Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Redback™ Roller Reamers have proven over many years to provide the highest levels of reliability and performance to aid the drilling operation and reduce hole issues. One of the main areas where the most benefit can be gained is when the Redback™ directly replaces fixed blade stabilisers. Our Roller Reamers act like a bearing between the BHA and borehole, leading to significant reduction of drilling torque and down hole vibrations. Running the roller reamer will eliminate hanging up, weight transfer and torque/vibration issues that can be caused with running stabilisers. The patented retention system employed in the Redback™ Roller Reamer provides superb reliability when compared to other roller reamer designs. Multiple reaming options to address various applications No limit to the application of the Roller Reamer in varying well profiles i.e. Vertical, directional and/or horizontal sections

Yes, historically the use of the roller reamers was to just run it in a clean out or wiper trip assembly after the section had been drilled. To gain the most benefit out of running a roller reamer, this should be run as part of the drilling assembly which will aid the drilling performance while ensuring the hole is kept in good condition and provide an easier trip out of the hole. Drilling assemblies including a roller reamer significantly reduces the likelihood of requiring a further clean out/wiper trip. Reaming the hole while drilling will make it easier to run the casing first time and without having the cost of an additional run

The placement options are not limited when looking to run the roller reamer. It can either be replacing a specific stabilised point in the assembly or even running a complete assembly with only Roller Reamers instead of stabilisers. We have a very experienced team who can assist and provide you with the required information on where best to position the Roller Reamers to optimise the performance. Placement can be higher up in the assembly with standard steel body tools and further flexibility is provided through the option of running Non-Mag roller reamer bodies that can be placed lower down into the assembly Specialised designs that allow for real-time communication through the bodies are available. These are specific to the Directional Drilling companies

Yes, the Redback™ roller reamers have regularly been run with down hole tools that target the reduction of stick-slip vibration. The added benefit of the roller reamer is that it provides 3 Points of stabilisation, reduces torque and subsequent vibration while also being able to condition the hole and ream any ledges, transition areas and possible under gauge hole

No there is no upper limit on the RPM that can be run but the higher the RPM being run the quicker you will accumulate the revolutions on the bearings. The life of the Redback™ Roller Reamer should be discussed before the application to optimise the performance and time in hole

This is a question that still gets asked on a regular basis as the roller reamer has moving parts and historically the perception is that Roller Reamers will lose cutters down hole. The design criteria on the Redback™ Roller Reamer was to provide a retention system that securely hold the cutter cartridge in place even when run in harsh environments and for extended periods of time without fear of a failure occurring. The wedge lock retention system has been proven in applications around the world to provide the highest level of durability/reliability. This has gained the Redback™ roller reamer the reputation as the market leading roller reamer brand and preferred option for many Operators and DD companies.

The Redback™ can be run up to 200°C (392°F) Options are available for GeoThermal and HP/HT applications

Most widely used cutter type that optimises the cutting action for the opening of under gauge hole and/or the removal of stringers and ledges, which may be created by directional change in the borehole. Available from 5 7/8″ to 28″ hole size.

The Bi-Directional cutters will ream both while drilling and when tripping out of hole where top drive is available. Available from 8 3/8″ to 28″ hole size.

These roller units offer a greater length of full gauge hole wall contact in comparison to the other cutter types when, primarily, stabilisation is required. They effectively act like a low torque stabiliser. Under gauge rollers to simulate fixed blade stabiliser dimensions are available. Available in 8 3/8″ to 28″ hole size.

The Back Reaming cutters, where top drive is available, ream and reduce torque while tripping out of hole where stringers and formation squeeze may slow trip time. Available from 8 ½” to 28″ hole size.

If a roller reamer is not cleaned as Redback Drilling Tools recommend, then you may encounter some problems. Safety is always important, so before you begin to strip a reamer, you should put on safety glasses, gloves and boots. The first thing you must do is ensure the reamer is thoroughly cleaned, especially around the cap screws. Blow all the dirt out of the places difficult to get at. The next step is to clean out the socket head bolts. These are the bolts that hold the wedges in position.

The next step is to clean the sockets all the way to the bottom.If the socket head bolts are not cleaned properly, when the hex key is inserted, it will round out the socket making it extremely difficult to remove. Now that the socket head bolt is thoroughly cleaned, check your hex key. If the hex key is worn and rounded, then throw it away as it will also round out the socket. Undo the socket bolts using a solid bar. Never use a steel hammer to remove parts. It is not only dangerous, but it will also damage the main body of the reamer. If you have to use a hammer, use a copper or lead mallet. With the socket head bolts and wedges completely withdrawn from the body, the cutters can now be removed.

If the cutters have been left for a long time, they may be difficult to remove. If this is the case, soak the cutters in a WD-40 type solution. Try to work the cutters loose with your hands. A large screwdriver can also be used to free up the cutters. Once the cutters are loose, they can be removed by the normal strap method. Check the top of the pocket for any burrs or dents. Do not file or grind across the inside of the pockets or the wedge and block surfaces. Also, check the recoils. Ensure these threads are not protruding above the hole or have sunk too far down the hole. If this is the case, they must be replaced immediately! After replacement, ensure the bottom tang is removed by rotating the insertion tool 90 degrees and striking downward with a copper hammer. Carefully remove the snapped tang from the bottom of the hole with compressed air, and ensure proper disposal.

Lubricating the pocket is very important. Using plenty of Drill Collar compound will save you problems in the long term. Lubricate all the pockets, wedges and screws. If you are not intending to use the reamer for a while, it must be cleaned and well lubricated before storage. Also, check the wear on the body by placing a new wedge in an empty pocket. If there is less than 4mm of wedge above the body, it is safe for further service. If the wedge is more than 4mm above the body, like the one shown, we strongly advise it is removed from service. The Redback Roller Reamer is designed to operate for long hauls. If the reamer is kept cleaned and well lubricated at all times, many simple problems can be avoided.