Hole reaming apparatus and method

摘要

An enhanced reaming apparatus and method are disclosed. A reaming assembly may have a motor and a pump that provide linear force, torsional force, and pressurized drilling fluid to a reamer to cause the reamer to enlarge the bore of a pilot hole. The reamer may have a body and a plurality of blade assemblies that cooperate to define two substantially symmetrical, oppositely oriented reaming sections. Each blade assembly may have an inner blade attached to the body and an outer blade extending outward from the body. Hard cutting elements may be used in place of the outer blade. The blade assemblies may be field-replaced, or the orientation of the reamer may be reversed to enhance the life of the reamer. The reamer has jets and circulation openings that release the drilling fluid into the bore to facilitate penetration and remove cuttings.