Abstract: A whipstock system and methods are disclosed, including a whipstock body, a control unit mounted on or in the whipstock body, the control unit comprising transmitters and receivers operable to receive commands from an external source, activatable components mounted on or in the whipstock body, and a hydraulic system in the whipstock body, the hydraulic system in communication with the control unit, the hydraulic system including at last one hydraulic power unit operable to repeatedly activate and de-activate the activatable components.

Abstract: A lateral junction liner system may include a liner sleeve proximate to a junction between a lateral bore and a main bore of a well. The liner sleeve may be movable between a first position and a second position. The liner sleeve may separate an upper section of the main bore from a lower section of the main bore while in the first position. The lateral junction liner may further include a liner positioned at least partially within the lateral bore and in contact with the liner sleeve. The lateral junction liner system may also include a lock mechanism attached to the liner sleeve that, when enabled, retains the liner sleeve in the first position and that, when disabled, enables selective displacement of the liner sleeve from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to downhole tool having an erosion resistant material metalurgically bonded to portions of the downhole tool. The downhole tool can have the erosion resistant material can be disposed on predetermined portions of inner and outer surfaces of the downhole tool. The disclosure is also related to a method of using the downhole tool described herein.

Abstract: A method of orienting a well tool can include setting down weight on an orienting device, thereby securing in position an engagement member that was previously free to displace circumferentially in the device, and after the securing, engaging the engagement member with an orienting profile. Another method of orienting a well tool can include compressing the orienting device between sections of a tool string, thereby securing in position an engagement member that was previously free to displace circumferentially in the device, the securing step including deforming a structure of the orienting device, and after the securing, engaging the engagement member with an orienting profile.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for determining an orientation of a tool with respect to a reference direction. At least one first signal is indicative of an orientation of a directional reference system with respect to the reference direction. The directional reference system is positioned spaced from the tool. At least one second signal is indicative of a relative orientation of the tool with respect to the directional reference system. The orientation of the tool at the first position is determined in response at least in part to the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of performing a downhole operation is disclosed that in one embodiment may include running a downhole tool including an anchor, a whipstock, a cutting device, and an unlocked fluid-operated motor into a wellbore; wirelessly transmitting signals relating to orientation of the downhole tool from a sensor associated with the downhole tool; orienting the whipstock in response to the transmitted signals and without flowing a fluid through the cutting device; setting the anchor in the wellbore without flowing the fluid through the cutting device; and performing the downhole operation using the motor.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate drilling of lateral wellbores by optionally eliminating one or more trips downhole. The system and method provide for drilling a lateral wellbore by enabling the milling of a casing window and the drilling of the desired lateral wellbore to a target depth during a single trip down hole. The system and method also facilitate better downhole dynamics control and improved overall bottom hole assembly functionality during drilling.

Abstract: A system for determining the orientation of a casing string in a wellbore. The system includes a downhole tool disposed interiorly of the casing string in a known orientation relative to at least one feature of the casing string. A sensor module is operably associated with the downhole tool and is configured to obtain data relating to the orientation of the casing string. A communication module is operably associated with the sensor module. The communication module is configured to transmit information to a surface location, wherein, the information corresponds to the data obtained by the sensor module relating to the orientation of the casing string.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for setting an anchor in a borehole and milling a window in a side surface of the borehole in a single trip. The apparatus includes a mechanically-settable anchor initially forming part of the drill string, a plug member position below the anchor, and a milling assembly. When the drill string reaches a desired depth in the wellbore, the plug member may be activated from the surface, thus setting the plug member in position with respect to the wellbore. The anchor has an activation element which, when contacted in a predetermined manner, sets the anchor. The plug member has an operation element adapted so that, when the anchor and plug member come into contact with one another in a predetermined orientation, the activation element is operated by the operation element, thus setting the anchor.

Abstract: A method of running a first tubular within a second tubular includes running the first tubular into the second tubular past at least one lateral extending from the second tubular, running a diverting tool at the first tubular with the running of the first tubular, withdrawing the first tubular from the second tubular until an end of the first tubular is beyond a junction between the at least one lateral and the second tubular and, running the first tubular into the at least one lateral.

Abstract: A whipstock system for drilling a wellbore from a water bottom supported platform having wellbores with conductor pipes disposed through guide slots in a template on the bottom of a body of water includes a whipstock pipe extending from an equipment deck surface on the platform to a stab in sub. The whipstock pipe includes a window and j-slot mechanism for releasably engaging a scab liner. A stab in sub is configured to make mechanical connection between the whipstock pipe and a surface of a wellbore conductor pipe cut proximate the water bottom. The system includes a scab liner extending from the window to the water bottom when the stab in sub is engaged to the cut conductor pipe. The window is disposed above the water bottom. The scab liner configured to enable drilling a wellbore surface hole therethrough to a selected depth of a surface casing.

Abstract: A junction can be isolated from fracturing pressure using a liner extending from a one bore through a junction into a lateral bore, where at least a portion of the liner is retrievable from the lateral bore prior to completion of wellbore construction. The junction may be temporarily isolated from high pressure, such as high pressure from a fracturing stimulation process. Part of the liner can be retrieved using a disconnect mechanism or technique.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of performing an operation in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment may include: placing a first device at a first location in the wellbore, wherein the first device includes a plurality of circumferentially placed tags at known orientations in the wellbore, conveying a second device in the wellbore, the second device including a sensor that provides signals in response to detecting signals from each of the tags in the first device, determining from the signals from the sensor orientation of the second device in the wellbore. In another aspect the method may include a plurality of axially placed tags on a first device and the sensor on a second device, wherein the sensor provides signals when it passes proximate each of the axially spaced tags and determining from the sensor signals location of the second device relative to the first device.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate drilling of a lateral wellbore by eliminating one or more trips downhole. The system comprises a drill bit optimized for the drilling operation. The drill bit is coupled to a whipstock via a connector, which minimizes interference with the cutting elements of the drill bit. The connector includes a separation device which facilitates disconnection of the drill bit from the whipstock after the whipstock is anchored at a desired downhole location. The separation device is disposed in the connector to minimize the remaining portions of the connector existing after separation of the drill bit from the whipstock which must be milled by the drill bit prior to drilling the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of performing a downhole operation is disclosed that in one embodiment may include running a downhole tool including an anchor, a whipstock, a cutting device, and an unlocked fluid-operated motor into a wellbore; wirelessly transmitting signals relating to orientation of the downhole tool from a sensor associated with the downhole tool; orienting the whipstock in response to the transmitted signals and without flowing a fluid through the cutting device; setting the anchor in the wellbore without flowing the fluid through the cutting device; and performing the downhole operation using the motor.

Abstract: A system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a wellbore. The system includes an outer tool assembly including a latch coupling having a latch profile and a slot subassembly having an axially extending slot profile. An inner tool assembly is positionable within the outer tool assembly. The inner tool assembly includes a latch assembly having a plurality of latch keys and an orienting subassembly having a plurality orienting keys. In operation, after axial alignment of the orienting subassembly with the slot subassembly, rotation of the orienting subassembly causes operable engagement of at least one orienting key with the slot profile and, thereafter, axial alignment of the latch assembly with the latch coupling causes operable engagement of the latch keys with the latch profile.

Abstract: A technique utilizes a monolithic wellbore propagation system to facilitate the drilling of deviated wellbores. A steerable drilling assembly is formed with a monolithic structure having both a bit body section and a steering body section. The steering body section comprises a cavity sized to receive a control system within the monolithic structure. Addition of the control system enables operational control over the steerable drilling assembly to facilitate formation of a desired, deviated wellbore section.

Abstract: A method of controllably milling a window in at least a portion of a cased wellbore comprises: interconnecting a mill advancing device and a mill; applying a pressure differential between the mill advancing device and the mill, wherein the application of the pressure differential causes a downward movement of the mill advancing device and the mill; and causing the mill to engage the at least a portion of the cased wellbore.

Abstract: An orientation measurement system is deployed in a wellbore drilling system having one or more reservoir imaging and characterization tools, directional tools, and/or other known BHA tools in a rotating section. The orientation measurement system includes a processor receiving signals from a rotary position sensor measuring an angular position of the rotating section relative to the non-rotating section and receiving signals from an orientation sensor determining the orientation of the non-rotating section relative to a reference frame such as highside. The processor uses the first and second signals to determine a tool face of the rotating member relative to the highside and periodically and/or continuously transmits the determined tool face along the BHA via a suitable communication link. The determined tool face is used by the BHA tools to synchronize measurements with highside and/or to determine azimuth.

Abstract: A position reference system (100) for multilateral exit construction in a wellbore (32). The system (100) includes a casing string (34) having a window joint (106) and a pair of latch couplings (102, 104) interconnected therein and positioned in the wellbore (32). The first latch coupling (102) has a first inner profile operably engagable with a mating profile of a first latch assembly (114) to anchor and orient the first latch assembly (114) relative to the window joint (106). The second latch coupling (104) has a second inner profile that is different from the first inner profile of the first latch coupling (102). The second inner profile is operably engagable with a mating profile of a second latch assembly (124) to anchor and orient the second latch assembly (124) relative to the window joint (106).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for installing lateral wells in an underground. The methods and apparatuses allow for efficiency in a milling and installation process for the lateral well. More specifically, tools and techniques are detailed which allow for controllably guided installation of a whipstock and/or subsequent production deflector hardware at locations adjacent lateral legs of a well to allow for such enhanced milling, installation and production efficiencies.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A whipstock includes deflector movable from a retracted to a deployed position. In the deployed position, the retractor is capable of guiding a tubular member away from the whipstock as the tubular member passes downwardly along the whipstock.

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: An apparatus for setting an anchor in a borehole and milling a window in a side surface of the borehole in a single trip, comprising: a drill string; a mechanically-settable anchor (15) initially forming part of the drill string; a plug member position (16) below the anchor; and a milling assembly (8); wherein: when the drill string reaches a desired depth in the wellbore, the plug member may be activated from the surface, thus setting the plug member in position with respect to the wellbore; the anchor has an activation element which, when contacted in a predetermined manner, sets the anchor; and the plug member has an operation element adapted so that, when the anchor and plug member come into contact with one another in a predetermined orientation, the activation element is operated by the operation element, thus setting the anchor.

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: An underwater termination assembly for use with a subsea system such as a well tree, comprises a construction having first and second limbs substantially at a right-angle to each other, which construction may be lowered having an umbilical connected to one of the limbs so that said one of the limbs sits on the bed of a body of water.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating an instrument in a wellbore includes a non magnetic housing configured to traverse the interior of the wellbore. The housing has an external diameter smaller than an internal diameter of a casing disposed in the wellbore. A plurality of electromagnets is arranged circumferentially about the interior of the housing and is configured to induce magnetic flux through a wall of the housing when actuated. A controller configured to sequentially rotationally actuate the electromagnets. A method for rotating a wellbore instrument in a wellbore includes causing parts of an instrument housing to be sequentially rotationally magnetically attracted to a casing disposed in the wellbore. The housing has a smaller external diameter than an internal diameter of the casing. The sequential rotational magnetic attraction is continued as needed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole method and apparatus for locating a window in a wellbore casing and determining the depth and orientation of said window. Apparatus of the present invention comprises a body (4) and a window engaging member (6) mounted on said body (4) so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The engaging member (6) is adapted to project into a wellbore window when in the extended position during use and is further adapted to engage with a first position of said window in such a way that, when pressed against said window portion, the engaging member (6) tends to slide along wellbore edge defining said window portion so as to locate the engaging member (6) centrally in said window portion before preventing movement of the apparatus in the direction of pressing. The invention thereby allows the depth and orientation of a window in a wellbore to be determined.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the completion of lateral well bores and provides a method comprising the steps of installing a datum device in a main well bore so as to provide a datum height above the lateral: making a completion string (10) comprising a lateral lining (11), a window element (14) at an upper end of the lining (11), a swivel joint (15) located between the lining (11) and the window element (14), and a datum device engaging member (21) located above the window element (14); running the completion through the main well bore and into the lateral; rotating the window element (14) to place the window at a desired angular position; and running the completion string home to engage the datum device engaging member (21) with the datum device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole method and apparatus for locating a window in a wellbore casing and determining the depth and orientation of said window. Apparatus of the present invention comprises a body (4) and a window engaging member (6) mounted on said body (4) so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The engaging member (6) is adapted to project into a wellbore window when in the extended position during use and is further adapted to engage with a first position of said window in such a way that, when pressed against said window portion, the engaging member (6) tends to slide along wellbore edge defining said window portion so as to locate the engaging member (6) centrally in said window portion before preventing movement of the apparatus in the direction of pressing. The invention thereby allows the depth and orientation of a window in a wellbore to be determined.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A whipstock assembly and method of operation is disclosed that automatically orients itself within a wellbore to a known first rotational position. The whipstock assembly is mounted on bearings that permit free rotation of the whipstock assembly within the wellbore. Due to gravitational forces, the eccentric weight load of the whipstock will automatically orient itself on the low side of the wellbore. Most wellbores are angled and the angle, azimuth, depth and other information about the wellbore is known so that the operator will know what position the whipstock assembly will automatically assume. A lower orientation section of the whipstock assembly is clamped into that first rotational position such as by a lower packer and/or slips. The whipstock is then rotated to the desired orientation by reciprocating the wellbore string. The whipstock is then clamped into the desired rotational position by activating an upper packer and/or slips. The running tool is removed and drilling or milling can be initiated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizontally drilling in wells utilizing a shoe assembly at the down hole end of upset tubing. The shoe assembly includes a fixed section and a rotatable section suspended below the fixed section. An electric motor and associated batteries and a gyroscope carried on the rotatable section enable an operator on the surface to selectively rotate and position the rotatable section to any desired angular location for drilling a hole in the well casing. After one or more holes have been cut in the casing, a drill assembly can be removed from the upset tubing and be replaced by a high pressure blaster nozzle to bore into the formation zones. The gyroscope enables the operator to accurately position the rotatable section to the same locations at which the holes have been cut. The drill assembly includes an electric motor with an associated battery, flexible drive shaft, and a hole saw.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for locating placement of a guide stock in a multilateral well wherein the guide stock is properly aligned with the lateral borehole. The method employs an impression packer with a scribed reference line to provide information at the surface regarding the lateral borehole's exact location and orientation with respect to the originally installed whipstock packer. This information is then employed to make up a guide stock and orientation sub to properly orient the diverter face of the guide stock with the lateral borehole. There are tool embodiments for inflating the impression packer to a preset relatively low internal pressure. In one embodiment, the inflation fluid is carried downhole in the tool and is released to the packer on set down pressure, the fluid being drawn back out of the packer upon pick up. In another embodiment, the impression packer is outfitted with an automatically closing valve.

Abstract: A self-locating reentry system is provided to allow reliable reentry from a primary wellbore into one or more secondary wellbores. The reentry system may include one or more self-locating assemblies which may be engaged with selected portions of a lateral opening disposed between the primary wellbore and a respective secondary wellbore. Each self-locating assembly and respective key or lug cooperate with each other to provide optimum location and alignment relative to the lateral opening for communication of well tools and smaller diameter tubing strings between the primary wellbore and the associated secondary wellbore. A retaining mechanism is preferably provided to maintain the locator lug or key in its first retracted position until the reentry system is at a desired downhole location relative to the selected lateral opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing connectivity of lateral branch liners to main well casings to achieve predictable and stable mechanical connectivity at the lateral junction of branch well bores to the main well bore to counter the problems of formation instability at the junction. After construction of a well having one or more lateral branches, a retrievable lateral branch template is located in the casing of a main well bore in positioned and oriented registry with a casing window that opens to a lined lateral branch. A retrievable lateral branch connector is then installed in assembly with the template to cooperatively define a production flow path having maximized mechanical integrity and optimized production flow in both the lateral bore and the main bore.

Abstract: A directional drilling control system allows dynamic orientation of downhole drilling equipment in unstable or corrupt natural magnetic fields without the use of gyroscopic measurement devices. The system is especially suited for sidetracking wells. The system includes a permanent or retrievable whipstock having referencing magnets embedded along the centerline of its face, and a measurement while drilling (MWD) instrument assembly. The instrument assembly contains at least one sensor which can accurately determine orientation of the mud motor relative to the reference magnets. The relative positioning of the mud motor is transmitted to the surface by way of a steering tool or MWD telemetry system. The direction of the mud motor or tool face is adjusted by turning the drill pipe at the surface. As drilling progresses, shifts in the orientation of the mud motor due to reactive torque at the drill bit will be indicated in real time so that adjustments may be made at the surface as required.