Reamer for Use in Drilling Operations

Abstract

The invention relates to reamers used downhole oil well operations, particularly in reaming while drilling applications.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A reamer for use in a downhole environment, comprising
 an annular body having a first end, a second end, and an exterior,   a plurality of cutting blades on said exterior, each of said blades comprising
 a first linear tapered section rising from said exterior from a point proximate said first end toward the midpoint of said body, 
 a second linear tapered section rising from said exterior from a point proximate said second end toward the midpoint of said body, and 
 a spiral section having a constant radius relative to said body joining said first tapered section to said second tapered section, 
   wherein said spiral section comprises an exterior surface and a plurality of cutting inserts, and wherein said cutting inserts are distributed on said exterior surface to provide a substantially uniform cutting surface distribution across said exterior surface.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said cutting inserts comprise tungsten carbide. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said cutting inserts comprise a center depression in the top of said cutting inserts. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the distribution of cutting inserts is different on at least two of said plurality of cutting blades. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the distribution of cutting inserts is different on at least two of said plurality of cutting blades. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the distribution of cutting inserts is different on at least two of said plurality of cutting blades. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the carbide distribution provided by said inserts is constrained within +/−15% of the average carbide distribution measured as a function of blade width. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the carbide distribution provided by said inserts is constrained within +/−15% of the average carbide distribution measured as a function of blade width. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the carbide distribution provided by said inserts is constrained within +/−15% of the average carbide distribution measured as a function of blade width.