Abstract: An apparatus and method includes releasably engaging a cementing tool in a casing assembly at a junction of plural wellbores. Cementing slurry is pumped through the cementing tool to fill an annular region around the casing assembly. The cementing tool is retrievable without first milling components at the junction. The cementing tool has an anchoring mechanism adapted to engage a landing profile of the casing assembly. Further, the cementing tool has an external seal adapted to seal inside the casing assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predictable downhole milling of a casing window having predetermined location, orientation, dimension and contour geometry. An elongate substantially rigid milling shaft has at least one casing window milling element in fixed relation therewith and has a pilot mill in articulated and rotary driven connection with the milling shaft. The milling shaft is in articulated and rotary driven connection with a rotary drive mechanism. The articulated connection of the pilot mill and milling shaft may incorporate an articulation control system to permit the pilot mill to be maintained substantially coaxial with the milling shaft so that its trajectory at a predetermined stage of window milling can be controlled by the milling shaft when positive guiding by a deflecting tool can no longer be ensured.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing blowouts during the deployment of a casing string into a wellbore. The system includes securing a casing coupling to a casing string and securing a retrievable check valve within the casing coupling. The retrievable check valve allows fluid from the surface to be pumped through the retrievable check valve. However, the retrievable check valve prevents upward fluid flow from the wellbore through the retrievable check valve to the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating multiple branch wells from a parent well is disclosed. According to a first embodiment of the invention a multiple branching sub is provided for placement at a branching node of a well. Such sub includes a branching chamber and a plurality of branching outlet members. The outlet members, during construction of the branching sub, have previously been distorted into oblong shapes so that all of the branching outlet members fit within an imaginary cylinder which is coaxial with and substantially the same radius as the branching chamber. According to one embodiment, the distorted outlet members are characterized by an outer convex shape. In another embodiment, the distorted outlet members are characterized by an outer concave shape when in a retracted state. After deployment of the branching sub via a parent casing in the well, a forming tool is lowered to the interior of the sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to from a branch well includes a branching sub defining a branching chamber and multiple branching outlet members connected to the branching chamber. A stiffening structure or rib is provided at least at a juncture between two of the branching outlet members. The stiffening structure is adapted to reduce deformation of the branching chamber at the juncture as the branching outlet members are being deformed (such as being expanded).

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for cementing branch wells from a parent well is disclosed herein. A cementing valve that is releasably coupled to a cementing stringer is used during cementing operations. The cementing valve is comprised of a valve body and a moveable member, each of which have openings formed therein. Movement of the moveable member opens or closes the cementing valve. The method involves releasably attaching the cementing valve to a cementing stinger, running the cementing valve downhole, positioning the cementing valve in a previously open branch outlet, and cementing the branch outlet and branching chamber into position within the well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating multiple branch wells from a parent well is disclosed. According to a first embodiment of the invention a multiple branching sub is provided for placement at a branching node of a well. Such sub includes a branching chamber and a plurality of branching outlet members. The outlet members, during construction of the branching sub, have previously been distorted into oblong shapes so that all of the branching outlet members fit within an imaginary cylinder which is coaxial with and substantially the same radius as the branching chamber. According to one embodiment, the distorted outlet members are characterized by an outer convex shape. In another embodiment, the distorted outlet members are characterized by an outer concave shape when in a retracted state. After deployment of the branching sub via a parent casing in the well, a forming tool is lowered to the interior of the sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating multiple branch wells from a parent well is disclosed. According to a first embodiment of the invention a multiple branching sub is provided for placement at a branching node of a well. Such sub includes a branching chamber and a plurality of branching outlet members. The outlet members, during construction of the branching sub, have previously been distorted into oblong shapes so that all of the branching outlet members fit within an imaginary cylinder which is coaxial with and substantially the same radius as the branching chamber. According to one embodiment, the distorted outlet members are characterized by an outer convex shape. In another embodiment, the distorted outlet members are characterized by an outer concave shape when in a retracted state. After deployment of the branching sub via a parent casing in the well, a forming tool is lowered to the interior of the sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that comprises releasably securing a milling tool to a deflecting tool using a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism comprises a member that is adapted to be broken by milling action of the milling tool. In addition, in some arrangements, a protective mechanism protects abrasive inserts on a pilot mill of the milling tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows communications of electrical power and signaling from downhole component to another downhole component employs an inductive coupler assembly. In one arrangement, one portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a production tubing section and the other portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a casing or other liner section. The production tubing inductive coupler portion is electrically connected to a cable over which electrical power and signals may be transmitted. Such power and signals are magnetically coupled to the inductive coupler portion in the casing or liner section and communicated to various electrical devices mounted outside the casing or liner section. In other arrangements, inductive coupler assemblies may be used to couple electrical power and signals from the main bore to components in lateral branches of a multilateral well.

Abstract: In a broad aspect, the invention may include a nipple, a deflector, and a conveying tool. The nipple may include an upper sealing surface and a lower sealing surface. The nipple may also include a discriminator/muleshoe having an alignment profile and an alignment slot. A protuberance/bump may be disposed in the alignment slot. The deflector may include an upper seal and a lower seal adapted for engagement with the upper and lower sealing surfaces, respectively, on the nipple. When the upper and lower seals are engaged with the upper and lower sealing surfaces, fluid circulation is substantially restricted thereby resulting in a increase in pressure that is detectable at the earth's surface. This pressure increase provides a signal that the deflector is properly positioned in the nipple. The conveying tool may include a flexible arm having a latching finger that is releasably engageable with a latching profile in the deflector. The latching profile may be on an inclined, concave surface of a whipstock.

Abstract: A well completion apparatus and method comprises a junction assembly having a template and a lateral branch connector engageable with the template to couple a main bore to a lateral branch bore. To improve inter-engagement characteristics of the template and connector, one arrangement of the junction assembly utilizes a continuous rail and groove inter-engagement mechanism. In another arrangement, a portion of the rail and groove inter-engagement mechanism is segmented instead of continuous. A method and apparatus is also provided in some arrangements to enable placement of intelligent completion devices in a lateral branch. Additionally, some junction assemblies comprise flow control mechanisms to control commingling, or not, of fluids from different regions in the well bore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multilateral completion comprises providing a casing string having a casing, a branching sub connected to the casing, and a locating profile. An expanding tool positionable in the branching sub is adapted to mate with the locating profile to fix a position of the expanding tool, such as to rotationally orient the expanding tool, fix a radial position of the expanding tool, and/or fix an axial position of the expanding tool. The branching sub has a non-expanded state, and the expanding tool is adapted to expand the branching sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predictable downhole milling of a casing window having predetermined location, orientation, dimension and contour geometry. An elongate substantially rigid milling shaft has at least one casing window milling element in fixed relation therewith and has a pilot mill in articulated and rotary driven connection with the milling shaft. The milling shaft is in articulated and rotary driven connection with a rotary drive mechanism. The articulated connection of the pilot mill and milling shaft may incorporate an articulation control system to permit the pilot mill to be maintained substantially coaxial with the milling shaft so that its trajectory at a predetermined stage of window milling can be controlled by the milling shaft when positive guiding by a deflecting tool can no longer be ensured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating multiple branch wells from a parent well is disclosed. According to a first embodiment of the invention a multiple branching sub is provided for placement at a branching node of a well. Such sub includes a branching chamber and a plurality of branching outlet members. The outlet members, during construction of the branching sub, have previously been distorted into oblong shapes so that all of the branching outlet members fit within an imaginary cylinder which is coaxial with and substantially the same radius as the branching chamber. According to one embodiment, the distorted outlet members are characterized by an outer convex shape. In another embodiment, the distorted outlet members are characterized by an outer concave shape when in a retracted state. After deployment of the branching sub via a parent casing in the well, a forming tool is lowered to the interior of the sub.

Abstract: In a broad aspect, the invention may include a nipple, a deflector, and a conveying tool. The nipple may include an upper sealing surface and a lower sealing surface. The nipple may also include a discriminator/muleshoe having an alignment profile and an alignment slot. A protuberance/bump may be disposed in the alignment slot. The deflector may include an upper seal and a lower seal adapted for engagement with the upper and lower sealing surfaces, respectively, on the nipple. When the upper and lower seals are engaged with the upper and lower sealing surfaces, fluid circulation is substantially restricted thereby resulting in a increase in pressure that is detectable at the earth's surface. This pressure increase provides a signal that the deflector is properly positioned in the nipple. The conveying tool may include a flexible arm having a latching finger that is releasably engageable with a latching profile in the deflector. The latching profile may be on an inclined, concave surface of a whipstock.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predictable downhole milling of a casing window having predetermined location, orientation, dimension and contour geometry. An elongate substantially rigid milling shaft has at least one casing window milling element in fixed relation therewith and has a pilot mill in articulated and rotary driven connection with the milling shaft. The milling shaft is in articulated and rotary driven connection with a rotary drive mechanism. The articulated connection of the pilot mill and milling shaft may incorporate an articulation control system to permit the pilot mill to be maintained substantially coaxial with the milling shaft so that its trajectory at a predetermined stage of window milling can be controlled by the milling shaft when positive guiding by a deflecting tool can no longer be ensured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing connectivity of lateral branch liners to main well casings to achieve predictable and stable mechanical connectivity at the lateral junction of branch well bores to the main well bore to counter the problems of formation instability at the junction. After construction of a well having one or more lateral branches, a retrievable lateral branch template is located in the casing of a main well bore in positioned and oriented registry with a casing window that opens to a lined lateral branch. A retrievable lateral branch connector is then installed in assembly with the template to cooperatively define a production flow path having maximized mechanical integrity and optimized production flow in both the lateral bore and the main bore.

Abstract: A method for creating multiple branch wells from a parent well is disclosed. A multiple branching sub is provided for placement at a branching node of a well. Such sub includes a branching chamber and a plurality of branching outlet members. The outlet members during construction of the branching sub, have previously been distorted into oblong shapes so that all of the branching outlet members fit within an imaginary cylinder which is coaxial with and substantially the same radius as the branching chamber. After deployment of the branching sub via a parent casing in the well, a forming tool is lowered to the interior of the sub. The outlet members are extended outwardly by the forming tool and simultaneously formed into substantially round tubes. Next, each outlet member is plugged with cement, after which each branch well is drilled through a respective outlet member. If desired, each branch may be lined with casing and sealed to a branching outlet by means of a casing hanger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating multiple branch wells from a parent well is disclosed. According to a first embodiment of the invention a multiple branching sub is provided for placement at a branching node of a well. Such sub includes a branching chamber and a plurality of branching outlet members. The outlet members, during construction of the branching sub, have previously been distorted into oblong shapes so that all of the branching outlet members fit within an imaginary cylinder which is coaxial with and substantially the same radius as the branching chamber. According to one embodiment, the distorted outlet members are characterized by an outer convex shape. In another embodiment, the distorted outlet members are characterized by an outer concave shape when in a retracted state. After deployment of the branching sub via a parent casing in the well, a forming tool is lowered to the interior of the sub.