Abstract: An electric motor-actuated tractor (e-Tractor) apparatus and method for use in downhole operations. The apparatus includes a power subassembly, a tractor subassembly and one or more gripper subassemblies and can be: run in a single or multiple e-Tractor configuration; run in either intermittent-motion tractoring mode or continuous-motion tractoring mode with the ability to switch between the two modes; used to generate both distal and proximal longitudinal forces to move the run-in string into or out of the wellbore; repeatedly activated and deactivated without run-in string manipulation or hydraulic pressure; and combined with tensiometer and other sensor package options to provide real-time data to the surface to optimize tractoring operations. The apparatus and method are well-suited for application in an c-coil conveyed workover or completion system, and for use in extended reach laterals in horizontal wells.

Abstract: An electric motor-actuated packer and/or anchor (EMAP/A) apparatus and method for use in downhole operations. The apparatus includes a packer subassembly and/or a slip subassembly and can be: set in a packer and anchor mode; set in an anchor-only mode without energizing the packer elements; repeatedly set and unset without run-in string manipulation; run in a multiple, or redundant, configuration within a given tool string, with each EMAP/A apparatus capable of being set/unset independently of the others; and combined within a tool string in a straddle packer configuration, with inverted and non-inverted EMAP/As providing the ability to isolate an interval of interest from both above and below the interval. Among other uses, the apparatus and method are well suited for application in a single-trip, e-coil conveyed completion system, and particularly one providing for radial hydraulic jetting.

Abstract: An apparatus and downhole method for dynamically establishing in situ an arcuate path of up to 90° or more for a jetting hose or other flexible conduit for forming a lateral bore. The apparatus includes a whipstock comprised of one or more arcuate, telescoping segments which enable the operator to avoid the friction pressure and HHP restrictions of smaller diameter hoses, imposed due to the minimum bend radius restrictions encountered when forming the bend radius solely inside the casing of a wellbore. The apparatus can also be used with a Custom Ported Casing Collar. The hose bending path is established immediately behind the jetting nozzle as the lateral borehole is excavated. Upon retrieval of the flexible conduit and excavation device, the arced extension retracts back into the whipstock body, so as not to impede the whipstock's reorientation and/or depth relocation for forming the next mini-lateral.

Abstract: A ported casing collar. The ported casing collar comprises a tubular body defining an outer sleeve. At least first and second portals are placed along the outer sleeve. The casing collar also comprises an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve defines a cylindrical body rotatably residing within the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve contains a plurality of inner portals. A control slot is provided along an outer diameter of the inner sleeve. In addition, a pair of torque pins are provided, configured to ride along the control slot in order to place selected inner portals of the inner sleeve with the first and second portals of the outer sleeve. Preferably, the setting tool is a whipstock configured to receive a jetting hose and connected jetting nozzle. A method of accessing a rock matrix in a subsurface formation is also provided.

Abstract: A hydraulic jetting assembly is provided herein. The jetting assembly includes a jetting hose, with a jetting nozzle at its distal end. The jetting nozzle comprises a tubular stator body having a fluid discharge slot, and a tubular rotor body residing within a bore of the stator body. The jetting nozzle has one or more bearings residing between the stator body and the surrounding rotor body to accommodate relative rotational movement. The jetting nozzle includes a proximal end configured to sealingly connect to an end of a jetting hose, and to receive a high pressure jetting fluid. Preferably, the nozzle has an outer diameter that is equivalent to or slightly larger than an outer diameter of the jetting hose. Preferably, the jetting assembly has at least three actuator wires configured to induce a controlled bending moment at its distal end, thereby providing for a steerable downhole tool. Jetting collars may be placed along the jetting hose to overcome drag force.

Abstract: A method for avoiding a frac hit with an offset parent wellbore during a formation stimulation operation. The method includes providing a child wellbore within a hydrocarbon-producing field. The method also includes forming lateral boreholes off of a horizontal leg of the child wellbore at a first casing exit location. The method also includes conducting a formation stimulation operation at the first casing exit location through the lateral boreholes, as a first stage. The method additionally includes monitoring field data in a hydrocarbon-producing field associated with the child wellbore during the formation stimulation operation. The method then includes forming lateral boreholes off of the horizontal leg at a second casing exit location longitudinally offset from the first casing exit location along the horizontal leg. An orientation of the lateral boreholes at the second casing exit location relative to the horizontal leg is determined based on the field data.

Abstract: A hydraulic jetting assembly is provided herein. The jetting assembly includes a jetting hose, with a jetting nozzle at its distal end. The jetting nozzle comprises a tubular stator body having a fluid discharge slot, and a tubular rotor body residing within a bore of the stator body. The jetting nozzle has one or more bearings residing between the rotor body and the surrounding stator body to accommodate relative rotational movement. The jetting nozzle includes a proximal end configured to sealingly connect to an end of a jetting hose, and to receive a high pressure jetting fluid. Preferably, the nozzle has an outer diameter that is equivalent to or slightly larger than an outer diameter of the jetting hose. Preferably, the jetting assembly has at least three actuator wires configured to induce a controlled bending moment at its distal end, thereby providing for a steerable downhole tool.

Abstract: A method of forming a lateral borehole in a pay zone located within an earth subsurface is provided. The method includes determining a depth of a pay zone in the earth subsurface, and then forming a wellbore within the pay zone. The method also includes conveying a hydraulic jetting assembly into the wellbore on a working string. The assembly includes a jetting hose carrier, and a jetting hose within the jetting hose carrier having a nozzle connected at a distal end. The method additionally includes setting a whipstock in the wellbore along the pay zone, and translating the jetting hose out of the jetting hose carrier to advance the nozzle along the face of the whipstock.

Abstract: A method of forming a lateral borehole in a pay zone located within an earth subsurface is provided. The method includes determining a depth of a pay zone in the earth subsurface, and then forming a wellbore within the pay zone. The method also includes conveying a hydraulic jetting assembly into the wellbore on a working string. The assembly includes a jetting hose carrier, and a jetting hose within the jetting hose carrier having a nozzle connected at a distal end. The method additionally includes setting a whipstock in the wellbore along the pay zone, and translating the jetting hose out of the jetting hose carrier to advance the nozzle along the face of the whipstock.

Abstract: A ported casing collar. The ported casing collar comprises a tubular body defining an outer sleeve. At least first and second portals are placed along the outer sleeve. The casing collar also comprises an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve defines a cylindrical body rotatably residing within the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve contains a plurality of inner portals. A control slot is provided along an outer diameter of the inner sleeve. In addition, a pair of torque pins are provided, configured to ride along the control slot in order to place selected inner portals of the inner sleeve with the first and second portals of the outer sleeve. Preferably, the setting tool is a whipstock configured to receive a jetting hose and connected jetting nozzle. A method of accessing a rock matrix in a subsurface formation is also provided.

Abstract: A method for avoiding a frac hit during a formation stimulation operation. The method includes providing a child wellbore within a hydrocarbon-producing field. The method also includes identifying a parent wellbore within the hydrocarbon-producing field. The method also includes conveying a hydraulic jetting assembly into the child wellbore on a working string. The method additionally includes setting a whipstock in the wellbore at a first casing exit location. The method then includes injecting hydraulic jetting fluid through a jetting hose and connected jetting nozzle while advancing the nozzle through against a face of the whipstock, and through a first window. The nozzle advances into the surrounding rock matrix, thereby forming a lateral borehole that extends away from the wellbore. The method also includes controlling (i) a distance of the lateral borehole from the child wellbore, (ii) a direction of the lateral borehole from the child wellbore, or (iii) both prior to hydraulic fracturing.

Abstract: An internal tractor system useful for advancing and withdrawing a tubular body within a wellbore is provided. Preferably, the wellbore includes a horizontal section, and the internal tractor system is used to advance a string of coiled tubing or a flexible jetting hose along the horizontal section. The internal tractor system includes an elongated carrier body. The carrier body defines a wall forming a plurality of radially-disposed prongs, and a passageway within the wall. The passageway is dimensioned to closely receive the tubular body along the length of the carrier body to prevent buckling. The internal tractor system also includes a wiring chamber housing electrical wires or data cables within one of the plurality of prongs, and at least one pair of grippers residing within opposing prongs. Each gripper is configured to engage the tubular body when rotatably actuated. A method of advancing a tubular body along a wellbore, using the internal tractor system is also provided.

Abstract: A hydraulic jetting assembly is provided herein. The jetting assembly includes a jetting hose, with a jetting nozzle at its distal end. The jetting nozzle comprises a tubular stator body having a fluid discharge slot, and a tubular rotor body residing within a bore of the stator body. The jetting nozzle has one or more bearings residing between the stator body and the surrounding rotor body to accommodate relative rotational movement. The jetting nozzle includes a proximal end configured to sealingly connect to an end of a jetting hose, and to receive a high pressure jetting fluid. Preferably, the nozzle has an outer diameter that is equivalent to or slightly larger than an outer diameter of the jetting hose. Preferably, the jetting assembly has at least three actuator wires configured to induce a controlled bending moment at its distal end, thereby providing for a steerable downhole tool. Jetting collars may be placed along the jetting hose to overcome drag force.

Abstract: A hydraulic jetting assembly is provided herein. The jetting assembly includes a jetting hose, with a jetting nozzle at its distal end. The jetting nozzle comprises a tubular stator body having a fluid discharge slot, and a tubular rotor body residing within a bore of the stator body. The jetting nozzle has one or more bearings residing between the stator body and the surrounding rotor body to accommodate relative rotational movement. The jetting nozzle includes a proximal end configured to sealingly connect to an end of a jetting hose, and to receive a high pressure jetting fluid. Preferably, the nozzle has an outer diameter that is equivalent to or slightly larger than an outer diameter of the jetting hose. Preferably, the jetting assembly has at least three actuator wires configured to induce a controlled bending moment at its distal end, thereby providing for a steerable downhole tool. Jetting collars may be placed along the jetting hose to overcome drag force.

Abstract: A hydraulic jetting assembly is provided herein. The jetting assembly includes a jetting hose, with a jetting nozzle at its distal end. The jetting nozzle comprises a tubular stator body having a fluid discharge slot, and a tubular rotor body residing within a bore of the stator body. The jetting nozzle has one or more bearings residing between the stator body and the surrounding rotor body to accommodate relative rotational movement. The jetting nozzle includes a proximal end configured to sealingly connect to an end of a jetting hose, and to receive a high pressure jetting fluid. Preferably, the nozzle has an outer diameter that is equivalent to or slightly larger than an outer diameter of the jetting hose. Preferably, the jetting assembly has at least three actuator wires configured to induce a controlled bending moment at its distal end, thereby providing for a steerable downhole tool. Jetting collars may be placed along the jetting hose to overcome drag force.

Abstract: A method of forming a lateral borehole in a pay zone located within an earth subsurface is provided. The method includes determining a depth of a pay zone in the earth subsurface, and then forming a wellbore within the pay zone. The method also includes conveying a hydraulic jetting assembly into the wellbore on a working string. The assembly includes a jetting hose carrier, and a jetting hose within the jetting hose carrier having a nozzle connected at a distal end. The method additionally includes setting a whipstock in the wellbore along the pay zone, and translating the jetting hose out of the jetting hose carrier to advance the nozzle along the face of the whipstock.

Abstract: A downhole hydraulic jetting assembly is provided herein. The assembly is useful for steerably jetting multiple lateral boreholes into a subsurface formation from an existing parent wellbore of any inclination. The assembly is useful for single trip completions or recompletion through the placement of multiple lateral boreholes. The assembly includes an external system wherein coiled tubing and a whipstock member are run into a wellbore. The assembly further includes an internal system that is run into the wellbore housed within the external system, but which allows a nozzle at the end of the hose to be directed against a wellbore exit location after the whipstock member is located and set. A window may be formed through casing using the jetting hose and nozzle, followed by the formation of a lateral bore hole. The whipstock may be re-located and/or re-oriented for the jetting of additional casing exits and lateral boreholes in the same trip.

Abstract: A method for forming lateral boreholes from an existing parent wellbore is provided. The wellbore has been completed with a string of production casing. The method generally comprises providing a downhole tool assembly having a whipstock. The method also includes running the assembly down into the parent wellbore. A force is applied to the assembly to cause the whipstock to rotate within the wellbore into an operating position. In this position, a curved face of the whipstock forms a bend-radius substantially across the inner diameter of the casing. A jetting hose is run into the wellbore. Upon contact with the curved face of the whipstock, the jetting hose is re-directed through a window in the production casing. Hydraulic fluid is injected under pressure through the hose to provide hydraulic jetting. The hose is directed through the window and into the formation to create a lateral borehole extending many feet outwardly into a subsurface formation.

Abstract: An internal tractor system is provided herein. The internal tractor system is useful for advancing and withdrawing a tubular body within a wellbore. Preferably, the wellbore includes a horizontal section, and the internal tractor system is used to advance a string of coiled tubing or a flexible jetting hose along the horizontal section. The internal tractor system generally includes an elongated carrier body. The carrier body defines a wall forming a plurality of radially-disposed prongs, and a passageway within the wall. The passageway is dimensioned to closely receive the tubular body along the length of the carrier body to prevent buckling. The internal tractor system also includes a wiring chamber housing electrical wires, data cables, or both within one of the plurality of prongs, and at least one pair of grippers residing within opposing prongs. Each gripper is configured to engage and mechanically move the tubular body when rotatably actuated.

Abstract: A hydraulic jetting assembly is provided herein. The jetting assembly includes a jetting hose, with a jetting nozzle at its distal end. The jetting nozzle comprises a tubular stator body having a fluid discharge slot, and a tubular rotor body residing within a bore of the stator body. The jetting nozzle has one or more bearings residing between the stator body and the surrounding rotor body to accommodate relative rotational movement. The jetting nozzle includes a proximal end configured to sealingly connect to an end of a jetting hose, and to receive a high pressure jetting fluid. Preferably, the nozzle has an outer diameter that is equivalent to or slightly larger than an outer diameter of the jetting hose. Preferably, the jetting assembly has at least three actuator wires configured to induce a controlled bending moment at its distal end, thereby providing for a steerable downhole tool. Jetting collars may be placed along the jetting hose to overcome drag force.