Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for reducing the width of a plurality of longitudinal slots or other openings spaced circumferentially around a slotted tubular member. The invention includes a seaming roller positioned to contact the outer surface of the slotted tubular member for transverse movement across the plurality of slots, and adapted to apply a force onto the slotted tubular member so as to reduce the slot width. The width of the plurality of slots is detected and compared to a set value indicative of a desired end slot width and based on this comparison, an adjustor connected to the seaming roller, adjusts the force applied by the seaming roller to the plurality of slots. Each opening is adjusted by the seaming roller to have a profile with a width that throughout the length of the slot profile, varies no more than a given tolerance from the desired end slot width.

Abstract: A method to reduce the width of slots or openings in a pipe. The method involve determining the position of the slots relative to the surface of the pipe and determining the width of the slots. A signal is generated corresponding to the determined width and relative position of the slots and the signal is directed to a controller. The controller compares the determined width of the slots with a pre-determined value and identifies slots having widths greater than the pre-determined value. The exterior surface of the pipe adjacent to the slots having determined widths greater than the pre-determined value is treated through causing one or more compression tools to be moved to selectively contact the exterior surface of the pipe adjacent to the identified slots so as to selectively reduce the width of the slots.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for reducing the width of a plurality of longitudinal slots or other openings spaced circumferentially around a slotted tubular member. The invention includes a seaming roller positioned to contact the outer surface of the slotted tubular member for transverse movement across the plurality of slots, and adapted to apply a force onto the slotted tubular member so as to reduce the slot width. The width of the plurality of slots is detected and compared to a set value indicative of a desired end slot width and based on this comparison, an adjustor connected to the seaming roller, adjusts the force applied by the seaming roller to the plurality of slots. Each opening is adjusted by the seaming roller to have a profile with a width that throughout the length of the slot profile, varies no more than a given tolerance from the desired end slot width.