipe and radially expanded into contact against the inner pipe wall surface, where-upon rotating blades are plunged through the pipe wall and partially into the sacrificial liner. The sacrificial liner prevents the formation of wickers, and prevents cuttings and cutting fluid from entering the interior of the pipe, thus facilitating production of wicker-free slotted pipe requiring reduced post-slotting cleaning. An apparatus for implementing the method incorporates a fixed seal sub-assembly and a movable seal sub-assembly, interconnectable to form an elongate assembly which is adjustable to suit different pipe lengths. A cylindrical re-usable liner is disposable around the assembled fixed and movable seal sub-assemblies, and sized for insertion into the sacrificial liner. The re-usable liner may be expanded by internal pressure, thereby expanding the sacrificial liner. Preferably, the slotting method uses slotting blades with curvilinear teeth thinner than the main blade body, to produce cuttings that are narrower than the finished slot width, and therefore easier to remove from the slots during slotting operations.

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First Claim