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: 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: A method for extracting accumulated material from a well bore includes pressurizing gas recovered from the well bore and disposing an extraction string in communication with a sump. The sump is disposed to receive liquid from the well bore. The method further includes sealing the sump and injecting at least a portion of the pressurized gas into the sump such that at least some of the liquid in the sump is driven upward into the extraction string.

Abstract: A method for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes drilling a substantially vertical well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone and forming a slot cavity in the substantially vertical well bore proximate to the subterranean zone. The slot cavity comprises a substantially non-cylindrical shape. The method also includes drilling an articulated well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone. The articulated well bore is horizontally offset from the substantially vertical well bore at the surface and intersects the substantially vertical well bore at a junction proximate to the subterranean zone. The method may include drilling the articulated well bore to intersect the slot cavity of the substantially vertical well bore and drilling a substantially horizontal drainage pattern from the slot cavity into the subterranean zone. The subterranean zone may comprise a coal seam.

Abstract: A device for perforating a tubing string residing in a well bore includes a tubular housing adapted to pass through the tubing string. At least one perforating body is provided residing in the housing, and has a point adapted to pierce the tubing string. A piston is received within the housing, the piston configured such that pressure applied to a first side of the piston causes the piston to move in a first direction. An actuator body is received within the housing and configured for movement in the first direction with the piston. The actuator body has a sloped wedge surface adapted to wedge the at least one perforating body radially outward to pierce the tubing string with the point when the actuator body is moved in the first direction.

Abstract: A system for accessing a subterranean zone from an entry well including an entry well extending from the surface. The entry well has a substantially vertical portion. A one or more drainage wells extend from the entry well to a subterranean zone. A one or more articulated wells extend from the entry well to the subterranean zone. At least one of the articulated wells intersects at least one of the one or more drainage wells at a junction proximate the subterranean zone. A drainage pattern is formed coupled to the junction and operable to conduct fluids from the subterranean zone to the junction.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method is provided for preventing formation of sludge in a subsurface cavity having particulate laden fluid disposed therein. The method includes positioning a downhole device having a fluid agitator into the fluid of the subsurface cavity and agitating the fluid using the fluid agitator.

Abstract: A method and system for testing a partially formed well includes forming a first well bore intersecting a subterranean formation. The first well bore includes a portion of a planned well having a first configuration. A production characteristic of the subterranean formation is tested through the first well bore in the first configuration. The first well bore is reconfigured to a second configuration different from the first configuration. The production characteristic of the subterranean formation is re-tested through the first well bore in the second configuration. Further formation of the planned well is planned based on testing of the subterranean formation through the first well bore in the first and second configurations.

Abstract: An underreamer for forming a cavity within a well bore includes a fluid motor having a first body and a second body arranged about a longitudinal axis. The first body is adapted to rotate about the longitudinal axis in relation to the second body when fluid is passed between the first and second bodies. The fluid motor further defines a longitudinal tubing passage adapted to allow passage of the fluid motor over a tubing string. At least one cutting arm is coupled to rotate with the first body, and radially extendable into engagement with an interior of the well bore to form the cavity.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for directional drilling within a wellbore includes a drill string having an upper portion, a lower portion, a bent motor coupled to the lower portion, and a drill bit coupled to bent motor, and a clutch assembly disposed between the upper and lower portions. The clutch assembly is operable to disengage the upper and lower portions of the drill string and allow the upper portion to rotate while the lower portion does not rotate.

Abstract: A method for recirculating fluid in a well system includes drilling a first well bore from a surface to a subterranean zone, and drilling an articulated well bore that is horizontally offset from the first well bore at the surface and that intersects the first well bore at a junction proximate the subterranean zone. The method also includes drilling a drainage bore from the junction into the subterranean zone, and receiving gas, water and particles produced from the subterranean zone at the junction via the drainage bore. The gas, water, and particles are received from the junction at the surface, and the water is separated from the gas and the particles. The method also includes determining an amount of water to circulate, and recirculating a portion of the separated water according to this determination.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for accessing a plurality of subterranean zones from the surface. The method includes forming an entry well from the surface. Two or more exterior drainage wells from the entry well through the plurality of subterranean zones are formed. At least one exterior drainage well is operable to drain fluid from the plurality of subterranean zones.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for clearing the inside of a wellbore including inserting a wellbore clearing system into the wellbore. The wellbore clearing system includes an anchor adapted to be positioned within the wellbore, an agitator operable to be moved relative to the interior surface of the wellbore, and a linkage coupling the agitator to the anchor. The method further includes securing the anchor within the wellbore and moving the agitator relative to the interior surface of the wellbore. The movement of the agitator is operable to at least partially eliminate a restriction to a flow of minerals or other resources in the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for controlling pressure of a dual well system includes drilling a substantially vertical well bore from a surface to a subterranean zone and drilling an articulated well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone using a drill string. The articulated well bore is horizontally offset from the substantially vertical well bore at the surface and intersects the substantially vertical well bore. The method includes drilling a drainage bore into the subterranean zone. The method includes pumping a drilling fluid through the drill string when drilling the drainage bore. The method includes pumping a pressure fluid down the substantially vertical well bore when drilling the drainage bore. The pressure fluid mixes with the drilling fluid to form a fluid mixture returning up the articulated well bore which forms a frictional pressure that resists fluid flow from the subterranean zone.

Abstract: A method for extracting accumulated material from a well bore includes pressurizing gas recovered from the well bore and disposing an extraction string in communication with a sump. The sump is disposed to receive liquid from the well bore. The method further includes sealing the sump and injecting at least a portion of the pressurized gas into the sump such that at least some of the liquid in the sump is driven upward into the extraction string.

Abstract: A device for perforating a tubing string residing in a well bore includes a tubular housing adapted to pass through the tubing string. At least one perforating body is provided residing in the housing, and has a point adapted to pierce the tubing string. A piston is received within the housing, the piston configured such that pressure applied to a first side of the piston causes the piston to move in a first direction. An actuator body is received within the housing and configured for movement in the first direction with the piston. The actuator body has a sloped wedge surface adapted to wedge the at least one perforating body radially outward to pierce the tubing string with the point when the actuator body is moved in the first direction.

Abstract: An underreamer for forming a cavity within a well bore includes a fluid motor having a first body and a second body arranged about a longitudinal axis. The first body is adapted to rotate about the longitudinal axis in relation to the second body when fluid is passed between the first and second bodies. The fluid motor further defines a longitudinal tubing passage adapted to allow passage of the fluid motor over a tubing string. At least one cutting arm is coupled to rotate with the first body, and radially extendable into engagement with an interior of the well bore to form the cavity.

Abstract: A subterranean zone can be accessed from the surface by forming a well bore extending from the surface into the subterranean zone. A tubing string is provided within the well bore, and an underreamer passed over the tubing string to a specified location within the subterranean zone. The underreamer is operated in forming an enlarged cavity in the well bore, and the subterranean zone about the tubing string is collapsed. Pressure within the enlarged cavity my be reduced to facilitate collapse of the subterranean zone about the tubing. The tubing string is provided with apertures, either before being positioned in the well or after, to allow passage of fluids into an interior of the tubing string. The fluids from the subterranean zone may be withdrawn through the tubing string.