Patent · US Active

Expandable apparatus and related methods

US9611697B2 · kind B2 · utility

10Cited by
269References
26Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 20, 2014
Grant dateApr 4, 2017
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 18, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B2200/06
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.