A mechanical spreader along a spreading axis, characterized in that it comprises a support (1) and two spreading plates (2), each spreading plate (2) comprising at least one bevel (3), and in that it also comprises a central rod (4) able to slide in said support (1) between the two spreading plates (2), said central rod (4) comprising a plurality of bevels (5) having a profile complementary to the bevels (3) of said spreading plates (2), the bevels (5) of said central rod (4) being in contact with the bevels (3) of said spreading plates (2), said spreader also comprising return means able to exert a return force on the spreading plates (2), means for pushing the central rod (4) and means for immobilizing the spreading plates (2) in planes perpendicular to said spreading axis.

An exhaust gas pressure tube assembly and a method for making the tube are disclosed. The assembly includes a keyed washer having a concave conical opening and an exhaust gas pressure tube having an open end for attachment to the boss. The assembly method includes positioning the washer adjacent the boss attachment open end of the pressure tube such that the concave conical opening of the washer faces the open end. A tool is positioned against a washer side and a mandrel having a conical outer surface is then inserted into the open end, causing the open end to be flared against the opening of the washer. The surface of the concave conical opening of the washer may be either smooth or knurled. If the surface is smooth, the mandrel is retained in its flaring position and a brazing or similar procedure to form a strong and gas-tight seal.

Processes and systems for preparing pipe for machine processing to form pin and box ends for assembly into pipelines using mechanical press-fit pipe joints that are fully measured and documented during both manufacturing and assembly. Installed pipelines include pipeline data monitoring systems coupled to a pipeline data management center for receiving, archiving, and analysis of the data records to aid in administration, operation and management, and troubleshooting of pipelines.

A process for assembling a pipeline from pipe sections connected together using mechanical press-fit joints using mechanical press-fit pipe joints that are fully measured and documented during both manufacturing and assembly. Installed pipelines include pipeline data monitoring systems coupled to a pipeline data management center for receiving, archiving, and analysis of the data records to aid in administration operation and management, and troubleshooting of pipelines.

Processes and systems for preparing pipe for machine processing to form pin and box ends for assembly into pipelines or to assemble pipe sections in pipelines using mechanical press-fit pipe joints in which hydraulic pressure and linear displacement parameters, respectively P and L, are fully measured and documented during both manufacturing and assembly. Installed pipelines include pipeline data monitoring systems coupled to a pipeline data management center for receiving, archiving, and analysis of the data records to aid in administration, operation and management, and troubleshooting of pipelines.

A method of manufacturing a flaring-processed metal pipe from a hollow shell including a plurality of portions having different deformation resistances in a circumferential direction is provided, the method includes: among the plurality of portions, specifying a portion having a relatively small deformation resistance as a low deformation resistance section, and a portion having a relatively large deformation resistance as a high deformation resistance section; and press-fitting a pipe expansion punch into the hollow shell such that a thickness reduction rate of the low deformation resistance section is smaller than a thickness reduction rate of the high deformation resistance section.

Processes and systems for preparing pipe for machine processing to form pin and box ends for assembly into pipelines using mechanical press-fit pipe joints that are fully measured and documented during both manufacturing and assembly. Installed pipelines include pipeline data monitoring systems coupled to a pipeline data management center for receiving, archiving, and analysis of the data records to aid in administration, operation and management, and troubleshooting of pipelines.

An improved expander for expanding metal pipes comprises a plurality of flexible rods (3), which are fed in parallel manner towards a corresponding plurality of parallel pipes (5) to axially insert respective expander mandrels (4) placed at the front end of the flexible rods (3) therein. The aforesaid flexible rods (3) are made in form of a harmonic steel stem with round section and smooth outer surface.

Methods for forming a pipe end for a pipe having an inner surface lined with a liner are provided, wherein the pipe is cut at an axial location to provide a first end having an initial inner diameter defined by an inner surface of the pipe; and a length of the pipe is expanded from the first end to form an upset, bell end where an inner diameter of the upset, bell end is larger than the initial diameter, thereby defining an annulus between the inner surface of the pipe and the liner. A clamp for limiting a pipe's movement during various operations is also provided.

A joining method for members according to the present invention includes: providing a steel component including insertion holes, an aluminum pipe having a hollow shape, and a support component; inserting the aluminum pipe into the insertion holes of the steel component; and enlarging the aluminum pipe through deformation and joining the aluminum pipe to the steel component by press-fitting. The press-fit joining is performed while at least part of the support component is disposed in a press-fitting region.