Abstract: An inline component for a liner assembly, usable particularly in deviated wellbores, is disclosed. The component involves a series of offset passages to create sufficient turbulence in the circulating cement during a cementing job so as to eliminate the phenomenon of roping where there is inefficient displacement of mud with the circulating cement. The multi-component inline device has peripheral seals to prevent leakpaths along the inside wall of the casing being cemented. The offset flow passages are presented in individualized components which are rotationally locked to each other and have peripheral sealing devices. The stack of components is retained within the casing to prevent its longitudinal movement during the pumping of cement. The preferred materials are soft metallics which facilitate drilling out if required. The interlocking nature of the components also eliminates relative rotation to facilitate drill-out.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed that allow for downhole expansion of long strings of rounded tubulars, using a technique that expands the tubular from the top to the bottom. The apparatus supports the tubular to be expanded by a set of protruding dogs which can be retracted if an emergency release is required. A conically shaped wedge is driven into the top of the tubing to be expanded. After some initial expansion, a seal behind the wedge contacts the expanded portion of the tube. Further driving of the wedge into the tube ultimately brings in a series of back-up seals which enter the expanded tube and are disengaged from the driving mandrel at that point. Further applied pressure now makes use of a piston of enlarged cross-sectional area to continue the further expansion of the tubular. When the wedge has fully stroked through the tubular, it has by then expanded the tubular to an inside diameter larger than the protruding dogs which formerly supported it.

Abstract: Junctions in multilateral well structures are sealed by employing a variety of degrees of premachined components and a variety of sealing embodiments, including casing segments having premachined windows, side pocket members which are adapted to reside within the string during run in and move laterally to the deployed position, woven members, cement filled ECPs, etc. Also disclosed is a downhole milling device which cuts a window in a casing segment or other material based upon a predetermined geometric pattern imposed upon the cutting tool by an integral template.

Abstract: The invention comprises a casing tool having a lateral root premachined therein and plugged with cement. A wear bushing is also positioned within the entrance to the root from the uphole side of the tool to prevent distortion or even destruction of the root while the lateral is being drilled. Subsequent to the lateral being drilled the wear bushing is removed and a liner is run which is then sealed to the bore of the root with conventional sealing techniques, thus avoiding the need to seal oval holes.