Abstract: Whipstocks and deflectors comprising a degradable composition, and methods of using same are described. A degradable composition may consist essentially of one or more reactive metals in major proportion, and one or more alloying elements in minor proportion, with the provisos that the composition is high-strength, controllably reactive, and degradable under defined conditions. Methods of using degradable whipstocks in oilfield operations are also described. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A tool assembly is provided. The tool assembly comprises a drilling deflector and a completion deflector, the completion deflector coupled to the drilling deflector.

Abstract: A diverting tool includes a ramp repositionable from a first position to a second position, a biasing member in operable communication with the ramp biasing the ramp toward the second position, and a tubular in operable communication with the ramp and the biasing member. The tubular prevents repositioning of the ramp when longitudinally overlapping with the ramp and allows repositioning of the ramp when not longitudinally overlapping with the ramp.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a whipstock includes an extendable deflector movable from a retracted to a deployed position. In the deployed position, the retractor is capable of guiding a tubular member farther away from the whipstock than the outer slide surface of the whipstock as the tubular member passes downwardly along the whipstock.

Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore is provided. The method comprises positioning a tubular string in the window, wherein the positioning comprises deflecting the tubular string from the parent wellbore into the branch wellbore. The method also comprises providing a particulate barrier outside and against the tubular string proximate the window, the particulate barrier substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the branch wellbore into the parent wellbore outside of the tubular string through the window. The method also comprises the tubular string passing fluid into the tubular string proximate the window from a formation proximate to the window while substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the formation proximate to the window into the tubular string.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the orientation of a structure which includes an orienting sub releasably connected at an outer case. The orienting sub is at a preselected orientation relative to the structure. A change in fluid pressure of a predetermined magnitude of flow rate through the orienting sub will indicate that the structure is at a desired orientation in the well.

Abstract: A borehole network including first and second end surface locations and at least one intermediate surface location interconnected by a subterranean path, and a method for connecting a subterranean path between a first borehole including a directional section and a second borehole including a directional section. A directional drilling component is drilled in at least one of the directional sections to obtain a required proximity between the first and second boreholes. An intersecting component is drilled, utilizing magnetic ranging techniques, from one directional section to provide a borehole intersection between the first and second boreholes, thereby connecting the subterranean path.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for remotely running a subsea production tree (12) and desuspending a well is described. The apparatus comprises a tree running tool (16) adapted to be connected to a production tree, at least one downhole tool, at least one of the tools being a plug retrieval tool (22) and a tool deployment device (18) in hydraulic communication with at least the plug retrieval tool to hydraulically operate the plug retrieval tool.

Abstract: A whipstock assembly for milling an aperture in a casing of an oil, gas or water well, the whipstock assembly having a whipstock with a deflection face (6) for deflecting a milling head of a milling device to cut through the casing. The whipstock has a plateau portion (7) raised above the plane of the deflection face to support the milling head as it engages the casing. The plateau can induce the milling device to pivot around one of the milling heads during some of the milling operations, which optimizes the stress applied to the heads of the milling device.

Abstract: A down-hole assembly used to locate an existing window in a main cased well bore and guide equipment through the window and into a lateral well bore after removal of a whip stock. The assembly includes a running tool with a convex section detachably connected to a concave section of a guide member. The running tool includes a window locator that locates the window. The guide member includes an inclined or wedge shaped portion for guiding tools or equipment through the window and into the lateral well bore so that remedial work can be carried out.

Abstract: Assemblies that can be disposed in a subterranean bore are described. An assembly can include a recessed portion in an inner wall and another recessed portion in an outer wall. The recessed portions can each be configured to have a cross-sectional thickness that is less than at least another part of the assembly. The assembly can provide a seal between an inner region defined by the assembly and an environment exterior to the assembly prior to a window being created in the recessed portion in the outer wall through which a branch wellbore can be formed. The recessed portion in the inner wall can guide a cutting tool toward the recessed portion in the outer wall.

Abstract: A diverting tool includes a ramp repositionable from a first position to a second position, a biasing member in operable communication with the ramp biasing the ramp toward the second position, and a tubular in operable communication with the ramp and the biasing member. The tubular prevents repositioning of the ramp when longitudinally overlapping with the ramp and allows repositioning of the ramp when not longitudinally overlapping with the ramp.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for retrieving a downhole tool from a wellbore are provided. The method includes running a retrieval tool into a wellbore on a conveyance. The retrieval tool configured to automatically manipulate into an engagement position with the downhole tool. Engaging the downhole tool with the retrieval tool and removing the downhole tool from the wellbore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving an assembly having a whipstock and an anchor from a wellbore. A method of retrieving an assembly having a whipstock coupled to an anchor from a wellbore may comprise the steps of releasing the whipstock from the anchor in the wellbore, re-engaging the whipstock to the anchor, and retrieving the whipstock with the anchor from the wellbore. An apparatus for use in a wellbore may comprise a whipstock, a latch coupled to the whipstock, and an anchor operable to be selectively retrieved from the wellbore using the latch.

Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore is provided. The method comprises positioning a tubular string in the window, wherein the positioning comprises deflecting the tubular string from the parent wellbore into the branch wellbore. The method also comprises providing a particulate barrier outside and against the tubular string proximate the window, the particulate barrier substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the branch wellbore into the parent wellbore outside of the tubular string through the window. The method also comprises the tubular string passing fluid into the tubular string proximate the window from a formation proximate to the window while substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the formation proximate to the window into the tubular string.

Abstract: An apparatus for finding a pre-existing downhole window includes a body having a deflector ramp and a cavity, and an extendable dog disposed in the cavity, the dog mechanically moveable between a retracted position and an extended position into the pre-existing window. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an axially moveable sleeve disposed adjacent the extendable dog. A downhole window finding apparatus includes a deflector including a window finding assembly, and a running tool removably coupled to the deflector, wherein the window finding assembly includes an extendable member and an axially moveable sleeve retaining the extendable member. In certain embodiments, a fluid flow path extends through the running tool and the deflector to the window finding assembly. In some embodiments, a shear bolt removably couples the running tool to the deflector and includes a fluid passage fluidicly coupling a flow line in the running tool to a flow line in the deflector.

Abstract: A sidetracking tool includes a setting tool having an expandable anchor, a whipstock connected to an upper end of the setting tool, the whipstock having a ramp face along an axial length thereof, and a drilling assembly including a drill bit disposed on an end thereof, wherein the drill bit is configured to interface with the ramp face of the whipstock.

Abstract: A kickover tool for placing and extracting a valve in a mandrel having a hydraulic piston, a kickover arm portion mechanically connected to the hydraulic piston, the kickover arm portion being actuated by application of pressure to the piston. Upon full stoke of the piston, pressure is relieved, and measurement of the pressure relief can be used to indicate proper placement in a side pocket mandrel.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool within a wellbore are described herein. The interior surface of a tubular string is provided with one or more pluralities of grooves, each defining a selected profile. A tool is lowered into the tubular string, having a blade in communication therewith. The blade includes a plurality of protruding members thereon, which define a profile complementary to at least one of the selected profiles formed by one of the pluralities of grooves. A biasing member in communication with the blade continually biases the blade toward the interior surface of the tubular string to cause the profile of the blade to engage within the corresponding complementary profile of the tubular string. Positioning a tool in this manner is especially advantageous for locating a cutting tool at a precise location to sever a tubular segment at a joint, releasing tensile forces from the joint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating inverted laterals or drainholes for producing from a subterranean reservoir including the steps of lowering, positioning and securing a reverse whipstock in a wellbore. A tube is secured from the surface to a pull tube which extends through and below the reverse whipstock. Fluid is pumped from the surface and through a U-tube device below the pull tube. At least one inverted drainhole is drilled using force from the pumping fluid. The pull tube is pulled upward vertically toward the surface while pumping the fluid.

Abstract: A kickover tool is for placing and extracting a valve in a mandrel having a tool body extending in a longitudinal direction and having a hydraulic piston chamber therein. A hydraulic piston is located inside the hydraulic piston chamber. A kickover arm portion is mechanically connected to the hydraulic piston, the kickover arm portion comprising a kickover arm having a tool portion. The kickover arm has a non-kicked-over position where the kickover arm is substantially coaxial with the longitudinal direction and a kicked-over position where the kickover arm is substantially non-coaxial with the longitudinal direction. The kickover arm moves to the kicked-over position upon extension of the hydraulic piston.

Abstract: An affixation and release arrangement includes a first component having a fluid pressure chamber. A piston is mounted in the first component and exposed to the fluid pressure chamber. A second component is affixed to the first component through the piston, the piston being responsive to fluid pressure increase within the chamber to unaffix the second component from the first component.

Abstract: A borehole network including first and second end surface locations and at least one intermediate surface location interconnected by a subterranean path, and a method for connecting a subterranean path between a first borehole including a directional section and a second borehole including a directional section. A directional drilling component is drilled in at least one of the directional sections to obtain a required proximity between the first and second boreholes. An intersecting component is drilled, utilizing magnetic ranging techniques, from one directional section to provide a borehole intersection between the first and second boreholes, thereby connecting the subterranean path.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for deploying a wireline tool in a borehole. The apparatus comprises a wireline cable which is connected at a first end at the surface and is releasably connected at a second end to a first end of an umbilical cable via a first connection means. A second end of the umbilical cable is releasably connected to the logging head of a wireline tool via a first latching means, wherein the logging head provides for mechanical and electrical connection between the wireline tool and the wireline cable via the umbilical cable. The umbilical cable is surrounded by umbilical pipe downhole, and the logging head also provides for mechanical and hydraulic connection between the umbilical pipe and the wireline tool. The wireline tool is releasable from connection with the umbilical cable by a release means in the first latching means, and is capable of being pulled through the first latching means and through the umbilical pipe so that it is retrievable from the borehole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drilling lateral wells or sidetrack wells from a primary wellbore to enhance the efficiency and productivity of oil and gas wells.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for installing lateral wells in an underground formation are provided. The methods and apparatuses allow for efficiency in a milling and installation process for the lateral well.

Abstract: Apparatus and the methods for deploying a sensor in the formation down a borehole. The apparatus comprises a downhole drilling system which is connected at a first end to the surface and is connected at a second end to a flexible drilling string downhole in the borehole. At least a portion of the flexible drilling string is locatable in a lateral hole of the borehole, and at least one downhole sensor is connectable to the portion of the drilling string that is locatable in the lateral hole.

Abstract: A wireline entry sub includes a body having an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal, center axis therebetween. The body is adapted for connection below a top drive to a wellbore string of tubulars. A slot on the body has a depth from a body outer surface to at least the longitudinal center axis for receiving a sheave. A wireline entry port extends through the body from the slot to the lower end. The lower end of the wireline entry sub is adapted to be secured to the string of tubulars, with the weight of the tubulars passing through the wireline entry sub.

Abstract: A down-hole assembly used to locate an existing window in a main cased well bore and guide equipment through the window and into a lateral well bore after removal of a whip stock. The down-hole assembly includes a running tool with a convex section detachably connected to a concave section of a guide member. The running tool includes a window locator that locates the window. The window locator may contain a selectively reciprocating shear rod operatively associated with a stop/shear block to enable the window locator to locate a plurality of lateral well windows in a main well bore. The guide member includes an inclined or wedge shaped portion for guiding tools or equipment through the window and into the lateral well bore so that remedial work can be carried out.

Abstract: A down-hole assembly used to locate an existing window in a main cased well bore and guide equipment through the window and into a lateral well bore after removal of a whip stock. The assembly includes a running tool with a convex section detachably connected to a concave section of a guide member. The running tool includes a window locator that locates the window. The guide member includes an inclined or wedge shaped portion for guiding tools or equipment through the window and into the lateral well bore so that remedial work can be carried out.

Abstract: A gas lift production apparatus is provided for use in flushing and snubbing well operation. The apparatus comprises upper production string and lower production string. The upper production string includes at least one side pocket mandrel carrying a gas lift valve, tubular strings connected with every side pocket mandrel, a sliding sleeve installed as part of the production string below side pocket mandrels and a latch seal assembly threaded in the tubular string below the sliding sleeve. The lower production string includes a single bore packer below the latch seal assembly, tubular strings, a landing nipple and a bell mouth at the bottom of the production string. The upper production string are run in and removed as a single unit from the packer which is anchored within the well casing. It is emphasized that this apparatus is provided with three functions such as producing a gas lift well, flushing well and snubbing well operation.

Abstract: A running tool for landing and setting a retrievable downhole tool at any location in a well bore includes an inner rod, a running tool anchoring device mounted on the inner rod and controllably reconfigurable between a retracted configuration to permit movement of the tool through the well bore and a radially extended configuration for locking engagement of the running tool with the bore wall, a running tool actuating assembly for effecting reciprocal movement of the reconfiguring the running tool anchoring device to and from the retracted and expanded configurations without interacting with any restrictions or recesses within the well bore, and a resistance device for frictionally engaging the bore wall with sufficient gripping force so as to hold the position of the running tool relative to the well bore during movement of the running tool actuating assembly to and from the first and second configuration upon application of the axial force.

Abstract: A casing exit joint with an easily milled and low density barrier. A casing exit joint for use in drilling a lateral wellbore outwardly from a parent wellbore includes a generally tubular window structure having a window formed through a sidewall of the structure. An outer sleeve is disposed external to the window structure, so that the sleeve overlies the window. A hardenable substance supports the sleeve against deflection toward the window. A method of drilling a lateral wellbore extending outwardly from a parent wellbore includes the steps of: providing a casing exit joint including a hardenable substance positioned in a sidewall of the casing exit joint; then installing the casing exit joint in the parent wellbore; and then cutting through the hardenable substance in order to provide access for drilling the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: A tubing connection release system. The system includes, a male connector having a profile at one end thereof and receptive to a tubular at the other end thereof, a female connector receptive to a tubular at one end thereof and receptive to the male connector at the other end thereof. The system further includes, a sleeve disposed radially inwardly of the female connector, and a collet having at least one deflectable collet finger disposed radially inwardly of the sleeve. The collet is biased to a position within the female connector whereat the at least one collet finger is supported against radially outward deflection. The collet is further movable by the push-in connector against the bias to a position where the at least one collet finger is radially outwardly unsupported such that the profiled end of the male connector is movable into engagement with the at least one collet finger.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an apparatus for forming one or more holes in a wellbore casing, the apparatus comprising a deflector assembly and a drive assembly to drive said deflector assembly, wherein the deflector assembly may be optionally assembled at a surface of the wellbore prior to casing hole formation, and to methods employing the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore is provided. The method comprises positioning a tubular string in the window, wherein the positioning comprises deflecting the tubular string from the parent wellbore into the branch wellbore. The method also comprises providing a particulate barrier outside and against the tubular string proximate the window, the particulate barrier substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the branch wellbore into the parent wellbore outside of the tubular string through the window. The method also comprises the tubular string passing fluid into the tubular string proximate the window from a formation proximate to the window while substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the formation proximate to the window into the tubular string.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tool (102) for selectively opening and closing a lateral borehole extending from a primary borehole. The tool (102) comprises a body (104) incorporating a wall provided with an opening (116) extending therethrough; a deflector member (106) slidably mounted in the body (104) and having a deflecting surface (126) for deflecting, in use, downhole equipment laterally within the body (104). The deflector member (106) is slidable between an open position, in which the deflecting surface is located adjacent and facing towards said opening so that, in use, downhole equipment laterally deflected by the deflecting surface is directed through said opening, and a closed position, in which the deflecting surface is oriented relative to said opening so as to prevent downhole equipment from being laterally deflected through said opening during use. In either position, equipment may pass into the primary borehole downhole of the primary/lateral junction.

Abstract: A whipstock (1) having a longitudinal axis and comprising: a tapered face surface, at least part of which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis, for guiding a milling head (7) as the milling head passes from a top end to a bottom end of the face surface, and a deflecting arrangement protruding from the face surface and having first and second deflection surfaces (46, 47), at least a part of each of the deflection surfaces being raised above the face surface and each of the first and second deflection surfaces being inclined at a greater angle with respect to the longitudinal axis than the face surface in the region of the deflection arrangement, wherein the first deflection surface (46) is located closer to the top end of the face surface than the second deflection surface (47).

Abstract: Methods of drilling a well bore in a subterranean formation comprising placing a self-degrading kickoff plug or the like in the well bore are provided. An example of a method is a method comprising: providing a self-degrading cement composition that comprises a degradable material, an acid source, a base source, and a water source; placing the self-degrading cement composition in a desired location in a well bore that penetrates a subterranean formation; and allowing the self-degrading cement composition to set to form a hardened kickoff plug.

Abstract: Degradable kickoff plugs are provided. An example of a composition is a degradable kickoff plug that includes a degradable material; and an acid-base cement. Another example of a composition is a degradable kickoff plug formed by a method that includes: providing a self-degrading cement composition that includes a degradable material, an acid source, a base source, and a water source; placing the self-degrading cement composition in a desired location in a well bore that penetrates a subterranean formation; and allowing the self-degrading cement composition to set to form a hardened kickoff plug.

Abstract: A sidetracking system has a pair of serially connected mills (8,9), each having a plurality of circumferentially arranged blades having a tapered cutting portion (82,93) thereon for cutting a window in a casing and then sidetracking in a formation. A whipstock has at least three axially spaced ramps, each ramp being interspaced by a substantially axially extending portion. Each of the ramps has the same angle of inclination to a longitudinal axis and the distance between the ramps is the same as the distance between the tapered portions on the mills (8,9) so that when, in operation, load is shared between both mills. The mills have a button (83,93) of hardened material located on the tapered cutting portions so that the button abrades the whipstock ramps (31,32,33).

Abstract: An assembly for milling a window in a tubular features a layout that keeps a restorative force normal to the whipstock slope acting on the window mill to help it track the whipstock ramp long enough for making an exit at the desired location. A string mill assembly is made long enough to allow such a restorative force to be created on the window mill as it advances down the ramp. The bearing or cutting structures on the string mill are positioned with respect to the window mill so that either the top of the string mill or at least the first bearing structure above the window mill presents at the top of the window as the window mill arrives at the position where it is desired that it make an exit. The lower bearing structure of the string mill also preferably has a rounded profile to facilitate its entrance on to the whipstock ramp without getting in a bind on the tubular wall adjacent the top of the window.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating inverted laterals or drainholes having an inverted or upwardly inclining bore in a producing interval from a generally vertical wellbore and a method for drilling, completing, and producing from such a drainhole.

Abstract: A guide tool for mounting onto a downhole tool for use in a wellbore penetrating subsurface formations is provided. The guide tool has a bull nose. The bull nose has a first section with an end for sealing against and engaging a lower end of the downhole tool and a second section axially deflectably coupled to the first section.

Abstract: A directional drilling tool comprising an orientation spear point having a spear axis. The orientation spear point comprises an end shaft with a threadable extension disposed along the spear axis and a support pin having a support pin axis perpendicular to and intersecting the spear axis. An orienting pin having an orienting pin axis perpendicular to the support pin axis and spear axis and intersecting the spear axis also extends through the end shaft. A latch rod with a latching edge is connected to the end shaft, and a nose is connected to the latching rod. The directional drilling tool also comprises a crossover sub comprising a first threaded section for engaging the threadable extension, and a second threaded extension for receiving a plurality of pin dimensions, an end of a tool, or a box.

Abstract: A method for steering a steerable mud motor while attached to a retrievable replaceable measurement while drilling device comprising: securing a directional drilling tool to a retrievable replaceable measurement while drilling device, orienting the retrievable replaceable measurement while drilling device with a spear axis of an orientation spear point of the directional drilling tool, and lowering the orientation spear point into a non-magnetic drill collar above a mud motor. An orienting mule shoe stinger is attached to a gyroscopic device, which is then inserted over the orientation spear point, which orients the gyroscoping device along the spear axis, enabling steering of the mud motor while attached to the retrievable replaceable measurement while drilling device, while maintaining full retrievability of the retrievable replaceable measurement while drilling device from the well.

Abstract: An improved tong positioning apparatus which includes a base positionable on the rig floor; a hydraulic cylinder positioned on the base, having a first end engageable to a rear support member and a second end engageable to a pivotal moment arm; a forward shock attachment arm engaged at a first end to one of three attachment points on the moment arm, and a second end which attaches to a tong frame attachment point on the tong. The forward shock attachment arm includes a pair of shock absorbers engaged along its length to provide a smooth, non-jerking motion both vertically and horizontally in moving the power tong. The tong positioning apparatus is designed to be remotely operated by hydraulic, air, air over hydraulics, electronically, by a single operator.

Abstract: A flexible lateral drilling shaft is disclosed, having a concentrically nested arrangement of two or more coil springs of which the winding direction of at least one of the springs is opposite to another of the springs. The shaft is included within a lateral drilling tool which includes a deflection assembly having roller bearings to assist the deflection of the flexible shaft. Once inserted into a wellbore, increasing pressure applied to the shaft will cause the opposing springs to stiffen against each other, providing sufficient strength to support the drilling of a lateral drainhole within the wellbore. Further, the spring is wound from a steel wire having a specific noncircular profile to improve the strength characteristics of the shaft without increasing the bending stress during deflection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of installing an elastomeric element onto a tubular. The method includes, positioning the elastomeric element onto a radially expandable member, radially expanding the radially expandable member and the elastomeric element installed thereon, positioning a tubular coaxially with the radially expandable member, and axially urging the elastomeric element off the radially expandable member thereby allowing the elastomeric element to be positioned coaxially about an outer perimetrical surface of the tubular.

Abstract: A kickover tool is disclosed for installing and retrieving a well flow control device from a side pocket mandrel in a wellbore. The kickover tool includes a spring-loaded key which has an outer circumferential surface having a predetermined machined pattern formed therein. Each side pocket mandrel in the tubing string contains a profile having a predetermined machined pattern. The spring-loaded key will engage the side pocket mandrel with a profile matching the pattern on the outer circumferential surface of the spring-loaded key. When that engagement occurs, the articulated arm of the kickover tool is permitted to be deployed to insert a well flow control device in the side pocket of the side pocket mandrel.