Reamer wing with balanced cutting loads
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorsPaul E. Pastusek, Steve R. Matson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multi-bladed reaming apparatus for enlarging a subterranean borehole, the apparatus having a tubular body with a plurality of longitudinally-extending, circumferentially-spaced, generally radially-extending blades carrying cutting elements, the blades being unequally spaced about the body. The cutting depth of the cutting elements on at least one of the blades is adjusted to modify the distribution of the depth of cut (DOC) among the cutting elements to substantially equalize the volume of formation material removed by the blades. Wear is reduced and the potential for premature failure of cutting elements on any single blade is alleviated.
Claims15
An apparatus for enlarging a borehole in a subterranean formation, comprising:
- a tubular, longitudinally-extending body adapted for rotation about a longitudinal axis therethrough;
- a plurality of longitudinally-extending, circumferentially-spaced, generally radially-extending blades, each having a profile on the exterior thereof between said body and a gage diameter deemed by at least one of said blades;
- at least one cutting element on the profile of one of said blades located with respect to at least one other cutting element on the profile of another of said blades in overlapping lateral relationship thereto as said body is rotated;
- said at least one cutting element on said one of said blades being located with respect to said at least one other cutting element on said another of said blades so as to result in a cutting depth of said at least one cutting element which differs from that of said at least one other cutting element.
A method of modifying the depth of cut of at least two radially adjacent cutting elements which cut rotational paths which laterally overlap, said at least two cutting elements being set at different circumferentially-spaced positions on a subterranean formation boring tool, the method comprising:
- determining the relative circumferential positions of said at least two cutting elements;
- and
- setting one of said at least two cutting elements at a depth of cut which substantially equalizes the volume of formation material cut by each of said at least two cutting elements.
An apparatus for boring a subterranean formation, comprising:
- a body including means at the upper extent thereof for securing said apparatus to a drill string;
- and
- a plurality of generally radially-extending, unequally circumferentially-spaced blades, each blade carrying at least one cutting element thereon which is positioned to cut a rotational path laterally overlapping the path of a cutting element on at least one other blade;
- said at least one cutting element on a blade of said plurality being set to a depth of cut relative to that of said at least one other cutting element which substantially equalizes the volume of formation material cut by each cutting element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.