Abstract:
Expandable reamer tools include an outer body (16), a fluid passageway (17) extending through the outer body, and at least one blade (40) configured to slide relative to the outer body between a retracted position and an expanded position in a direction oriented at an acute angle of less than ninety degrees (90-) to a longitudinal axis of the outer body. In some embodiments, the tools may include a moveable inner sleeve member (30) configured to selectively allow hydraulic fluid pressure within the fluid passageway to act directly on the at least one blade (40). Methods for enlarging a borehole using such expandable reamer tools and methods for removing such expandable reamer tools from a borehole are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Expandable reamer tools include an outer body (16), a fluid passageway (17) extending through the outer body, and at least one blade (40) configured to slide relative to the outer body between a retracted position and an expanded position in a direction oriented at an acute angle of less than ninety degrees (90-) to a longitudinal axis of the outer body. In some embodiments, the tools may include a moveable inner sleeve member (30) configured to selectively allow hydraulic fluid pressure within the fluid passageway to act directly on the at least one blade (40). Methods for enlarging a borehole using such expandable reamer tools and methods for removing such expandable reamer tools from a borehole are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Earth-boring tools include wear-resistant materials disposed in at least one recess formed in an exterior surface of a body thereof. Exposed surfaces of the wear-resistant material are substantially level with exterior surfaces of the body adjacent the wear-resistant material. In some embodiments, recesses may be formed in formation-engaging surfaces of blades of earth-boring rotary tools, adjacent one or more inserts secured to bodies of earth-boring tools, or adjacent one or more cutting elements secured to bodies of earth-boring tools. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include filling one or more recesses formed in an exterior surface of a body with wear-resistant material and causing exposed surfaces of the wear-resistant material to be substantially level with the exterior surface of the body.
Abstract:
Earth-boring tools include wear-resistant materials disposed in at least one recess formed in an exterior surface of a body thereof. Exposed surfaces of the wear-resistant material are substantially level with exterior surfaces of the body adjacent the wear-resistant material. In some embodiments, recesses may be formed in formation-engaging surfaces of blades of earth-boring rotary tools, adjacent one or more inserts secured to bodies of earth-boring tools, or adjacent one or more cutting elements secured to bodies of earth-boring tools. Methods of forming earth-boring tools include filling one or more recesses formed in an exterior surface of a body with wear-resistant material and causing exposed surfaces of the wear-resistant material to be substantially level with the exterior surface of the body.