Abstract: Methods of operating a robotic breaker-racking apparatus are provided. A method of operating a robotic breaker-racking apparatus includes controlling a motor to drive the robotic breaker-racking apparatus to a first circuit breaker. The method includes accessing the first circuit breaker via remote or autonomous control of the robotic breaker-racking apparatus. Moreover, the method includes visually inspecting, via a camera of the robotic breaker-racking apparatus, a first relay of the first circuit breaker and/or a second relay of a second circuit breaker. Related robotic breaker-racking apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for drilling a new secondary wellbore from a primary wellbore in which a production string is already deployed. The production string is severed below a desired kick-off location for the new secondary wellbore and the upstream portion of the production string is withdrawn from the primary wellbore, thereby exposing an end of the remaining production string. A lateral orientation device (LOD) is mounted on the exposed end of the production string. The LOD includes a shoulder for seating on the exposed end, anchoring mechanism(s) to secure the LOD to adjacent tubular(s), and seals to sealingly engage adjacent tubulars. The LOD may include a contoured surface for orientation of a tool, such as a whipstock, which may be utilized to drill a new wellbore. Alternatively, a work string may be coupled with the LOD to perform pumping operations in the wellbore below the LOD.

Abstract: Methods of operating a robotic breaker-racking apparatus are provided. A method of operating a robotic breaker-racking apparatus includes controlling a motor to drive the robotic breaker-racking apparatus to a first circuit breaker. The method includes accessing the first circuit breaker via remote or autonomous control of the robotic breaker-racking apparatus. Moreover, the method includes visually inspecting, via a camera of the robotic breaker-racking apparatus, a first relay of the first circuit breaker and/or a second relay of a second circuit breaker. Related robotic breaker-racking apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for drilling a new secondary wellbore from a primary wellbore in which a production string is already deployed. The production string is severed below a desired kick-off location for the new secondary wellbore and the upstream portion of the production string is withdrawn from the primary wellbore, thereby exposing an end of the remaining production string. A lateral orientation device (LOD) is mounted on the exposed end of the production string. The LOD includes a shoulder for seating on the exposed end, anchoring mechanism(s) to secure the LOD to adjacent tubular(s), and seals to sealingly engage adjacent tubulars. The LOD may include a contoured surface for orientation of a tool, such as a whipstock, which may be utilized to drill a new wellbore. Alternatively, a work string may be coupled with the LOD to perform pumping operations in the wellbore below the LOD.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a wellbore junction, wherein, in one embodiment, a first leg of a screen is fastened within a first tubular with a preformed window. The first tubular houses a whipstock with a cut-out portion containing a folded second leg of the screen. The first tubular is lowered into a junction of a central and a lateral wellbore. A second tubular is lowered within the first tubular and catches an end of the folded second leg of the screen thereby unfolding and expanding the screen as the second tubular is guided into the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlling and/or powering downhole components without the need for control and/or power lines extending from the components to the surface of the well and without the need for power or control lines to be inserted into the wellbore along with the components. In one aspect of the invention, a borehole is lined with a casing, the casing having at least one aperture disposed. Adjacent the aperture, on the outer surface of the casing, is a docking station, which is permanently attached to the casing and includes a socket. After the casing is installed in the borehole, a downhole component can be lowered into the wellbore. The downhole component is equipped with a connector extending from an outer surface thereof. The connector assembly is disposable through the aperture in the casing and, the connector assembly can be connected to the socket of docking station.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling one or more holes at an angle to a wellbore. The apparatus includes a tubular housing defining one or more openings. Each opening is configured to provide an exit through which a drilling assembly drills to form a hole at an angle to the wellbore. The apparatus further includes one or more deflectors. Each deflector defines a surface for guiding the drilling assembly through an opening, and each deflector is positioned inside the tubular housing such that the surface is facing the opening. The apparatus further includes an anchor having a bottom portion attached to a top portion of the tubular housing and having a top portion configured to be removably fixed to a conveyance tubular.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a wellbore junction is provided. In one embodiment, a first leg of a screen is fastened within a first tubular with a preformed window. The first tubular houses a whipstock with a cut-out portion containing a folded second leg of the screen. The first tubular is lowered into a junction of a central and a lateral wellbore. A second tubular is lowered within the first tubular and catches an end of the folded second leg of the screen thereby unfolding and expanding the screen as the second tubular is guided into the lateral wellbore. In another embodiment, an expandable sand screen junction component with expandable sand screen production tubing is lowered through a junction of a central and lateral wellbore into the lateral wellbore and expanded into place. A central wellbore access port is milled into the junction component.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for drilling one or more holes at an angle to a wellbore. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tubular housing defining one or more openings. Each opening is configured to provide an exit through which a drilling assembly drills to form a hole at an angle to the wellbore. The apparatus further includes one or more deflectors. Each deflector defines a surface for guiding the drilling assembly through an opening, and each deflector is positioned inside the tubular housing such that the surface is facing the opening. The apparatus further includes an anchor having a bottom portion attached to a top portion of the tubular housing and having a top portion configured to be removably fixed to a conveyance tubular.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlling and/or powering downhole components without the need for control and/or power lines extending from the components to the surface of the well and without the need for power or control lines to be inserted into the wellbore along with the components. In one aspect of the invention, a borehole is lined with a casing, the casing having at least one aperture disposed. Adjacent the aperture, on the outer surface of the casing, is a docking station, which is permanently attached to the casing and includes a socket. After the casing is installed in the borehole, a downhole component can be lowered into the wellbore. The downhole component is equipped with a connector extending from an outer surface thereof. The connector assembly is disposable through the aperture in the casing and, the connector assembly can be connected to the socket of docking station.