Abstract: A method of creating a horizontal wellbore section comprises drilling the section in at least two stages. The method comprises drilling a first horizontal bore section. The first horizontal bore section is then provided with a first liner having a wall including initially-closed flow ports. The first liner isolates the wall of the first bore section. A second horizontal bore section is then drilled beyond the first horizontal bore section. The second horizontal bore section is provided with a second liner. Stimulation fluid is then directed into the first and second liners so that the stimulation fluid passes through the wall of the second liner to stimulate the second horizontal bore section. The flow ports in the wall of the first liner are then opened so that the stimulation fluid passes through the wall of the first liner to stimulate the first horizontal bore section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for use in restricting or sealing a bore. A tubular is expanded in the bore to cause the tubular to split and be extended towards a wall of the bore. A straddle is located within the tubular so as to extend across the region of the tubular which has been split, and expanded to seal the split in the tubular. Also disclosed is apparatus comprising one or more expansion tools and a straddle, for use in sealing or restricting a bore. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a tubular as disclosed herein, having one or more weak zones adapted to preferentially split under the action of an expansion tool.

Abstract: A method of creating a horizontal wellbore section comprises drilling the section in at least two stages. The method comprises drilling a first horizontal bore section. The first horizontal bore section is then provided with a first liner having a wall including initially-closed flow ports. The first liner isolates the wall of the first bore section. A second horizontal bore section is then drilled beyond the first horizontal bore section. The second horizontal bore section is provided with a second liner. Stimulation fluid is then directed into the first and second liners so that the stimulation fluid passes through the wall of the second liner to stimulate the second horizontal bore section. The flow ports in the wall of the first liner are then opened so that the stimulation fluid passes through the wall of the first liner to stimulate the first horizontal bore section.

Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean region includes running a tubular string including a plurality of sealed fluid ports distributed along its length through an upper lined wellbore section and into a lower drilled bore section which intercepts a subterranean region, wherein the lower drilled bore section includes a first fluid. A second fluid is delivered through one of the tubular string and an annulus defined between the tubular string and a wall of the bore to displace the first fluid from the annulus, wherein fluid communication between the tubular member and the annulus is provided via a displacement port in a lower end region of the tubular string. At least one of the sealed fluid ports may subsequently be opened and a treating fluid is delivered through the tubular string and into the annulus via the at least one opened fluid port to treat the subterranean region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for use in restricting or sealing a bore. A tubular is expanded in the bore to cause the tubular to split and be extended towards a wall of the bore. A straddle is located within the tubular so as to extend across the region of the tubular which has been split, and expanded to seal the split in the tubular. Also disclosed is apparatus comprising one or more expansion tools and a straddle, for use in sealing or restricting a bore. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a tubular as disclosed herein, having one or more weak zones adapted to preferentially split under the action of an expansion tool.

Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean region includes running a tubular string including a plurality of sealed fluid ports distributed along its length through an upper lined wellbore section and into a lower drilled bore section which intercepts a subterranean region, wherein the lower drilled bore section includes a first fluid. A second fluid is delivered through one of the tubular string and an annulus defined between the tubular string and a wall of the bore to displace the first fluid from the annulus, wherein fluid communication between the tubular member and the annulus is provided via a displacement port in a lower end region of the tubular string. At least one of the sealed fluid ports may subsequently be opened and a treating fluid is delivered through the tubular string and into the annulus via the at least one opened fluid port to treat the subterranean region.