Expandable reamers for earth-boring applications and methods of using the same

US7997354B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Baker Hughes Holdings LLC · US

Inventors

• Steven R. Radford · Diemelstraße, US
• Scott Shiquiang Shu · Spring, US
• Les T. Shale · Willis, US
• Mark E. Morris · Conroe, US
• Mark R. Kizziar · Lafayette, US
• Anton F. Zahradnik · Saginaw, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 3, 2007
• Grant date: Aug 16, 2011
• Expiry date: May 12, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E21B10/322
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

Expandable reamer tools include an outer body, a fluid passageway extending through the outer body, and at least one blade configured to slide relative to the outer body between a retracted position and an expanded position in a direction oriented at an acute angle of less than ninety degrees (90°) to a longitudinal axis of the outer body. In some embodiments, the tools may include a moveable inner sleeve member configured to selectively allow hydraulic fluid pressure within the fluid passageway to act directly on the at least one blade. Methods for enlarging a borehole using such expandable reamer tools and methods for removing such expandable reamer tools from a borehole are also disclosed.