Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction.

Abstract: Improved method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface that substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with previous systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides an articulated well with a drainage pattern that intersects a horizontal cavity well. The drainage patterns provide access to a large subterranean area from the surface while the vertical cavity well allows entrained water, hydrocarbons, and other deposits to be efficiently removed and/or produced.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction.

Abstract: An improved gas lift system is provided. In certain embodiments, the gas lift system includes a first tubing string and a second tubing string disposed within the first tubing string. The second tubing string is movable between a first position and a second position. Inflow of production fluids through an aperture in the first tubing string is selectively blocked when the second tubing string is in the second position. A port in the second tubing string delivers lift gas to the annulus between the first tubing string and the second tubing string. In the first position, the port is blocked to prevent fluid communication between the second tubing string and the first tubing string. In the second position, the port is uncovered to permit fluid communication between the second tubing string and the first tubing string, while a sealing member provides a seal that isolates the fluid communication from a well formation.

Abstract: A system for drilling a well having a wellbore includes a first pipe string positioned in the wellbore with a first annulus being present between the first pipe string and the wellbore. A second pipe string, smaller in diameter than the first pipe string, is positioned within the first pipe string to form a second annulus between the first pipe string and the second pipe string. The second pipe string is configured to be attached to a drill bit. A first rotator is operably associated with the first pipe string to rotate the first pipe string in a first direction at a first speed, and a second rotator is operably associated with the second pipe string to rotate the second pipe string in a second direction at a second speed.

Abstract: A system for delivering a cable through a tubing string to a downhole location in a well, includes a plug and a receiver. The plug includes a first connector configured to be operably connected to the cable and further includes a plug housing adapted to fit within the tubing string. A check valve operably associated with a passage in the plug housing restricts fluid flow through the passage in a downhole direction and allows fluid flow through the passage in an uphole direction. The receiver is configured to be positioned at the downhole location and includes a receiver housing and a second connector configured to be operably connected to a downhole device. The second connector is adapted to communicate with the first connector when the receiver and plug housings are engaged.

Abstract: A system for performing a downhole operation within a well during a production phase of the well includes a tubing string extending from a surface of the well to the downhole location. A lift system is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the tubing string to axially lift and lower the tubing string, following positioning of the tubing string within the well, each time a substantial reduction in production gas flow and production liquid flow at a portion of the well is desired.

Abstract: A system for delivering a cable through a tubing string to a downhole location in a well, includes a plug and a receiver. The plug includes a first connector configured to be operably connected to the cable and further includes a plug housing adapted to fit within the tubing string. A check valve operably associated with a passage in the plug housing restricts fluid flow through the passage in a downhole direction and allows fluid flow through the passage in an uphole direction. The receiver is configured to be positioned at the downhole location and includes a receiver housing and a second connector configured to be operably connected to a downhole device. The second connector is adapted to communicate with the first connector when the receiver and plug housings are engaged.

Abstract: A system for operating downhole equipment in a well includes a drive shaft extending from a surface of the well to a downhole location. A motor is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the drive shaft to selectively rotate the drive shaft. A lift system is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the drive shaft to axially lift and lower the drive shaft.

Abstract: A flow control system includes a pump positioned in a well to remove liquid from the well. An isolation device having a valve body and a valve spool is positioned downhole of the pump. The valve spool is rotatably received by the valve body and is capable of rotating between an open position and a closed position. During removal of the liquid from the well, the valve spool is in the closed position to substantially reduce fluid flow past the valve spool and thus gas interference at the pump.

Abstract: A flow control system includes a pump positioned in a wellbore to remove liquid from the wellbore. An isolation device is positioned in communication with the wellbore to substantially prevent gas flow at the pump during removal of the liquid.

Abstract: A flow control system includes a pump positioned in a well uphole of a producing formation to remove liquid from the well. An isolation device is positioned uphole of the pump such that the pump is between the isolation device and the producing formation, the isolation device capable of being selectively engaged to substantially reduce gas flow at the pump during removal of the liquid.

Abstract: A flow control system includes a pump positioned in a wellbore to remove liquid from the wellbore. An isolation device is positioned downhole of the pump and is expandable within the wellbore between a sealed position and an unsealed position. The isolation device in the sealed position substantially reduces gas flow at the pump during removal of the liquid.

Abstract: A system for operating downhole equipment in a well includes a drive shaft extending from a surface of the well to a downhole location. A motor is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the drive shaft to selectively rotate the drive shaft. A lift system is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the drive shaft to axially lift and lower the drive shaft.

Abstract: A flow control system includes a pump positioned in a well to remove liquid from the well. A check valve is positioned in the well and includes an open position and a closed position. The check valve in the open position allows gas from a producing formation of the well to flow past the check valve, while the check valve in the closed position substantially reduces gas flow at the pump from the producing formation. A compressed gas source is in fluid communication with the well to provide compressed gas to move the check valve to the closed position.

Abstract: A system for delivering a cable through a tubing string to a downhole location in a well, includes a plug and a receiver. The plug includes a first connector configured to be operably connected to the cable and further includes a plug housing adapted to fit within the tubing string. A check valve operably associated with a passage in the plug housing restricts fluid flow through the passage in a downhole direction and allows fluid flow through the passage in an uphole direction. The receiver is configured to be positioned at the downhole location and includes a receiver housing and a second connector configured to be operably connected to a downhole device. The second connector is adapted to communicate with the first connector when the receiver and plug housings are engaged.

Abstract: A system for controlling solids within a wellbore of a well includes a pump positioned within a substantially horizontal portion of the wellbore. A first tubing string is operatively connected between the pump and a surface of the well for removing liquid from the wellbore that is pumped by the pump. A second tubing string may also be operatively connected to the pump and extends downhole of the pump. Either or both of the first and second tubing string includes a longitudinal axis that is offset from an axis of rotation about which the second tubing string is capable of being rotated.

Abstract: A flow control system includes a pump positioned in a well to remove liquid from the well. A check valve is positioned in the well and includes an open position and a closed position. The check valve in the open position allows gas from a producing formation of the well to flow past the check valve, while the check valve in the closed position substantially reduces gas flow at the pump from the producing formation. A compressed gas source is in fluid communication with the well to provide compressed gas to move the check valve to the closed position.

Abstract: A system for operating downhole equipment in a well includes a drive shaft extending from a surface of the well to a downhole location. A motor is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the drive shaft to selectively rotate the drive shaft. A lift system is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the drive shaft to axially lift and lower the drive shaft.

Abstract: A system for delivering a cable through a tubing string to a downhole location in a well, includes a plug and a receiver. The plug includes a first connector configured to be operably connected to the cable and further includes a plug housing adapted to fit within the tubing string. A check valve operably associated with a passage in the plug housing restricts fluid flow through the passage in a downhole direction and allows fluid flow through the passage in an uphole direction. The receiver is configured to be positioned at the downhole location and includes a receiver housing and a second connector configured to be operably connected to a downhole device. The second connector is adapted to communicate with the first connector when the receiver and plug housings are engaged.