Abstract: A multilateral access system for a multilateral well including a main well bore and at least one lateral well bore includes a tubular workstring having an inner string and an outer string. The outer string includes a diverter body having a cylindrical housing with a lateral window, the diverter body being shaped and dimensioned to direct the inner string the lateral window and into the at least one lateral well bore. The system is used by positioning the tubular workstring within a multilateral bore. The method further includes positioning the diverter body such that the window of the diverter body faces a milled casing window of the lateral well bore and moving the inner string upwardly above the diverter body. Subsequently, the inner string is lowered back though the diverter body, wherein the diverter body exerts a lateral force on a lower end of the inner string urging the lower end of the inner string toward the milled casing window.

Abstract: A multilateral access system for a multilateral well including a main well bore and at least one lateral well bore includes a tubular workstring having an inner string and an outer string. The outer string includes a diverter body having a cylindrical housing with a lateral window, the diverter body being shaped and dimensioned to direct the inner string the lateral window and into the at least one lateral well bore. The system is used by positioning the tubular workstring within a multilateral bore. The method further includes positioning the diverter body such that the window of the diverter body faces a milled casing window of the lateral well bore and moving the inner string upwardly above the diverter body. Subsequently, the inner string is lowered back though the diverter body, wherein the diverter body exerts a lateral force on a lower end of the inner string urging the lower end of the inner string toward the milled casing window.

Abstract: A new wellbore tractor system has been invented which, in one aspect has at least two slip units for alternately and releasably anchoring the system within a wellbore or within a tubular member and at least two movement units for moving an item in a wellbore, such as, but not limited to cable, tubing, casing, a tubular string or coiled tubing. In one aspect power strokes of the movement units overlap in time so that the system provides continuous motion. In another aspect a wellbore tractor system has been invented for moving an item through a wellbore, the wellbore extending from earth surface to an underground location, the system comprising a body connected to the item, first setting means on the body for selectively and releasably anchoring the system in a wellbore, first movement apparatus on the body for moving the body and the item, the first movement means having a first power stroke, and the wellbore tractor system for moving the item through the wellbore at a speed of at least 100 feet per minute.

Abstract: A valving apparatus for use in controlling the fluid pressure in a subterranean well conduit and in the annulus surrounding the conduit is disclosed. The valving apparatus is of the shuttle type and is shiftable between a closed position and an open position allowing flow within the tubing by the application of fluid pressure in the tubing above the valve. Pressure equalization below the valve is provided when the valve is in the closed position thus permitting the apparatus to be used with well tools in which annulus and tubing pressure must be equalized. A plug selectively inserted within the valve apparatus prevents the flow of fluids through the conduit in one direction and permits the build up of said fluid pressure. An annular fluid bypass does permit flow around the plug when the valve is shifted to the open position. An annular elastomeric sealing mass cooperates with a relatively movable annular ridge to provide sealing action for the valving apparatus.

Abstract: A valving apparatus for use in controlling the fluid pressure in a subterranean well conduit and in the annulus surrounding the conduit is disclosed. The valving apparatus is shiftable between a closed position and an open position allowing flow within the tubing by the application of fluid pressure in the tubing above the valve. Pressure equalization below the valve is provided when the valve is in the closed position thus permitting the tool to be used with well tools in which annulus and tubing pressure must be equalized. A plug located within the valve prevents the flow of fluids through the conduit in either direction. An annular fluid bypass does permit flow around the plug when the valve is in the open position.

Abstract: A method of chemical injection and of swabbing and/or flow testing a subterranean well by interconnecting a resettable packer and a circulating wash tool so that the packer may be positioned and set in the casing at a plurality of positions above the casing perforations. The introduction of pressurized chemical solution through the tubular work string produces an injection of the chemical solution into the perforations isolated by the vertically spaced annular sealing elements conventionally provided on the wash tool. Following the chemical treatment, the wash tool can be moved to a position above the perforations and a swab test run to measure the productive capabilities of the treated formation, all with a single trip of the wash tool and associated packer into the well.

Abstract: A valving apparatus supplies increased fluid pressure to a downhole tool having fluid pressure actuated expandable packing elements. The valving apparatus includes upper and lower annular sealing surfaces and a shuttle valve which, in its normal spring biased position, engages the upper sealing surface and maintains a connection between the bore of the downhole tool and the casing annulus, thereby equalizing pressure therebetween. When pressure in the work string is increased through dropping of a ball on a seat contained in the valving apparatus, the increased fluid pressure is bypassed around the ball valve to impinge upon a piston surface incorporated on the shuttle valve, moving the shuttle valve downwardly into sealing engagement with the lower annular sealing surface and thus transmitting increased pressure to the downhole tool.