Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a pilot well and directionally drilling a directional well from the pilot well by the use of a casing including an easily drillable section positioned through a selected zone.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for noninvasive surface or remote monitoring of activity downhole in a cased bore hole wherein vibrations transmitted through the casing are detected by a vibration transducer coupled to the casing to obtain information about the activity occurring downhole in the cased bore hole. In one embodiment, an acoustic wave or vibration detector is coupled to the wellhead of an existing well or wells. The detector detects the acoustic waves or vibrations transmitted through the existing well that are caused by the drilling of the new well in close proximity to the existing well casing. When the monitored vibrations meet a predeterminedd criteria indicating a closely approaching drill bit or the drill bit striking the casing of an existing well, an alarm signal is produced to warn of the close approach or impact so that appropriate responsive action may be taken.