Flow activated reamer

Abstract

The utility model discloses a flow opening type reamer, including outer tube, first piston piece, second piston piece and blade wing subassembly, be provided with the first cavity that cooperates with first piston piece in outer tube, first piston piece swing setting is in the first cavity, and the coaxial sleeve of second piston piece is established in the outside of first piston piece, and be provided with pressurizing chamber between second piston piece and first piston piece, all be provided with flow channel hole on the base of first piston piece and second piston piece, first piston piece hollow setting, be provided with first variable diameter nozzle in the end of first piston piece, second piston piece can move along the length direction of first piston piece to push blade wing subassembly and protrude the surface where outer tube is, and this scheme can start to close reamer at any time according to need, has no reaming frequency limit, effectively improves the drilling efficiency, reaches the purpose that improves the cementing quality, and maintenance cost is also low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of drilling operation technology, and in particular to a flow-opening type reamer. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in deep and ultra-deep well drilling operations, reaming technology is a key means to address wellbore reduction, improve cementing quality, and provide conditions for unconventional casing operations. The ball-drop hydraulic reamer, commonly used by domestic and international oil companies, works by dropping a ball of a specific size from the wellhead into a bearing inside the tool. This pressure shears off the pins, activating the hydraulic channel and causing the cutter wings to open for reaming. This technology solves the wellbore enlargement problem to some extent. For example, domestically produced reamers, through structural improvements, allow for control of cutter wing deployment and retraction via ball dropping, with operation relying on pressure control generated by changes in drilling fluid flow rate after ball dropping. Furthermore, existing technologies also include designs that use multiple ball drops (such as dropping balls of different numbers) to achieve multiple wing extensions and retractions, aiming to reduce the number of trips and accommodate the needs of multiple reaming operations.

[0003] However, this ball-drop-based activation method has inherent technical flaws. First, its operation is complex and its reliability is subject to various factors. Ball-dropping requires a consistent diameter within the drill string to ensure the ball can smoothly reach the bearing position inside the tool. However, if the drill string assembly contains tools with internal steps or variable diameter structures, such as screw drills, rotary steerable tools, or logging-while-drilling instruments, the ball will not be able to pass through, preventing the reamer from being installed in the ideal position closest to the drill bit. This results in a long unreamed section at the bottom of the well, affecting subsequent operations. In practice, incomplete ball placement, mismatch between the ball diameter and the tool, or inaccurate pin shearing pressure can all lead to wing activation failure. Second, conventional ball-drop reamers, after initial activation, often cannot flexibly retract or reopen the wing multiple times during operation. Even if this is possible, the multiple opening and closing mechanism is complex, relying on intricate trajectory grooves and pin engagements. This not only increases the structural complexity and manufacturing cost of the tool but also reduces its reliability in harsh downhole environments. Finally, the ball-drop activation method itself limits the flexibility of tool use, making it impossible to achieve real-time, dynamic, and precise adjustments to the wellbore diameter based on actual downhole conditions. Although foreign companies have developed reamers using electromagnetic activation or wireless command control via mud pulse / speed pulse to reduce reliance on ball-dropping, these technologies are typically expensive, the systems are more complex, and their reliability still requires further field verification. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a reamer with a relatively simple structure, convenient operation, no ball-dropping required, and reliable control of the cutter blade movement to simplify the operation process, reduce operational risks and costs, and improve the flexibility and overall efficiency of reaming operations. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flow-opening eye expander that addresses the above-mentioned shortcomings, thereby solving the problems of complex operation, high maintenance costs, and low reliability of existing eye expanders.

[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following solution: A flow-opening expander includes an outer cylinder, a first piston, a second piston, and a blade assembly. The outer cylinder contains a first cavity that mates with the first piston. The first piston is movably disposed within the first cavity. A second piston is coaxially sleeved outside the first piston. A pressurization chamber is provided between the second piston and the first piston. Flow channels are provided on the bases of both the first and second pistons. The first piston is hollow, and a first variable-diameter nozzle is provided at its end. The second piston can move along the length of the first piston, thereby pushing the blade assembly outwards from the surface of the outer cylinder.

[0006] Furthermore, an adjusting groove is provided on the outer wall of the first piston member; the adjusting groove is located at the end of the first piston member near the first variable diameter nozzle on the outer side; a locking pin is provided in the first cavity to cooperate with the adjusting groove; the locking pin can cooperate with the adjusting groove to realize the rotation and limit of the first piston member when the first piston member extends and retracts.

[0007] Furthermore, the adjusting groove includes a reversing slot, a short slot, and a long slot, and the reversing slot and the short slot are arranged alternately in multiple positions along the circumferential position of the first piston.

[0008] Furthermore, the reversing slots are arranged in multiple positions along the circumferential direction of the first piston member, and a first guide protrusion is provided between adjacent reversing slots; the first guide protrusion is provided with an inclined guide edge and a first vertical guide edge that are inclined in a first direction.

[0009] Furthermore, the short slots are arranged in multiple positions along the circumferential direction of the first piston member, and a second guide protrusion is provided between adjacent reversing slots, while the long slots are arranged between adjacent short slots; the second guide protrusion is provided with an inclined guide edge and a second vertical guide edge that are inclined in a second direction; the first direction and the second direction are centrally symmetrically arranged; the tip of the first guide protrusion faces the inclined surface of the second guide protrusion, and the tip of the second guide protrusion faces the inclined surface of the first guide protrusion.

[0010] Furthermore, the first direction is inclined downwards, and the second direction is inclined upwards.

[0011] Furthermore, a spring seat and a first return spring are provided inside the first cavity, and a first contact surface that cooperates with the first return spring is provided on the first piston member, with the first return spring disposed between the spring seat and the first contact surface.

[0012] Furthermore, a second return spring is provided at the end of the spring seat away from the first return spring. The second return spring is in contact with the blade assembly, which is movably mounted on the outer cylinder.

[0013] Furthermore, the second piston component includes a piston sleeve and a piston base; the piston sleeve is coaxially sleeved on the first piston component, the top of the piston sleeve is connected to the blade assembly, and the piston base is fixedly disposed in the first cavity; the first piston component is provided with a first flow channel hole, and the piston base is provided with a second flow channel hole; when the first piston component is rotated downwards and limited to a fixed position, the first flow channel hole can communicate with the second flow channel hole.

[0014] Furthermore, the outer cylinder is provided with a third flow channel communicating with the high-pressure chamber, and a second variable-diameter nozzle is provided in the third flow channel.

[0015] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: This solution provides a novel, unique, easy-to-use, safe, and reliable reaming tool. A flow-opening reamer has several advantages: First, it is simple to operate, eliminating the need for ball-throwing and pressure buildup, thus avoiding reamer startup failures caused by the ball and ball seat, resulting in high reliability. Second, during drilling, the reamer can be started and stopped at any time as needed, with no limit on the number of reaming attempts, effectively improving drilling efficiency and cementing quality, while also reducing maintenance costs. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure at point A; Figure 3 This is a front view of the first piston component in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the second state and the corresponding flow channel hole positions in this utility model; Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the position of state three and the corresponding flow channel holes in this utility model; Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the fourth state and the corresponding flow channel hole positions in this utility model; In the figure: 1. Outer cylinder; 2. First piston component; 3. Second piston component; 4. Blade assembly; 5. First cavity; 6. Pressurization chamber; 7. First variable diameter nozzle; 8. Adjustment groove; 9. Locking pin; 10. Spring seat; 11. First return spring; 12. First contact surface; 13. Second return spring; 14. Third flow channel; 15. Second variable diameter nozzle; 21. First flow channel hole; 31. Piston sleeve; 32. Piston base; 33. Second flow channel hole; 81. Reversing slot hole; 82. Short slot hole; 83. Long slot hole; 84. First guide protrusion; 85. Second guide protrusion; 86. Inclined guide edge; 87. First vertical guide edge; 88. Second vertical guide edge. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0018] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Example

[0019] like Figures 1-6 As shown, this utility model provides a technical solution: A flow-opening expander includes an outer cylinder 1, a first piston 2, a second piston 3, and a blade assembly 4. The outer cylinder 1 has a first cavity 5 that mates with the first piston 2. The first piston 2 is movably disposed within the first cavity 5. The second piston 3 is coaxially sleeved outside the first piston 2. A pressurizing cavity 6 is provided between the second piston 3 and the first piston 2. Flow channels are provided on the bases of both the first piston 2 and the second piston 3. The first piston 2 is hollow, and a first variable-diameter nozzle 7 is provided at its end. The second piston 3 can move along the length of the first piston 2, thereby pushing the blade assembly 4 outwards from the surface of the outer cylinder 1.

[0020] Based on the above structure, since the first variable diameter nozzle 7 is provided on the first piston 2, when the hydraulic pressure passes through the first variable diameter nozzle 7, it will push the first piston 2 to move downward. At this time, the liquid column continues to move downward along the central flow channel of the first piston 2, and pushes the liquid column into the pressurization chamber 6 through the flow channel holes on the first piston 2 and the second piston 3. The liquid column in the pressurization chamber 6 pushes the second piston 3 to move upward, thereby pushing the blade assembly 4 to protrude from the surface of the outer cylinder 1, and finally realizes the hydraulic flow to open the blade assembly 4 for operation.

[0021] As an example, the outer wall of the first piston 2 is provided with an adjusting groove 8; the adjusting groove 8 is located at the end of the first piston 2 near the first variable diameter nozzle 7; a locking pin 9 is provided in the first cavity 5 to cooperate with the adjusting groove 8; the locking pin 9 can cooperate with the adjusting groove 8 to realize the rotation and limit of the first piston 2 when the first piston 2 is extended and retracted.

[0022] Based on the above structure, since the position of the locking pin 9 is fixed and the locking pin 9 is engaged in the adjusting groove 8, when the first piston 2 moves downward, the oblique guide in the adjusting groove 8 forces the first piston 2 to rotate and finally limit it to the predetermined position.

[0023] As an example, the adjusting slide 8 may include a reversing slot 81, a short slot 82 and a long slot 83. The reversing slot 81 and the short slot 82 are arranged alternately along the circumferential position of the first piston member 2, and the long slot 83 is set to one. Specifically, multiple reversing slots 81 are provided along the circumferential position of the first piston 2, and a first guide protrusion 84 is provided between adjacent reversing slots; the first guide protrusion 84 is provided with an inclined guide edge 86 and a first vertical guide edge 87 that are inclined in the first direction. Multiple short slots 82 are positioned circumferentially along the first piston member 2. A second guide protrusion 85 is provided between adjacent reversing slots, and a long slot 83 is provided between adjacent short slots 82. An inclined guide edge 86 and a second vertical guide edge 88 are provided on the second guide protrusion 85, which are inclined in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are centrally symmetrical. The tip of the first guide protrusion 84 is directly opposite the inclined surface of the second guide protrusion 85, and the tip of the second guide protrusion 85 is directly opposite the inclined surface of the first guide protrusion 84.

[0024] Specifically, the first direction can be tilted downwards, and the second direction can be tilted upwards.

[0025] Based on the above structure, the adjusting groove 8 is specially designed to enable the rotation and limiting of the first piston 2. The initial position of the locking pin 9 is usually in the reversing slot 81. When the first piston 2 moves downward under force, the locking pin 9 will move in a straight line under the guidance of the first vertical guide edge, and then gradually disengage from the first guide protrusion 84 until it contacts the inclined guide edge 86 of the second guide protrusion 85. Since the locking pin 9 is fixed, the first piston 2 will rotate under the action of the inclined guide edge 86 of the second guide protrusion 85 until the locking pin 9 enters the slot. In the short slot 82, the first piston 2 is stopped from moving. Similarly, when the first piston 2 moves upward under force, the locking pin 9 in the short slot 82 will move in a straight line under the guidance of the second vertical guide edge 88. Then the locking pin 9 will gradually contact the inclined guide edge 86 of the first guide protrusion 84. At this time, the first piston 2 will rotate again under the guidance of the inclined guide edge 86. Finally, the locking pin 9 will slide into the short slot 82 for limiting. This process is repeated. With the rise and fall of the first piston 2, the first piston 2 will continuously rotate and be limited.

[0026] As an example, a spring seat 10 and a first return spring 11 are provided inside the first cavity 5, and a first contact surface 12 that cooperates with the first return spring 11 is provided on the first piston member 2. The first return spring 11 is disposed between the spring seat 10 and the first contact surface 12.

[0027] Based on the above structure, by setting the first reset spring 11, the first piston 2 can be automatically pushed upward to reset when the external hydraulic pressure is stopped. During the reset process, the first piston 2 rotates and is limited.

[0028] As an example, a second return spring 13 may be provided on the end of the spring seat 10 away from the first return spring 11. The second return spring 13 contacts the blade assembly 4, which is movably mounted on the outer cylinder 1. Based on the above structure, the second return spring 13 is used to reset the blade assembly 4. When the blade assembly 4 is no longer pushed by the second piston 3, it is reset by the second return spring 13.

[0029] As an example, the second piston 3 includes a piston sleeve 31 and a piston base 32; the piston sleeve is coaxially sleeved on the first piston 2, the top of the piston sleeve is connected to the blade assembly 4, and the piston base 32 is fixedly disposed in the first cavity 5; a first flow channel hole 21 is provided on the first piston 2, and a second flow channel hole 33 is provided on the piston base 32; when the first piston 2 is rotated downward and limited to a fixed position, the first flow channel hole 21 can communicate with the second flow channel hole 33.

[0030] Based on the above structure, when the first piston 2 moves downward and the locking pin 9 moves to the short slot 82 for a limit, the first flow channel hole 21 and the second flow channel hole 33 are connected, and the high-pressure liquid flows from the center of the first piston 2 into the high-pressure cavity between the first piston 2 and the piston sleeve 31, thereby driving the blade wing assembly 4 to move upward and realize the outward protrusion of the blade wing assembly 4.

[0031] As an example, a third flow channel 14 communicating with the high-pressure chamber is provided on the outer cylinder, and a second variable diameter nozzle 15 is provided in the third flow channel 14. Based on the above structure, when the fluid flows through the second variable diameter nozzle 15, the pressure difference increases, and the blade assembly 4 is activated to start the eye-opening operation.

[0032] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a novel, unique, easy-to-use, safe, and reliable reaming tool. A flow-opening reamer has the following advantages: First, it is simple to operate, eliminating the need for ball-throwing and pressure buildup, thus avoiding reamer start-up failures caused by the ball and ball seat, resulting in high reliability. Second, during drilling, the reamer can be started and stopped at any time as needed, with no limit on the number of reaming attempts, effectively improving drilling efficiency and cementing quality, while also reducing maintenance costs. Example

[0033] This solution discloses a flow-opening expander. After reaching the expander position, the pump is turned on. When the liquid column reaches the second variable diameter nozzle 15 of the expander, a throttling pressure difference is formed, which pushes the piston rod to move downward. Because the locking pin 9 is stuck in the piston rod adjusting slide groove 8, the first piston 2 will also rotate while moving downward. The first piston 2 rotates from state one to state two. The relative position of the locking pin 9 slides from the reversing slot 81 on the piston rod to the short slot 82.

[0034] At this time, the first flow channel hole 21 and the second flow channel hole 33 are connected. The liquid column pushes the second piston 3 to slide upward. When the fluid flows through the second variable diameter nozzle 15, the pressure difference increases, and the blade assembly 4 is activated to start the eye-expanding operation. After the eye-expanding is completed, the pump is turned off. Under the thrust of the second return spring 13, the blade assembly 4 retracts. Under the thrust of the first return spring 11, the first piston 2 moves upward and rotates along the trajectory of the adjusting slide 8. The second flow channel hole 33 is closed. At the same time, the relative position of the locking pin 9 changes from the short slot hole 82 on the first piston 2 to the reversing slot hole 81, as shown in state three.

[0035] When the pump is turned on again, the first piston 2 moves downward and rotates along the slide track. At the same time, the relative position of the locking pin 9 changes from the reversing slot 81 on the first piston 2 to the long slot 83, as shown in the diagram of the flow channel hole position in state four.

[0036] When the drilling position is reached again, the pump can be turned off again. Under the thrust of the first return spring 11, the first piston 2 moves upward and rotates along the slide track. The relative position of the locking pin 9 will change from the long slot 83 on the first piston 2 to the reversing slot 81. The pump is turned on to start the drilling operation. After that, the tool will repeat the above steps.

[0037] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A flow-activated eye expander, characterized in that: The device includes an outer cylinder (1), a first piston (2), a second piston (3), and a blade assembly (4). The outer cylinder (1) has a first cavity (5) that cooperates with the first piston (2). The first piston (2) is movably disposed in the first cavity (5). The second piston (3) is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the first piston (2). A pressurizing cavity (6) is disposed between the second piston (3) and the first piston (2). Flow channel holes are provided on the bases of the first piston (2) and the second piston (3). The first piston (2) is hollow. A first variable diameter nozzle (7) is provided at the end of the first piston (2). The second piston (3) can move along the length direction of the first piston (2), thereby pushing the blade assembly (4) to protrude from the surface of the outer cylinder (1).

2. The flow-opening type eye expander according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first piston (2) has an adjusting groove (8) on its outer side wall; the adjusting groove (8) is located at the end of the first piston (2) near the first variable diameter nozzle (7) on its outer side; the first cavity (5) has a locking pin (9) that works with the adjusting groove (8); the locking pin (9) works with the adjusting groove (8) to rotate and limit the first piston (2) when the first piston (2) extends and retracts.

3. The flow-opening type eye expander according to claim 2, characterized in that: The adjusting slide (8) includes a reversing slot (81), a short slot (82) and a long slot (83), and the reversing slot (81) and the short slot (82) are arranged alternately along the circumferential position of the first piston (2).

4. The flow-opening type eye expander according to claim 3, characterized in that: The reversing slot (81) is configured in multiple positions along the circumferential direction of the first piston (2), and a first guide protrusion (84) is provided between adjacent reversing slots; the first guide protrusion (84) is provided with an inclined guide edge (86) inclined in a first direction and a first vertical guide edge (87).

5. A flow-opening type eye expander according to claim 4, characterized in that: The short slots (82) are arranged in multiple positions along the circumferential direction of the first piston (2), and a second guide protrusion (85) is provided between adjacent reversing slots. The long slots (83) are arranged between adjacent short slots (82). The second guide protrusion (85) is provided with an inclined guide edge (86) inclined in a second direction and a second vertical guide edge (88). The first direction and the second direction are centrally symmetrical. The tip of the first guide protrusion (84) faces the inclined surface of the second guide protrusion (85), and the tip of the second guide protrusion (85) faces the inclined surface of the first guide protrusion (84).

6. A flow-opening type eye expander according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first direction is inclined downwards, and the second direction is inclined upwards.

7. A flow-opening type eye expander according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first cavity (5) is provided with a spring seat (10) and a first return spring (11). The first piston (2) is provided with a first contact surface (12) that cooperates with the first return spring (11). The first return spring (11) is located between the spring seat (10) and the first contact surface (12).

8. A flow-opening type eye expander according to claim 7, characterized in that: A second return spring (13) is provided on the end of the spring seat (10) away from the first return spring (11). The second return spring (13) is in contact with the blade assembly (4). The blade assembly (4) is movably mounted on the outer cylinder (1).

9. A flow-opening type eye diffuser according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second piston component (3) includes a piston sleeve (31) and a piston base (32); the piston sleeve (31) is coaxially sleeved on the first piston component (2), the top of the piston sleeve (31) is connected to the blade assembly (4), and the piston base (32) is fixedly disposed in the first cavity (5); the first piston component (2) is provided with a first flow channel hole (21), and the piston base (32) is provided with a second flow channel hole (33); when the first piston component (2) is rotated downward to limit and fix, the first flow channel hole (21) can communicate with the second flow channel hole (33).

10. A flow-opening type eye diffuser according to claim 9, characterized in that: The outer cylinder (1) is provided with a third flow channel (14) that communicates with the high pressure chamber, and a second variable diameter nozzle (15) is provided in the third flow channel (14).

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