Reamers for earth-boring applications having increased stability and related methods

• Main Authors: Adams, Nathaniel R, Rothe, Mitchell A, Marks, Mitchell F, McGee, Kendrick D
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 24.03.2020
• Subjects: EARTH DRILLING; EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS; MINING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR ASLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS

Reamer for earth-boring applications may include a body having a longitudinal axis and a blade carried by the body. The blade may include at least one cutting element located at a first radial distance from the longitudinal axis and a gage pad located at a second, smaller radial distance from the longitudinal axis. Methods of enlarging pilot holes in earth formations utilizing reamers may involve removing earth material from a sidewall of the pilot hole utilizing at least one cutting element located at a first radial distance from a longitudinal axis of a body of the reamer on a blade of a reamer. The reamer may be stabilized by placing a gage pad located on the blade in sliding contact with a portion of the sidewall of the pilot hole, the gage pad located at a second, smaller radial distance from the longitudinal axis.