US20090114448A1 - Expandable roller reamer - Google Patents
Expandable roller reamer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090114448A1 US20090114448A1 US11/933,954 US93395407A US2009114448A1 US 20090114448 A1 US20090114448 A1 US 20090114448A1 US 93395407 A US93395407 A US 93395407A US 2009114448 A1 US2009114448 A1 US 2009114448A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- expandable
- tool
- moveable arm
- downhole tool
- roller
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 70
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 61
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 37
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 10
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 10
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 5
- 229910003460 diamond Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000010432 diamond Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 4
- UONOETXJSWQNOL-UHFFFAOYSA-N tungsten carbide Chemical compound [W+]#[C-] UONOETXJSWQNOL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000011105 stabilization Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005552 hardfacing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B10/00—Drill bits
- E21B10/26—Drill bits with leading portion, i.e. drill bits with a pilot cutter; Drill bits for enlarging the borehole, e.g. reamers
- E21B10/32—Drill bits with leading portion, i.e. drill bits with a pilot cutter; Drill bits for enlarging the borehole, e.g. reamers with expansible cutting tools
- E21B10/34—Drill bits with leading portion, i.e. drill bits with a pilot cutter; Drill bits for enlarging the borehole, e.g. reamers with expansible cutting tools of roller-cutter type
- E21B10/345—Drill bits with leading portion, i.e. drill bits with a pilot cutter; Drill bits for enlarging the borehole, e.g. reamers with expansible cutting tools of roller-cutter type cutter shifted by fluid pressure
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a roller reamer for stabilizing a drillstring and reducing torque.
- an underreamer which has basically two operative states—a closed or collapsed state, where the diameter of the tool is sufficiently small to allow the tool to pass through the existing cased borehole, and an open or partly expanded state, where one or more arms with cutters on the ends thereof extend from the body of the tool. In this latter position, the underreamer enlarges the borehole diameter as the tool is rotated and lowered in the borehole.
- a “drilling type” underreamer is typically used in conjunction with a conventional pilot drill bit positioned below or downstream of the underreamer.
- the pilot bit can drill the borehole at the same time as the underreamer enlarges the borehole formed by the bit.
- Underreamers of this type usually have hinged arms with roller cone cutters attached thereto.
- Most of the prior art underreamers utilize swing out cutter arms that are pivoted at an end opposite the cutting end of the cutting arms, and the cutter arms are actuated by mechanical or hydraulic forces acting on the arms to extend or retract them.
- Typical examples of these types of underreamers are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,224,507; 3,425,500 and 4,055,226.
- the traditional underreamer tool typically has rotary cutter pocket recesses formed in the body for storing the retracted arms and roller cone cutters when the tool is in a closed state.
- the pocket recesses form large cavities in the underreamer body, which requires the removal of the structural metal forming the body, thereby compromising the strength and the hydraulic capacity of the underreamer. Accordingly, these prior art underreamers may not be capable of underreaming harder rock formations, or may have unacceptably slow rates of penetration, and they are not optimized for the high fluid flow rates required.
- the pocket recesses also tend to fill with debris from the drilling operation, which hinders collapsing of the arms. If the arms do not fully collapse, the drill string may easily hang up in the borehole when an attempt is made to remove the string from the borehole.
- underreamers have several disadvantages, including cutting structures that are typically formed of sections of drill bits rather than being specifically designed for the underreaming function. Therefore, the cutting structures of most underreamers do not reliably underream the borehole to the desired diameter.
- a further disadvantage is that adjusting the expanded diameter of a conventional underreamer requires replacement of the cutting arms with larger or smaller arms, or replacement of other components of the underreamer tool. It may even be necessary to replace the underreamer altogether with one that provides a different expanded diameter.
- Another disadvantage is that many underreamers are designed to automatically expand when drilling fluid is pumped through the drill string, and no indication is provided at the surface that the underreamer is in the fully-expanded position. In some applications, it may be desirable for the operator to control when the underreamer expands.
- an underreamer that is stronger than prior art underreamers, with a hydraulic capacity that is optimized for the high flow rate drilling environment. It would further be advantageous for such an underreamer to include several design features, namely cutting structures designed for the underreaming function, mechanisms for adjustment of the expanded diameter without requiring component changes, and the ability to provide indication at the surface when the underreamer is in the fully-expanded position. Moreover, in the presence of hydraulic pressure in the drill string, it would be advantageous to provide an underreamer that is selectively expandable.
- Another method for enlarging a borehole below a previously cased borehole section includes using a winged reamer behind a conventional drill bit.
- a conventional pilot drill bit is disposed at the lowermost end of the drilling assembly with a winged reamer disposed at some distance behind the drill bit.
- the winged reamer generally comprises a tubular body with one or more longitudinally extending “wings” or blades projecting radially outwardly from the tubular body.
- the pilot bit rotates about the centerline of the drilling axis to drill a lower borehole on center in the desired trajectory of the well path, while the eccentric winged reamer follows the pilot bit and engages the formation to enlarge the pilot borehole to the desired diameter.
- Yet another method for enlarging a borehole below a previously cased borehole section includes using a bi-center bit, which is a one-piece drilling structure that provides a combination underreamer and pilot bit.
- the pilot bit is disposed on the lowermost end of the drilling assembly, and the eccentric underreamer bit is disposed slightly above the pilot bit.
- winged reamers and bi-center bits each include underreamer portions that are eccentric.
- a number of disadvantages are associated with this design.
- cement and float equipment at the bottom of the lowermost casing string must be drilled out.
- the pass-through diameter of the drilling assembly at the eccentric underreamer portion barely fits within the lowermost casing string. Therefore, off-center drilling is required to drill out the cement and float equipment to ensure that the eccentric underreamer portions do not damage the casing. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an underreamer that collapses while the drilling assembly is in the casing and that expands to underream the previously drilled borehole to the desired diameter below the casing.
- eccentric underreamer portions have difficulty reliably underreaming the borehole to the desired diameter.
- the eccentric underreamer bit tends to cause the pilot bit to wobble and undesirably deviate off center, thereby pushing the pilot bit away from the preferred trajectory of drilling the well path.
- winged reamers which only underream the borehole to the desired diameter if the pilot bit remains centralized in the borehole during drilling. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an underreamer that remains concentrically disposed in the borehole while underreaming the previously drilled borehole to the desired diameter.
- stabilizers In drilling operations, it is conventional to employ a tool known as a “stabilizer.” In standard boreholes, traditional stabilizers are located in the drilling assembly behind the drill bit for controlling the trajectory of the drill bit as drilling progresses. Traditional stabilizers control drilling in a desired direction, whether the direction is along a straight borehole or a deviated borehole.
- a drill bit may be mounted onto a lower stabilizer, which is disposed approximately 5 feet above the bit.
- the lower stabilizer is a fixed blade stabilizer that includes a plurality of concentric blades extending radially outwardly and spaced azimuthally around the circumference of the stabilizer housing. The outer edges of the blades are adapted to contact the wall of the existing cased borehole, thereby defining the maximum stabilizer diameter that will pass through the casing.
- a plurality of drill collars extends between the lower stabilizer and other stabilizers in the drilling assembly.
- An upper stabilizer is typically positioned in the drill string approximately 30-60 feet above the lower stabilizer. There could also be additional stabilizers above the upper stabilizer.
- the upper stabilizer may be either a fixed blade stabilizer or, more recently, an adjustable blade stabilizer that allows the blades to be collapsed into the housing as the drilling assembly passes through the casing and then expanded in the borehole below.
- adjustable concentric stabilizer is manufactured by Andergauge U.S.A., Inc., Spring, Tex. and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,490.
- Another type of adjustable concentric stabilizer is manufactured by Halliburton, Houston, Tex. and is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,318,137; 5,318,138; and 5,332,048.
- a “fulcrum” type assembly would be present because the lower stabilizer acts as a fulcrum or pivot point for the bit.
- the weight of the drill collars behind the lower stabilizer forces the stabilizer to push against the lower side of the borehole, thereby creating a fulcrum or pivot point for the drill bit. Accordingly, the drill bit tends to be lifted upwardly at an angle, i.e. build angle. Therefore, a second stabilizer is provided to offset the fulcrum effect.
- the upper stabilizer engages the lower side of the borehole, thereby causing the longitudinal axis of the bit to pivot downwardly so as to drop angle.
- a radial change of the blades of the upper stabilizer can control the pivoting of the bit on the lower stabilizer, thereby providing a two-dimensional, gravity based steerable system to control the build or drop angle of the drilled borehole as desired.
- an upper stabilizer that engages the wall of the underreamed borehole to keep the centerline of the pilot bit centered within the borehole.
- the stabilizer blades When utilized with an eccentric underreamer that tends to force the pilot bit off center, the stabilizer blades would preferably engage the opposite side of the expanded borehole to counter that force and keep the pilot bit on center.
- inventions disclosed herein relate to an expandable downhole tool for use in a drilling assembly positioned within a wellbore.
- the expandable downhole tool includes a tool body having an axial flowbore extending therethrough and a moveable arm.
- the moveable arm includes a roller structure including cutters and rotatably mounted on the moveable arm.
- the moveable arm is configured to move outwardly in response to actuation of the expandable downhole tool.
- inventions disclosed herein relate to a moveable arm for an expandable downhole tool.
- the moveable arm includes a body, a roller structure including cutters and rotatably mounted on the body.
- the moveable arm is configured be moveably received into a tool body of the expandable downhole tool.
- embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of underreaming a wellbore to form an enlarged borehole.
- the method includes using a drill bit to drill the wellbore, disposing an expandable underreamer above the drill bit, using the expandable underreamer to enlarge the borehole, and disposing an expandable roller reamer above the first expandable underreamer, wherein the expandable roller reamer comprises a moveable arm comprising a roller structure comprising cutters and rotatably mounted on the moveable arm.
- the method further includes actuating the expandable roller reamer such that the cutters disposed on the roller structure contact the enlarged borehole.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a drilling assembly
- FIG. 2 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of another drilling assembly
- FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of another drilling assembly
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional elevation view of one embodiment of the expandable tool of the present invention, showing the moveable arms in the collapsed position;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the expandable tool of FIG. 4 , showing the moveable arms in the expanded position;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a “blank” arm for the expandable tool of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 7 is a top view of an exemplary arm for the expandable tool of FIG. 4 including a wear pad and cutting structures for back reaming and underreaming;
- FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the arm of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the arm of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the drive ring of the expandable tool of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the expandable tool of the present invention, showing the moveable arms in the collapsed position;
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 11 , showing the moveable arms in the expanded position.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a moveable arm having a roller reamer structure.
- FIGS. 14 a - c are a perspective view of an embodiment of a moveable arm having a roller reamer structure.
- the present disclosure relates to a roller reamer for stabilizing a drillstring and reducing torque.
- the present invention is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. There are shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific embodiments of the present invention with the understanding that the disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that illustrated and described herein.
- various embodiments of the present invention provide a number of different constructions and methods of operation.
- Each of the various embodiments of the present invention may be used to enlarge a borehole, or to provide stabilization in a previously enlarged borehole, or in a borehole that is simultaneously being enlarged.
- the embodiments of the expandable tool of the present invention may be utilized as an underreamer, or as a stabilizer behind a bi-center bit, or as a stabilizer behind a winged reamer or underreamer following a conventional bit.
- the embodiments of the present invention also provide a plurality of methods for use in a drilling assembly. It is to be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments disclosed herein may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce desired results.
- the expandable tool described with respect to the Figures that follow may be used in many different drilling assemblies.
- the following exemplary systems provide only some of the representative assemblies within which the present invention may be used, but these should not be considered the only assemblies.
- the embodiments of the expandable tool of the present invention may be used in any assembly requiring an expandable underreamer and/or stabilizer for use in controlling the directional tendencies of a drilling assembly in an expanded borehole.
- FIGS. 1-3 show various exemplary drilling assemblies within which embodiments of the present invention may be utilized.
- a section of a drilling assembly generally designated as 100 is shown drilling into the bottom of a formation 10 with a conventional drill bit 110 followed by an underreamer 120 .
- a stabilizer 150 Separated from the underreamer 120 by one or more drill collars 130 is a stabilizer 150 that controls the directional tendencies of the drilling assembly 100 in the underreamed borehole 25 .
- This section of the drilling assembly 100 is shown at the bottom of formation 10 drilling a borehole 20 with the conventional drill bit 110 , while the underreamer cutting arms 125 are simultaneously opening a larger diameter borehole 25 above.
- the drilling assembly 100 is operating below any cased portions of the well.
- the underreamer 120 tends to provide a fulcrum or pivot effect to the drill bit 110 , thereby requiring a stabilizer 150 to offset this effect.
- various embodiments of the expandable tool of the present invention are provided in the positions of both the underreamer 120 and the stabilizer 150 .
- the stabilizer 150 would also include cutting structures to ensure that the larger borehole 25 is enlarged to the proper diameter.
- any conventional underreamer may alternatively be utilized with one embodiment of the present invention provided in the position of stabilizer 150 in the drilling assembly 100 .
- one embodiment of the present invention may be utilized in the position of underreamer 120
- a conventional stabilizer may be utilized in the position of stabilizer 150 .
- a drilling assembly 200 is shown disposed within formation 10 , below any cased sections of the well.
- the drilling assembly 200 is drilling a borehole 20 utilizing a conventional drill bit 110 followed by a winged reamer 220 .
- the winged reamer 220 may be separated from the drill bit 110 by one or more drill collars 130 , but preferably the winged reamer 220 is connected directly above the drill bit 110 .
- Upstream of the winged reamer 220 is a stabilizer 150 that controls the directional tendencies of the drilling assembly 200 in the underreamed borehole 25 .
- the drill bit 110 is shown at the bottom of the formation 10 drilling a borehole 20 , while the wing component 225 of the winged reamer 220 is simultaneously opening a larger diameter borehole 25 above.
- one embodiment of the present invention would be located in the position of stabilizer 150 .
- the stabilizer 150 would also include cutting structures to ensure that the larger borehole 25 is enlarged to the proper diameter.
- a drilling assembly 300 is shown disposed within formation 10 , below any cased sections of the well.
- the drilling assembly 300 utilizes a bi-center bit 320 that includes a pilot bit 310 and an eccentric underreamer bit 325 .
- the pilot bit 310 drills the borehole 20
- the eccentric underreamer bit 325 opens a larger diameter borehole 25 above.
- the bi-center bit 320 is separated by one or more drill collars 130 from a stabilizer 150 designed to control the directional tendencies of the bi-center bit 320 in the underreamed borehole 25 .
- the function of the stabilizer 150 is to offset the fulcrum or pivot effect created by the eccentric underreamer bit 325 to ensure that the pilot bit 310 stays centered as it drills the borehole 20 .
- one embodiment of the expandable tool of the present invention would be located in the position of stabilizer 150 .
- the stabilizer 150 would also include cutting structures to ensure that the larger borehole 25 is enlarged to the proper diameter.
- the expandable tool 500 comprises a generally cylindrical tool body 510 with a flowbore 508 extending therethrough.
- the tool body 510 includes upper 514 and lower 512 connection portions for connecting the tool 500 into a drilling assembly.
- one or more pocket recesses 516 are formed in the body 510 and spaced apart azimuthally around the circumference of the body 510 .
- the one or more recesses 516 accommodate the axial movement of several components of the tool 500 that move up or down within the pocket recesses 516 , including one or more moveable, non-pivotable tool arms 520 .
- Each recess 516 stores one moveable arm 520 in the collapsed position.
- the expandable tool includes three moveable arms 520 disposed within three pocket recesses 516 .
- the one or more recesses 516 and the one or more arms 520 may be referred to in the plural form, i.e. recesses 516 and arms 520 . Nevertheless, it should be appreciated that the scope of the present invention also comprises one recess 516 and one arm 520 .
- the recesses 516 further include angled channels 518 that provide a drive mechanism for the moveable tool arms 520 to move axially upwardly and radially outwardly into the expanded position of FIG. 5 .
- a biasing spring 540 may be included to bias the arms 520 to the collapsed position of FIG. 4 .
- the biasing spring 540 is disposed within a spring cavity 545 and covered by a spring retainer 550 .
- Retainer 550 is locked in position by an upper cap 555 .
- a stop ring 544 is provided at the lower end of spring 540 to keep the spring 540 in position.
- a drive ring 570 that includes one or more nozzles 575 .
- An actuating piston 530 that forms a piston cavity 535 , engages the drive ring 570 .
- a drive ring block 572 connects the piston 530 to the drive ring 570 via bolt 574 .
- the piston 530 is adapted to move axially in the pocket recesses 516 .
- a lower cap 580 provides a lower stop for the axial movement of the piston 530 .
- An inner mandrel 560 is the innermost component within the tool 500 , and it slidingly engages a lower retainer 590 at 592 .
- the lower retainer 590 includes ports 595 that allow drilling fluid to flow from the flowbore 508 into the piston chamber 535 to actuate the piston 530 .
- a threaded connection is provided at 556 between the upper cap 555 and the inner mandrel 560 and at 558 between the upper cap 555 and body 510 .
- the upper cap 555 sealingly engages the body 510 at 505 , and sealingly engages the inner mandrel 560 at 562 and 564 .
- a wrench slot 554 is provided between the upper cap 555 and the spring retainer 550 , which provides room for a wrench to be inserted to adjust the position of the spring retainer 550 in the body 510 .
- Spring retainer 550 connects at 551 via threads to the body 510 .
- a bore 552 is provided through which a bar can be placed to prevent rotation of the spring retainer 550 during assembly.
- a spring cover 542 is bolted at 546 to the stop ring 544 . The spring cover 542 prevents personnel from incurring injury during assembly and testing of the tool 500 .
- the moveable arms 520 include pads 522 , 524 , and 526 with structures 700 , 800 that engage the borehole when the arms 520 are expanded outwardly to the expanded position of the tool 500 shown in FIG. 5 .
- the piston 530 sealingly engages the inner mandrel 560 at 566 , and sealingly engages the body 510 at 534 .
- the lower cap 580 is threadingly connected to the body and to the lower retainer 590 at 582 , 584 , respectively. A sealing engagement is also provided at 586 between the lower cap 580 and the body 510 .
- the lower cap 580 provides a stop for the piston 530 to control the collapsed diameter of the tool 500 .
- the drive ring 570 is coupled to the piston 530 , and then the drive ring block 572 is boltingly connected at 574 to prevent the drive ring 570 and the piston 530 from translating axially relative to one another.
- the drive ring block 572 therefore, provides a locking connection between the drive ring 570 and the piston 530 .
- FIG. 5 depicts the tool 500 with the moveable arms 520 in the maximum expanded position, extending radially outwardly from the body 510 .
- the tool 500 has two operational positions—namely a collapsed position as shown in FIG. 4 or an expanded position as shown in FIG. 5 .
- the spring retainer 550 which is a threaded sleeve, can be adjusted at the surface to limit the full diameter expansion of arms 520 .
- the spring retainer 550 compresses the biasing spring 540 when the tool 500 is collapsed, and the position of the spring retainer 550 determines the amount of expansion of the arms 520 .
- the spring retainer 550 is adjusted by a wrench in the wrench slot 554 that rotates the spring retainer 550 axially downwardly or upwardly with respect to the body 510 at threads 551 .
- the upper cap 555 is also a threaded component that locks the spring retainer 550 once it has been positioned. Accordingly, one advantage of the present tool is the ability to adjust at the surface the expanded diameter of the tool 500 . Unlike conventional underreamer tools, this adjustment can be made without replacing any components of the tool 500 .
- the arms 520 will either underream the borehole or stabilize the drilling assembly, depending upon how the pads 522 , 524 and 526 are configured.
- cutting structures 700 on pads 526 would underream the borehole.
- Wear buttons 800 on pads 522 and 524 would provide gauge protection as the underreaming progresses. Hydraulic force causes the arms 520 to expand outwardly to the position shown in FIG. 5 due to the differential pressure of the drilling fluid between the flowbore 508 and the annulus 22 .
- the drilling fluid flows along path 605 , through ports 595 in the lower retainer 590 , along path 610 into the piston chamber 535 .
- the differential pressure between the fluid in the flowbore 508 and the fluid in the borehole annulus 22 surrounding tool 500 causes the piston 530 to move axially upwardly from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. 5 .
- a small amount of flow can move through the piston chamber 535 and through nozzles 575 to the annulus 22 as the tool 500 starts to expand.
- the piston 530 moves axially upwardly in pocket recesses 516 , the piston 530 engages the drive ring 570 , thereby causing the drive ring 570 to move axially upwardly against the moveable arms 520 .
- the arms 520 will move axially upwardly in pocket recesses 516 and also radially outwardly as the arms 520 travel in channels 518 disposed in the body 510 .
- the flow continues along paths 605 , 610 and out into the annulus 22 Through nozzles 575 .
- the nozzles 575 are part of the drive ring 570 , they move axially with the arms 520 . Accordingly, these nozzles 575 are optimally positioned to continuously provide cleaning and cooling to the cutting structures 700 disposed on surface 526 as fluid exits to the annulus 22 along flow path 620 .
- the underreamer tool 500 of the one embodiment of the present invention solves the problems experienced with bi-center bits and winged reamers because it is designed to remain concentrically disposed within the borehole.
- the tool 500 of the present invention preferably includes three extendable arms 520 spaced apart circumferentially at the same axial location on the tool 510 . In one embodiment, the circumferential spacing would be 120° apart. This three arm design provides a full gauge underreaming tool 500 that remains centralized in the borehole at all times.
- Embodiments of the present invention may provide hydraulic indication at the surface, thereby informing the operator whether the tool is in the contracted position shown in FIG. 4 , or the expanded position shown in FIG. 5 .
- the flow area within piston chamber 535 is smaller than the flow area within piston chamber 535 when the tool 500 is in the expanded position shown in FIG. 5 . Therefore, in the expanded position, the flow area in chamber 535 is larger, providing a greater flow area between the flowbore 508 and the wellbore annulus 22 .
- pressure at the surface will decrease as compared to the pressure at the surface when the tool 500 is contracted. This decrease in pressure indicates that the tool 500 is expanded.
- FIGS. 6-10 provide more detail regarding the moveable arms 520 and drive ring 570 of FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- FIG. 6 shows a “blank” arm 520 with no cutting structures or stabilizing structures attached to pads 522 , 524 , 526 .
- the arm 520 is shown in isometric view to depict a top surface 521 , a bottom surface 527 , a front surface 665 , a back surface 660 , and a side surface 528 .
- the top surface 521 and the bottom surface 527 are preferably angled, as described in more detail below.
- the arm 520 preferably includes two upper pads 522 , one middle pad 524 , and two lower pads 526 disposed on the front surface 665 of the arm 520 .
- the arm 520 also includes extensions 650 disposed along each side 528 of arm 520 .
- the extensions 650 preferably extend upwardly at an angle from the bottom 527 of the arm 520 towards pads 522 , 524 and 526 .
- the extensions 650 protrude outwardly from the arm 520 to fit within corresponding channels 518 in the pocket recess 516 of the tool body 510 , as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- the interconnection between the arm extensions 650 and the body channels 518 increases the surface area of contact between the moveable arms 520 and the tool body 510 , thereby providing a more robust expandable tool 500 as compared to prior art tools.
- FIG. 6 is a blank version of either an underreamer cutting arm or a stabilizer arm.
- the tool 500 is converted from an underreamer to a stabilizer or vice versa, or to a combination underreamer/stabilizer.
- FIGS. 7 , 8 and 9 an exemplary arm 520 is shown that includes two sets of cutting structures 700 , 710 .
- FIG. 7 depicts the arm 520 from a top perspective
- FIG. 8 provides an elevational side view
- FIG. 9 shows an isometric perspective.
- the top surface 521 and the bottom surface 527 of the arm 520 are preferably angled in the same direction as best shown in FIG. 7 .
- These surfaces 521 , 527 are designed to prevent the arm 520 from vibrating when pads 522 , 524 and 526 engage the borehole. Namely, when pads 522 , 524 and 526 engage the borehole, the arms 520 are held in compression by the piston 530 .
- the angled top surface 521 and the angled bottom surface 527 bias the arms 520 to the trailing side of the pocket recesses 516 to minimize vibration.
- pads 522 comprise cutting structures 710 such that the arm 520 provides back reaming capabilities. Back reaming is pulling the tool 500 upwardly in the borehole while underreaming.
- Pad 524 is preferably covered with wear buttons 800 that provide a stabilizing and gauge protection function.
- Pads 526 comprise cutting structures 700 for underreaming.
- the extensions 650 that fit within channels 518 of the body 510 are shown extending upwardly at an angle along the side 528 from the back surface 660 of the arm 520 towards pads 522 , 524 and 526 .
- FIG. 9 shows the same arm 520 in isometric view.
- the back reaming cutting structures 710 would be replaced with wear buttons, such as buttons 800 .
- This configuration would result in the underreaming arm 520 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- Modifying the tool 500 from an underreamer to a stabilizer simply requires providing stabilizing structures on all of the pads 522 , 524 and 526 .
- surfaces 522 , 524 , and 526 would be covered with a dense plurality of wear buttons 800 without any cutting structures.
- the material for the wear buttons 800 may be, for example, a tungsten carbide or diamond material, which provides good wear capabilities.
- the pads 522 , 524 , and 526 may be coated with a hardened material called TCI 300H hardfacing.
- the pads 522 , 524 , 526 could comprise a variety of structures and configurations utilizing a variety of different materials.
- a variety of different cutting structures 700 could be provided on surfaces 526 , depending upon the formation characteristics.
- the cutting structures 700 , 710 for underreaming and back reaming, respectively, are specially designed for the particular cutting function.
- the cutting structures 700 , 710 comprise the cutting structures disclosed and claimed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/924,961, filed Aug. 8, 2001, entitled “Advanced Expandable Reaming Tool,” assigned to Smith International, Inc., which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- the underreamer/stabilizer preferably includes three moveable arms 520 spaced apart circumferentially at the same axial location along the tool body 510 .
- the three moveable arms 520 are spaced 120° circumferentially. This arrangement of the arms 520 is preferred to centralize the tool 500 in the borehole.
- the drive ring 570 is moveable with the arms 520 and preferably includes three extended portions 576 spaced 120° circumferentially with angled nozzles 575 therethrough that are designed to direct drilling fluid to the cutting structures 700 of the underreamer at surfaces 526 .
- the boreholes 578 in the extended portions 576 adjacent nozzles 575 accept bolts 574 to connect the drive ring 570 to the drive ring block 572 and piston 530 .
- An aperture 571 is disposed through the center of the drive ring 570 to enable a connection to the piston 530 . Because the drive ring 570 is connected to the piston 530 , it moves with the piston 530 to push the moveable arms 520 axially upwardly and outwardly along the channels 518 to the expanded position. Accordingly, because drive ring 570 moves with the arms 520 , the nozzles 575 continuously provide drilling fluid to the cutting structures 700 on the underreamer surfaces 526 . The nozzles 575 are optimally placed to move with and follow the cutting structures 700 and thereby assure that the cutters 700 are properly cleaned and cooled at all times.
- FIGS. 11 and 12 depict a second embodiment of the present invention, generally designated as 900 , in the collapsed and expanded positions, respectively.
- Many components of tool 900 are the same as the components of embodiment 500 , and those components maintain the same reference numerals. There are, however, several differences.
- the inner mandrel 560 of the first embodiment tool 500 is replaced by a stinger assembly 910 , preferably comprising an upper inner mandrel 912 , a middle inner mandrel 914 , and a lower inner mandrel 916 .
- the lower inner mandrel 916 includes ports 920 that must align with ports 595 in the lower retainer 590 before fluid can enter piston chamber 535 to actuate the piston 530 . As shown in FIG.
- fluid flows through the flowbore 508 of tool 900 , along pathway 605 depicted by the arrows. Because the ports 920 of the lower inner mandrel 916 do not align with the ports 595 of the lower retainer 590 , the fluid continues flowing along path 605 , past ports 595 , down through the tool 900 .
- the tool 900 is selectively actuated utilizing an actuator (not shown), which aligns the ports 920 with the ports 595 to enable the expandable tool to move from the contracted position shown in FIG. 11 to the expanded position shown in FIG. 12 .
- a bottom spring 930 is disposed within a bottom spring chamber 935 and held within the body 510 by a bottom spring retainer 950 .
- Bottom spring retainer 950 threadingly connects at 952 to the lower retainer 590 .
- the spring 930 biases the stinger assembly 910 upwardly such that stinger 910 must be forced downwardly by an actuator to overcome the force of bottom spring 930 .
- the ports 920 disposed circumferentially around the bottom of lower inner mandrel 916 align with the ports 595 of lower retainer 590 that lead into piston chamber 535 .
- FIG. 12 shows the tool 900 in an expanded position. In this position, drilling fluid flows through the flowbore 508 , along pathway 605 . However, because stinger 910 has been actuated downwardly against the force of bottom spring 930 by an actuator, the ports 920 in lower inner mandrel 916 now align with ports 595 in the lower retainer 590 . Therefore, when the drilling fluid proceeds downwardly along flow path 605 through the flowbore 508 to reach ports 920 , it will flow through ports 920 , 595 and into the piston chamber 535 as depicted by flow arrows 610 .
- the fluid flowing along pathway 610 will actuate the piston 530 upwardly against the force of spring 540 .
- the piston 530 will push the drive ring 570 , which will push the arms 520 axially upwardly and outwardly as the extensions 650 on the arms 520 move along channels 518 in the body 510 .
- the fluid flows through the nozzles 575 in the drive ring 570 , it exits at an angle along pathway 620 to cool and clean the cutting structures 700 disposed on surfaces 526 that underream the borehole.
- the second embodiment 900 of FIGS. 11 and 12 is capable of being selectively actuated.
- the tool 900 can be selectively actuated at the election of the operator to align the ports 920 and 595 .
- a suitable actuator is the flow switch described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,999 entitled “Fluid Flow Control Devices and Methods for Selective Actuation of Valves and Hydraulic Drilling Tools,” hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- upper inner mandrel 912 may include an adjustment ring portion 918 , which is just a spacer ring that makes up any discrepancies in the area between the upper inner mandrel 912 and the middle inner mandrel 914 such that the appropriate gap dimension can be maintained.
- the flow switch provides the advantage of additional hydraulic indications to the surface, in addition to the pressure indications provided by the increased flow area in the piston chamber 535 when the tool 900 is in the expanded position of FIG. 12 .
- the flow switch includes an uplink pulser capable of providing position and status information to the surface via mud pulse telemetry.
- one embodiment comprises the tool 900 of FIGS. 11 and 12 , and more preferably comprises the tool 900 in combination with the referenced flow switch.
- an expandable tool 500 or 900 is lowered through casing in the collapsed position shown in FIGS. 4 and 11 , respectively.
- the first embodiment of the tool 500 would then be expanded automatically when drilling fluid flows through flowbore 508
- the second embodiment of the tool 900 would be expanded only after selectively actuating the tool 900 .
- the tools 500 , 900 expand due to differential pressure between the flow bore 508 and the wellbore annulus 22 acting on the piston 530 . That differential pressure may be in the range of 800 to 1,500 psi. Therefore, differential pressure working across the piston 530 will cause the one or more arms 520 of the tool to move from a collapsed to an expanded position against the force of the biasing spring 540 .
- the function of the present invention as either an underreamer or as a stabilizer would be determined. Referring again to FIG. 1 , one example would be to use either embodiment of the tool 500 , 900 in the position of underreamer 120 , and preferably to use the second embodiment of the tool 900 in the position of stabilizer 150 . As another example, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , if a winged reamer 220 or a bi-center bit 320 is used instead of an underreamer 120 , the second embodiment of the tool 900 would preferably be used in the position of stabilizer 150 . As an underreamer, one or more embodiments of the present invention are capable of underreaming a borehole to a desired diameter. As a stabilizer, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide directional control for the assembly 100 , 200 , 300 within the underreamed borehole 25 .
- FIG. 13 a moveable arm 820 with a roller structure 162 in accordance with another embodiment is shown.
- the moveable arm 820 shown in FIG. 13 is similar in structure to the blank arm shown in FIG. 6 .
- a body 830 includes extensions 650 formed on the sides and configured to fit within corresponding channels of the tool body, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- the body 830 is further configured to accommodate the roller structure 162 rotatably attached thereto.
- the shape of the roller structure 162 may be, for example, cylindrical or frusto-conical.
- Cutting structures 163 are distributed azimuthally about the roller structure 162 .
- the cutting structures 163 may be integrally formed with the roller structure 162 or provided as inserts in corresponding pockets formed in the roller structure 162 . If provided as inserts, any suitably hard material may be used, such as, for example, tungsten carbide or diamond material.
- the cutting structures 163 may be, for example, bullet-shaped. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape of the cutting structures 163 may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- the expandable roller reamer may include a plurality of moveable arms azimuthally spaced around the tool body. To balance the forces on the expandable roller reamer and better stabilize the drillstring, the plurality of moveable arms may be circumferentially spaced apart around the tool body. For example, in one embodiment, the expandable roller reamer may include three moveable arms with roller structures spaced 120° apart.
- the roller structure 162 is formed as a sleeve disposed on a roller pin 161 .
- a set screw 165 fixes the roller structure 162 relative to the roller pin 161 .
- roller mounts 171 are provided at opposing ends of the roller pin 161 and disposed in corresponding pockets formed in the moveable arm 820 .
- the roller mounts 171 may be attached to the moveable arm 820 using, for example, bolts 172 .
- Bearing assemblies (not shown) may be provided within the roller mounts 171 .
- the structure of the moveable arm 820 of FIG. 13 may provide several advantages.
- the moveable arm 820 may be configured to be interchangeable with other moveable arms disclosed herein in order for the same tool body to be useable for different applications by changing out the moveable arms, which can be performed at a drilling site with readily available tools. Interchangeability of moveable arms also reduces manufacturing costs by increasing quantities of the tool body. Further, the various types of moveable arms may be manufactured with the common dimensions (e.g. extensions 650 ) before being finished with specialized features, such as pockets to accommodate the roller pin.
- FIGS. 14 a - c show another embodiment of a roller structure in accordance with disclosed features.
- blades 921 may form the cutting structure, as opposed to inserts, or other cutting elements.
- the blades may be formed from a super hard material, such as tungsten carbide, or may be formed from a matrix material, and be impregnated with another material, such as diamond.
- the blades 921 are diamond impregnated matrix blades.
- a combination of inserts, shown at 922 , and blades may be used together to form a cutting structure. As with FIG.
- the structure may be bolted on, or otherwise attached.
- wear features 923 may be added to contact the hole wall for stabilization purposes. These wear features 923 may comprise a super hard material, such as tungsten carbide.
- FIGS. 14 a and 14 c show other views of the embodiment.
- an expandable roller reamer may provide other advantages associated with stabilizing the drillstring.
- the expandable roller reamer may be deployed above another expandable reamer on the drillstring.
- the outer diameter of the expandable roller reamer can be configured to substantially match or slightly exceed the outer diameter of the expandable reamer.
- the expandable roller reamer is able to smooth the wellbore and provide active stabilization of the drillstring during drilling operations. While contacting the wall of the wellbore, the roller structures freely roll rather than drag, thereby reducing torque on the drillstring. Further, the diameter of the expandable roller reamer may be reduced to later pull the drillstring from the wellbore, thereby reducing the risk of the drillstring being stuck in the wellbore.
Abstract
An expandable downhole tool for use in a drilling assembly positioned within a wellbore includes a tool body having an axial flowbore extending therethrough and a moveable arm. The moveable arm includes a roller structure including cutters and rotatably mounted on the moveable arm. The moveable arm is configured to move outwardly in response to actuation of the expandable downhole tool.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present disclosure relates to a roller reamer for stabilizing a drillstring and reducing torque.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- In the drilling of oil and gas wells, concentric casing strings are installed and cemented in the borehole as drilling progresses to increasing depths. Each new casing string is supported within the previously installed casing string, thereby limiting the annular area available for the cementing operation. Further, as successively smaller diameter casing strings are suspended, the flow area for the production of oil and gas is reduced. Therefore, to increase the annular space for the cementing operation, and to increase the production flow area, it is often desirable to enlarge the borehole below the terminal end of the previously cased borehole. By enlarging the borehole, a larger annular area is provided for subsequently installing and cementing a larger casing string than would have been possible otherwise. Accordingly, by enlarging the borehole below the previously cased borehole, the bottom of the formation can be reached with comparatively larger diameter casing, thereby providing more flow area for the production of oil and gas.
- Various methods have been devised for passing a drilling assembly through an existing cased borehole and enlarging the borehole below the casing. One such method is the use of an underreamer, which has basically two operative states—a closed or collapsed state, where the diameter of the tool is sufficiently small to allow the tool to pass through the existing cased borehole, and an open or partly expanded state, where one or more arms with cutters on the ends thereof extend from the body of the tool. In this latter position, the underreamer enlarges the borehole diameter as the tool is rotated and lowered in the borehole.
- A “drilling type” underreamer is typically used in conjunction with a conventional pilot drill bit positioned below or downstream of the underreamer. The pilot bit can drill the borehole at the same time as the underreamer enlarges the borehole formed by the bit. Underreamers of this type usually have hinged arms with roller cone cutters attached thereto. Most of the prior art underreamers utilize swing out cutter arms that are pivoted at an end opposite the cutting end of the cutting arms, and the cutter arms are actuated by mechanical or hydraulic forces acting on the arms to extend or retract them. Typical examples of these types of underreamers are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,224,507; 3,425,500 and 4,055,226. In some designs, these pivoted arms tend to break during the drilling operation and must be removed or “fished” out of the borehole before the drilling operation can continue. The traditional underreamer tool typically has rotary cutter pocket recesses formed in the body for storing the retracted arms and roller cone cutters when the tool is in a closed state. The pocket recesses form large cavities in the underreamer body, which requires the removal of the structural metal forming the body, thereby compromising the strength and the hydraulic capacity of the underreamer. Accordingly, these prior art underreamers may not be capable of underreaming harder rock formations, or may have unacceptably slow rates of penetration, and they are not optimized for the high fluid flow rates required. The pocket recesses also tend to fill with debris from the drilling operation, which hinders collapsing of the arms. If the arms do not fully collapse, the drill string may easily hang up in the borehole when an attempt is made to remove the string from the borehole.
- Conventional underreamers have several disadvantages, including cutting structures that are typically formed of sections of drill bits rather than being specifically designed for the underreaming function. Therefore, the cutting structures of most underreamers do not reliably underream the borehole to the desired diameter. A further disadvantage is that adjusting the expanded diameter of a conventional underreamer requires replacement of the cutting arms with larger or smaller arms, or replacement of other components of the underreamer tool. It may even be necessary to replace the underreamer altogether with one that provides a different expanded diameter. Another disadvantage is that many underreamers are designed to automatically expand when drilling fluid is pumped through the drill string, and no indication is provided at the surface that the underreamer is in the fully-expanded position. In some applications, it may be desirable for the operator to control when the underreamer expands.
- Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide an underreamer that is stronger than prior art underreamers, with a hydraulic capacity that is optimized for the high flow rate drilling environment. It would further be advantageous for such an underreamer to include several design features, namely cutting structures designed for the underreaming function, mechanisms for adjustment of the expanded diameter without requiring component changes, and the ability to provide indication at the surface when the underreamer is in the fully-expanded position. Moreover, in the presence of hydraulic pressure in the drill string, it would be advantageous to provide an underreamer that is selectively expandable.
- Another method for enlarging a borehole below a previously cased borehole section includes using a winged reamer behind a conventional drill bit. In such an assembly, a conventional pilot drill bit is disposed at the lowermost end of the drilling assembly with a winged reamer disposed at some distance behind the drill bit. The winged reamer generally comprises a tubular body with one or more longitudinally extending “wings” or blades projecting radially outwardly from the tubular body. Once the winged reamer has passed through any cased portions of the wellbore, the pilot bit rotates about the centerline of the drilling axis to drill a lower borehole on center in the desired trajectory of the well path, while the eccentric winged reamer follows the pilot bit and engages the formation to enlarge the pilot borehole to the desired diameter.
- Yet another method for enlarging a borehole below a previously cased borehole section includes using a bi-center bit, which is a one-piece drilling structure that provides a combination underreamer and pilot bit. The pilot bit is disposed on the lowermost end of the drilling assembly, and the eccentric underreamer bit is disposed slightly above the pilot bit. Once the bi-center bit has passed through any cased portions of the wellbore, the pilot bit rotates about the centerline of the drilling axis and drills a pilot borehole on center in the desired trajectory of the well path, while the eccentric underreamer bit follows the pilot bit and engages the formation to enlarge the pilot borehole to the desired diameter. The diameter of the pilot bit is made as large as possible for stability while still being capable of passing through the cased borehole. Examples of bi-center bits may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,039,131 and 6,269,893.
- As described above, winged reamers and bi-center bits each include underreamer portions that are eccentric. A number of disadvantages are associated with this design. First, before drilling can continue, cement and float equipment at the bottom of the lowermost casing string must be drilled out. However, the pass-through diameter of the drilling assembly at the eccentric underreamer portion barely fits within the lowermost casing string. Therefore, off-center drilling is required to drill out the cement and float equipment to ensure that the eccentric underreamer portions do not damage the casing. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an underreamer that collapses while the drilling assembly is in the casing and that expands to underream the previously drilled borehole to the desired diameter below the casing.
- Further, due to directional tendency problems, these eccentric underreamer portions have difficulty reliably underreaming the borehole to the desired diameter. With respect to a bi-center bit, the eccentric underreamer bit tends to cause the pilot bit to wobble and undesirably deviate off center, thereby pushing the pilot bit away from the preferred trajectory of drilling the well path. A similar problem is experienced with respect to winged reamers, which only underream the borehole to the desired diameter if the pilot bit remains centralized in the borehole during drilling. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an underreamer that remains concentrically disposed in the borehole while underreaming the previously drilled borehole to the desired diameter.
- In drilling operations, it is conventional to employ a tool known as a “stabilizer.” In standard boreholes, traditional stabilizers are located in the drilling assembly behind the drill bit for controlling the trajectory of the drill bit as drilling progresses. Traditional stabilizers control drilling in a desired direction, whether the direction is along a straight borehole or a deviated borehole.
- In a conventional rotary drilling assembly, a drill bit may be mounted onto a lower stabilizer, which is disposed approximately 5 feet above the bit. Typically the lower stabilizer is a fixed blade stabilizer that includes a plurality of concentric blades extending radially outwardly and spaced azimuthally around the circumference of the stabilizer housing. The outer edges of the blades are adapted to contact the wall of the existing cased borehole, thereby defining the maximum stabilizer diameter that will pass through the casing. A plurality of drill collars extends between the lower stabilizer and other stabilizers in the drilling assembly. An upper stabilizer is typically positioned in the drill string approximately 30-60 feet above the lower stabilizer. There could also be additional stabilizers above the upper stabilizer. The upper stabilizer may be either a fixed blade stabilizer or, more recently, an adjustable blade stabilizer that allows the blades to be collapsed into the housing as the drilling assembly passes through the casing and then expanded in the borehole below. One type of adjustable concentric stabilizer is manufactured by Andergauge U.S.A., Inc., Spring, Tex. and is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,490. Another type of adjustable concentric stabilizer is manufactured by Halliburton, Houston, Tex. and is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,318,137; 5,318,138; and 5,332,048.
- In operation, if only the lower stabilizer was provided, a “fulcrum” type assembly would be present because the lower stabilizer acts as a fulcrum or pivot point for the bit. Namely, as drilling progresses in a deviated borehole, for example, the weight of the drill collars behind the lower stabilizer forces the stabilizer to push against the lower side of the borehole, thereby creating a fulcrum or pivot point for the drill bit. Accordingly, the drill bit tends to be lifted upwardly at an angle, i.e. build angle. Therefore, a second stabilizer is provided to offset the fulcrum effect. Namely, as the drill bit builds angle due to the fulcrum effect created by the lower stabilizer, the upper stabilizer engages the lower side of the borehole, thereby causing the longitudinal axis of the bit to pivot downwardly so as to drop angle. A radial change of the blades of the upper stabilizer can control the pivoting of the bit on the lower stabilizer, thereby providing a two-dimensional, gravity based steerable system to control the build or drop angle of the drilled borehole as desired.
- When an underreamer or a winged reamer tool is operating behind a conventional bit to underream the borehole, that tool provides the same fulcrum effect to the bit as the lower stabilizer in a standard borehole. Similarly, when underreaming a borehole with a bi-center bit, the eccentric underreamer bit provides the same fulcrum effect as the lower stabilizer in a standard borehole. Accordingly, in a drilling assembly employing an underreamer, winged reamer, or a bi-center bit, a lower stabilizer is not typically provided. However, to offset the fulcrum effect imparted by to the drill bit, it would be advantageous to provide an upper stabilizer capable of controlling the inclination of the drilling assembly in the underreamed section of borehole.
- In particular, it would be advantageous to provide an upper stabilizer that engages the wall of the underreamed borehole to keep the centerline of the pilot bit centered within the borehole. When utilized with an eccentric underreamer that tends to force the pilot bit off center, the stabilizer blades would preferably engage the opposite side of the expanded borehole to counter that force and keep the pilot bit on center.
- In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to an expandable downhole tool for use in a drilling assembly positioned within a wellbore. The expandable downhole tool includes a tool body having an axial flowbore extending therethrough and a moveable arm. The moveable arm includes a roller structure including cutters and rotatably mounted on the moveable arm. The moveable arm is configured to move outwardly in response to actuation of the expandable downhole tool.
- In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a moveable arm for an expandable downhole tool. The moveable arm includes a body, a roller structure including cutters and rotatably mounted on the body. The moveable arm is configured be moveably received into a tool body of the expandable downhole tool.
- In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of underreaming a wellbore to form an enlarged borehole. The method includes using a drill bit to drill the wellbore, disposing an expandable underreamer above the drill bit, using the expandable underreamer to enlarge the borehole, and disposing an expandable roller reamer above the first expandable underreamer, wherein the expandable roller reamer comprises a moveable arm comprising a roller structure comprising cutters and rotatably mounted on the moveable arm. The method further includes actuating the expandable roller reamer such that the cutters disposed on the roller structure contact the enlarged borehole.
- Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a drilling assembly; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of another drilling assembly; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of another drilling assembly; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional elevation view of one embodiment of the expandable tool of the present invention, showing the moveable arms in the collapsed position; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the expandable tool ofFIG. 4 , showing the moveable arms in the expanded position; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a “blank” arm for the expandable tool ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 7 is a top view of an exemplary arm for the expandable tool ofFIG. 4 including a wear pad and cutting structures for back reaming and underreaming; -
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the arm ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the arm ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the drive ring of the expandable tool ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the expandable tool of the present invention, showing the moveable arms in the collapsed position; and -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the alternative embodiment ofFIG. 11 , showing the moveable arms in the expanded position. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a moveable arm having a roller reamer structure. -
FIGS. 14 a-c are a perspective view of an embodiment of a moveable arm having a roller reamer structure. - The present disclosure relates to a roller reamer for stabilizing a drillstring and reducing torque. The present invention is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. There are shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific embodiments of the present invention with the understanding that the disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that illustrated and described herein.
- In particular, various embodiments of the present invention provide a number of different constructions and methods of operation. Each of the various embodiments of the present invention may be used to enlarge a borehole, or to provide stabilization in a previously enlarged borehole, or in a borehole that is simultaneously being enlarged. The embodiments of the expandable tool of the present invention may be utilized as an underreamer, or as a stabilizer behind a bi-center bit, or as a stabilizer behind a winged reamer or underreamer following a conventional bit. The embodiments of the present invention also provide a plurality of methods for use in a drilling assembly. It is to be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments disclosed herein may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce desired results.
- It should be appreciated that the expandable tool described with respect to the Figures that follow may be used in many different drilling assemblies. The following exemplary systems provide only some of the representative assemblies within which the present invention may be used, but these should not be considered the only assemblies. In particular, the embodiments of the expandable tool of the present invention may be used in any assembly requiring an expandable underreamer and/or stabilizer for use in controlling the directional tendencies of a drilling assembly in an expanded borehole.
-
FIGS. 1-3 show various exemplary drilling assemblies within which embodiments of the present invention may be utilized. Referring initially toFIG. 1 , a section of a drilling assembly generally designated as 100 is shown drilling into the bottom of aformation 10 with aconventional drill bit 110 followed by anunderreamer 120. Separated from theunderreamer 120 by one ormore drill collars 130 is astabilizer 150 that controls the directional tendencies of thedrilling assembly 100 in theunderreamed borehole 25. This section of thedrilling assembly 100 is shown at the bottom offormation 10 drilling a borehole 20 with theconventional drill bit 110, while theunderreamer cutting arms 125 are simultaneously opening alarger diameter borehole 25 above. Thedrilling assembly 100 is operating below any cased portions of the well. - As described previously, the
underreamer 120 tends to provide a fulcrum or pivot effect to thedrill bit 110, thereby requiring astabilizer 150 to offset this effect. In thedrilling assembly 100, various embodiments of the expandable tool of the present invention are provided in the positions of both theunderreamer 120 and thestabilizer 150. In one embodiment, thestabilizer 150 would also include cutting structures to ensure that thelarger borehole 25 is enlarged to the proper diameter. However, any conventional underreamer may alternatively be utilized with one embodiment of the present invention provided in the position ofstabilizer 150 in thedrilling assembly 100. Further, one embodiment of the present invention may be utilized in the position ofunderreamer 120, and a conventional stabilizer may be utilized in the position ofstabilizer 150. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , where like numerals represent like components, adrilling assembly 200 is shown disposed withinformation 10, below any cased sections of the well. Thedrilling assembly 200 is drilling a borehole 20 utilizing aconventional drill bit 110 followed by awinged reamer 220. Thewinged reamer 220 may be separated from thedrill bit 110 by one ormore drill collars 130, but preferably thewinged reamer 220 is connected directly above thedrill bit 110. Upstream of thewinged reamer 220, separated by one ormore drill collars 130, is astabilizer 150 that controls the directional tendencies of thedrilling assembly 200 in theunderreamed borehole 25. Thedrill bit 110 is shown at the bottom of theformation 10 drilling aborehole 20, while the wing component 225 of thewinged reamer 220 is simultaneously opening alarger diameter borehole 25 above. In theassembly 200, one embodiment of the present invention would be located in the position ofstabilizer 150. In one embodiment ofassembly 200, thestabilizer 150 would also include cutting structures to ensure that thelarger borehole 25 is enlarged to the proper diameter. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , where like numerals represent like components, again adrilling assembly 300 is shown disposed withinformation 10, below any cased sections of the well. Thedrilling assembly 300 utilizes abi-center bit 320 that includes apilot bit 310 and aneccentric underreamer bit 325. As thepilot bit 310 drills theborehole 20, theeccentric underreamer bit 325 opens alarger diameter borehole 25 above. Thebi-center bit 320 is separated by one ormore drill collars 130 from astabilizer 150 designed to control the directional tendencies of thebi-center bit 320 in theunderreamed borehole 25. Again, the function of thestabilizer 150 is to offset the fulcrum or pivot effect created by theeccentric underreamer bit 325 to ensure that thepilot bit 310 stays centered as it drills theborehole 20. In one embodiment of thedrilling assembly 300, one embodiment of the expandable tool of the present invention would be located in the position ofstabilizer 150. In another embodiment ofassembly 300, thestabilizer 150 would also include cutting structures to ensure that thelarger borehole 25 is enlarged to the proper diameter. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , one embodiment of the expandable tool of the present invention, generally designated as 500, is shown in a collapsed position inFIG. 4 and in an expanded position inFIG. 5 . Theexpandable tool 500 comprises a generallycylindrical tool body 510 with aflowbore 508 extending therethrough. Thetool body 510 includes upper 514 and lower 512 connection portions for connecting thetool 500 into a drilling assembly. In approximately the axial center of thetool body 510, one or more pocket recesses 516 are formed in thebody 510 and spaced apart azimuthally around the circumference of thebody 510. The one ormore recesses 516 accommodate the axial movement of several components of thetool 500 that move up or down within the pocket recesses 516, including one or more moveable,non-pivotable tool arms 520. Eachrecess 516 stores onemoveable arm 520 in the collapsed position. In one embodiment, the expandable tool includes threemoveable arms 520 disposed within three pocket recesses 516. In the discussion that follows, the one ormore recesses 516 and the one ormore arms 520 may be referred to in the plural form, i.e. recesses 516 andarms 520. Nevertheless, it should be appreciated that the scope of the present invention also comprises onerecess 516 and onearm 520. - The
recesses 516 further includeangled channels 518 that provide a drive mechanism for themoveable tool arms 520 to move axially upwardly and radially outwardly into the expanded position ofFIG. 5 . A biasingspring 540 may be included to bias thearms 520 to the collapsed position ofFIG. 4 . The biasingspring 540 is disposed within aspring cavity 545 and covered by aspring retainer 550.Retainer 550 is locked in position by anupper cap 555. Astop ring 544 is provided at the lower end ofspring 540 to keep thespring 540 in position. - Below the
moveable arms 520, adrive ring 570 is provided that includes one ormore nozzles 575. Anactuating piston 530 that forms apiston cavity 535, engages thedrive ring 570. Adrive ring block 572 connects thepiston 530 to thedrive ring 570 viabolt 574. Thepiston 530 is adapted to move axially in the pocket recesses 516. Alower cap 580 provides a lower stop for the axial movement of thepiston 530. Aninner mandrel 560 is the innermost component within thetool 500, and it slidingly engages alower retainer 590 at 592. Thelower retainer 590 includesports 595 that allow drilling fluid to flow from theflowbore 508 into thepiston chamber 535 to actuate thepiston 530. - A threaded connection is provided at 556 between the
upper cap 555 and theinner mandrel 560 and at 558 between theupper cap 555 andbody 510. Theupper cap 555 sealingly engages thebody 510 at 505, and sealingly engages theinner mandrel 560 at 562 and 564. Awrench slot 554 is provided between theupper cap 555 and thespring retainer 550, which provides room for a wrench to be inserted to adjust the position of thespring retainer 550 in thebody 510.Spring retainer 550 connects at 551 via threads to thebody 510. Towards the lower end of thespring retainer 550, abore 552 is provided through which a bar can be placed to prevent rotation of thespring retainer 550 during assembly. For safety purposes, aspring cover 542 is bolted at 546 to thestop ring 544. Thespring cover 542 prevents personnel from incurring injury during assembly and testing of thetool 500. - The
moveable arms 520 includepads structures arms 520 are expanded outwardly to the expanded position of thetool 500 shown inFIG. 5 . Below thearms 520, thepiston 530 sealingly engages theinner mandrel 560 at 566, and sealingly engages thebody 510 at 534. Thelower cap 580 is threadingly connected to the body and to thelower retainer 590 at 582, 584, respectively. A sealing engagement is also provided at 586 between thelower cap 580 and thebody 510. Thelower cap 580 provides a stop for thepiston 530 to control the collapsed diameter of thetool 500. - Several components are provided for assembly rather than for functional purposes. For example, the
drive ring 570 is coupled to thepiston 530, and then thedrive ring block 572 is boltingly connected at 574 to prevent thedrive ring 570 and thepiston 530 from translating axially relative to one another. Thedrive ring block 572, therefore, provides a locking connection between thedrive ring 570 and thepiston 530. -
FIG. 5 depicts thetool 500 with themoveable arms 520 in the maximum expanded position, extending radially outwardly from thebody 510. Once thetool 500 is in the borehole, it is only expandable to one position. Therefore, thetool 500 has two operational positions—namely a collapsed position as shown inFIG. 4 or an expanded position as shown inFIG. 5 . However, thespring retainer 550, which is a threaded sleeve, can be adjusted at the surface to limit the full diameter expansion ofarms 520. Thespring retainer 550 compresses the biasingspring 540 when thetool 500 is collapsed, and the position of thespring retainer 550 determines the amount of expansion of thearms 520. Thespring retainer 550 is adjusted by a wrench in thewrench slot 554 that rotates thespring retainer 550 axially downwardly or upwardly with respect to thebody 510 atthreads 551. Theupper cap 555 is also a threaded component that locks thespring retainer 550 once it has been positioned. Accordingly, one advantage of the present tool is the ability to adjust at the surface the expanded diameter of thetool 500. Unlike conventional underreamer tools, this adjustment can be made without replacing any components of thetool 500. - In the expanded position shown in
FIG. 5 , thearms 520 will either underream the borehole or stabilize the drilling assembly, depending upon how thepads FIGS. 5 , cuttingstructures 700 onpads 526 would underream the borehole. Wearbuttons 800 onpads arms 520 to expand outwardly to the position shown inFIG. 5 due to the differential pressure of the drilling fluid between the flowbore 508 and theannulus 22. - The drilling fluid flows along
path 605, throughports 595 in thelower retainer 590, alongpath 610 into thepiston chamber 535. The differential pressure between the fluid in theflowbore 508 and the fluid in theborehole annulus 22 surroundingtool 500 causes thepiston 530 to move axially upwardly from the position shown inFIG. 4 to the position shown inFIG. 5 . A small amount of flow can move through thepiston chamber 535 and throughnozzles 575 to theannulus 22 as thetool 500 starts to expand. As thepiston 530 moves axially upwardly in pocket recesses 516, thepiston 530 engages thedrive ring 570, thereby causing thedrive ring 570 to move axially upwardly against themoveable arms 520. Thearms 520 will move axially upwardly in pocket recesses 516 and also radially outwardly as thearms 520 travel inchannels 518 disposed in thebody 510. In the expanded position, the flow continues alongpaths annulus 22 Throughnozzles 575. Because thenozzles 575 are part of thedrive ring 570, they move axially with thearms 520. Accordingly, thesenozzles 575 are optimally positioned to continuously provide cleaning and cooling to the cuttingstructures 700 disposed onsurface 526 as fluid exits to theannulus 22 alongflow path 620. - The
underreamer tool 500 of the one embodiment of the present invention solves the problems experienced with bi-center bits and winged reamers because it is designed to remain concentrically disposed within the borehole. In particular, thetool 500 of the present invention preferably includes threeextendable arms 520 spaced apart circumferentially at the same axial location on thetool 510. In one embodiment, the circumferential spacing would be 120° apart. This three arm design provides a fullgauge underreaming tool 500 that remains centralized in the borehole at all times. - Embodiments of the present invention may provide hydraulic indication at the surface, thereby informing the operator whether the tool is in the contracted position shown in
FIG. 4 , or the expanded position shown inFIG. 5 . Namely, in the contracted position, the flow area withinpiston chamber 535 is smaller than the flow area withinpiston chamber 535 when thetool 500 is in the expanded position shown inFIG. 5 . Therefore, in the expanded position, the flow area inchamber 535 is larger, providing a greater flow area between the flowbore 508 and thewellbore annulus 22. In response, pressure at the surface will decrease as compared to the pressure at the surface when thetool 500 is contracted. This decrease in pressure indicates that thetool 500 is expanded. -
FIGS. 6-10 provide more detail regarding themoveable arms 520 and drivering 570 ofFIGS. 4 and 5 .FIG. 6 shows a “blank”arm 520 with no cutting structures or stabilizing structures attached topads arm 520 is shown in isometric view to depict atop surface 521, abottom surface 527, afront surface 665, aback surface 660, and aside surface 528. Thetop surface 521 and thebottom surface 527 are preferably angled, as described in more detail below. Thearm 520 preferably includes twoupper pads 522, onemiddle pad 524, and twolower pads 526 disposed on thefront surface 665 of thearm 520. Thearm 520 also includesextensions 650 disposed along eachside 528 ofarm 520. Theextensions 650 preferably extend upwardly at an angle from thebottom 527 of thearm 520 towardspads extensions 650 protrude outwardly from thearm 520 to fit within correspondingchannels 518 in thepocket recess 516 of thetool body 510, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 . The interconnection between thearm extensions 650 and thebody channels 518 increases the surface area of contact between themoveable arms 520 and thetool body 510, thereby providing a more robustexpandable tool 500 as compared to prior art tools. Thearm 520 depicted inFIG. 6 is a blank version of either an underreamer cutting arm or a stabilizer arm. By changing the structures disposed onpads tool 500 is converted from an underreamer to a stabilizer or vice versa, or to a combination underreamer/stabilizer. - Referring now to
FIGS. 7 , 8 and 9, anexemplary arm 520 is shown that includes two sets of cuttingstructures FIG. 7 depicts thearm 520 from a top perspective,FIG. 8 provides an elevational side view, andFIG. 9 shows an isometric perspective. Thetop surface 521 and thebottom surface 527 of thearm 520 are preferably angled in the same direction as best shown inFIG. 7 . Thesesurfaces arm 520 from vibrating whenpads pads arms 520 are held in compression by thepiston 530. The angledtop surface 521 and theangled bottom surface 527 bias thearms 520 to the trailing side of the pocket recesses 516 to minimize vibration. - In the top view of
FIG. 7 ,pads 522 comprise cuttingstructures 710 such that thearm 520 provides back reaming capabilities. Back reaming is pulling thetool 500 upwardly in the borehole while underreaming.Pad 524 is preferably covered withwear buttons 800 that provide a stabilizing and gauge protection function.Pads 526 comprise cuttingstructures 700 for underreaming. In the side view ofFIG. 8 , theextensions 650 that fit withinchannels 518 of thebody 510 are shown extending upwardly at an angle along theside 528 from theback surface 660 of thearm 520 towardspads FIG. 9 shows thesame arm 520 in isometric view. - To change the
arm 520 shown inFIGS. 7 , 8, and 9 from a back reaming and underreaming arm to simply an underreaming arm, the backreaming cutting structures 710 would be replaced with wear buttons, such asbuttons 800. This configuration would result in theunderreaming arm 520 shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 . Modifying thetool 500 from an underreamer to a stabilizer simply requires providing stabilizing structures on all of thepads wear buttons 800 without any cutting structures. The material for thewear buttons 800 may be, for example, a tungsten carbide or diamond material, which provides good wear capabilities. In an alternative embodiment, thepads - Accordingly, the
pads different cutting structures 700 could be provided onsurfaces 526, depending upon the formation characteristics. Preferably, the cuttingstructures structures - Referring now to
FIG. 10 , additional advantages of one or more embodiments of the present invention are provided by the one ormore nozzles 575 disposed in thedrive ring 570. The underreamer/stabilizer preferably includes threemoveable arms 520 spaced apart circumferentially at the same axial location along thetool body 510. In one embodiment, the threemoveable arms 520 are spaced 120° circumferentially. This arrangement of thearms 520 is preferred to centralize thetool 500 in the borehole. Thedrive ring 570 is moveable with thearms 520 and preferably includes threeextended portions 576 spaced 120° circumferentially withangled nozzles 575 therethrough that are designed to direct drilling fluid to the cuttingstructures 700 of the underreamer at surfaces 526. Theboreholes 578 in theextended portions 576adjacent nozzles 575 acceptbolts 574 to connect thedrive ring 570 to thedrive ring block 572 andpiston 530. Anaperture 571 is disposed through the center of thedrive ring 570 to enable a connection to thepiston 530. Because thedrive ring 570 is connected to thepiston 530, it moves with thepiston 530 to push themoveable arms 520 axially upwardly and outwardly along thechannels 518 to the expanded position. Accordingly, becausedrive ring 570 moves with thearms 520, thenozzles 575 continuously provide drilling fluid to the cuttingstructures 700 on the underreamer surfaces 526. Thenozzles 575 are optimally placed to move with and follow the cuttingstructures 700 and thereby assure that thecutters 700 are properly cleaned and cooled at all times. -
FIGS. 11 and 12 depict a second embodiment of the present invention, generally designated as 900, in the collapsed and expanded positions, respectively. Many components oftool 900 are the same as the components ofembodiment 500, and those components maintain the same reference numerals. There are, however, several differences. Theinner mandrel 560 of thefirst embodiment tool 500 is replaced by astinger assembly 910, preferably comprising an upperinner mandrel 912, a middleinner mandrel 914, and a lowerinner mandrel 916. The lowerinner mandrel 916 includesports 920 that must align withports 595 in thelower retainer 590 before fluid can enterpiston chamber 535 to actuate thepiston 530. As shown inFIG. 11 , fluid flows through theflowbore 508 oftool 900, alongpathway 605 depicted by the arrows. Because theports 920 of the lowerinner mandrel 916 do not align with theports 595 of thelower retainer 590, the fluid continues flowing alongpath 605,past ports 595, down through thetool 900. - The
tool 900 is selectively actuated utilizing an actuator (not shown), which aligns theports 920 with theports 595 to enable the expandable tool to move from the contracted position shown inFIG. 11 to the expanded position shown inFIG. 12 . Below lowerinner mandrel 916, abottom spring 930 is disposed within abottom spring chamber 935 and held within thebody 510 by abottom spring retainer 950.Bottom spring retainer 950 threadingly connects at 952 to thelower retainer 590. Thespring 930 biases thestinger assembly 910 upwardly such thatstinger 910 must be forced downwardly by an actuator to overcome the force ofbottom spring 930. By moving thestinger 910 downwardly, theports 920 disposed circumferentially around the bottom of lowerinner mandrel 916 align with theports 595 oflower retainer 590 that lead intopiston chamber 535. -
FIG. 12 shows thetool 900 in an expanded position. In this position, drilling fluid flows through theflowbore 508, alongpathway 605. However, becausestinger 910 has been actuated downwardly against the force ofbottom spring 930 by an actuator, theports 920 in lowerinner mandrel 916 now align withports 595 in thelower retainer 590. Therefore, when the drilling fluid proceeds downwardly alongflow path 605 through theflowbore 508 to reachports 920, it will flow throughports piston chamber 535 as depicted byflow arrows 610. - Due to the differential pressure between the flowbore 508 and the
wellbore annulus 22 surroundingtool 900, the fluid flowing alongpathway 610 will actuate thepiston 530 upwardly against the force ofspring 540. Thepiston 530 will push thedrive ring 570, which will push thearms 520 axially upwardly and outwardly as theextensions 650 on thearms 520 move alongchannels 518 in thebody 510. Once the fluid flows through thenozzles 575 in thedrive ring 570, it exits at an angle alongpathway 620 to cool and clean the cuttingstructures 700 disposed onsurfaces 526 that underream the borehole. Accordingly, thesecond embodiment 900 ofFIGS. 11 and 12 is capable of being selectively actuated. Namely, by engaging theupper surface 975 ofstinger 910 with an actuator, thetool 900 can be selectively actuated at the election of the operator to align theports - Referring again to
FIGS. 11 and 12 , typically a gap is provided between theupper end 975 of thestinger 910 and the actuator when the tool is in the collapsed position. That gap length must be maintained to ensure that actuation occurs only when it is meant to occur. Accordingly, upperinner mandrel 912 may include anadjustment ring portion 918, which is just a spacer ring that makes up any discrepancies in the area between the upperinner mandrel 912 and the middleinner mandrel 914 such that the appropriate gap dimension can be maintained. - As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, any actuating mechanism can be utilized to selectively actuate the
tool 900 ofFIGS. 11 and 12 . However, the flow switch provides the advantage of additional hydraulic indications to the surface, in addition to the pressure indications provided by the increased flow area in thepiston chamber 535 when thetool 900 is in the expanded position ofFIG. 12 . Namely, the flow switch includes an uplink pulser capable of providing position and status information to the surface via mud pulse telemetry. Accordingly, one embodiment comprises thetool 900 ofFIGS. 11 and 12 , and more preferably comprises thetool 900 in combination with the referenced flow switch. - In operation, an
expandable tool FIGS. 4 and 11 , respectively. The first embodiment of thetool 500 would then be expanded automatically when drilling fluid flows throughflowbore 508, and the second embodiment of thetool 900 would be expanded only after selectively actuating thetool 900. Whether the selective actuation feature is present or not, thetools wellbore annulus 22 acting on thepiston 530. That differential pressure may be in the range of 800 to 1,500 psi. Therefore, differential pressure working across thepiston 530 will cause the one ormore arms 520 of the tool to move from a collapsed to an expanded position against the force of the biasingspring 540. - Before the drilling assembly is lowered into the borehole, the function of the present invention as either an underreamer or as a stabilizer would be determined. Referring again to
FIG. 1 , one example would be to use either embodiment of thetool underreamer 120, and preferably to use the second embodiment of thetool 900 in the position ofstabilizer 150. As another example, referring toFIGS. 2 and 3 , if awinged reamer 220 or abi-center bit 320 is used instead of anunderreamer 120, the second embodiment of thetool 900 would preferably be used in the position ofstabilizer 150. As an underreamer, one or more embodiments of the present invention are capable of underreaming a borehole to a desired diameter. As a stabilizer, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide directional control for theassembly underreamed borehole 25. - Turning to
FIG. 13 , amoveable arm 820 with aroller structure 162 in accordance with another embodiment is shown. Themoveable arm 820 shown inFIG. 13 is similar in structure to the blank arm shown inFIG. 6 . Abody 830 includesextensions 650 formed on the sides and configured to fit within corresponding channels of the tool body, such as the embodiment shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 . Thebody 830 is further configured to accommodate theroller structure 162 rotatably attached thereto. The shape of theroller structure 162 may be, for example, cylindrical or frusto-conical. Cuttingstructures 163 are distributed azimuthally about theroller structure 162. The cuttingstructures 163 may be integrally formed with theroller structure 162 or provided as inserts in corresponding pockets formed in theroller structure 162. If provided as inserts, any suitably hard material may be used, such as, for example, tungsten carbide or diamond material. The cuttingstructures 163 may be, for example, bullet-shaped. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape of the cuttingstructures 163 may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. - The expandable roller reamer may include a plurality of moveable arms azimuthally spaced around the tool body. To balance the forces on the expandable roller reamer and better stabilize the drillstring, the plurality of moveable arms may be circumferentially spaced apart around the tool body. For example, in one embodiment, the expandable roller reamer may include three moveable arms with roller structures spaced 120° apart.
- In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 13 , theroller structure 162 is formed as a sleeve disposed on a roller pin 161. Aset screw 165 fixes theroller structure 162 relative to the roller pin 161. To attach the roller pin 161 to themoveable arm 820, roller mounts 171 are provided at opposing ends of the roller pin 161 and disposed in corresponding pockets formed in themoveable arm 820. The roller mounts 171 may be attached to themoveable arm 820 using, for example,bolts 172. Bearing assemblies (not shown) may be provided within the roller mounts 171. - The structure of the
moveable arm 820 ofFIG. 13 may provide several advantages. Themoveable arm 820 may be configured to be interchangeable with other moveable arms disclosed herein in order for the same tool body to be useable for different applications by changing out the moveable arms, which can be performed at a drilling site with readily available tools. Interchangeability of moveable arms also reduces manufacturing costs by increasing quantities of the tool body. Further, the various types of moveable arms may be manufactured with the common dimensions (e.g. extensions 650) before being finished with specialized features, such as pockets to accommodate the roller pin. -
FIGS. 14 a-c, show another embodiment of a roller structure in accordance with disclosed features. InFIG. 14 b,blades 921, may form the cutting structure, as opposed to inserts, or other cutting elements. The blades may be formed from a super hard material, such as tungsten carbide, or may be formed from a matrix material, and be impregnated with another material, such as diamond. Thus, in one embodiment, theblades 921 are diamond impregnated matrix blades. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a number of other materials may be used as the cutting structure in this fashion. In addition, a combination of inserts, shown at 922, and blades may be used together to form a cutting structure. As withFIG. 13 , the structure may be bolted on, or otherwise attached. In addition, wear features 923 may be added to contact the hole wall for stabilization purposes. These wear features 923 may comprise a super hard material, such as tungsten carbide.FIGS. 14 a and 14 c show other views of the embodiment. - Although interchangeability is a potential advantage, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that an expandable roller reamer may provide other advantages associated with stabilizing the drillstring. For example, the expandable roller reamer may be deployed above another expandable reamer on the drillstring. The outer diameter of the expandable roller reamer can be configured to substantially match or slightly exceed the outer diameter of the expandable reamer. By so doing, the expandable roller reamer is able to smooth the wellbore and provide active stabilization of the drillstring during drilling operations. While contacting the wall of the wellbore, the roller structures freely roll rather than drag, thereby reducing torque on the drillstring. Further, the diameter of the expandable roller reamer may be reduced to later pull the drillstring from the wellbore, thereby reducing the risk of the drillstring being stuck in the wellbore.
- While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.
Claims (16)
1. An expandable downhole tool for use in a drilling assembly positioned within a wellbore, the expandable downhole tool comprising:
a tool body comprising an axial flowbore extending therethrough; and
a moveable arm comprising a roller structure comprising cutters and rotatably mounted on the moveable arm, wherein the moveable arm is configured to move outwardly in response to actuation of the expandable downhole tool.
2. The expandable downhole tool of claim 1 , wherein the tubular body comprises a plurality of angled channels formed within a pocket of the tool body and configured to receive corresponding angled extensions formed on the moveable arm, and wherein the moveable arm translates along the plurality of angled channels.
3. The expandable downhole tool of claim 1 , wherein the moveable arm comprises a roller pin on which the roller structure is rotatably fixed.
4. The expandable downhole tool of claim 3 , wherein the moveable arm comprises two roller mounts configured to hold opposing ends of the roller pin onto the moveable arm.
5. The expandable downhole tool of claim 1 , wherein the actuation of the expandable downhole tool occurs in response to differential pressure between the axial flowbore and the wellbore.
6. The expandable downhole tool of claim 1 , wherein the cutters are inserts.
7. The expandable downhole tool of claim 1 , wherein the expandable downhole tool is selectively actuatable to allow or prevent a fluid flowing through the tubular body to translate the at least one moveable arm between a collapsed position and an expanded position.
8. The expandable downhole tool of claim 7 , further comprising a selectively actuatable sleeve that prevents or allows a differential pressure to translate the at least one moveable arm between a collapsed position and an expanded position.
9. The expandable downhole tool of claim 1 , wherein the expandable downhole tool comprises a plurality of moveable arms.
10. The expandable downhole tool of claim 9 , wherein plurality of moveable arms is spaced circumferentially apart around the tool body.
11. A moveable arm for an expandable downhole tool, the moveable arm comprising:
a body;
a roller structure comprising cutters and rotatably mounted on the body, wherein the moveable arm is configured be moveably received into a tool body of the expandable downhole tool.
12. The moveable arm of claim 11 , wherein the body comprises angled extensions corresponding to angled channels formed in the tool body.
13. The moveable arm of claim 11 , further comprising:
a roller pin on which the roller structure is rotatably fixed.
14. The moveable arm of claim 13 , further comprising:
two roller mounts configured to hold opposing ends of the roller pin onto the body.
15. The moveable arm of claim 11 , wherein the cutters are inserts.
16. A method of underreaming a wellbore to form an enlarged borehole, comprising:
using a drill bit to drill the wellbore;
disposing an expandable underreamer above the drill bit;
using the expandable underreamer to enlarge the borehole;
disposing an expandable roller reamer above the first expandable underreamer, wherein the expandable roller reamer comprises a moveable arm comprising a roller structure comprising cutters and rotatably mounted on the moveable arm; and
actuating the expandable roller reamer such that the cutters disposed on the roller structure contact the enlarged borehole.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/933,954 US20090114448A1 (en) | 2007-11-01 | 2007-11-01 | Expandable roller reamer |
CA002642416A CA2642416A1 (en) | 2007-11-01 | 2008-10-30 | Expandable roller reamer |
GB0820031A GB2454361A (en) | 2007-11-01 | 2008-10-31 | Expandable roller reamer |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/933,954 US20090114448A1 (en) | 2007-11-01 | 2007-11-01 | Expandable roller reamer |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090114448A1 true US20090114448A1 (en) | 2009-05-07 |
Family
ID=40138175
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/933,954 Abandoned US20090114448A1 (en) | 2007-11-01 | 2007-11-01 | Expandable roller reamer |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090114448A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2642416A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2454361A (en) |
Cited By (37)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN101892829A (en) * | 2010-06-25 | 2010-11-24 | 北京市三一重机有限公司 | Pressure control method and system for rotary drilling rig |
CN101906956A (en) * | 2010-06-25 | 2010-12-08 | 北京市三一重机有限公司 | Rotary drilling rig pulling control method and system |
US20110056751A1 (en) * | 2008-10-24 | 2011-03-10 | James Shamburger | Ultra-hard matrix reamer elements and methods |
US20110073371A1 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2011-03-31 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Tools for use in drilling or enlarging well bores having expandable structures and methods of making and using such tools |
US20110073376A1 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2011-03-31 | Radford Steven R | Earth-boring tools having expandable members and methods of making and using such earth-boring tools |
US8028767B2 (en) | 2006-12-04 | 2011-10-04 | Baker Hughes, Incorporated | Expandable stabilizer with roller reamer elements |
US8297381B2 (en) | 2009-07-13 | 2012-10-30 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Stabilizer subs for use with expandable reamer apparatus, expandable reamer apparatus including stabilizer subs and related methods |
US8657039B2 (en) | 2006-12-04 | 2014-02-25 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Restriction element trap for use with an actuation element of a downhole apparatus and method of use |
US20140116782A1 (en) * | 2011-06-09 | 2014-05-01 | William Antonio Bonett Ordaz | Method and apparatus for shaping a well hole |
US20140158430A1 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2014-06-12 | Wajid Rasheed | Drilling tool, apparatus and method for underreaming and simultaneously monitoring and controlling wellbore diameter |
WO2014152609A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-25 | Schlumberger Canada Limited | Underreamer for increasing a wellbore diameter |
US9157282B2 (en) | 2011-11-30 | 2015-10-13 | Smith International, Inc. | Roller reamer compound wedge retention |
EP2800858A4 (en) * | 2012-01-06 | 2016-07-13 | Smith International | Pressure activated flow switch for a downhole tool |
USD786645S1 (en) | 2015-11-03 | 2017-05-16 | Z Drilling Holdings, Inc. | Reamer |
US9879518B2 (en) | 2013-10-12 | 2018-01-30 | Mark May | Intelligent reamer for rotary/sliding drilling system and method |
US10214980B2 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2019-02-26 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Measuring fluid properties in a downhole tool |
US10316619B2 (en) | 2017-03-16 | 2019-06-11 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Systems and methods for stage cementing |
US10316595B2 (en) | 2014-11-13 | 2019-06-11 | Z Drilling Holdings, Inc. | Method and apparatus for reaming and/or stabilizing boreholes in drilling operations |
US10378292B2 (en) | 2015-11-03 | 2019-08-13 | Nabors Lux 2 Sarl | Device to resist rotational forces while drilling a borehole |
US10378298B2 (en) | 2017-08-02 | 2019-08-13 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Vibration-induced installation of wellbore casing |
US10378339B2 (en) | 2017-11-08 | 2019-08-13 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Method and apparatus for controlling wellbore operations |
US20190292896A1 (en) * | 2018-03-21 | 2019-09-26 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Opening a wellbore with a smart hole-opener |
WO2019182966A1 (en) * | 2018-03-21 | 2019-09-26 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Supporting a string within a wellbore with a smart stabilizer |
US10487604B2 (en) | 2017-08-02 | 2019-11-26 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Vibration-induced installation of wellbore casing |
US10544648B2 (en) | 2017-04-12 | 2020-01-28 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Systems and methods for sealing a wellbore |
US10557330B2 (en) | 2017-04-24 | 2020-02-11 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Interchangeable wellbore cleaning modules |
USD877780S1 (en) * | 2017-09-08 | 2020-03-10 | XR Lateral, LLC | Directional drilling assembly |
US10597962B2 (en) | 2017-09-28 | 2020-03-24 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Drilling with a whipstock system |
US10612362B2 (en) | 2018-05-18 | 2020-04-07 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Coiled tubing multifunctional quad-axial visual monitoring and recording |
USD889231S1 (en) | 2017-09-08 | 2020-07-07 | XR Lateral, LLC | Directional drilling assembly |
US10794170B2 (en) | 2018-04-24 | 2020-10-06 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Smart system for selection of wellbore drilling fluid loss circulation material |
US11299968B2 (en) | 2020-04-06 | 2022-04-12 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Reducing wellbore annular pressure with a release system |
US11396789B2 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2022-07-26 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Isolating a wellbore with a wellbore isolation system |
US11414942B2 (en) | 2020-10-14 | 2022-08-16 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Packer installation systems and related methods |
US11624265B1 (en) | 2021-11-12 | 2023-04-11 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Cutting pipes in wellbores using downhole autonomous jet cutting tools |
US20230167691A1 (en) * | 2020-05-04 | 2023-06-01 | Allen Kent Rives | Radial cutting assembly for drilling tool |
US11814958B2 (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2023-11-14 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Downhole tool with tapered actuators |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2534896A (en) * | 2015-02-04 | 2016-08-10 | Nov Downhole Eurasia Ltd | Rotary downhole tool |
GB2539005B (en) * | 2015-06-03 | 2017-12-27 | Schlumberger Holdings | Rotary cutting tool with angled flow channel on outward face |
Citations (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1532917A (en) * | 1924-04-14 | 1925-04-07 | V W Bailey | Rotary underreamer |
US1746694A (en) * | 1928-03-06 | 1930-02-11 | Grant John | Underreamer |
US1786484A (en) * | 1927-04-02 | 1930-12-30 | Reed Roller Bit Co | Reamer |
US1893693A (en) * | 1931-01-24 | 1933-01-10 | Grant John | Rotary underreamer |
US2227763A (en) * | 1940-02-05 | 1941-01-07 | Grant John | Expansive reamer |
US2809015A (en) * | 1954-03-29 | 1957-10-08 | John T Phipps | Under reamer |
US3224507A (en) * | 1962-09-07 | 1965-12-21 | Servco Co | Expansible subsurface well bore apparatus |
US3425500A (en) * | 1966-11-25 | 1969-02-04 | Benjamin H Fuchs | Expandable underreamer |
US4055226A (en) * | 1976-03-19 | 1977-10-25 | The Servco Company, A Division Of Smith International, Inc. | Underreamer having splined torque transmitting connection between telescoping portions for control of cutter position |
US4401171A (en) * | 1981-12-10 | 1983-08-30 | Dresser Industries, Inc. | Underreamer with debris flushing flow path |
US4542797A (en) * | 1980-08-01 | 1985-09-24 | Hughes Tool Company | Roller reamer |
US4693328A (en) * | 1986-06-09 | 1987-09-15 | Smith International, Inc. | Expandable well drilling tool |
US4848490A (en) * | 1986-07-03 | 1989-07-18 | Anderson Charles A | Downhole stabilizers |
US5318138A (en) * | 1992-10-23 | 1994-06-07 | Halliburton Company | Adjustable stabilizer |
US5318137A (en) * | 1992-10-23 | 1994-06-07 | Halliburton Company | Method and apparatus for adjusting the position of stabilizer blades |
US5332048A (en) * | 1992-10-23 | 1994-07-26 | Halliburton Company | Method and apparatus for automatic closed loop drilling system |
US6039131A (en) * | 1997-08-25 | 2000-03-21 | Smith International, Inc. | Directional drift and drill PDC drill bit |
US6269893B1 (en) * | 1999-06-30 | 2001-08-07 | Smith International, Inc. | Bi-centered drill bit having improved drilling stability mud hydraulics and resistance to cutter damage |
US6289999B1 (en) * | 1998-10-30 | 2001-09-18 | Smith International, Inc. | Fluid flow control devices and methods for selective actuation of valves and hydraulic drilling tools |
US6378632B1 (en) * | 1998-10-30 | 2002-04-30 | Smith International, Inc. | Remotely operable hydraulic underreamer |
US20030155155A1 (en) * | 2002-02-19 | 2003-08-21 | Dewey Charles H. | Expandable underreamer/stabilizer |
US6735817B2 (en) * | 1998-01-09 | 2004-05-18 | Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. | Upright vacuum cleaner with cyclonic air flow |
US20040134687A1 (en) * | 2002-07-30 | 2004-07-15 | Radford Steven R. | Expandable reamer apparatus for enlarging boreholes while drilling and methods of use |
US7178589B2 (en) * | 2002-11-21 | 2007-02-20 | Smith International, Inc. | Thru tubing tool and method |
US7451836B2 (en) * | 2001-08-08 | 2008-11-18 | Smith International, Inc. | Advanced expandable reaming tool |
-
2007
- 2007-11-01 US US11/933,954 patent/US20090114448A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2008
- 2008-10-30 CA CA002642416A patent/CA2642416A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-10-31 GB GB0820031A patent/GB2454361A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1532917A (en) * | 1924-04-14 | 1925-04-07 | V W Bailey | Rotary underreamer |
US1786484A (en) * | 1927-04-02 | 1930-12-30 | Reed Roller Bit Co | Reamer |
US1746694A (en) * | 1928-03-06 | 1930-02-11 | Grant John | Underreamer |
US1893693A (en) * | 1931-01-24 | 1933-01-10 | Grant John | Rotary underreamer |
US2227763A (en) * | 1940-02-05 | 1941-01-07 | Grant John | Expansive reamer |
US2809015A (en) * | 1954-03-29 | 1957-10-08 | John T Phipps | Under reamer |
US3224507A (en) * | 1962-09-07 | 1965-12-21 | Servco Co | Expansible subsurface well bore apparatus |
US3425500A (en) * | 1966-11-25 | 1969-02-04 | Benjamin H Fuchs | Expandable underreamer |
US4055226A (en) * | 1976-03-19 | 1977-10-25 | The Servco Company, A Division Of Smith International, Inc. | Underreamer having splined torque transmitting connection between telescoping portions for control of cutter position |
US4542797A (en) * | 1980-08-01 | 1985-09-24 | Hughes Tool Company | Roller reamer |
US4401171A (en) * | 1981-12-10 | 1983-08-30 | Dresser Industries, Inc. | Underreamer with debris flushing flow path |
US4693328A (en) * | 1986-06-09 | 1987-09-15 | Smith International, Inc. | Expandable well drilling tool |
US4848490A (en) * | 1986-07-03 | 1989-07-18 | Anderson Charles A | Downhole stabilizers |
US5318138A (en) * | 1992-10-23 | 1994-06-07 | Halliburton Company | Adjustable stabilizer |
US5318137A (en) * | 1992-10-23 | 1994-06-07 | Halliburton Company | Method and apparatus for adjusting the position of stabilizer blades |
US5332048A (en) * | 1992-10-23 | 1994-07-26 | Halliburton Company | Method and apparatus for automatic closed loop drilling system |
US6039131A (en) * | 1997-08-25 | 2000-03-21 | Smith International, Inc. | Directional drift and drill PDC drill bit |
US6735817B2 (en) * | 1998-01-09 | 2004-05-18 | Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. | Upright vacuum cleaner with cyclonic air flow |
US6289999B1 (en) * | 1998-10-30 | 2001-09-18 | Smith International, Inc. | Fluid flow control devices and methods for selective actuation of valves and hydraulic drilling tools |
US6378632B1 (en) * | 1998-10-30 | 2002-04-30 | Smith International, Inc. | Remotely operable hydraulic underreamer |
US6269893B1 (en) * | 1999-06-30 | 2001-08-07 | Smith International, Inc. | Bi-centered drill bit having improved drilling stability mud hydraulics and resistance to cutter damage |
US7451836B2 (en) * | 2001-08-08 | 2008-11-18 | Smith International, Inc. | Advanced expandable reaming tool |
US20030155155A1 (en) * | 2002-02-19 | 2003-08-21 | Dewey Charles H. | Expandable underreamer/stabilizer |
US6732817B2 (en) * | 2002-02-19 | 2004-05-11 | Smith International, Inc. | Expandable underreamer/stabilizer |
US20040134687A1 (en) * | 2002-07-30 | 2004-07-15 | Radford Steven R. | Expandable reamer apparatus for enlarging boreholes while drilling and methods of use |
US7178589B2 (en) * | 2002-11-21 | 2007-02-20 | Smith International, Inc. | Thru tubing tool and method |
Cited By (56)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8657039B2 (en) | 2006-12-04 | 2014-02-25 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Restriction element trap for use with an actuation element of a downhole apparatus and method of use |
US8028767B2 (en) | 2006-12-04 | 2011-10-04 | Baker Hughes, Incorporated | Expandable stabilizer with roller reamer elements |
US9677342B2 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2017-06-13 | Wajid Rasheed | Drilling tool, apparatus and method for underreaming and simultaneously monitoring and controlling wellbore diameter |
US9593538B2 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2017-03-14 | Wajid Rasheed | Circumferential and longitudinal cutter coverage in continuation of a first bit diameter to a second expandable reamer diameter |
US20140311802A1 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2014-10-23 | Wajid Rasheed | Circumferential and longitudinal cutter coverage in continuation of a first bit diameter to a second expandable reamer diameter. |
US20140158430A1 (en) * | 2008-06-27 | 2014-06-12 | Wajid Rasheed | Drilling tool, apparatus and method for underreaming and simultaneously monitoring and controlling wellbore diameter |
US20110056751A1 (en) * | 2008-10-24 | 2011-03-10 | James Shamburger | Ultra-hard matrix reamer elements and methods |
US8657038B2 (en) | 2009-07-13 | 2014-02-25 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Expandable reamer apparatus including stabilizers |
US8297381B2 (en) | 2009-07-13 | 2012-10-30 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Stabilizer subs for use with expandable reamer apparatus, expandable reamer apparatus including stabilizer subs and related methods |
US8230951B2 (en) | 2009-09-30 | 2012-07-31 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Earth-boring tools having expandable members and methods of making and using such earth-boring tools |
US8459375B2 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2013-06-11 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Tools for use in drilling or enlarging well bores having expandable structures and methods of making and using such tools |
WO2011041174A3 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2011-06-30 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Earth boring tools having expandable members |
US20110073371A1 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2011-03-31 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Tools for use in drilling or enlarging well bores having expandable structures and methods of making and using such tools |
US20110073376A1 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2011-03-31 | Radford Steven R | Earth-boring tools having expandable members and methods of making and using such earth-boring tools |
CN101892829A (en) * | 2010-06-25 | 2010-11-24 | 北京市三一重机有限公司 | Pressure control method and system for rotary drilling rig |
CN101906956A (en) * | 2010-06-25 | 2010-12-08 | 北京市三一重机有限公司 | Rotary drilling rig pulling control method and system |
US20140116782A1 (en) * | 2011-06-09 | 2014-05-01 | William Antonio Bonett Ordaz | Method and apparatus for shaping a well hole |
US9157282B2 (en) | 2011-11-30 | 2015-10-13 | Smith International, Inc. | Roller reamer compound wedge retention |
EP2800858A4 (en) * | 2012-01-06 | 2016-07-13 | Smith International | Pressure activated flow switch for a downhole tool |
US9556682B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-01-31 | Smith International, Inc. | Underreamer for increasing a wellbore diameter |
US9528324B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-12-27 | Smith International, Inc. | Underreamer for increasing a wellbore diameter |
WO2014152699A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-25 | Schlumberger Canada Limited | Underreamer for increasing a wellbore diameter |
WO2014152609A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-25 | Schlumberger Canada Limited | Underreamer for increasing a wellbore diameter |
US10190368B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-01-29 | Smith International, Inc. | Underreamer for increasing a wellbore diameter |
US10947787B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2021-03-16 | Smith International, Inc. | Underreamer for increasing a wellbore diameter |
US11396802B2 (en) | 2013-10-12 | 2022-07-26 | Mark May | Intelligent reamer for rotary/sliding drilling system and method |
US9879518B2 (en) | 2013-10-12 | 2018-01-30 | Mark May | Intelligent reamer for rotary/sliding drilling system and method |
US10214980B2 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2019-02-26 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Measuring fluid properties in a downhole tool |
US11015406B2 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2021-05-25 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Sensor activated downhole cutting tool |
US10316595B2 (en) | 2014-11-13 | 2019-06-11 | Z Drilling Holdings, Inc. | Method and apparatus for reaming and/or stabilizing boreholes in drilling operations |
US10378292B2 (en) | 2015-11-03 | 2019-08-13 | Nabors Lux 2 Sarl | Device to resist rotational forces while drilling a borehole |
USD786645S1 (en) | 2015-11-03 | 2017-05-16 | Z Drilling Holdings, Inc. | Reamer |
US11814958B2 (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2023-11-14 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Downhole tool with tapered actuators |
US10316619B2 (en) | 2017-03-16 | 2019-06-11 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Systems and methods for stage cementing |
US10544648B2 (en) | 2017-04-12 | 2020-01-28 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Systems and methods for sealing a wellbore |
US10557330B2 (en) | 2017-04-24 | 2020-02-11 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Interchangeable wellbore cleaning modules |
US10920517B2 (en) | 2017-08-02 | 2021-02-16 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Vibration-induced installation of wellbore casing |
US10487604B2 (en) | 2017-08-02 | 2019-11-26 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Vibration-induced installation of wellbore casing |
US10378298B2 (en) | 2017-08-02 | 2019-08-13 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Vibration-induced installation of wellbore casing |
USD889231S1 (en) | 2017-09-08 | 2020-07-07 | XR Lateral, LLC | Directional drilling assembly |
USD877780S1 (en) * | 2017-09-08 | 2020-03-10 | XR Lateral, LLC | Directional drilling assembly |
US10597962B2 (en) | 2017-09-28 | 2020-03-24 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Drilling with a whipstock system |
US10378339B2 (en) | 2017-11-08 | 2019-08-13 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Method and apparatus for controlling wellbore operations |
WO2019182966A1 (en) * | 2018-03-21 | 2019-09-26 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Supporting a string within a wellbore with a smart stabilizer |
US10689914B2 (en) * | 2018-03-21 | 2020-06-23 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Opening a wellbore with a smart hole-opener |
US10689913B2 (en) * | 2018-03-21 | 2020-06-23 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Supporting a string within a wellbore with a smart stabilizer |
US20190292896A1 (en) * | 2018-03-21 | 2019-09-26 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Opening a wellbore with a smart hole-opener |
US20190292897A1 (en) * | 2018-03-21 | 2019-09-26 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Supporting a string within a wellbore with a smart stabilizer |
US11268369B2 (en) | 2018-04-24 | 2022-03-08 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Smart system for selection of wellbore drilling fluid loss circulation material |
US10794170B2 (en) | 2018-04-24 | 2020-10-06 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Smart system for selection of wellbore drilling fluid loss circulation material |
US10612362B2 (en) | 2018-05-18 | 2020-04-07 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Coiled tubing multifunctional quad-axial visual monitoring and recording |
US11299968B2 (en) | 2020-04-06 | 2022-04-12 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Reducing wellbore annular pressure with a release system |
US20230167691A1 (en) * | 2020-05-04 | 2023-06-01 | Allen Kent Rives | Radial cutting assembly for drilling tool |
US11396789B2 (en) | 2020-07-28 | 2022-07-26 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Isolating a wellbore with a wellbore isolation system |
US11414942B2 (en) | 2020-10-14 | 2022-08-16 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Packer installation systems and related methods |
US11624265B1 (en) | 2021-11-12 | 2023-04-11 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Cutting pipes in wellbores using downhole autonomous jet cutting tools |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0820031D0 (en) | 2008-12-10 |
CA2642416A1 (en) | 2009-05-01 |
GB2454361A (en) | 2009-05-06 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7048078B2 (en) | Expandable underreamer/stabilizer | |
US20090114448A1 (en) | Expandable roller reamer | |
US9488009B2 (en) | Apparatuses and methods for stabilizing downhole tools | |
US7882905B2 (en) | Stabilizer and reamer system having extensible blades and bearing pads and method of using same | |
US8978783B2 (en) | Jet arrangement on an expandable downhole tool | |
CA2723064C (en) | Drilling and hole enlargement device | |
US8776912B2 (en) | Secondary cutting structure | |
CA2672894C (en) | Placement of cutting elements on secondary cutting structures of drilling tool assemblies | |
US8205689B2 (en) | Stabilizer and reamer system having extensible blades and bearing pads and method of using same | |
US8770321B2 (en) | Downhole reamer asymmetric cutting structures |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LAIRD, TOMMY;NELSON, GAIL;RODMAN, DAVID WILLIAM;REEL/FRAME:020195/0193;SIGNING DATES FROM 20071030 TO 20071113 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |