Means For Guiding Insertable Element Laterally Of Well Axis (e.g., Whipstock) Patents (Class 166/117.5)
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Patent number: 7422057Abstract: The whipstock face below the mounting lug is initially curved with a fairly long radius to protect the whipstock body initially. After moving down the minimally sloping curved face a transition to a greater angle is presented to increase the lateral forces on the window mill and to force the mill laterally to exit the tubular through the window. The transition after the curved portion is preferably to a flat inclined surface to the ramp bottom.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Evan G. Lewis, Calvin J. Stowe, II
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Publication number: 20080185148Abstract: The present invention discloses a whipstock assembly for use in forming a lateral borehole from a parent wellbore. The whipstock assembly comprises a body and a deflection member above the body. The deflection member includes a concave portion for deflecting a milling bit during a milling operation. Disposed on a perforation plate portion of the concave portion is a raised surface feature. The raised surface supports a milling bit above the perforation plate portion during a milling operation. This, in turn, substantially prevents frictional contact between the milling bits and the perforation plate portion during a milling operation. The present invention also provides a novel method for manufacturing a whipstock in which a cavity portion is formed behind the perforation plate by milling out the backside of the deflection member and then joining a second back cover member to the whipstock body to complete the assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventors: Thurman B. Carter, Thomas M. Redlinger, David J. Brunnert
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Publication number: 20080156479Abstract: A method of entering a previously-installed tubular in a lateral borehole from a primary borehole connected to the lateral borehole includes passing a downhole tool from the primary borehole into the lateral borehole, actuating an orientation mule shoe coupled to the downhole tool to lift the nose portion of the downhole tool into alignment with the tubular in the lateral borehole, and inserting the nose portion of the downhole tool into the tubular.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph H. Cassidy, Vance E. Nixon
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Patent number: 7373984Abstract: A well bore liner is carried on a working string into a main bore of a well. A well bore liner is directed from the main bore into an auxiliary bore of the well with a whipstock. The whipstock is coupled to a working string without withdrawing the working string from the main bore. The whipstock is then relocated in the well using the working string.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: CDX Gas, LLCInventors: Christopher A. Pratt, Bruno H. Walter
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Patent number: 7370702Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window in a casing pipe in a well, having only a single mill with full gage primary cutting inserts of a very hard, highly wear resistant, material. The primary inserts can be protected from damage by forming each blade on the mill with an outside edge profile having a shallower angle than the angle of the whipstock which is used to guide the mill through the casing, preventing the primary inserts from riding directly on the whipstock. The primary inserts on each blade can be further protected from damage by a row of secondary inserts of a relatively more durable material, arranged behind each row of primary inserts, or by a full diameter buffer section of mill body or blade.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Calvin Stowe
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Publication number: 20080099201Abstract: A junction selective contaminant exclusion tool includes a tubular positionable within the junction and having an opening through a wall thereof, a material disposed on an outside surface of the tubular, the material being capable of increasing a radial dimension between a surface of the material in contact with the tubular and an opposite surface of the material upon exposure to a selected species. A method for excluding selected contaminants from a wellbore junction is also disclosed. The method includes: disposing a junction at a wellbore casing window; disposing a tubular member having at least one opening through a wall thereof at the junction, the tubular member including an exclusion material thereon capable of existing in a first configuration and a second configuration, the second configuration obtainable upon exposure to a selected species; and exposing the material to the selected species.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Barton F. Sponchia, Douglas J. Murray
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Patent number: 7353867Abstract: The present invention discloses a whipstock assembly (100) for use in forming a lateral borehole from a parent wellbore. The whipstock assembly comprises a body (122) and a deflection member 120) above the body. The deflection member includes a concave portion (111) for deflecting a milling bit during a milling operation. Disposed on a perforation plate (110) portion of the concave portion is a raised surface feature (116). The raised surface supports a milling bit above the perforation plate portion during a milling operation. This, in turn, substantially prevents frictional contact between the milling bits and the perforation plate portion during a milling operation. The present invention also provides a novel method for manufacturing a whipstock in which a cavity portion is formed behind the perforation plate by milling out the backside of the deflection member and then joining a second back cover member to the whipstock body to complete the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb. Inc.Inventors: Thurman B. Carter, Thomas M. Redlinger, David J. Brunnert
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Publication number: 20080073073Abstract: The whipstock face below the mounting lug is initially curved with a fairly long radius to protect the whipstock body initially. After moving down the minimally sloping curved face a transition to a greater angle is presented to increase the lateral forces on the window mill and to force the mill laterally to exit the tubular through the window. The transition after the curved portion is preferably to a flat inclined surface to the ramp bottom.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Inventors: Evan G. Lewis, Calvin J. Stowe
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Publication number: 20080029276Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Inventors: Garry Wayne Templeton, Andre N. Broussard, Monte Ira Johnson, Mark William Schnitker
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Publication number: 20080017378Abstract: Diameter based tracking for a window milling system. A window cutting system includes a cutting assembly with multiple cutting faces for cutting the window; and a diverter for guiding displacement of the cutting assembly relative to the window, the diverter including multiple separate guide paths for the respective multiple cutting faces. A method of cutting a window includes the steps of: positioning a diverter in a tubular string, the diverter including multiple separate guide paths for respective multiple cutting faces of a cutting assembly; and then contacting the guide paths with the cutting faces to thereby form the window. Another method of cutting a window includes the step of: positioning a diverter in the tubular string, the diverter including multiple separate guide paths for respective multiple cutting faces of a cutting assembly, with each of the guide paths providing a separate wear surface for the respective cutting face.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2006Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventors: Jody R. McGlothen, Jeffery R. Acker
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Patent number: 7320366Abstract: A system and method for assembly of downhole equipment in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a method of assembling an apparatus in a subterranean well includes the steps of: positioning an expandable shell in the well; expanding the shell in the well; and then interconnecting multiple portions of the apparatus to each other within the expanded shell.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: David J. Steele, Jody R. McGlothen
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Patent number: 7284607Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well that has a first string that lines a borehole includes running a second string into the well and engaging a deflecting face of a deflector to deflect the second string into a window of the first string. The technique includes performing at least one of positioning the second string and orienting the second string using a profile on the deflector downhole of the deflecting face.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Carlos Araque, John R. Whitsitt, Martin Prado, Robert Scott Neves, Christine L. Cano
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Patent number: 7284614Abstract: A wellbore system for simultaneously drilling a wellbore into an earth formation and producing hydrocarbon fluid from the wellbore, is provided. The system comprises a production tubing extending into the wellbore and having a hydrocarbon fluid inlet arranged in a first part of the wellbore in fluid communication with a hydrocarbon fluid bearing zone of the earth formation, and a drilling riser extending through the production tubing and having a drilling fluid inlet in fluid communication with a second part of the wellbore, said second wellbore part being scaled from said first wellbore part. A drill string extends through the drilling riser and into said second wellbore part so as to allow further drilling of the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Laurens Cornelis Van Helvoirt, Hugh Edward Sheehy
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Patent number: 7261155Abstract: An integrated side-entry sub with grease injection flow tubes is adapted for making up in a drill string and includes a port to receive a cable, such as a wire line. A first pedestal, mounted within a cutout of the side entry sub, provides entry for the cable into the entry port. The first pedestal receives a first flow tube, which couples to a lower connector manifold. The lower connector manifold further provides a grease injection port. A second flow tube, coupled to the lower connector manifold, runs to an upper connector manifold. The upper connector manifold further provides an grease return port, as well an the entry point for cable into the sub.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Varco I/PInventors: Richard M. Ward, Ross E. Stevenson
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Patent number: 7258165Abstract: A down-hole tool guide is disclosed for deflecting various down-hole tools having a tendency to hang or bind in uncased bore holes. The down-hole tool guide or ball guide assembly, being adaptive to the down-hole tools, extends forwardly there from and includes an eccentric rotatable ball and high-pressure jets. In cases where the guide is used to guide casing, the ball guide assembly is constructed from a drillable material thereby allowing the hole bore to be extended beyond the last set casing depth without side deviation from the original bore.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2005Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Inventor: Donald L. Williams
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Patent number: 7243738Abstract: A process for underbalanced drilling into multiple coal and shale formations, and dewatering the drilled formations, which includes drilling a first borehole through several coal seams to a certain depth; lowering an upstock on the end of a carrier string to the depth of the upper coal seam; lowering a drill string in the carrier string, and angling off of the upstock, to drill a lateral or horizontal borehole within the coal seam; repeating the process for the second coal seam; setting a packer in place above the first coal seam in the annulus between the cased borehole and the carrier string; forming perforations in the wall of the carrier string below the packer; retrieving the upstock from the carrier string; lowering an electrical submersible pump to the bottom of the principal borehole; pumping water from the sump portion to the surface within the annulus of the second drill string.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Inventor: Robert Gardes
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Patent number: 7240738Abstract: A self orienting selectable locating collet including a collet having at least one deflectable finger; an orientation key positioned at the deflectable finger and being deflectable with the finger; and a collet profile disposed at an outside dimension of the collet. A method is also included.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Bryan P. Pendleton
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Patent number: 7231979Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Dave Stephen, James A. Sonnier, Joseph P. Degeare, Rustom K. Mody, Mohan L. Soni, Daniel R. Hart
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Patent number: 7228909Abstract: Embodiments include providing a gas lift system comprising production tubing disposed within a wellbore, the production tubing capable of allowing fluid flow in a first direction from outside the production tubing through a wall of the production tubing to inside the production tubing to introduce a gas into the bore of the production tubing, while preventing fluid flow in a second direction from inside the production tubing through the wall of the production tubing to outside the production tubing. In one aspect, fluid flow in the second direction is prevented by operation of at least two valve members disposed within a side pocket of a side pocket mandrel in the production tubing. At least one of the valve members is capable of preventing fluid flow in the second direction even when the other valve member is removed from the wellbore or is at least partially inoperative.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Ronald W. Schmidt, Zlatko Salihbegovic, Dave Ricketts, Jerry Robinson
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Patent number: 7228897Abstract: Well completion cement may be pumped through a side pocket mandrel that includes parallel rows of filler sections to exclude cement from void space within the side pocket tube. The filler sections are drilled with cross-flow jet channels and surface upsets to stimulate scrubbing turbulence by well working fluid behind a cement wiper plug. The wiper plug includes leading and trailing groups of wiper discs secured to an elongated shaft. The two wiper groups are separated by a distance that permits the leading seal group to gain traction seal before the push seal on the trailing wiper group is lost. A spring centralizer spans a center section of the shaft between the two wiper groups to maintain axial alignment of the shaft as the plug traverses the length of a mandrel.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2003Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: James H. Holt, Jr., Walter R. Chapman, James H. Kritzler, Jeffrey L. Osselburn, Keith E. Lewis
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Patent number: 7225887Abstract: A method of drilling a borehole into an earth formation using a drill string having an upper part and a lower part which is more flexible than the upper part, the method involving drilling a first section of the borehole, drilling a second section of the borehole from the first borehole section, the second section extending at a selected inclination angle relative to the first section. During drilling of the second section the drill string is lowered through the borehole in a manner that the upper drill string part remains in the first section and the lower drill string part extends into the second borehole section.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventor: Petrus Cornelis Kriesels
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Patent number: 7213607Abstract: The present invention relates to a mandrel for a gas lift valve which comprises an elongated body provided with means of connection at its ends. The body is provided with a side pocket (17) and a side receptacle (16) in the interior of which may be housed a gas lift valve (13) which injects gas into the interior of the body of the mandrel for the gas lift valve (15) by means of orifices (22) positioned in a nose (18). The mandrel for the gas lift valve (15) comprises additionally a lower body (23) provided on the lower part of the valve receptacle (16) of the mandrel of the side pocket (15) in that the lower body (23) is configured in a manner to seal the lower part of the valve receptacle (16) to form a chamber (24) and the lower body is provided with at least one injection orifice to inject gas into the interior of the body of the mandrel of the gas lift valve (15).Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. PetrobrasInventor: Alcino Resende De Almeida
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Patent number: 7213654Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a wellbore junction, wherein, in one embodiment, a first leg of a screen is fastened within a first tubular with a preformed window. The first tubular houses a whipstock with a cut-out portion containing a folded second leg of the screen. The first tubular is lowered into a junction of a central and a lateral wellbore. A second tubular is lowered within the first tubular and catches an end of the folded second leg of the screen thereby unfolding and expanding the screen as the second tubular is guided into the lateral wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2003Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Clayton Plucheck, Pat Williamson, David Haugen, Doug Durst
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Patent number: 7168498Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring torque on a rig. The apparatus comprises a central body having a central passage, and a first plurality of splines formed within the central passage and a second plurality of splines formed on a bottom sub, and wherein the first plurality of splines and the second plurality of splines cooperate to engage and transfer the torque applied to the central body. A third plurality of splines may be formed within the central passage, and a fourth plurality of splines formed on a top sub may be included that cooperates to engage and transfer the torque applied to the cental body with the third plurality of splines. In one of the preferred embodiments, the top sub is connected to a top drive of a rig. The apparatus may further comprise a first threaded cap engaging that contains an opening in communication with the central passage. A wireline is disposed within the opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Anthony R. Boyd
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Patent number: 7104316Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventor: John Paul Hobgood
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Patent number: 7104332Abstract: An apparatus for creating a cemented lateral junction including a sleeve with a premachined opening and a cover disposed at the sleeve. A release material is disposed at the cover. Further disclosed is a method for constructing a wellbore which includes preparing a sleeve with a premachined window and a cover positioned to occlude the window and a release material at at least a portion of the cover exposed to environment through the window for running in the wellbore. The method may further include installing the sleeve in a wellbore and applying a hardenable agent to an annulus of the wellbore around the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Douglas J. Murray, Aubrey C. Mills
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Patent number: 7077204Abstract: The retrieval tool includes a cylindrical member having a body, an inner passage, a guide cylinder and an engaging member. The engaging member may slide within the cylindrical member in order to frictionally engage a whipstock against an inner surface of the guide cylinder, facilitating removal of the whipstock from a borehole. A actuating member, piston, retainer and swivel sub may be used to connect the engaging member to the retrieval tool and enhance the mobility of the engaging member within the cylindrical member. A spring may also facilitate locking engagement of the engaging member and whipstock. Contact between the retrieval tool and the whipstock may lead to an increase of pressure within the inner passage, such pressure increasing the engagement between the engaging member and whipstock.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2002Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Brian Cruickshank, Charles Dewey, Wei Xu
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Patent number: 7066270Abstract: A multilateral reference point sleeve includes a tubular member configured to be received in a tubing string of a wellbore. The tubular member has an uphole end and a downhole end. The uphole end is angled to define an orientation profile, and the orientation profile has an orientation slot extending therefrom. A method for orienting a tool in a wellbore includes running the multilateral reference point sleeve into the casing in the wellbore, anchoring the sleeve to an inner surface of the casing, running the tool into the tubing string, causing a pin on the tool to engage the orientation profile on the sleeve, and causing the pin on the tool to engage the orientation slot on the orientation profile.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Douglas J. Murray
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Patent number: 6968896Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for seating a whipstock. The apparatus comprises an expandable seat, or nipple, configured to receive a whipstock. The seat is run into a cased wellbore, and is set by expanding it into frictional contact with the inner surface of the casing. Thereafter, a whipstock is seated onto the seat. The seat includes a keyway configured to receive an orientation member extending from the whipstock. In this manner, the orientation of the seat can be determined. An orientation member of the whipstock can be adjusted to properly orient the face of the whipstock in the seat, and the whipstock lowered onto the seat so that it automatically seats in the proper direction. The whipstock then serves as a diverter tool for drilling a lateral wellbore such as a horizontal well.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Robert Joe Coon
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Patent number: 6935431Abstract: The well reference apparatus and method of the present invention includes a reference member preferably permanently installed within the borehole at a preferred depth and orientation in one trip into the well. The reference member provides a permanent reference for the location of all operations, particularly in a multi-lateral well. The assembly of the present invention includes disposing the reference member on the end of a pipe string. An orienting tool such as an MWD collar is disposed in the pipe string above the reference member. This assembly is lowered into the borehole on the pipe string. Once the preferred depth is attained, the MWD is activated to determine the orientation of the reference member. If the reference member is not oriented in the preferred direction, the pipe string is rotated to align the reference member in the preferred direction. This process is repeated for further corrective action and to verify the proper orientation of the reference member.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Charles H. Dewey, John E. Campbell, Wei Xu
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Patent number: 6923275Abstract: A process for underbalanced drilling into multiple coal and shale formations, and dewatering the drilled formations, which includes drilling a first borehole through several coal seams to a certain depth, defined as a cased borehole; lowering an upstock on the end of a carrier string to the depth of the upper coal seam; lowering a drill string in the carrier string, and angling off of the upstock, to drill a lateral or horizontal borehole within the coal seam; repeating the process for the second coal seam; setting a packer in place above the first coal seam in the annulus between the cased borehole and the carrier string; forming perforations in the wall of the carrier string below the packer; retrieving the upstock from the carrier string; lowering an electrical submersible pump to the bottom of the principal borehole, defined as a sump portion of the borehole; collecting methane gas from the two coal seams through the annulus between the second drill string and the carrier string to the surface; pumping waType: GrantFiled: February 21, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Inventor: Robert Gardes
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Patent number: 6910538Abstract: A method of anchoring a whipstock on the mill or drill body using an anchor extendible to engage an eyelet formed or provided on the whipstock to run in a mill and whipstock in one trip. The anchor is retractable into the body of the drill so that the drill can pass by the whipstock during lateral drilling and out the casing wall without interference. The anchor preferably is extended and retracted by hydraulic force controlled remotely by the operator. The anchor is preferably shaped to match and conform to the outer wall of the drill so that in the closed position, the anchor is contiguous with and does not extend beyond the outer diameter of the drill body. Part of the drill body is preferably removed to allow the anchor to nest within the space provided by the removal of the drill body.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Team Oil ToolsInventor: Donald W. Tinker
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Patent number: 6899173Abstract: A through tubing retrievable whipstock and installation method is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of anchor links pivot at one end and have wickers on an opposed rounded end. The links are configured to deliver an optimum contact angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the whipstock in a variety of casing sizes and weights. A lock ring system holds the set position and the upper end is hinged and biased to stay out of the way of the mill or mills and yet be easy to engage by a retrieving tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2002Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Stephen K. Harmon, Roy E. Swanson, Jr., Marc D. Kuck
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Patent number: 6868909Abstract: A drillable junction joint in a wellbore comprises a wellbore casing in which a section of the casing is constructed of easily drillable material. A sleeve having a premachined window therein is disposed within the casing joint and is freely orientable within the casing segment. Further disclosed are methods for installation of the junction joint and for creating an exit.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventor: Douglas J. Murray
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Patent number: 6848504Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a lateral well bore to a vertical well bore using a tieback liner while providing full bore access in the vertical well bore casing. The tieback liner is rotationally aligned with respect to a window of the casing by locating a key slot formed above the window and longitudinally aligned by using a no-go device to locate the bottom edge of the window. The tieback liner includes a snap sleeve that extends into a window of the main well bore casing and connects the tieback liner to the casing. The section of the casing receiving the snap sleeve is of a larger inner diameter than the other sections of casing. The connection between the tieback liner and casing prevents the tieback liner from rotating, tilting, or moving laterally with respect to the casing. The connection imparts significant resistance to formation loading applied at the junction.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Inventors: Charles G. Brunet, Michel Bouchard
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Patent number: 6845817Abstract: An apparatus for use in manipulating an eccentrically located well bore device. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises: a main body attachable to a conveyance member; an arm hinged to the main body; a lock assembly for selectively retaining the arm in a locked position and releasing the arm from the locked position; a kick over assembly for moving the arm to kicked over position; and an adapter connected to the lift arm, the adapter connectable with a tool for latching onto the device. The kick over assembly comprises a kick member operatively connected to the arm and a biasing member having a first end connected to the arm and a second end connected to the kick member.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: John Schraub
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Patent number: 6840320Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for forming a window of optimum dimensions in casing wall. A window of maximum width is cut when the center line of the mill tool is located inside of the inner diameter of the casing where a maximum amount of casing is drilled away by the mill tool. A whipstock is described which deviates the mill tool outwardly so that the center line of the mill tool is in approximately this position. The whipstock then maintains the mill tool at this approximate location until a window of desired length is cut having a substantially maximum width. The whipstock then deviates the mill tool such that the centerline is outside of the casing to drill a rathole into the formation.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Charles H. Dewey, Brian William Cruickshank
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Patent number: 6830106Abstract: A multilateral well completion. In a described embodiment, a multilateral well completion system includes a completion apparatus installed in a cased parent wellbore. The completion apparatus has an opening in its side which is rotationally aligned with a window in the parent wellbore casing. A tubular string is inserted through an inner tubular structure of the apparatus, through the opening, through the window, and into a branch wellbore extending outwardly from the window.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Travis W. Cavender
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Publication number: 20040206504Abstract: A system and method for fracturing a hydrocarbon producing formation in which a tool assembly is inserted in a wellbore adjacent the formation, and fracturing fluid is introduced into the annulus between the tool assembly and the wellbore and flows to the formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2002Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventor: Michael J. Rosato
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Publication number: 20040177951Abstract: The present invention provides a simple debris removal apparatus for use in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention a modular, interchangeable venturi is provided which can be retrofit into an existing debris bailer having a filter and a debris collection container. In another aspect of the invention, a venturi is utilized to create a negative pressure in a wellbore sufficient to actuate a retrieval tool for a downhole device. In yet another aspect of the invention, a combination tool is provided which can evacuate debris in a wellbore, thereby uncovering a downhole device which can then be removed in a single trip. In yet another aspect of the invention, a debris removal apparatus is provided with a method for utilizing the apparatus in a wellbore on coiled tubing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Corey E. Hoffman, Richard Lee Giroux, Mike A. Luke, Stephen J. Norris
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Publication number: 20040177973Abstract: This invention relates to an elongated wireline entry device (10) which allows a wirelein tool or coiled tubing with a tool attached to be inserted in a well bore without disconneciton form the drill string appended thereto without introducing bending moments into the threaded connectiosn (101, 106, 202) attached to the drill string because the pin and box connectiosn of the tool are in axial, longitudinal alignment. The absence of these bending moments is required to suspend long pendular, and therefore heavy, drill strings forr htthis device without failure. The angle between the longitudinal ayes of the longitudinal passage and the wireline passage in the wireline entry device is at most 4.0°.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventors: Charles M. Helms, Vernon E. Kauffman, Billy D. Jones
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Patent number: 6786282Abstract: A downhole system includes a deflector with a reaction surface that is engageable to a mill. The deflector is coupled to a motion mechanism that is activable to move the deflector generally along a longitudinal direction. During operation, the mill is engaged to a surrounding downhole structure, and the mill is rotated. As the mill cuts an opening in the downhole structure, the motion mechanism moves the deflector, which allows the mill to move with the deflector. A smooth motion is provided by the motion mechanism to enable a more accurate cutting of the downhole structure (e.g., casing or liner).Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Stephen M. Begg, Herve Ohmer
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Publication number: 20040159444Abstract: A wet connect arrangement for communication beyond obstructions in a wellbore such as gravel packs and lateral junctions, among others. The arrangement employs communication line at first and second tubulars and annular or part annular communication pathways between the lines when the first and second tubulars are in operable position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2003Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventors: Sebastiaan Wolters, Adam Anderson
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Publication number: 20040149452Abstract: Disclosed herein is a self orienting selectable collet having at least one deflectable finger, an orientation key positioned at the deflectable finger and a collet profile disposed at an outside dimension of the collet. Further disclosed herein is a system for downhole selective orientation of a collet. An orientation profile is provided which is installable in a downhole environment. The orientation profile includes a matchable profile therein. Also disclosed herein is a method for promoting self orientation and selective location of collets in a wellbore. The method includes installing in a liner, at least two orientation profiles having selective matching profiles, running a collet having a deflectable orientation key and a collet profile thereon complementary to one of the at least two orientation profile matching profiles and orienting the collet by driving the key against said orientation profile and engaging the matching profile where complementary to the collet profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2004Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventor: Bryan P. Pendleton
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Patent number: 6761217Abstract: Downhole apparatus for locating equipment in a required depth and orientation within a well bore, the apparatus comprising a body and a latching member mounted on said body so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the latching member is adapted to project into a latch profile provided in a casing of a well bore when in the extended position in such a way that it tends to slide along a well bore casing profile portion so as to locate the latching member centrally before preventing movement of the downhole apparatus in the direction of pressing, the latching member being yet further adapted to engage a second portion of said profile in such a way that when pressed against it, the latching member is moved towards the retracted position so as to permit movement of the downhole apparatus past said latch profile.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventor: Bruce McGarian
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Patent number: 6755248Abstract: A one-trip through tubing window milling system is disclosed. The whipstock is delivered with the mill and downhole motor in a downhole assembly which further includes MWD equipment for proper whipstock orientation. The entire assembly is run through tubing and the MWD equipment orients the whipstock. A motor lock prevents the downhole motor from turning as fluid pressure is applied to properly anchor the whipstock below the production tubing. The motor lock is defeated and the milling commenced using the downhole motor. At the conclusion of the window milling, the bottom hole assembly, including the mill, is removed and a retrieving tool releases the whipstock for retrieval through the production tubing.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Jeffrey E. Toulouse, Malcolm D. Pitman
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Publication number: 20040112599Abstract: Well completion cement may be pumped through a side pocket mandrel that includes parallel rows of filler sections to exclude cement from void space within the side pocket tube. The filler sections are drilled with cross-flow jet channels and surface upsets to stimulate scrubbing turbulence by well working fluid behind a cement wiper plug. The wiper plug includes leading and trailing groups of wiper discs secured to an elongated shaft. The two wiper groups are separated by a distance that permits the leading seal group to gain traction seal before the push seal on the trailing wiper group is lost. A spring centralizer spans a center section of the shaft between the two wiper groups to maintain axial alignment of the shaft as the plug traverses the length of a mandrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Applicant: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: James H. Holt, Walter R. Chapman, James H. Kritzler, Jeffrey L. Osselburn, Keith E. Lewis
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Publication number: 20040069496Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for isolating a wellbore condition such as formation pressure during a wellbore operation. The invention has particular application in connection with underbalanced drilling. In one arrangement, a formation isolation apparatus is provided that serves as a selectively actuatable plug. The plug in one aspect is selectively set and released by a setting/releasing tool. The setting/releasing tool includes a system for setting the plug in the wellbore, and a system for releasing the plug from the wellbore. The setting/releasing tool is releasably connected to the plug. Thus, after the plug has been set, the setting/releasing tool may be removed from the wellbore. The plug includes a flapper valve that is restrained in its open position by the setting/releasing tool. Removal of the setting/releasing tool from the wellbore allows the flapper valve to close, thereby isolating pressures in the wellbore below the flapper valve. The plug is wireline retrievable.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: David Hosie, Mike A. Luke
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Publication number: 20040060694Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating an eccentrically located well bore device is disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises: a main body attachable to a conveyance member; an arm hinged to the main body; a lock assembly for selectively retaining the arm in a locked position and releasing the arm from the locked position; a kick over assembly for moving the arm to a kicked over position; and an adapter connected to the lift arm, the adapter connectable with a tool for latching onto the device. The kick over assembly comprises a kick member operatively connected to the arm and a biasing member having a first end connected to the arm and a second end connected to the kick member.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: John Schraub
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Patent number: RE39509Abstract: A top entry sub (ES) includes a tubular member (TM) with a main body section (8) and an enlarged external diameter upper end portion (11). A single passage (15) extends through the main body section (8) and terminates in a pair of spaced passages (14) and (14a) that extend through the enlarged external diameter end portion (11), which passages terminate in a common upper surface on the top entry sub (ES) for receiving a well string and providing an entry into the top entry sub for members such as coiled tubing, snubbing members and cable.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Specialty Rental Tools & Supply, LPInventors: Charles M. Helms, Charles W. Bleifeld