Truncated Dome Reaming Inserts for Borehole Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well bore reaming methods require a separate reaming run after drilling, leading to inefficient and costly non-production time due to poor borehole quality, which can result from directional deviations, formation instability, and tool performance issues, necessitating a solution for improved borehole conditioning and prevention of stuck pipe occurrences.
Innovation Solution
A downhole assembly and method utilizing a reaming tool with truncated dome-shaped tungsten carbide inserts and a cutting surface, designed to maintain gauge consistency and improve borehole quality by reaming during both forward and backward movements, eliminating the need for a dedicated reaming run and preventing borehole undergauge and sticking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a separate reaming run is conducted after drilling to improve borehole quality, then borehole conditioning is improved, but non-production time and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drilling and reaming operations into a single integrated process by incorporating reaming elements directly onto the drilling BHA. This allows the borehole to be both drilled and reamed simultaneously during one run, eliminating the need for a separate reaming operation and thereby reducing non-production time while maintaining borehole quality
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling BHA is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both a drilling tool and a reaming tool. The reaming elements (such as reaming blades or roller reamers) are integrated into the BHA, enabling it to condition the borehole wall while drilling, thus serving universal purposes and eliminating the need for dedicated reaming equipment and operations
2Manufacturing precision
If the drillstring is pulled out to replace BHA for reaming, then reaming can be performed, but operational efficiency decreases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drilling and reaming functions into a single BHA assembly, allowing both operations to be performed during one continuous run without pulling the drillstring out. This integration maintains operational efficiency while achieving proper borehole conditioning
Solution Approach 2:
The reaming elements are pre-installed on the drilling BHA before entering the wellbore. This preliminary configuration allows the BHA to perform reaming actions immediately during the drilling operation, eliminating the need for subsequent BHA replacement and maintaining continuous operational efficiency
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional reaming tools are used, then borehole reaming is achieved, but gauge consistency and borehole quality remain problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reaming elements with specific local characteristics to address borehole quality issues. The reaming blades or roller reamers are designed with specific geometries and material properties tailored for effective borehole conditioning, ensuring consistent gauge and improved borehole quality through localized high-quality reaming action
Solution Approach 2:
The reaming elements incorporate composite or advanced materials (such as hardened steel blades or diamond-impregnated rollers) that provide superior wear resistance and cutting performance. This enhances the reliability of borehole gauge consistency and overall borehole quality by maintaining reaming element integrity throughout the operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces non-production time by integrating reaming into the drilling process, maintaining borehole quality, and preventing stuck pipe occurrences, thereby enhancing drilling efficiency and completion processes, especially in complex well profiles.
Implementation Method 1
A reaming tool, said reaming tool comprising a body, said body having a longitudinal axis, a reaming gauge portion extending along and around said body and provided by truncated dome-shaped inserts
Implementation Method 2
said reaming gauge portion comprising reaming inserts, said reaming inserts comprising a portion having a truncated dome
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is related a reaming insert for a reaming tool, characterized in that said reaming insert comprises a reaming portion having the shape of a truncated dome. According to a second aspect, the invention is related to a reaming tool comprising a body having a reaming gauge portion characterized in that said reaming gauge portion comprises reaming inserts comprising a reaming portion having the shape of a truncated dome. In a further aspect, the invention is related to a downhole assembly comprising a bottom hole assembly for drilling a borehole, the bottom hole assembly comprising : a housing having a longitudinal axis, a front end and a tail end, and a drilling tool mounted at the front end; the downhole assembly being characterized in that if further comprises said reaming tool. In another aspect, a method of reaming a borehole is provided and comprising the steps of: a) providing said downhole assembly; b) attaching said downhole assembly to a forward end of a drillstring; c) drilling a pilot borehole until the downhole assembly reaches a target depth beneath surface; and d) withdrawing the drillstring from the borehole while rotating the reaming tool of the downhole assembly thereby reaming the borehole and eliminating borehole irregularities sufficiently to render the borehole ready for performing completion processes and preventing the BHA of the assembly from sticking while being withdrawn from the borehole.