Abstract: A variable orientation downhole actuation tool is made up of a first part which is adapted to be fixed with respect to the end of a down hole tube, and a second part which is adjustable with respect to the first part. The first and second parts are adjustable with respect to each other in any two of the three Euler angles possible angles, that is, the included angle or bend of a respective reference axis, the plane of included angle, or direction, and the rotation of the first body about its reference axis. It may also include a third part such that the third part is adjusted by at least one of the possible angles with respect to the second part, and the second part is adjusted by a further of the possible angles with respect to the first part. A passageway is provided between the first and second parts for the conveyance of material, gas, liquid, solid or some combination.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of cutting a well casing located beneath a subsea wellhead wherein a cutting assembly is made and lowered into an operative position. A mounting device is secured to the wellhead and the cutter is radially expanded into engagement with the casing. The motor is operated so as to rotate the tubing string and thereby rotate the cutter to cut the casing. A cutting assembly is used to cut a well casing. The cutting assembly has a motor mounting device, a motor, an output shaft, a radially expandable cutter and a tubing string. The tubing string connects the cutter to the output shaft of the motor and clamp members secure the mounting device to the wellhead so that the rotary reaction forces from the mounting device are transmitted to the wellhead. Axial reaction forces are also transmitted from the mounting device to a radially extending surface of the wellhead.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods that can be used to sever a control line. One embodiment of the invention is a shear sub comprising a first member and a second member that are releasably attached to each other. The first and second members define a control line passageway. The control line passageway comprises a pair of shearing blades that are adapted to shear a control line during release of the first member from the second member.

Abstract: An apparatus and several methods for forming one or more channels from an existing cased wellbore are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a notching device for forming an opening in the casing and having an integral guide shoe portion for guiding a nozzle to a position adjacent the opening to form the channel. The related method may involve lowering this apparatus into the well and then performing the notching or jetting operation, or separately lowering a notching device and a guide shoe, each carried on the end of a tubing, into the well. A guide shoe capable of positioning the nozzle close to the opening in the casing, such as one formed during the notching process, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that comprises releasably securing a milling tool to a deflecting tool using a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism comprises a member that is adapted to be broken by milling action of the milling tool. In addition, in some arrangements, a protective mechanism protects abrasive inserts on a pilot mill of the milling tool.

Abstract: A pre-milled window casing on a casing string for allowing a cutting tool inserted into said will to contact the earth through said hole provided in said casing. Portions of a casing section along a casing string have been removed to allow drilling outwardly from the casing string at desired depths along the well. Orientation tools are provided to properly orient the window in the direction of drilling. A whip stock with an orientation nipple is inserted and mated with an orientation slot contained in an orientation sub portion of the casing string to align the whipstock with the window. A drilling tool inserted through the casing is redirected by an upper slanted face of the whipstock through the window where a hole can be bored through the earth to a gas deposit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using hydrajetting of fluid to cut a lateral casing window for drilling a side track. The apparatus comprises a J-sub having a J-slot therein which guides movement of a jetting nozzle such that a window may be abrasively jetted in well casing in the general shape of the J-slot. In an alternate embodiment, a hydraulically activated actuator sub is used to operate the J-sub. The actuator sub is activated by alternately pressurizing and depressurizing the actuator sub to apply longitudinal movement and torque to the J-sub.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drawing small milling debris into a combination milling and debris retrieval tool, during the performance of the milling operation. A milling tool has a fluid intake port near its lower end, where debris-laden fluid is drawn into the milling tool and subsequently into a separator section. The separator section has a debris deflection tube and a screen for separating the debris from the fluid. Fluid is drawn into the tool by either a set of eductor nozzles or a downhole motor and pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides an active downhole cutting tool guide device 14 for use in a hole 17 with sides between which a hole-cutting tool 15 mounted on a drill string and provided with said device may be disposed. The guide device 14 comprises at least one elongate longitudinally extending hole-side engagement member 20 mounted on a body 19 disposable, in use of the device, in-line with the drill string, so as to be movable relative to said body 19 between a retracted position and a radially outwardly displaced position for hole-side engagement. Each engagement member 20 has pressurised-fluid operable actuator means 24 formed and arranged for driving said hole-side engagement member 20 between its retracted and hole-aide engagement positions. The guide device 14 includes preasurised fluid supply means 28,18 formmed and arranged for controlling the supply of pressurised fluid to the actuator means 28,18 for operation thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predictable downhole milling of a casing window having predetermined location, orientation, dimension and contour geometry. An elongate substantially rigid milling shaft has at least one casing window milling element in fixed relation therewith and has a pilot mill in articulated and rotary driven connection with the milling shaft. The milling shaft is in articulated and rotary driven connection with a rotary drive mechanism. The articulated connection of the pilot mill and milling shaft may incorporate an articulation control system to permit the pilot mill to be maintained substantially coaxial with the milling shaft so that its trajectory at a predetermined stage of window milling can be controlled by the milling shaft when positive guiding by a deflecting tool can no longer be ensured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating an azimuth controlled vertical hydraulic fracture in unconsolidated and weakly cemented soils and sediments using active resistivity to monitor and control the fracture initiation and propagation. Separate or overlapping treatment walls and containment barriers can be created by controlling and monitoring the propagation of fractures in the subsurface. A fracture fluid is injected into a well bore to initiate and propagate a vertical azimuth controlled fracture. The fracture fluid is energized to conduct electrical current while the fracture propagates through the ground. A series of electrical resistivity monitors measure the electrical conductivity of the fracture fluid in real time against the background conductivity of the formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predictable downhole milling of a casing window having predetermined location, orientation, dimension and contour geometry. An elongate substantially rigid milling shaft has at least one casing window milling element in fixed relation therewith and has a pilot mill in articulated and rotary driven connection with the milling shaft. The milling shaft is in articulated and rotary driven connection with a rotary drive mechanism. The articulated connection of the pilot mill and milling shaft may incorporate an articulation control system to permit the pilot mill to be maintained substantially coaxial with the milling shaft so that its trajectory at a predetermined stage of window milling can be controlled by the milling shaft when positive guiding by a deflecting tool can no longer be ensured.

Abstract: New wellbore milling systems and methods of their use have been developed, the milling system in one aspect including at least one mill, at least one stabilizing member connected to and above the at least one mill, and the at least one stabilizing member for maintaining position of the at least one mill for milling through the liner into the main wellbore. In certain aspects multiple spaced-apart stabilizers are used above a mill which, in one aspect, may include one or more reaming stabilizers. In one aspect the lowermost stabilizer is spaced-apart from a mill so that the stabilizer does not enter a bend portion of a liner to be milled until milling has commenced.

Abstract: Multiple wellbores are interconnected utilizing a deflection device having a guide layer of lower hardness than the body of the deflection device, and a cutting tool having a guide portion and being operative to cut through the deflection device guide layer and a tubular structure lining a wellbore.

Abstract: Down hole assembly and method for forming a longitudinal window and a key-way in communication with the longitudinal window used in drilling multi-lateral well bores and for entry and reentry thereafter comprising, a first milling drill bit for milling the longitudinal window, a first whip stock having a guide surface, and orientation and positioning members located on the first whip stock for orienting and positioning tools to be used in forming the key-way in communication with the longitudinal window. A guide surface member is provided on the first whip stock member for guiding the first milling drill bit for milling a longitudinal window. A housing member for slidable mating with the first whip stock having a second drill bit member mounted in the housing member is provided for forming a down hole orientation key-way in communication with the longitudinally milled window.

Abstract: A cutting tool and a rotatable removal tool can be used together in a system and method for removing lining from tubing in a well. A particular cutting tool includes a mandrel, a sleeve mounted on the mandrel, and a cutting member connected to the sleeve. The cutting member has a width and a cutting edge of angular disposition to form a beveled cut through the lining. Setoff members can be used to space the sleeve from the lining and to engage the lining to enable relative rotation between the mandrel and the sleeve when the cutting tool is in the lining. A particular removal tool includes an inner engagement member and an outer engagement member. The two engagement members are connected such that lining is drawn into and held between them in response to rotating at least the inner engagement member within the lining. A particular engagement member includes a bulbous body adapted to twist into lining in response to rotating the bulbous body in the lining.

Abstract: A wellbore mill has been invented that, in certain aspects, has a body having a top and a bottom and, optionally, a fluid flow channel extending therethrough from top to bottom with, optionally, one or more fluid jetting ports in fluid communication with the fluid flow channel, milling apparatus on the body including a plurality of milling inserts, each insert mechanically secured in a corresponding recess in the body, said mechanical securement sufficient for effective milling in a wellbore. A wellbore milling method for milling an opening in a selected tubular of a tubular string in a wellbore has been invented that includes installing and using such a mill.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling holes in the steel casing of an a oil or gas well, and drilling into the surrounding earth, includes a number of components controlled by hydraulic fluid. A first hydraulic motor drives a steel milling assembly and a second hydraulic motor drives a rock drilling assembly. All assemblies are supported in a housing that is conveyed by conventional jointed pipe or coiled tubing down the well casing. Control components cause a carriage carrying the milling assembly to be indexed up a predetermined distance relative to the well casing, and then extend a mill bit gradually into contact with the well casing while being rotated by a hydraulic motor. After the mill bit completes a hole through the well casing, the hydraulic components retract the mill bit and index the carriage back down to its starting position to align a rock drilling bit with the hole that was just drilled in the casing.

Abstract: A wellbore mill has been invented having a flexible main body, and at least one milling apparatus secured on the flexible main body. A wellbore mill has been invented having a main body with a top end and a bottom end, at least one milling structure on the mill body, and a stinger projecting down from and releasably secured to the bottom end of the mill body. Methods have been invented for milling wellbore tubulars with such mills. A method for eliminating tubular offset in a wellbore has been invented, and the method includes positioning a wellbore mill in a tubular offset of a tubular string in a wellbore, the wellbore mill comprising a flexible main body and at least one milling apparatus secured on the flexible main body, and rotating the wellbore mill to mill at least part of the tubular offset.

Abstract: A blade support assembly for use with a casing cutter to cut through casing or pipe downhole in a well. A tubular body fits over the casing cutter, with slots aligned with the pivoting cutter blades. Support plates next to each slot provide support for the blades during cutting operations. Torque keys and matching torque slots in the blade support assembly and the casing cutter body transfer torque from the casing cutter body to the blade support assembly, and thence to the blades.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using provide convenient and economical forming of an opening through a tubular structure in a subterranean well. In a preferred embodiment, a milling guide has a guide profile formed thereon which is operative to guide a cutting tool to contact the tubular structure. An anchor portion of the milling guide grippingly engages the tubular structure to thereby axially and rotationally align the milling guide with the tubular structure. A hydraulic advance mechanism axially displaces the cutting tool relative to the milling guide.

Abstract: A wellbore mill has been invented which has milling apparatus with a starting mill and a finishing mill, the starting mill having a central channel extending longitudinally therethrough, the central channel having an interior surface with carbide cutters thereon. A milling method has been invented for finishing a window in a casing in a wellbore, the window having been begun with a first mill, the method including inserting a second mill apparatus into the wellbore adjacent the window, the second mill apparatus having a milling system with a starting mill and a finishing mill, the starting mill having a central channel extending longitudinally therethrough, the central channel having an interior surface with carbide cutters thereon, rotating the second mill apparatus to finish the window.

Abstract: A one-trip, window-milling system method and apparatus is disclosed. The system is particularly useful in thru-tubing applications where the mills are run on coiled tubing in conjunction with a downhole motor. Preferably, the whipstock is run through tubing and set in position. The mill assembly is typically run in after the thru-tubing whipstock is oriented and set. The mill assembly is supported by a downhole motor, which is in turn run-in with coiled tubing. The pilot mill or leading mill is of a particular shape so as to minimize its torque requirements for initiating the window. A wear device, which acts as a guide, is located behind the initial mill and acts with a flexible connector above the subsequent mills in orienting the initial mill into the casing and away from the whipstock. The subsequent mill or mills feature a gradual increase in cross-sectional area along its or their length, also minimizing the required torque for the downhole motor.

Abstract: A window milling device which parameters can be set, prior to running inside a casing, and once positioned at a proper location can assure accurate and constant milling parameters, independently from hole configuration and geometry. The assembly consists of an anchoring device, to which a whipstock is connected, and a milling bit attached to a motor, contained within a motor housing. The whipstock has a predetermined groove, and the motor housing is fitted with a mating key having a complimentary profile to the groove. Thus, when the mating key engages the groove, the motor housing travels down the whipstock to a predetermined location, where the milling of the wellbore casing commences.

Abstract: A device for making or regenerating a water well, said well comprising a casing installed inside a borehole in the ground. The device comprises a operating head with angularly equispaced radial seats in which respective punch tools for forming holes, windows or shaped cuts in the wall of the casing are slidingly housable. The head is operated from the mouth of the well to a position at a preestablished depth inside the casing so that the radial seats are orthogonal to the wall of the casing. Operating means are integral with the head to axially move the tools inside the respective radial seats to and from the wall of the casing.

Abstract: Apparatus for completing a subterranean wellbore and associated methods of using provide relatively uncomplicated and convenient access to a parent wellbore lower portion from a lateral wellbore liner which extends into the parent wellbore above the lower portion. The apparatus is utilized to form an opening through a portion of the liner which overlies the parent wellbore lower portion, thereby providing access thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a milling guide having an axially extending guide profile formed therein, which guide profile is capable of directing a mill toward the liner portion to form the opening. The milling guide is capable of being anchored in the liner to thereby fix its axial and rotational alignment relative to the liner portion.

Abstract: A wellbore tool locating system has been invented which includes a friction engager for engaging an interior of a wellbore tubular, an outer sleeve connected to the friction engager and having a slot therethrough for controlling movement of an inner body an inner body movably disposed within the outer sleeve for both rotating and up-and-down movement therein, a lug projecting out from the inner body and movably disposed in the slot, at least one key in a recess in the body, the at least one key urged outwardly by a spring therebehind, the at least one key initially held in its recess by contacting an inner surface of the outer sleeve, at least one window through the outer sleeve, and the inner body movable to align the at least one key with the at least one window to release the at least one key to move from its recess to project through the at least one window and beyond an exterior surface of the outer sleeve for engaging a profile on the wellbore tubular.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using provide convenient and economical forming of an opening through a tubular structure in a subterranean well. In a preferred embodiment, a milling guide has a guide profile formed thereon which is operative to guide a cutting tool to contact the tubular structure. An anchor portion of the milling guide grippingly engages the tubular structure to thereby axially and rotationally align the milling guide with the tubular structure.

Abstract: Wellbore liner apparatus has been invented which, in one aspect, includes at least one tubular member for lining at least part of a lateral wellbore extending from a primary wellbore in the earth, at least one coupling bushing connected to the at least one tubular member and disposed in the primary wellbore, the coupling bushing having a bore therethrough from a top to a bottom thereof. In one aspect, the wellbore liner apparatus has two coupling bushings and a first tubular member and a second tubular member, the first tubular member secured to and extending down from the first coupling bushing to the second coupling bushing which is secured thereto, the second tubular member secured to and extending down from the second coupling bushing, with part of the second tubular member lining the lateral wellbore. Such systems are combinable with a wellbore milling system so that communication between the primary wellbore and the interior of the liner may be reestablished.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using same provide ease of forming an opening through a laterally extending liner to thereby provide access to a portion of a parent wellbore across which the liner extends. In a preferred embodiment, a milling guide has a guide profile formed thereon for directing a cutting tool to contact the liner. The milling guide is cooperatively engageable with an anchor to axially and radially align the guide profile with a portion of the liner which extends across the parent wellbore.

Abstract: Wellbore apparatus has been invented that includes a whipstock with a top and a bottom, the whipstock disposed in a wellbore extending down from an earth surface into the earth, the wellbore having an inner surface, a mill guide with a body having an upper end, a lower end, and a channel therethrough from the upper end to the lower end, and a portion of the lower end of the mill guide disposed between and held between the inner surface of the wellbore and an outer surface of the top of the whipstock.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a subterranean well permits each desired location within a portion of a well to be isolated from other portions of the well during stimulation operations therein, but does not require lining a portion of the well with casing and cement, and does not require the use of sealing devices, such as inflatable packers, in the well portion. In a preferred embodiment, a stimulation method includes the steps of depositing a barrier fluid in a portion of a well, forming a radially extending opening through the fluid, and flowing stimulation fluids through the opening and into a formation surrounding the portion of the well.

Abstract: A method of interconnecting wellbores is provided which is convenient and economical in its performance. In a described embodiment, milling is not required for forming an opening through a sidewall of casing positioned in a parent wellbore. Instead, an appendage is formed from the casing sidewall and deformed outwardly into a void. A lateral wellbore may then be drilled through the casing sidewall. A liner may be positioned in the lateral wellbore and attached to the appendage.

Abstract: A wellbore mill system having a first mill with a main body with a top end and a bottom end, milling structure on the main body, and a hook portion projecting from the bottom end of the main body for supporting at least one member below the first mill, the hook portion having a lip. One such system has a whipstock having a top lug, the top lug resting on the lip of the hook portion of the first mill, the top lug having a hole therethrough, the hook portion of the main body of the first mill having a hole therethrough, a shear stud with a portion extending through the hole in the top lug and a portion extending through the hole in the hook portion thereby releasably securing the first mill to the whipstock.

Abstract: A system has been invented for cutting wellbore casing and retrieving casing and a wellbore device connected thereto, the system, in one aspect, including engaging apparatus for releasably holding the wellbore device, casing cutting apparatus interconnected with and below the engaging apparatus for cutting casing in a wellbore, the wellbore device connected to the casing, and locking apparatus for selectively and releasably locking the engaging apparatus holding the wellbore device. In one aspect the engaging apparatus has one or more movable latching arms for releasably holding a wellbore device, e.g. but not limited to a wellhead and the arms are mounted below a top bonnet that holes therethrough so that the flushing of debris and/or cutting from the tops of the arms is facilitated. In one aspect, a drain sub is used to reduce flow to the casing cutter so that the circulation of debris and/or cuttings is inhibited.

Abstract: New systems and methods have been invented for explosively forming openings, ledges, windows, holes, and lateral bores through tubulars such as casing, which openings may, in cerain aspects, extend beyond the casing into a formation through which a wellbore extends. In certain aspects openings (e.g. ledges, initial, or completed windows) in wellbore tubulars (e.g. tubing or casing) are made using metal oxidizing systems, water jet systems, or mills with abrasive and/or erosive streams flowing therethrough and/or therefrom.

Abstract: Junctions in multilateral well structures are sealed by employing a variety of degrees of premachined components and a variety of sealing embodiments, including casing segments having premachined windows, side pocket members which are adapted to reside within the string during run in and move laterally to the deployed position, woven members, cement filled ECPs, etc. Also disclosed is a downhole milling device which cuts a window in a casing segment or other material based upon a predetermined geometric pattern imposed upon the cutting tool by an integral template.

Abstract: Apparatus for milling the casing of an oil or gas well comprises a downhole assembly which is run into the well on a rotatable drill string. The assembly comprises a motor (6) the body of which is connected to the drill string and the output shaft of which is connected to a casing mill (9). In use, the drill string is rotated in one rotational direction and the motor (6) is operated to rotate the output shaft thereof in the same rotational direction whereby the speed of rotation of the mill (9) is faster than the rotational speed of the drill string. Because the rotational speed of the milling tool (9) cannot be less than the rotational speed of the output shaft of the motor (6) relative to the body thereof extreme variations in the rotational speed of the milling tool due to winding up of the drill string are avoided. The downhole assembly may incorporate a taper mill (11), stabilizers (10, 8 and 5) and a jet sub (4).

Abstract: The present invention refers to a completion riser joint (1) shearing by the shear ram of the blow-out preventer (BOP) (2), to be coupled, at its lower part, to the column hoist running tool and, at its upper part, to the completion riser column, the referred shearing completion riser joint (1) comprising upperly a riser bolt (3), connected at its lower portion to an access pipe (4) to the production column, shearing by the shear ram of the BOP (2), enveloped by hydraulic lines (5, 6) that allow the actuating of the column hoist running tool and the access to the annular, the referred pipe (4) being connected lowerly to a re-entry mandrel (8), which function is to allow the locking of the recovery tool (12) and, through it, allow the hydraulic continuity for actuating the unlocking function of the piping hoist and, following, its release, and lowerly to a riser box (9) on top of the piping hoist running tool.

Abstract: A combination metal milling and earth drilling tool, for use in performing a single trip kickoff from a casing in a well bore. The combination milling and drilling tool has a first, relatively more durable cutting structure, such as tungsten carbide, and a second, relatively harder cutting structure, such as polycrystalline diamond. The more durable first cutting structure is better suited for milling metal casing, while the harder second cutting structure is better suited for drilling through a subterranean formation, especially a rock formation. The first cutting structure is positioned outwardly relative to the second cutting structure, so that the first cutting structure will mill through the metal casing while shielding the second cutting structure from contact with the casing. The first cutting structure can wear away while milling through the casing and upon initial contact with the rock formation, thereby exposing the second cutting structure to contact with the rock formation.

Abstract: A one-trip whipstock milling system is disclosed which allows for setting of a packer or plug which is run in as part of the bottomhole assembly, in conjunction with orientation instrumentation, a whipstock, and a one-trip milling system connected to the whipstock. The assembly is run-in the hole together and inserted to the desired depth. With the orientation of the whipstock known from the down-hole instrumentation, the preferred embodiment involves pressurization of the wellbore to actuate the packer assembly. Having set the packer at the proper orientation and depth, the milling immediately begins and continues in a continuous effort until the window is fully milled, at which point the milling equipment and orientation equipment are withdrawn from the wellbore.

Abstract: A submersible work vessel and a method of using the same are disclosed. The vessel contains an internal work space. It also contains a set of openable jaws that are designed to engage an underwater pipe. When the pipe is engaged, it will pass through the internal work space of the submersible work vessel. When the jaws have engaged the pipe, the internal work space should be substantially watertight, at which point the water in internal work space may be pumped out. When the water has been substantially evacuated, a worker may enter the internal work space and work on the pipe. One of the principal tasks the work vessel is designed to facilitate is the installation of a blow out preventer. The worker will install the blow out preventer on the pipe. The blow out preventer is designed to remove a section of the pipe and then to seal the severed pipe. This is preferably done with a cutter mounted on a hydraulic arm and a sealing block also mounted on a hydraulic arm.

Abstract: A method of severing a downhole pipe for forming a region in the well borehole devoid of downhole pipe for enhancing the performance of a perforating gun comprising the steps of: severing, at an angle, by a first cutting tool the downhole pipe to form an upper downhole pipe portion and a lower downhole pipe portion to form a sloped cut line; releasing potential energy stored in the upper downhole pipe portion and the lower downhole pipe portion; inserting a plug to seal an up-hole portion of the upper downhole pipe portion; cutting the up-hole portion via a second cutting tool above the plug into an upper piece and a lower piece; and, jettisoning the lower piece downwardly wherein as the lower piece jettisons downwardly the region in the well borehole devoid of downhole pipe is formed. Such method eliminates the need for: removing a well head; a crane or rig for raising a cut up-hole pipe; and, a pump for controlling the pressure of the well.

Abstract: 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 fill 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.

Abstract: Wellbore operations (e.g. for milling and/or drilling) are disclosed which require a reduced number of tool trips into a wellbore to create a cut-out pocket, opening, or window in a tubular such as casing in the wellbore; and, in some aspects, to continue into a formation adjacent a main wellbore forming a lateral wellbore in communication with the main wellbore. Preferably one trip is required to complete a window or a window and the lateral wellbore. In one aspect a full gauge tool body is used so that the completed lateral wellbore is of a substantially uniform diameter along its entire length, which, in one aspect is suitable for the passage therethrough of full gauge tools, pipe, devices, and apparatuses. In one aspect a cutting system has cutting apparatus initially covered with a wearable away material which is worn away by contacting a tubular to be milled, exposing the cutting apparatus for milling and/or for drilling formation adjacent the wellbore.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using provide access to a portion of a parent wellbore that has been separated from the remainder of the parent wellbore by a lateral wellbore liner. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus has a cutting device, which may be a torch, a housing containing the cutting device, and an anchoring structure to fix the axial, radial, and rotational position of the apparatus relative to the liner. A firing head may be utilized to activate the cutting device.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using provide subterranean well completion wherein a lateral wellbore liner has divided a parent wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, a sidewall cutting apparatus is positionable within the liner and has a cutting tool which is radially outwardly extendable to cut an opening through the liner, thereby regaining access to a portion of the parent wellbore. An illustrated embodiment utilizes a telemetry-controlled lateral displacement mechanism to extend and retract the cutting tool.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using the apparatus provide ease forming an opening from a first wellbore to a second wellbore, the first wellbore having a portion thereof which intersects the second wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus has a cutting device disposed within a housing and a series of spaced apart nozzles directed radially outward from the housing. In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus is axially, rotationally, and radially alignable relative to the liner of the first wellbore. The cutting device is connected to the nozzles. The nozzles direct a discharge from the cutting device radially outward to cut into the tubular structure.

Abstract: A method for milling an opening, slot, hole, or window in a tubular of a tubular string in a wellbore, has been invented which includes installing a mill system in the tubular at a desired milling location, and milling an opening in the tubular. In one aspect the method includes using a mill which has a weight member below the mill, above the mill, or both. In one aspect additional weight is added to the weight member once it has been introduced into the tubular string.