Reaming Tool

Abstract

A reaming tool including a channel body having a fluid channel disposed therethrough. The channel body includes a rotational coupling structure that allows the channel body to rotatably couple. The channel body includes a jacket, a dynamic sleeve, a static sleeve, and a static mandrel. The reaming tool includes a rotational discharge body fixedly coupled to the channel body and including a fluid conduit system. The fluid conduit system is shaped to impart rotational force on the rotational discharge body when fluid is forced therethrough. The rotational discharge body includes a post enclosed by stacked discharge plates. The fluid conduit system includes an array of curved conduits. The reaming tool includes a reamer housing fixedly coupled about the rotational discharge body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120, to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/258,293 to Chimere Nkwocha filed on Nov. 20, 2015, which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to earth drilling, specifically a new and improved reaming tool such as may be used in drilling earth for oil.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] A reamer is a type of rotary cutting tool used to clean and/or enlarge the size of a previously formed hole, generally to leave the sides of the hole sufficiently smooth for later purposes. The process of so cleaning and/or enlarging the hole is called reaming. There are many different types of reamer and they may be designed for use as a hand tool or in a machine tool, such as a milling machine or drill press, in drilling system for drilling for oil, and/or in other earth drilling contexts, etc.

[0004] In the context of drilling for oil, once a hole is drilled, the hole so drilled will generally not maintain a clean, smooth profile. Drilling changes the fundamental characteristics of the surrounding and produces a void with respect to pressure, water content, and even chemical interactions may occur by exposing the materials surrounding the hole to the air. Further, natural layering, fissures, facture lines and etc. may react different to the hole than the surrounding material. Accordingly, such holes will often end up with discontinuities that make it difficult to operate the hole as desired. Thus, reaming systems/devices may be used to make the sides of the hole sufficiently smooth for continued operation. Also, it is often useful to follow the reaming with a pipe that then prevents further distortion of the surrounding material from intruding on the working portion of the hole.

[0005] Where a pipe follows the reaming device, it would be difficult and expensive to retrieve the reaming device since the pipe is literally right behind the device and the device must have a large enough profile to make room for the pipe. Accordingly, the reaming device is generally left in the hole at the bottom of the pipe. Wherein further drilling needs to occur, the drill will generally just drill through the reaming device on its way past.

[0006] Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples of references related to the present invention are described below in their own words, and the supporting teachings of each reference are incorporated by reference herein:

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 9,080,384, issued to Walerianczyk, discloses an apparatus for cutting a wellbore includes a motor having a stator and a rotor. The rotor has an output shaft connected to a cutting structure. The stator and rotor are spaced radially outwardly of the axis of rotation of the rotor such that at least one of the stator and the rotor had an access bore extending through the motor to adjacent the cutting structure. A further object can pass therethrough, without obstruction. The further object comprises a further cutting. A flow diverter is disposed in the motor proximate a connection between the motor and a wellbore tubular, and has a first fluid outlet in fluid communication with a power section of the motor, and a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the access bore. The flow diverter is coupled to the stator such that axial loading created by fluid pressure is substantially transferred to the stator.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,388, issued to Cherrington, discloses an apparatus for removing debris from a bore hole comprises a housing having apertures formed therein such that rotation of the housing causing entrapment of the cuttings from the bore hole. The positive displacement pump comprises a rotor surrounded by a stator coupled to the housing such that rotation of the stator rotates the housing. The positive displacement pump is operable to pump material from the housing responsive to relative movement between the rotor and stator. A motor rotates the stator, thereby cleaning the bore hole.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,200, issued to Eppink, discloses an actuator assembly is a valve-less, high pressure, positive displacement, axial drive system including a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a hydraulic enclosure in an actuator housing with a bi-directional pump assembly driven by an electric motor and a piston assembly disposed within the hydraulic enclosure. The bi-directional pump accurately displacing the piston a given distance to exert a large drive or actuation force and to maximize that actuation force given a limited electrical current transmitted to the motor. Because the pump is bi-directional, the piston can be repositioned after actuation by reversing the direction of flow through the pump without using valves to direct the hydraulic fluid flow. The actuator assembly may also include a piston repositioning assembly connected to the hydraulic enclosure.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,413,032, issued to Krueger, discloses a system and method of controlling a trajectory of a wellbore comprises conveying a drilling assembly in the wellbore by a rotatable tubular member. The drilling assembly includes a drill bit at an end thereof that is rotatable by a drilling motor carried by the drilling assembly. The drilling assembly has a first adjustable stabilizer and an second stabilizer spaced apart from the first adjustable stabilizer. The first adjustable stabilizer having set of ribs spaced around the stabilizer, with each rib being independently radially extendable. The position of a first center of the first adjustable stabilizer is adjusted in the wellbore relative to a second center of the second stabilizer in the wellbore for controlling the trajectory of the wellbore.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 7,921,937, issued to Brackin et al., discloses drilling tools that may detect and dynamically adjust drilling parameters to enhance the drilling performance of a drilling system used to drill a well. The tools may include sensors, such as RPM, axial force for measuring the weight on a drill bit, torque, vibration, and other sensors known in the art. A processor may compare the data measured by the sensors against various drilling models to determine whether a drilling dysfunction is occurring and what remedial actions, if any, ought to be taken. The processor may command various tools within the bottom hole assembly (BHA), including a bypass valve assembly and/or a hydraulic thruster to take actions that may eliminate drilling dysfunctions or improve overall drilling performance. The processor may communicate with a measurement while drilling (MWD) assembly, which may transmit the data measured by the sensors, the present status of the tools, and any remedial actions taken to the surface.

[0012] The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages which include being difficult to use, being easily damaged, being expensive, being difficult to replace, being limited in application, being limited in use, being limited in capabilities, losing the drill string, being slow, being cumbersome to use, not being convenient, and being likely to get stuck.

[0013] What is needed is a reaming tool that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available reaming tools. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an improved reaming tool that is more efficient and effective then previous reaming tools.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a reaming tool including a channel body. The channel body may include a fluid channel that may be disposed therethrough. The channel body may have a rotational coupling structure that may allow the channel body to rotatably couple to another structure. The channel body may include a jacket that may be functionally coupled to the rotational coupling structure. The channel body may have a dynamic sleeve that may be functionally coupled to the jacket. The channel body may include a static sleeve that may be functionally coupled to the jacket. The channel body may have a static mandrel that may be functionally coupled to an interior of the jacket.

[0016] The reaming tool may include a rotational discharge body that may be fixedly coupled to the channel body. The rotational discharge body includes a fluid conduit system that may be in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The fluid conduit system may be shaped to impart rotational force on the rotational discharge body when fluid is forced therethrough. The rotational discharge body may include a post that may be enclosed by stacked discharge plates. The post may have a polygonal cross-section that mates with polygonal holes through the stacked plates. The fluid conduit system may include an array of curved conduits.

[0017] The reaming tool may include a reamer housing that may be fixedly coupled about the rotational discharge body. The reamer housing may include a reaming structure that may be on an extension thereof. The reamer housing may include a fluid outlet that may be in fluid communication with the fluid conduit system. The reamer housing may include an impeller sleeve that may be fixedly coupled around the rotational discharge body without blocking fluid flow therefrom. The impeller sleeve may include a shoe. The reaming tool may include a radial bearing pack that may be coupled to the reamer housing opposite the channel body.

[0018] Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0019] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

[0020] These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a partially-exploded perspective view of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a partially-exploded side perspective view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a partially-exploded side perspective view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a front partially-exploded perspective view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a partial side elevational partially-exploded view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a partial side elevational partially-exploded view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0029] FIG. 8 is a side elevational partially-exploded view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a plurality of discharge ports of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0031] FIG. 10 is a side elevational partially-exploded view of a portion of reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0032] FIG. 11 is a front elevational partially-exploded view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 12 is a front elevational partially-exploded view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

[0034] FIG. 13 is a front elevational partially-exploded view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0036] Reference throughout this specification to an "embodiment," an "example" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an "embodiment," an "example," and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording "embodiment," "example" or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily related, dissimilar, the same, etc.

[0037] Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as "another embodiment," the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language "another embodiment." The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.

[0038] As used herein, "comprising," "including," "containing," "is," "are," "characterized by," and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. "Comprising" is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of."

[0039] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a reaming tool 10 having a channel body 12 coupled to a reamer housing 40 by a rotational coupling structure 16 such that the reamer housing may rotate in relation to the channel body. The illustrated reamer housing 40 includes a reaming structure 42 on the exterior thereof that is shaped to ream material within a hole when the reamer housing rotates. At an end of the illustrated reaming tool 10 is a shoe 48 having fluid outlets 44 so that fluid flowing through the reaming tool may exit the front thereof.

[0040] The illustrated reaming tool 10 includes a channel body 12. The channel body 12 includes a fluid channel disposed therethrough through which drilling fluid may flow from a back end of the tool to exit a front end of the tool at the illustrated shoe 48. In operation, the channel body couples to a drilling/reaming string through which drilling fluid flows and the channel body is in fluid communication with the drilling/reaming string. The channel body is shaped to have a substantially similar cross-sectional profile to the drilling/reaming string, such that it may couple thereto, may allow fluid therefrom to flow therethrough, and may pass through a hole that the drilling/reaming string passes through.

[0041] The illustrated channel body 12 includes or is coupled to a rotational coupling structure 16 that allows the channel body 12 to rotatably couple to a reamer housing 40. Generally, such will include a bearing pack (See FIGS. 12 and 13, element 50) that couples to each of the channel body and the reamer housing in a manner that keeps them connected but allows for rotation of the reamer housing on a rotational axis aligned with a long axis of the tool. Bearing packs (or other similar structures, such as but not limited to magnetic bearing systems) may be of various types that permit the desired rotational relationship. Such may include ball bearings, roller bearings, jewel bearings, fluid bearings, flexure bearings, composite bearings and the like and combinations thereof and such bearings may be made of various materials suitable for the desired operational characteristics and product life. Generally chrome steel ball bearings are utilized herewith.

[0042] The illustrated reamer housing 40 is fixedly coupled about a rotational discharge body (See FIG. 4, element 28) that is rotatably coupled to the channel body and in fluid communication therewith. The reamer housing 40 includes a reaming structure 42 that is an extension thereof that scrapes against an interior of a hole through which the tool is disposed in order to ream the hole. The reamer housing 40 includes an impeller sleeve (See FIG. 5, element 46) fixedly coupled around the rotational discharge body without blocking fluid flow therefrom.

[0043] The illustrated reaming tool 10 includes a shoe 48 having plurality of fluid outlets 44 disposed about the shoe 48. The shoe guides the string during insertion and provides an exit locus for fluid flowing through the tool.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a reaming tool or system 10 designed to provide improved efficiency and effectiveness while drilling. Previously, there was a curved stator system similar to an auger to create rotation and possibly torque. The current system is used in down-hole mud motor systems and/or may use a rotor and stator configuration rather than a turbine or auger system.

[0045] In one embodiment, there is a low tier, simple and cheap float shoe with an internal profiled block that is held in the lower part of the tool by screws through the external rotating member. This system is capable of generating much improved torque with rotation. Rotation is created by flowing through the casing or liner string and subsequently through the profiled block inside the tool which then creates rotation. This tool comes with single or multiple nozzles to improve fluid dispersion and deposition within the borehole. The lower section of the tool that rotates is made with steel (where drill out capabilities is not required) or with substitute materials that is easily drill able with a PDC bit. A bearing located within the upper sub ensures the entire lower assembly rotates. Generally, bearing pack(s) are drillable and/or are made of drillable material.

[0046] The illustrated reaming system provides one or more of the the following advantages: designed to replace the standard float shoes, improves cementing through uniform deposition of fluids circumferentially inside the borehole, be able to help with reaming limited obstructions, ledges or tight spots, may be made to standard reamer shoe sizes depending on the required application, the internal profiled unit may be made of PDC drillable material. Current design uses aluminium but future designs may include thermoplastic, cement and a combination of drillable material.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a reaming tool 10 having a housing with reaming functions for drilling applications. The reaming tool includes a reaming structure that is hydraulically powered without a need for the string to rotate. The reaming tool allows a user to ream out the hole as the drill string goes down. In addition, the reaming tool allows the user to bring the string back up if it is stuck in the drill hole. Furthermore, the user may activate the reaming tool to ream along the way up.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is a reaming tool 10 that provides a drilling string reaming attachment that is hydraulically powered and thus rotates without string rotation.

[0049] In operation, the illustrated tool is coupled to an end of a string and dropped down a drill hole. Fluid is pumped through the string and thereby through the tool, which causes the reaming housing having reaming structure disposed thereon to rotate, thereby reaming the hole. The tool may be lowered/raised as desired to ream in regions of the hole where reaming may be needed due to deformations of the interior of the hole.

[0050] FIGS. 2-13 illustrate disassembly (or, in opposite order, assembly) of a reaming tool according to one embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 1, with FIGS. 6 and 7 including alternative embodiments of discharge structure (stacked plates v. single body).

[0051] FIG. 2 is a partially-exploded perspective view of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a reaming tool 10 including a channel body 12 coupled to a reamer housing 40 by a rotational coupling structure 16. The reaming tool 10 also includes a radial bearing pack 50 functionally coupled to the channel body 12 and the reamer housing 40 to which a shoe 48 may be functionally coupled, thereby permitting free-rotation of the show 48 with respect to the reamer housing 40. This prevents the shoe and the reaming structure from interfering with each other during operation of the tool.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a partially-exploded side perspective view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a reaming tool 10 includes a channel body 12 coupled to a reamer housing 40 having a radial bearing pack 50.

[0053] The illustrated reaming tool 10 includes a channel body 12 coupled to a reamer housing 40 to support and protect the components and parts of the reaming tool 10 during use and to prevent fluid from escaping the reamer housing. The reamer housing 40 is fixedly coupled about a rotational discharge body. The reamer housing 40 includes a reaming structure that is an extension thereof. The reaming tool 10 includes a radial bearing pack 50 coupled to the reamer housing 40 opposite a channel body 12 to which a shoe may be coupled.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a partially-exploded side perspective view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a reaming tool 10 including a channel body 12 functionally coupled to a reamer housing 40. The reaming tool 10 also includes a rotational discharge body 28 having a post 32 enclosed by stacked discharge plates 34. The illustrated reamer housing 40 friction fits and couples about the rotational discharge body as a sleeve.

[0055] The illustrated reaming tool 10 includes a channel body 12 having a fluid channel disposed therethrough. The channel body 12 includes a rotational coupling structure that allows the channel body 12 to rotatably couple to a reamer housing 40. The reamer housing 40 is disposed over a jacket of the channel body 12. The reaming tool 10 includes a rotational discharge body 28 fixedly coupled to the channel body 12. The rotational discharge body 28 includes a fluid conduit system in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The fluid conduit system is shaped to impart rotational force on the rotational discharge body 28 when fluid is forced therethrough. Generally, such a shape will be a spiral or other shape that transforms fluid pressure/flow into angular momentum for the rotational discharge body.

[0056] The illustrated rotational discharge body 28 includes a post 32 enclosed by stacked discharge plates 34. The stacked discharge plates 34 each include a plurality of channels therethrough that are in fluid communication with apertures through the post 32. Fluid flowing from the string to the post exits the post through such apertures and thereby into the channels within the discharge plates and then out an exterior surface of the discharge plates to then flow towards the shoe and out thereof. Since the illustrated discharge plates are fixedly coupled to the post such that they cannot rotate about the post, any rotational momentum experienced by the discharge plates is transferred to the post, which is rotatably coupled to the string, thereby allowing the post, and thus the reamer housing, to rotate in relation to the string.

[0057] FIG. 5 is a front partially-exploded perspective view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a including a reamer housing 40 and an impeller sleeve 46. The impeller sleeve is shaped and sized to friction fit within the reamer housing. It is also shaped and sized to friction fit about the discharge body/plates but allow fluid to flow out of the channels thereof. Accordingly, this provides a strong non-rotatable coupling between the discharge body/plates and the reamer housing such that rotation of the post and discharge body/plates induces rotation of the reamer housing.

[0058] The reamer housing 40 includes a reaming structure that is on an extension thereof. The reamer housing 40 includes a fluid outlet that is in fluid communication with a fluid conduit system. The reamer housing 40 includes an impeller sleeve 46 fixedly coupled around the rotational discharge body without blocking fluid flow therefrom. The impeller sleeve 46 is designed to installed within the reamer housing.

[0059] In one embodiment of the invention, the impeller sleeve 46 is exposed to dry ice for about forty-five minutes to shrink the impeller sleeve 46 in order to fit within the reamer housing 40. Ideally, the impeller sleeve 46 is hydraulically pressed into the reamer housing after the dry ice bath. Proper alignment and installation of the impeller sleeve 46 into the reamer housing 40 is important to functionality of the reaming tool 10. Pressure may be applied to the impeller sleeve 46 for about thirty seconds after shouldering the impeller sleeve 46 into the reamer housing 40 to properly seat the same.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a partial side elevational partially-exploded view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a reaming tool 10 including a channel body 12 functionally coupled to a rotational discharge body 28 having a post 32 enclosed by stacked discharge plates 34. The illustrated post terminates in a connecting nut, which is illustrated.

[0061] The illustrated reaming tool 10 includes a channel body 12 having jacket 18 functionally coupled thereto. The rotational discharge body 28 includes a fluid conduit system in fluid communication with a fluid channel. The fluid conduit system is shaped to impart rotational force on the rotational discharge body 28 when fluid is forced therethrough. The rotational discharge body 28 includes a post 32 enclosed by stacked discharge plates 34; wherein the stacked discharge plates 34 provides rotational fluid movement.

[0062] Advantageously, a plurality of stacked discharge plates allow for easier transport and manufacturing of a discharge body as compared to a solid discharge body (e.g. the single discharge block 60 of FIG. 7).

[0063] FIG. 7 is a partial side elevational partially-exploded view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a reaming tool 10 includes a channel body 12 coupled to a rotational discharge body 28 having a post 32 enclosed by a single discharge block 60. The illustrated post terminates in a connecting nut, which is illustrated.

[0064] The illustrated reaming tool 10 includes a channel body 12 having a jacket functionally coupled thereto. The rotational discharge body 28 includes a fluid conduit system in fluid communication with a fluid channel. The fluid conduit system is shaped to impart rotational force on the rotational discharge body 28 when fluid is forced therethrough. The rotational discharge body 28 includes a post 32 enclosed by a single discharge block 60. The single discharge block 60 functions the same as a plurality of stacked discharge plates, but disposed within a single block plate that slides onto the post 32.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a side elevational partially-exploded view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a reaming tool 10 including a channel body 12, a rotational discharge body 28 having a post 32 enclosed by single discharge plate 33 of a stack of discharge plates. Such discharge plates may be slid on/off the post 32 wherein the discharge plates ring therearound. The post is shaped to have a non-cylindrical cross-section so that discharge plates having a hole with the same cross-section are locked in rotational position about the post and no able to rotate around. This locks the fluid conduits of the discharge plates to be aligned with the apertures in the post and prevents slippage when the discharge plates begin to rotate during operation.

[0066] The illustrated reaming tool 10 includes a channel body 12 having a fluid channel disposed therethrough. The channel body 12 includes a rotational coupling structure 16 that allows the channel body 12 to rotatably couple to a reamer housing (not shown). The channel body 12 includes a jacket 18 functionally coupled to the rotational coupling structure 16; a dynamic sleeve 20 functionally coupled to the jacket 18; a static sleeve 22 functionally coupled to the jacket 18; and a static mandrel 24 functionally coupled to an interior of the jacket 18.

[0067] The reaming tool 10 includes a rotational discharge body 28 fixedly coupled to the channel body 12. The rotational discharge body 28 includes a fluid conduit system 30 in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The fluid conduit system 30 is shaped to impart rotational force on the rotational discharge body 28 when fluid is forced therethrough. The rotational discharge body 28 includes a post 32 configured to allow stacked discharge plates to be functionally coupled thereto. The post 32 has a polygonal cross-section that mates with polygonal holes through the stacked plates.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a plurality of discharge ports of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a reaming tool 10 including a rotational discharge body 28 having a post 32 and a discharge plate 33 with an array of curved conduits 38.

[0069] The illustrated reaming tool 10 includes a rotational discharge body 28 fixedly coupled to a channel body. The rotational discharge body 28 includes a fluid conduit system 30 in fluid communication with a fluid channel of the channel body. The fluid conduit system 30 is shaped to impart rotational force on the rotational discharge body 28 when fluid is forced therethrough. The rotational discharge body 28 includes a post 32 enclosed by stacked discharge plates 34. The post 32 has a polygonal cross-section that mates with polygonal holes through the stacked plates 34. The illustrated fluid conduit system 30 includes an array of curved conduits 38 to impart rotational energy.

[0070] FIG. 10 is a side elevational partially-exploded view of a portion of reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a reaming tool 10 including a channel body 12 having a static mandrel 24, a rotational discharge body having a post 32 and a connecting nut 70.

[0071] The illustrated reaming tool 10 includes a channel body 12 having a fluid channel disposed therethrough. The channel body 12 includes a static mandrel 24 functionally coupled to an interior of a jacket of the channel body 12. The reaming tool 10 includes a rotational discharge body 28 fixedly coupled to the channel body. The rotational discharge body 28 includes a fluid conduit system 30 in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The fluid conduit system 30 is shaped to impart rotational force on the rotational discharge body 28 when fluid is forced therethrough. The rotational discharge body 28 includes a post 32 sized and shaped to be enclosed by stacked discharge plates. The post 32 includes a polygonal cross-section 36 that mates with polygonal holes through the stacked plates. The stacked plates are secured to the post 32 by a connecting nut 70.

[0072] FIG. 11 is a front elevational partially-exploded view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a reaming tool 10 including a channel body 12 having a fluid channel 12, a rotational coupling structure 16, a jacket 18, a dynamic sleeve 20, a static sleeve 22, and a static mandrel 24.

[0073] The illustrated reaming tool 10 includes a channel body 12. The channel body 12 includes a fluid channel 14 disposed therethrough. The channel body 12 includes a rotational coupling structure 16 that allows the channel body 12 to rotatably couple to a reamer housing (not shown). The channel body 12 includes a jacket 18 functionally coupled to the rotational coupling structure 16. The channel body 12 includes a dynamic sleeve 20 functionally coupled to the jacket 18. The channel body 12 includes a static sleeve 22 functionally coupled to the jacket 18. The illustrated channel body 12 includes a static mandrel 24 functionally coupled to an interior of the jacket 18. The static mandrel 24 is disposed within the jacket 18 by a hydraulic press to insure proper alignment and functionally coupling thereto.

[0074] FIG. 12 is a front elevational partially-exploded view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a reaming tool 10 including a channel body 12 having a jacket 18, a dynamic sleeve 20, a static sleeve 22, and a radial bearing pack 50.

[0075] The illustrated reaming tool 10 includes a channel body 12. The channel body 12 includes a fluid channel disposed therethrough; and a rotational coupling structure that allows the channel body to rotatably couple. The channel body 12 includes a jacket 18 functionally coupled to the rotational coupling structure. The channel body 12 includes a dynamic sleeve 20 functionally coupled to the jacket 18. The channel body 12 includes a static sleeve 22 functionally coupled to the jacket 18. The reaming tool 10 includes a radial bearing pack 50 coupled to a reamer housing opposite the channel body 12.

[0076] FIG. 13 is a front elevational partially-exploded view of a portion of a reaming tool, according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a reaming tool 10 including a channel body 12 having a jacket 18, a dynamic sleeve 20, and a radial bearing pack 50.

[0077] The illustrated reaming tool 10 includes a channel body 12. The channel body 12 includes a fluid channel disposed therethrough and a rotational coupling structure that allows the channel body 12 to rotatably couple to parts and components of the reaming tool 10. The channel body 12 includes a jacket 18 functionally coupled to the rotational coupling structure. The channel body 12 includes a dynamic sleeve 20 functionally coupled to the jacket 18. The channel body 12 includes a static sleeve 22 functionally coupled to the jacket 18. The reaming tool 10 includes a radial bearing pack 50 coupled to a reamer housing opposite the channel body 12.

[0078] In one non-limiting embodiment, the following are assembly instructions for a reaming tool according to one non-limiting embodiment:

[0079] Stand a jacket upright on a box connection. Install On-Bottom chromes steel ball bearings into a bearing land located on the jacket. Carefully slide a dynamic sleeve onto the jacket. Install Off-Bottom chrome steel ball bearings into a bearing land location on the dynamic sleeve. Apply thread compound to a static sleeve. Gently thread the static sleeve onto the jacket.

[0080] While clamping the jacket, install a static sleeve torque jig into the static sleeve and torque the static sleeve to a predefined specification. Press a static mandrel into (inside) the jacket using a hydraulic press, making sure that the static mandrel is properly aligned, so that any connector holes are centered. Install screws through connector holes in the static mandrel and torque to predefined specifications.

[0081] Install an impeller sleeve into a reamer housing. The friction fit between the reamer housing and the impeller sleeve is generally very strong and temperature shrinking techniques may be required to shrink the impeller sleeve sufficiently to put it in place within the reamer housing. Pressure may need to be applied to the impeller sleeve within the reamer housing as the impeller sleeve returns to ambient temperature to prevent hydraulic lift.

[0082] While clamping on the jacket, thread a post (J-Rod) into the static mandrel until it bottoms out therein. Slid discharge plates or a discharge body onto the J-Rod, ensuring that such are properly oriented so that discharge channels match up with apertures through the J-Rod. Thread a connecting nut onto the J-Rod to lock the discharge plates/body onto the J-Rod.

[0083] Thread the reamer housing onto the dynamic sleeve. Thread a radial bearing onto the connecting nut of the J-Rod. Torque each to a predefined specification. Clamp onto the reamer housing and torque the dynamic sleeve to a predefined specification, but do not clamp onto reaming structure of the reamer housing to prevent damage thereto.

[0084] Thread a shoe (Nose) into the reamer housing and torque to a predefined specification.

[0085] Install the tool on a string.

[0086] It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0087] For example, although the figures illustrate a particular reaming structure disposed on an exterior of a reamer housing, it is understood that such reaming structures are plethoric and of various shapes, sizes, and configurations and that many such configurations are suitable and/or specialized for various types of reaming or reaming situations and that any such may be utilized herewith.

[0088] Additionally, although the figures illustrate a shoe having a particular shape and configuration, it is understood that such shoes/noses are plethoric and of various shapes, sizes, and configurations and that many such configurations are suitable and/or specialized for various types of uses and situations and that any such may be utilized herewith.

[0089] It is also envisioned that channels within the discharge body may be shaped differently from the illustrated array of spirals, including but not limited to line-segment spirals, elbows, discontinuous curves, straight lines with deflector structure at an end thereof, and the like and combinations thereof.

[0090] It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design of this invention. An example is that the presence, configuration, orientation, relationship, coupling, and shape of any one or more of the illustrated sleeves, jackets, mandrels and the like may be altered so long as the tool is able to hydraulically rotate separately from the string.

[0091] Finally, it is envisioned that while metals are primarily used in reaming tools, the components of the device may be constructed of a variety of materials, including but not limited to various metals, ceramics, rubbers, plastics, polymers, stone, wood, composites and the like and combinations thereof.

[0092] Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures, methods described herein.

Claims

1. A reaming tool, comprising: a) a channel body, including: a1) a fluid channel disposed therethrough; and a2) a rotational coupling structure that allows the channel body to rotatably couple; b) a rotational discharge body fixedly coupled to the channel body and including a fluid conduit system in fluid communication with the fluid channel that is shaped to impart rotational force on the rotational discharge body when fluid is forced therethrough; and c) a reamer housing fixedly coupled about the rotational discharge body and including a reaming structure on an extension thereof and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid conduit system.

2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the rotational coupling structure includes a bearing pack.

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the rotational discharge body includes a post enclosed by stacked discharge plates.

4. The tool of claim 1, wherein the channel body includes: a3) a jacket functionally coupled to the rotational coupling structure; a4) a dynamic sleeve functionally coupled to the jacket; a5) a static sleeve functionally coupled to the jacket; and a6) a static mandrel functionally coupled to an interior of the jacket.

5. The tool of claim 1, wherein the post has a polygonal cross-section that mates with polygonal holes through the stacked plates.

6. The tool of claim 1, wherein the fluid conduit system includes an array of curved conduits.

7. The tool of claim 1, wherein the reamer housing includes an impeller sleeve fixedly coupled around the rotational discharge body without blocking fluid flow therefrom.

8. The tool of claim 7, wherein the impeller sleeve includes a shoe.

9. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a radial bearing pack coupled to the reamer housing opposite the channel body.

10. A reaming tool, comprising: a) a channel body, including: a1) a fluid channel disposed therethrough; and a2) a rotational coupling structure that allows the channel body to rotatably couple; b) a rotational discharge body fixedly coupled to the channel body and including a fluid conduit system in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the fluid conduit system including an array of curved conduits; and c) a reamer housing fixedly coupled about the rotational discharge body and including a reaming structure on an extension thereof and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid conduit system.

11. The tool of claim 10, wherein the rotational coupling structure includes a bearing pack.

12. The tool of claim 11, wherein the rotational discharge body includes a post enclosed by stacked discharge plates.

13. The tool of claim 12, wherein the channel body includes: a3) a jacket functionally coupled to the rotational coupling structure; a4) a dynamic sleeve functionally coupled to the jacket; a5) a static sleeve functionally coupled to the jacket; and a6) a static mandrel functionally coupled to an interior of the jacket.

14. The tool of claim 13, wherein the impeller sleeve includes a shoe.

15. The tool of claim 14, wherein the post has a polygonal cross-section that mates with polygonal holes through the stacked plates.

16. The tool of claim 15, wherein the reamer housing includes an impeller sleeve fixedly coupled around the rotational discharge body without blocking fluid flow therefrom.

17. The tool of claim 16, wherein the impeller sleeve includes a shoe.

18. The tool of claim 17, further comprising a radial bearing pack coupled to the reamer housing opposite the channel body.

19. A reaming tool, comprising: a) a channel body, including: a1) a fluid channel disposed therethrough; a2) a rotational coupling structure that allows the channel body to rotatably couple; a3) a jacket functionally coupled to the rotational coupling structure; a4) a dynamic sleeve functionally coupled to the jacket; a5) a static sleeve functionally coupled to the jacket; and a6) a static mandrel functionally coupled to an interior of the jacket b) a rotational discharge body fixedly coupled to the channel body and including a fluid conduit system in fluid communication with the fluid channel that is shaped to impart rotational force on the rotational discharge body when fluid is forced therethrough; wherein the rotational discharge body includes a post enclosed by stacked discharge plates; wherein the post has a polygonal cross-section that mates with polygonal holes through the stacked plates; wherein the fluid conduit system includes an array of curved conduits; c) a reamer housing fixedly coupled about the rotational discharge body and including a reaming structure on an extension thereof and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the fluid conduit system; wherein the reamer housing includes an impeller sleeve fixedly coupled around the rotational discharge body without blocking fluid flow therefrom; wherein the impeller sleeve includes a shoe; and d) a radial bearing pack coupled to the reamer housing opposite the channel body.