Means For Guiding Insertable Element Laterally Of Well Axis (e.g., Whipstock) Patents (Class 166/117.5)
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Publication number: 20040035575Abstract: A side-pocket gas lift mandrel having tapered end caps threaded onto the ends of the mandrel with metal-to-metal sealing threads. The thickness of each made up thread set is the same as the thickness of the small end of each end cap, resulting in a mandrel having the same outside diameter as if the end caps were welded on, without sacrificing any inside diameter in the small ends of the end caps, compared to a welded mandrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventors: Brian A. Roth, Roger D. Hegdahl, James H. Kritzler
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Publication number: 20040026090Abstract: Apparatus and methods for anchoring and orienting equipment in a well provide enhanced economy, convenience and utility. In a described embodiment, a latch assembly has a substantially unobstructed bore, thereby increasing access and flow therethrough while the latch assembly is operatively engaged with an anchoring and orienting profile in the well. The latch assembly may include a generally tubular collet structure having multiple collets integrally formed thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2002Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: Jody R. McGlothen, Steven R. Fipke
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Publication number: 20040016547Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Charles G. Brunet, Michel J. Bouchard
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Publication number: 20030213599Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventor: Donald W. Tinker
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Patent number: 6648068Abstract: The side tracking system includes a window mill having a full diameter cutting surface and a reduced diameter tapered cutting surface and a whipstock having a ramp engaging the reduced diameter cutting surface. The materials of the whipstock have a first cutablity and the materials of the casing have a second cutability. The reduced diameter cutting surface contacts the whipstock ramp at a first contact area and the full diameter cutting surface contacts the wall of the casing at a second contact area. As weight is applied to the mill, there is a first contact stress at the first contact area and a second contact stress at the second contact area. A cutability ratio is the first cutability divided by the second cutability and a contact stress ratio is the first contact stress divided by the second contact stress. The mill cuts the casing rather than the whipstock by maintaining the product of the cutability ratio and the contact stress ratio less than one.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Charles H. Dewey, James E. Saylor, III, Bruce D. Swearingen, Andrew MacDonald Robin, Alexander William Dawson, Gregory S. Nairn
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Publication number: 20030205379Abstract: An expanding wellbore junction system, apparatus and methods are provided for forming a sealed wellbore intersection in a subterranean well. In one. described method, an expandable wellbore junction is expanded within an under-reamed cavity in a wellbore. Intersecting tubular legs of the wellbore junction are then drifted using a drifting apparatus. A deflection device may be used to direct a drift of the drifting apparatus into a selected one of the wellbore junction legs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventors: David J. Steele, Ernest C. Bailey, Jody R. McGlothen
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Publication number: 20030192717Abstract: A sealed multilateral junction system provides fluid isolation between intersecting wellbores in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a method of forming a wellbore junction includes the steps of sealing a tubular string in a branch wellbore to a tubular structure in a parent wellbore. The tubular string may be secured to the tubular structure utilizing a flange which is larger in size than a window formed in the tubular structure. The flange may be sealed to the tubular structure about the window by a metal to metal seal or by adhering the flange to the tubular structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Ray C. Smith, Terry A. Schroter
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Publication number: 20030178197Abstract: A method of forming a downhole connection between tubular strings includes the step of crimping the tubular strings together. The tubular strings may be positioned in the same wellbore, or the tubular strings may be positioned in different intersecting wellbores during the crimping step. One of the tubular strings may be expanded outwardly within the other tubular string prior to the crimping step.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2002Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventors: Ray C. Smith, Neil Hepburn
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Publication number: 20030173089Abstract: A full bore selective location and orientation system includes a nipple installable in a tubular string and having internal location and orientation features of known configuration and a locating device runable within the tubular string and having location and orientation features engageable with said internal features of said nipple. A method of locating and orientating a downhole tool including installing a tubular nipple having a particular inside dimensions configuration in a tubular string running a locating device having a complementary outside dimensions configuration to engage with said inside dimensions configuration and rotating said locating device to a position where a biased member extends from said locating device into a recess in said tubular member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: David J. Westgard, Luca Varchetta
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Patent number: 6619402Abstract: A system for enhancing fluid flow into and through a hydrocarbon fluid production well comprising a series of flow boosters, such as electrically or hydraulically driven moineau-type pumps or centrifugal pumps or turbines, for controlling and/or boosting fluid flow from various regions of a drainhole section of the well into a production tubing within the well.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Marc Emmanuel Amory, Roelof Daling, Carlos Alberto Glandt, Robert Nicholas Worrall
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Patent number: 6619400Abstract: An apparatus for locating a first tubular with respect to a window in a second tubular including at least one member extending from an outer surface of a liner for aligning the liner with respect to a window in a casing of a primary wellbore. In one aspect, the invention includes a key and a no-go obstruction to rotationally and axially align the apparatus with the window.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Charles G. Brunet
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Patent number: 6568480Abstract: An orientation and locator system including a receiver sub disposed in and installed with a casing string in the borehole. The receiver sub has azimuth and depth profiles for positively locating a predetermined position within the borehole. The profiles are within the inside diameter of the casing string and do not restrict the flowbore of the casing. The orientation and locator system further includes a coupling sub attached to a well tool and adapted to engage the receiver sub to orient and locate the well tool within the borehole for conducting a well operation. The coupling sub has an alignment key and a plurality of dogs for engaging the azimuth and depth profiles, respectively. Further, the coupling sub may pass completely through the receiver sub en route to another receiver sub located in the casing string further downhole. The coupling sub and receiver sub are configured such that they may be engaged whether the coupling sub is passing upstream or downstream through the casing string.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventor: Charles H. Dewey
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Publication number: 20030070801Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Stephen K. Harmon, Roy E. Swanson, Marc D. Kuck
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Patent number: 6536531Abstract: An apparatus and method for orienting tubular strings in wellbores. In one aspect, the invention utilizes the inherent eccentricity of a non-vertical wellbore to provide a means of orienting a portion of casing that contains a pre-milled window.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Charles G. Brunet
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Publication number: 20030034156Abstract: A multi-function apparatus designated as a “Liner Stub Assembly”, run in and set in an existing cased well at the end of a work pipe string is used to add a liner-equipped branch well to an existing cased well in a way which provides full access to both wells. Pre-fabricated mobile straight tubular connectors (Liner Stubs) are installed and sealed by on-board explosive means which accurately cut a window of pre-determined shape and dimensions in the existing well casing and weld to it the Liner Stub's stop collar to make downhole a leak-proof tubular junction of the two wells, by means of such short connectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2000Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventor: Michael Gondouin
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Patent number: 6513589Abstract: A switch device (1) which sequentially conducts one hydraulic fluid stream (2) to two or more independently operated hydraulic units, where the switch device (1) with one or more channel throughputs (11, 12, 13 and 14) travels helically in a holding cylinder and transfers pressure streams in rotational sequence via fixed channels (8 and 8′) in the holding cylinder to separately operated hydraulic devices. With activation and deactivation in succession with alternate pressure and pressure relief combined with corresponding spring device (4), the switch device (1) in the surrounding cylinder is simultaneously forced to perform a one-way helical and axial forward and backward movement, resulting in altered fluid communication. Full switch rotation is achieved with, for example, six equiangular waves, each at 60°, or with six different angular waves, such as 90°+60°+45°+60°+60°+45°.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventors: Henning Hansen, Frode Kaland
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Patent number: 6510898Abstract: A system is disclosed for positioning downhole tools in a borehole such as a cased or lined oilwell, wherein the system is adapted to control the vertical and rotational position of the tool within the borehole. The system uses a plurality of guide slots or ledges which form a spiral on the inner surface of a tubular.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignees: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc., Target Well Control LimitedInventor: Jean P. Buytaert
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Patent number: 6508311Abstract: A string of pipe formed by the connection together of multiple joints of shorter pipe segments is stored in the water space adjacent an offshore drilling rig. The pipe string bends from the drilling rig floor in a semicircular arc and enters the water adjacent the drilling rig. A curving guide is used to direct the pipe string movement. A platform extension from the corner of the drilling rig is provided to position a work area above the point at which the pipe enters the water. Multiple guides may be employed for simultaneously running two strings of pipe. The string may be stored in one or more long sections or in a single continuous string. The major portions of the string or long pipe sections may be stored below the surface of the water. Provision is made for pumping fluids through the pipe string, and/or the pipe sections, to the well. The string may be stored in a sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Inventor: Carlos A. Torres
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Patent number: 6499538Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1999Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Smith International, Inc.Inventors: Charles H. Dewey, John E. Campbell
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Publication number: 20020195249Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventor: Douglas J. Murray
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Patent number: 6497288Abstract: A tool for running and retrieving a whipstock in a subterranean wellbore includes a tool body that has one end that is adapted to be connected to a pipe. The tool body includes a rail defined thereon that is adapted to selectively engage a slot defined on the whipstock. The pipe is in fluid communication with a bore defined in the tool body. The tool body includes a latch assembly for releasably connecting to the whipstock. The latch assembly is adapted to be moved when pressure is applied to the tool bore through the pipe thereby enabling the connection and disconnection of the latch assembly from the whipstock.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Grant E. E. George, Stephen M. Begg
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Patent number: 6488095Abstract: A reference sleeve is used to orient a whipstock assembly to direct a pipe string into a new borehole section. The whipstock assembly may be removed such that a pipe string may enter the original borehole through the relatively large inner diameter of the expanded reference sleeve. The reference sleeve provides a permanent reference without forming an obstruction in the wellbore. To go back into the new borehole section, the whipstock assembly will be oriented automatically within the reference sleeve such that a pipe string will be reliably directed into the new borehole section, even years later. The reference sleeve is preferably run into the hole in a running position that is radially compressed. After orientation, the reference sleeve is expanded to thereby engage the wellbore and be affixed in position. Orientation surfaces include sloping guide surfaces and a slot that mate to a key on the whipstock assembly. The reference sleeve may be used for any reference purpose in the wellbore, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Frank's International, Inc.Inventor: Jean P. Buytaert
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Publication number: 20020162656Abstract: An orientation and locator system including a receiver sub disposed in and installed with a casing string in the borehole. The receiver sub has azimuth and depth profiles for positively locating a predetermined position within the borehole. The profiles are within the inside diameter of the casing string and do not restrict the flowbore of the casing. The orientation and locator system further includes a locator sub attached to a well tool and adapted to engage the casing receiver sub to orient and locate the well tool within the borehole for conducting a well operation. The locator sub has an alignment key and a plurality of dogs for engaging the azimuth and depth profiles, respectively. Further, the locator sub may pass completely through the receiver sub en route to another receiver sub located in the casing string further downhole. The locator sub and receiver sub are configured such that they may be engaged whether the locator sub is passing upstream or downstream through the casing string.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2001Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventor: Charles H. Dewey
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Patent number: 6474415Abstract: A whipstock-less milling apparatus and method for use in a wellbore having a first structure (e.g., a tubular structure such as a casing, liner, or other tubular structure) includes a support element, at least one mill supported by the support element, and a deflection apparatus to deflect the at least one mill to engage the first structure to form an opening in the first structure. In one example, the opening is a window cut through a casing or liner to allow a change in the trajectory of the wellbore or to form a lateral branch from the wellbore in a multilateral well. In another example, one or more axial slots can be formed in the casing or liner to enable propagation of electromagnetic (EM) waves through the slotted casing or liner to measure characteristics of the surrounding formation. In yet a further example, sensors, gauges, and other measurement devices may be placed in a window or outside pocket formed by the whipstock-less milling apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Herve Ohmer
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Patent number: 6464001Abstract: A wellbore system is provided, the wellbore including a main wellbore extending into an earth formation, a branch wellbore extending from a selected location of the main wellbore into the earth formation and a casing arranged in the main wellbore. A branching device is arranged in the casing and connected to a conduit extending through the casing to a wellbore facility at surface, the branching device having a main bore in fluid communication with the wellbore facility via the conduit, and a branch bore providing fluid communication between the main bore and the branch wellbore via a window opening provided in the casing. A seal is provided between said body and the inner surface of the casing so as to prevent fluid communication between the window opening and the interior of the casing.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Stephen Richard Braithwaite, Wilhelmus Hubertus Paulus Maria Heijnen, Robert Nicholas Worrall
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Patent number: 6439321Abstract: An actuator for an orienting device for orienting a borehole apparatus in a borehole and an orienting device comprised of the actuator, wherein the orienting device is comprised of an orienting mechanism which is actuated by longitudinal movement. The actuator is comprised of a housing having a first end and a second end and a fluid passageway extending through the housing from the first end to the second end. Further, a longitudinally reciprocable piston, positioned within and providing a first partial obstruction of the fluid passageway, engages with the orienting mechanism such that longitudinal movement of the piston actuates the orienting mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ian Gillis, Daniel P. Lupien
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Publication number: 20020100588Abstract: A relatively thin walled sleeve having a premachined window is disposed at a casing window in a wellbore. The sleeve is set in place with the casing or on a separate run wherein the running tool also includes a dog to align the sleeve premachined window with the casing window both linearly and rotationally in the wellbore. The sleeve is swedged in place in part or completely and a subsequent run provides a lateral liner which extends through both the premachined window and the casing window and seals against the premachined window which will then prevent sand entering the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: August 1, 2002Inventors: Douglas J. Murray, John J. Johnson, Enrique M. Proano
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Publication number: 20020096326Abstract: A reference sleeve is disclosed that may be used to repeatably and reliably orient a whipstock assembly to direct a pipe string into a new borehole section. In accord with a method of the present invention, the whipstock assembly may be removed such that a pipe string may enter the original borehole through the relatively large inner diameter of the expanded reference sleeve. Thus, the reference sleeve of the present invention provides a permanent reference effectively without forming an obstruction in the wellbore. If it is desired to once again go back into the new borehole section, then the whipstock assembly will be oriented automatically within the reference sleeve such that a pipe string will be reliably directed into the new borehole section, even years later. The reference sleeve of the present invention is preferably run into the hole in a running position that is radially compressed. After orientation, the reference sleeve is expanded to thereby engage the wellbore and be affixed in position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventor: Jean P. Buytaert
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Publication number: 20020096325Abstract: The present invention discloses the concept of using, for the purpose of operating a well control tool such as setting a packer, slip or whipstock, wireless data signal emissions from a downhole telemetry instrument such as an MWD or LWD unit that is energized by pumped fluid flow along a surface connected tubing string. The well control tool may be one that derives operating energy in situ such as from well bore fluid pressure or batteries. Operation of the well control tool is triggered by a battery powered microprocessor that is programmed to respond to a predetermined sequence of wireless data signal emissions from the telemetry instrument. Control over the wireless data signal sequence is exercised by control over the pumped flow stream such as by starting and stopping the pump or diverting the downhole flow stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventor: James A. Sonnier
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Publication number: 20020096331Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in spacing out tubular strings within a well is disclosed. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a casing having an inner wall and at least one profile disposed within the inner wall. A landing tool is linked to well tubing and is sized so as to seat within the profile. A tubing hanger is attached to the well tubing and if capable of landing within a target location, such as a wellhead. When the landing tool is seated within the profile, the length of well tubing needed to land the tubing hanger within the target location can be determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2002Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventors: Dwayne D. Leismer, Rodney J. Wetzel
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Patent number: 6419012Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Grant E. E. George, Stephen M. Begg
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Patent number: 6419024Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Grant E. E. George, Stephen M. Begg
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Patent number: 6419010Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Stephen M. Begg
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Publication number: 20020079102Abstract: A junction for the intersection of a main borehole and a lateral borehole includes a main tubular having a main window with a ramp aligned with the main window and a lateral tubular adapted to be telescopingly received within the main tubular and having a lateral window. The main tubular and lateral tubular each have an orientation surface. The lateral tubular has a first position with one end partially disposed within the main tubular. The lateral tubular is telescoped into the main tubular with the end of the lateral tubular engaging the ramp which guides the end of the lateral tubular through the main window and into the lateral bore. The orientation surfaces engage to orient the lateral window with the main window and form a common opening between the tubulars.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: Charles H. Dewey, Glenn L. Allison, Prafel C. Desai
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Publication number: 20020074122Abstract: Enhanced horizontal drilling systems and methods encompass the production of crude oil from wells drilled from a subterranean production facility. This approach has the location of the well head below the oil reservoir to improve flow rate and recovery due to the consistent voiding of fluids by gravity flow within the well bore to the well head allowing well bore production pressure to achieve extremely low fluid pressure or even a vacuum of up to 15 PSI. This method increases oil recovery rate and factor, and lowers production costs. The present method is production of shallow crude oil by way of long horizontal or near horizontal boreholes drilled and serviced from a subsurface workroom. The subsurface workroom serves as both the drilling platform and the place to which production is centrally accumulated from the wells. Oil is collected in a central facility and is then lifted to the surface utilizing pumps.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Wayne Leroy Kelley, Andrew M. Ashby, Robert Leslie Ewen, Robert Harold Trent
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Publication number: 20020074121Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for forming and reentering multiple lateral wells through a wall of a common well bore. The system includes an anchor, an orienting member, an extension member, a diverter and a probe releasably connected by one or more unilateral connections and a multilateral connection. The unilateral connection restricts rotational and translational movement of the system upon makeup, and maintains alignment between components thus joined in a single direction. The multilateral connection also restricts rotational and translational movement of the system upon makeup, however, enables alignment between components thus joined in multiple directions. Thus, use of the system enables lateral orientation of the diverter at multiple positions, positioning the diverter at multiple longitudinal positions and selective reentry of each lateral well formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2000Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventor: Robert C. Schick
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Publication number: 20020070013Abstract: A method and apparatus for forcing drainage devices through the sidewall of a borehole and into the formation to increase oil and gas recovery from the formation. The object usually comprises a plurality of drainage devices, which may be a plurality of nesting discs perforated to provide a passageway for recovery fluid. The discs and drainage device are forced non-drillingly through the side wall and into the formation. The apparatus and method also may be used with interconnected links instead of discs to push a core sampler into the formation and retrieve it. The housing includes a guide channel that is usually an angled passageway or tube. The discs or links are sized to be received in the guide. The apparatus includes a propulsion assembly that impacts the discs or links that act as an anvil assembly. Alternatively, the apparatus takes the form of a pre-loaded casing section, that is, a casing section in which a plurality of drainage devices have been incorporated.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventor: Lesley O. Bond
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Publication number: 20020066559Abstract: A standard ROV/manual gate valve operating mechanism is used to move a bore selector between the production and annulus bores of a completion. The ROV operation could be via torsion or linear action. The positioning of the selector may be hydraulically linked to the functioning of retainer valves. Alternatively, the operating mechanism may be for one of the retainer valves, with a mechanical linkage for actuation of the bore selector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventor: Scott M. Hamilton
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Patent number: 6390198Abstract: A well has a vertical casing with a window, and a lateral wellbore which communicates with the window, and which may have a casing or liner. A window assembly aligned with the window has respective passageways for first and second tubing strings, and has a concave surface for deflecting the first tubing string out into the lateral wellbore. The passageway for the second tubing string has a portion which is inclined at a very small angle with respect to a vertical centerline of the vertical casing. As the first tubing string is run into the vertical casing, a rotational locator is releasably coupled thereto by a soft release coupling mechanism. After the locator effects rotational orientation, the coupling mechanism is released and then permits the first tubing string to move therepast without damage. A seal assembly on the first tubing string is covered by a protective sleeve as it is inserted into the well, and exits the protective sleeve after entering the lateral wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Robert T. Brooks, David J. Steele, Dan P. Saurer, Larry R. Valentine, Jody R. McGlothen
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Publication number: 20020023747Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Inventor: Stephen M. Begg
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Publication number: 20020023758Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Inventors: Grant E. E. George, Stephen M. Begg
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Publication number: 20020023756Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Inventors: Grant E.E. George, Stephen M. Begg
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Publication number: 20020023753Abstract: An improved method for drilling a lateral well from an existing wellbore is disclosed whereby a section of said existing wellbore is preferably enlarged such as by under-reaming. The enlarged section is filled with a material such as, for example, epoxy which hardens to form an impermeable body. The hardened material is drilled out laterally and also longitudinally, such that a sealed junction is formed within the impermeable body between the lateral well and existing well. The longitudinal drilling follows an arcuate path. In one embodiment of the present invention, a packer positioned within the enlarged section may be filled with the pumped material to thereby avoid any contamination of the material with other downhole elements such as mud and oil whereby the composition of the pumped material is consistent and known. In one embodiment, an arcuate drillable guide may be positioned in the enlarged section prior to filling the enlarged section with material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Inventor: Jean P. Buytaert
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Patent number: 6349768Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for location, or location and entry, of a lateral wellbore from a main wellbore of a multilateral hydrocarbon well, the method being characterized by unique operation of a controllably bent sub. The invention further relates to a system for location, or location and entry of a lateral wellbore, including a specialized controllably bent sub, and most preferably, to a controllably bent sub designed for efficient lateral wellbore location and/or entry.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Lawrence J. Leising
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Publication number: 20020011340Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventor: Douglas J. Murray
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Publication number: 20020003040Abstract: An apparatus and method for orienting tubular strings in wellbores. In one aspect, the invention utilizes the inherent eccentricity of a non-vertical wellbore to provide a means of orienting a portion of casing that contains a pre-milled window.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.Inventor: Charles G. Brunet
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Patent number: 6336507Abstract: A deformed multiple well template and a process for positioning the deformed template downhole, expanding the template and drilling at least one subterranean well bore via said template. The template has at least a portion thereof deformed and may be symmetrical or asymmetrical as deformed and/or expanded.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1997Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Marathon Oil CompanyInventor: Gary J. Collins
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Patent number: 6334485Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Grand E. E. George
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Patent number: 6325164Abstract: The drilling device is for creating bore-hole branches in unconsolidated rock. The device includes a fully-controllable pilot drill head with drill rods attached thereto. The pilot drill head has an opening on its periphery. The pilot drill head has further outlet openings through which a reinforcing-action drill suspension may be dispensed into a site where a bore-hole branch is to be created. An inner drill head is mounted for longitudinal movement within the pilot drill head and may be deflected out of the pilot drill head and its path by a deflection part within the pilot drill head. Upon its deflection, the inner drill head is directed through the opening on the periphery of the pilot drill head and into a bore-hole branch site.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: FlowTex Technologie GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Hans-Joachim Bayer
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Patent number: 6315054Abstract: Assembly and method for locating lateral wellbores in a main wellbore casing for positioning completion members in the lateral wellbore and the main wellbore casing and for orientating and positioning reentry and completion devices into the lateral wellbores comprising a window formed in the wellbore casing which is defined by a sill being convergently curved up hole to the sill up hole apex, a second wellbore located proximate and in communication with the window, a tubular string and a housing member movable in the wellbore casing and connected to the tubular string, orientation and positioning member connected to the housing for orientating and positioning the housing relative to the window upon up hole movement of the housing and tubular string toward the up hole apex of the sill and tools for completion, work over, reentry, and reentry and completion being attached for their respective functions.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Weatherford Lamb, IncInventor: Charles G. Brunet