Hole opener

A hole opener is a device used to enlarge the borehole during a well drilling operation. It can be positioned either above the drill bit or above a pilot run inside the existing borehole. Usages range from hydrocarbon drilling operations to water drilling or horizontal drilling. Hole openers are also used when a hole must be logged, since logging tools generally cannot handle holes larger than 17 and a half inches in diameter.[1]

Heavy-duty roller cones hole opener used for offshore drilling

Hole opener arms have to sustain heavy loads during operations[2] and are generally made of high-grade alloy steel, welded onto a solid alloy steel body. Some designs feature replaceable arms, allowing for size changes but decreasing overall robustness. Numerous designs exist, in sizes varying from a couple of inches to above 50". They can have rolling cutters or drag blades, and can be used for either direct or reverse circulation applications.[3]

See also

References
  1. Jahn, Frank (13 March 1998). Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production. Elsevier Science. p. 45. ISBN 9780080534251. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  2. HDD Practice Handbook. Vulkan-Verlag. 2005. p. 58. ISBN 9783802727399. Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  3. Rowles, Raymond (29 September 2017). Drilling for Water: A Practical Manual. Taylor & Francis. p. 40. ISBN 9781351942898. Retrieved 22 March 2023.


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