Abstract: The disclosure, in on aspect, provides a method for performing a laser operation in a wellbore that includes displacing a wellbore fluid with a laser-compatible medium proximate a location in the wellbore where a work is desired to be performed; positioning a laser head proximate the laser-compatible medium; and passing a laser beam via the laser-compatible medium to the location for performing the laser operation. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a laser apparatus for performing a laser operation at a worksite having a fluid that includes a laser power unit that supplies laser energy to a laser head placed proximate the worksite; a fluid displacement unit that displaces at least a portion of the fluid adjacent the worksite with a laser-compatible medium; and a controller that operates the laser head to pass the laser beam to the worksite through the laser-compatible medium. In another aspect, the disclosure provides an imager associated with the laser apparatus that provides images of the worksite.

Abstract: The disclosure, in on aspect, provides a method for performing a laser operation in a wellbore that includes displacing a wellbore fluid with a laser-compatible medium proximate a location in the wellbore where a work is desired to be performed; positioning a laser head proximate the laser-compatible medium; and passing a laser beam via the laser-compatible medium to the location for performing the laser operation. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a laser apparatus for performing a laser operation at a worksite having a fluid that includes a laser power unit that supplies laser energy to a laser head placed proximate the worksite; a fluid displacement unit that displaces at least a portion of the fluid adjacent the worksite with a laser-compatible medium; and a controller that operates the laser head to pass the laser beam to the worksite through the laser-compatible medium. In another aspect, the disclosure provides an imager associated with the laser apparatus that provides images of the worksite.

Abstract: A short radius exit from a window milled in casing is possible using a whipstock with a sloping surface in excess of 3.5° and a window mill whose diameter is reduced to a percentage generally below about 95% of the casing inside diameter in a mono-bore or non-through tubing application. The system provides a greater flexibility in choosing the window location and eliminates having to penetrate adjacent formations as compared to previous techniques using a longer exit radius. The decrease in mill diameter, as compared to previous techniques, limits stresses on the milling equipment to minimize equipment failures during window milling and subsequent drilling of the lateral.

Abstract: A short radius exit from a window milled in casing is possible using a whipstock with a sloping surface in excess of 3.5° and a window mill whose diameter is reduced to a percentage generally below about 95% of the casing inside diameter in a mono-bore or non-through tubing application. The system provides a greater flexibility in choosing the window location and eliminates having to penetrate adjacent formations as compared to previous techniques using a longer exit radius. The decrease in mill diameter, as compared to previous techniques, limits stresses on the milling equipment to minimize equipment failures during window milling and subsequent drilling of the lateral.

Abstract: A tool containing a solid combustible material is used to provide a pipe-cutting flame and to direct a pipe-cutting flame against a casing or tubular. The nozzles can be configured in any desired array and intensity. In the preferred embodiment, a rectangular window is burned away completely if the nozzles are sufficiently intense or the window is formed in segments if other distributions are used. The device can be anchored by a packer or anchor and can be run in the wellbore on tubing, wireline or electric line. The window can be produced in a single trip. The tool can be removed and a kick-off diverter installed adjacent the window for drilling the lateral.

Abstract: A method of removing a gravel packed screen to reach another zone is described. The method involves a bottom hole assembly comprising an isolation device for the screen and a tool to latch on to it. A perforating gun is shot off to put holes in the screen to allow gravel to come through. A flow through a reversing valve is initiated to urge the gravel into the newly perforated screen while a vibrator shakes the screen and stimulates gravel flow through the screen. Alternatively, the screen is not isolated and a reverse circulation from the surface in conjunction with vibration urges the gravel to flow through the screen and out through the tubing supporting the bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: A tool containing a solid combustible material is used to provide a pipe-cutting flame and to direct a pipe-cutting flame against a casing or tubular. The nozzles can be configured in any desired array and intensity. In the preferred embodiment, a rectangular window is burned away completely if the nozzles are sufficiently intense or the window is formed in segments if other distributions are used. The device can be anchored by a packer or anchor and can be run in the wellbore on tubing, wireline or electric line. The window can be produced in a single trip. The tool can be removed and a kick-off diverter installed adjacent the window for milling the lateral.