Purpose and Importance of the Reamer Shoe:
A reamer shoe is a specialized tool attached to the bottom of a casing string. Its primary functions include:
- Reaming and Enlarging the Wellbore – It helps smooth out irregularities and remove obstructions in the borehole.
- Guiding the Casing – The tapered design aids in navigating through tight spots and doglegs.
- Reducing Friction and Drag – By minimizing resistance, it facilitates the casing’s descent to total depth (TD).
- Preventing Differential Sticking – The rotating feature (in certain models) ensures continuous movement to avoid casing sticking in problematic formations.
Function Test Procedures for the Reamer Shoe:
The function test of a reamer shoe involves several steps to ensure that it is operational before it is deployed downhole. The general procedure includes:
- Visual Inspection
Check the body, nozzles, and cutting structures for any defects or damage.
Ensure that all components, including blades and ports, are intact. - Rotation and Free Movement Test
If the reamer shoe is designed to rotate, confirm that it rotates freely without excessive resistance.
Ensure that bearings and moving parts function smoothly. - Flow Test
Pump drilling fluid through the reamer shoe to verify that the flow channels are not blocked.
Check for proper fluid distribution through the nozzles. - Pressure Test
Apply pressure to simulate downhole conditions and confirm that the reamer shoe withstands the expected forces.
Monitor for leaks or signs of structural weakness. - Torque and Connection Test
Ensure that the reamer shoe can be properly connected to the casing without thread damage.
Apply torque according to manufacturer specifications and check for any misalignment. - Functionality in Drilling Fluid
Submerge the reamer shoe in drilling fluid to evaluate its performance in actual wellbore conditions.
Verify that it does not clog and maintains proper fluid circulation.