Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of methods and devices are provided for solving important and serious problems posed by lateral (and especially multilateral) completion in a wellbore including methods and devices for sealing the junction between a vertical and lateral well. Methods are disclosed wherein deformable devices are utilized to selectively seal the juncture between the vertical and lateral wells. Such deformable devices may comprise (1) an inflatable mold which utilizes a hardenable liquid (e.g., epoxy or cementious slurry) to form the seal; (2) expandable memory metal devices; and (3) swaging devices for plastically deforming a sealing material.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of methods and devices are provided for solving important and serious problems posed by lateral (and especially multilateral) completion including methods and devices for re-entering selected lateral wells to perform completions work, additional drilling, or remedial and stimulation work. Various methods and devices are provided for assisting in the location and re-entry of lateral wells. Such re-entry devices include permanent or retrievable deflector (e.g., whipstock) devices. Preferably, the re-entry methods of this invention permit the bore size of the lateral wells to be the same or substantially the same bore size as the vertical wells.

Abstract: A downhole well tool is provided which includes a shifting sleeve for opening a flow communication port. The well tool includes first and second primary seal elements positioned upstream and downstream, respectively, of the port as well as upstream and downstream of the threaded connections between the well tool and sections of tubing forming the well flow conduit. A fluid diffuser element may be included to abate flow damage across the primary seal elements during the shifting of the sleeve. A method of selectively transmitting fluid incorporating said well tool also is disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole well tool is provided which includes a shifting sleeve for opening a flow communication port. The well tool includes first and second primary seal elements positioned upstream and downstream, respectively, of the port as well as upstream and downstream of the threaded connections between the well tool and sections of tubing forming the well flow conduit. A fluid diffuser element may be included to abate flow damage across the primary seal elements during the shifting of the sleeve. A method of selectively transmitting fluid incorporating said well tool also is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for washing apparatuses in use of remedial tubing. A cylindrical housing has a fluid expansion chamber with fluid passageways communicating between the housing and the chamber. A turbulating sleeve freely rotates relative to the housing. Compression ports permit fluid to be transmitted through the housing, the passageways and into the chamber for injection through the ports to activate rotary motion of the sleeve for turbulizing washing action. A second housing is provided on the apparatus having normally closed wash ports which are angularly directed toward the remedial tubing and rearwardly relative to the apparatus. The wash ports are normally closed and may be opened, selectively, and when open, fluid flow through the apparatus is directed only through the rearwardly directed wash ports to drive particulate matter impacted exterior of the tubing and rearwardly of the apparatus from the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securement onto one end of a continuous length of remedial tubing introducable into a subterranean well and concentrically insertable through production tubing previously positioned within said well, said remedial tubing having a pre-determined tensile strength. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises inner and outer cylindrical housing members having an opening for receipt of the remedial tubing. A first element on one of the housings has a first tapered surface decreasing in internal diameter from a first end away from the opening to a second end toward the opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for introduction into a subterranean well on a continuous length of remedial tubing which is concentrically insertable through production tubing previously positioned within the well, the production tubing carrying at least one longitudinally manipulatable member. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical tubular housing having a fluid passageway therethrough communicable with the interior of the remedial tubing for transmission of fluid from within the remedial tubing, through the apparatus, and within an auxiliary apparatus carryable within the well by the remedial tubing, and positionable in the well in proximity to one of the longitudinally manipulatable members. The apparatus also comprises means selectively co-engagable with the longitudinally manipulatable member for moving the manipulatable member to manipulated position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for selectively shifting a tool member in a subterranean well, such as a sliding sleeve of a ported element, which may be carried on a continuous length of remedial tubing, or other conduit into the well and insertable through a second conduit, such as production tubing. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing with a fluid passageway therethrough. Means are carried by the housing for selectively indicating proximity of the apparatus relative to the auxiliary tool, or ported member of a sliding sleeve. Actuating means are positioned by longitudinal manipulation of the first conduit, or remedial tubing, and movable into engaging position with a ported member, upon a first movement of the first conduit in a second direction to resist movement of the apparatus in the second direction.

Abstract: Two frame sections are hingedly attached at their top and each frame section contains a pair of wheels at the bottom. One of the frame sections consists of a pair of laterally spaced parallel side rails having horizontal steps disposed therebetween. The other frame section contains a pair of parallel spaced channel bars on which ride a vertically movable platform. The platform can be hoisted along the channel bars by use of a hand crank and winch assembly. The two frame sections can be folded together for use as a conventional hand truck or the frame sections can be folded apart and the wheels locked for use as a stepladder.

Abstract: A plurality of mounting frames are provided and have front and rear faces. Each of the frames is defined by at least three elongated interconnected peripheral sides and at least one side of each frame includes a recess formed therein opening outwardly of the rear face of the frame. A connecting member is provided and includes a panel-like body member having front and rear faces. The body member includes at least two spaced projections projecting outwardly from the front face thereof and the frames are disposed in side by side substantially coplanar relation with the sides thereof provided with recesses disposed in juxtaposition. The body member is positioned with its front face closely opposing the rear faces of the frames and with the projections removably frictionally telescoped into adjacent recesses of the frames and the connecting member thereby retaining the frames against separation. The frames may be of the same or different shape and may be of different sizes.