Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating multiple branch wells from a parent well is disclosed. According to a first embodiment of the invention a multiple branching sub is provided for placement at a branching node of a well. Such sub includes a branching chamber and a plurality of branching outlet members. The outlet members, during construction of the branching sub, have previously been distorted into oblong shapes so that all of the branching outlet members fit within an imaginary cylinder which is coaxial with and substantially the same radius as the branching chamber. According to one embodiment, the distorted outlet members are characterized by an outer convex shape. In another embodiment, the distorted outlet members are characterized by an outer concave shape when in a retracted state. After deployment of the branching sub via a parent casing in the well, a forming tool is lowered to the interior of the sub.

Abstract: Methods of completing wells utilizing wellbore equipment positioning apparatus provide repositioning of sand control screens and perforating guns without requiring movement of a packer in the wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, a well completion method includes the steps of lowering a packer, positioning device, sand control screen, and perforating gun into a well, perforating a zone intersected by the wellbore, expanding the positioning device, and positioning the sand control screen opposite the perforated zone.

Abstract: The time required for establishing a multilateral well is reduced by enlarging a section of a wellbore and running a multilateral tool into the enlarged wellbore section. The multilateral tool, which is suitable for running into a wellbore on a primary casing string, includes a preassembled combination of casing sections that are used to form dual casings strings extending from the primary casing. The multilateral tool incorporates three casing sections, which maintain the diameter of the primary casing, including: a carrier section, a lateral section, and a main section. In use, the tool is run with the lateral section releasably held in coaxial alignment within the carrier section, and with the main casing section fixed to the lower end of the carrier section. Once in place in the enlarged section of the wellbore, the lateral section is released and diverted out of a preformed window in the lower end of the carrier section and runs generally parallel to the main casing section.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for completing a wellbore junction. In one embodiment described herein, a lateral wellbore junction is sealed utilizing an apparatus assembled within the well. The apparatus may include multiple housings which are engaged with each other to form a sealed assembly with flow passages extending into the lateral wellbore, and upper and lower portions of a parent wellbore. Associated sealing devices and flexible couplings are also provided.

Abstract: A method for allowing entry of an existing lateral offshoot from a main borehole, without removal of downstream completion tubing from the mai the use of both a liner (14) and a whipstock (28) inserted through the completion tubing (10) to a position within the liner (14), characterized in that an intermediate device (18) has been provided which, in use, is located between the liner (14) and the whipstock (28) so that the whipstock (28) merely needs to locate with the intermediate device (18) rather than the liner (14), the intermediate device (18) preferably having a passageway extending linearly therethrough, and the whipstock (28) preferably being provided with locator keys which are of different profile for different intermediate devices (18).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for commingling and producing fluids from an upper and lower reservoir wherein one of the reservoirs has a greater flow capacity than does the other. A jet pump is positioned adjacent the upper reservoir and uses the fluid from the higher-flow capacity reservoir as the power fluid for the pump. As the power fluid flows through a nozzle in the pump, it creates a lowered-pressure zone which sucks in the produced fluids from the other reservoir thereby forming a commingled stream of fluids. Where the upper reservoir has the greater flow capacity, a first embodiment of the pump uses the fluids from the upper reservoir as the power fluid. Where the lower reservoir has the greater flow capacity, the situation is reversed and a further embodiment of the pump uses the fluids from the lower reservoir as the power fluid.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for sealing a junction between a central and lateral wellbore is provided. In a broad aspect, the method of the present invention includes installing a polymerizable sealing sleeve within a first casing in a central wellbore at a junction between the first casing and a second casing in a lateral wellbore. After the sealing sleeve has been installed and allowed to cure, a milling tool is used to mill a window through a sidewall of the sealing sleeve and flush with the inner diameter of the second casing. The sealing sleeve may be used alone to establish a primary seal, or in combination with cement or other sealing substance, as used heretofore in prior art sealing methods, as a back-up seal. The sealing sleeve of the present invention may be provided with at least one orienting means to enable the second casing to be located and to direct a well tool thereinto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for landing and orienting selected tools to selected depths within a well casing. The well casing is provided with a plurality of casing nipples located at selected depths with each of the landing and orienting joints defining a differing internal landing profile and having a mule shoe therein defining an upwardly facing point and an orientation slot and having helical guide ramp surfaces extending from the point to the orientation slot. A landing-orientation tool is adapted to be run into the casing and has an outer tubular body mandrel positioning a plurality of landing dogs for landing engagement with a matching landing profile of one of the casing nipples and positioning an orientation key for guided engagement with the helical guide ramp surfaces and for tool orienting engagement within the orientation slot.

Abstract: A sealed wellbore junction is conveniently and efficiently created in a subterranean well. In one described embodiment, a first assembly including a deflection device is positioned in the well adjacent a junction of parent and lateral wellbores. A second assembly is then sealingly engaged with the first assembly, thereby sealing the junction, and providing fluid communication between the lateral wellbore and upper and lower portions of the parent wellbore. Sealing engagement between the first and second assemblies may be provided by a variety of sealing members, or by metal-to-metal contact between the assemblies.

Abstract: A wye block apparatus provides selective physical access to multiple downhole tubing strings while permitting fluid communication with each of them. In a described embodiment, a wye block apparatus is resistant to malfunction due to debris therein, in substantial part by providing an elongated deflection member which is axially rotatable within an outer housing assembly. A J-slot device is utilized to rotate the deflection member in response to axial displacement of an operating sleeve. Rotation of the deflection member selectively aligns a guide surface formed on the deflection member with one of the tubing strings attached to the wye block apparatus.

Abstract: A method of completing a subterranean well and associated apparatus therefor provide efficient operation and convenience in completions where production of fluids from a lateral wellbore and a parent wellbore is desired. In one disclosed embodiment, the invention provides a method whereby a tubular member may be extended from a parent wellbore into a lateral wellbore, without the need of deflecting the tubular member off of a whipstock or other inclined surface. The tubular member may be previously deformed and initially constrained within a housing, so that as the tubular member extends outwardly from the housing, the tubular member is permitted to deflect laterally toward the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for deploying tools in multilateral wells are disclosed. Certain ones of the apparatus and methods include a downhole tool centralizer assembly for coupling to a downhole tool. The centralizer assembly has a tubular centralizer retainer with an external surface and an annular recess on the external surface. An annular spring member is disposed within the annular recess, and the annular spring member has an outer diameter greater than a predetermined inner diameter of a bushing disposed proximate a junction between a main wellbore and a lateral wellbore. Other ones of the apparatus and methods include a downhole tool having a substantially identical tubular centralizer retainer and annular spring member. As the centralizer assembly, or the downhole tool, enters the bushing, the annular spring member elastically deforms so that the outer diameter of the spring member becomes substantially equal to the predetermined inner diameter of the bushing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for flow control in a wellbore in a well having at least one deviated wellbore drilled as an extension of the primary wellbore. More specifically, an assembly is run into the primary wellbore, aligned and anchored and a retrievable or replaceable flow control device is installed within the assembly.

Abstract: A deployment tool for communicating a well tool from a generally vertical wellbore to a lateral wellbore includes a hollow tube having a generally uniform inside diameter. The tube includes at least one flex portion disposed intermediate a first end and a second end of the tube to allow for angular deflection of the second end of the tube with respect to the first end of the tube. The flex portion also maintains the generally uniform inside diameter of the tube during the angular deflection. The deployment tool also includes a locking device attached to the first end of the tube for releasably securing the first end of the tube at a selected location in the vertical wellbore adjacent to the lateral wellbore. The tube of the deployment tool includes a length selected to allow the second end of the tube to extend into a portion of the lateral wellbore when the first end is releasably secured at the selected location in the vertical wellbore.

Abstract: A system adapted for controlling and/or monitoring a plurality of production wells from a remote location is provided. This system is capable of controlling and/or monitoring: (1) a plurality of zones in a single production well; (2) a plurality of zones/wells in a single location (e.g., a single platform); or (3) a plurality of zones/wells located at a plurality of locations (e.g., multiple platforms). The multizone and/or multiwell control system of this invention is composed of multiple downhole electronically controlled electromechanical devices and multiple computer based surface systems operated from multiple locations. Important functions for these systems include the ability to predict the future flow profile of multiple wells and to monitor and control the fluid or gas flow from either the formation into the wellbore, or from the wellbore to the surface.

Abstract: A method of completing a subterranean well and associated apparatus therefor provide efficient operation and convenience in completions where production of fluids from a lateral wellbore and a parent wellbore is desired. In one disclosed embodiment, the invention provides an efficient method of protecting a junction of multiple wellbore portions by positioning a tubular drilling guide within the well extending through the junction. In one aspect of the present invention, the drilling guide is sealingly engaged with certain ones of the wellbore portions while drilling operations are being performed.

Abstract: A method of completing a subterranean well and associated apparatus therefor provide efficient operation and convenience in completions where production of fluids from a lateral wellbore and a parent wellbore is desired. In one disclosed embodiment, the invention provides an efficient method of protecting a junction of multiple wellbore portions by positioning a tubular drilling guide within the well extending through the junction. In one aspect of the present invention, the drilling guide is sealingly engaged with certain ones of the wellbore portions while drilling operations are being performed.

Abstract: A downhole power management technique for a downhole well control system maximizes the number of downhole devices which require electrical power. In accordance with this technique, downhole devices which require power and are addressable will be at a low power consumption state (e.g., sleep or dormant mode). When requested by a downhole or surface controller, the downhole device will turn itself on to an active mode and perform its intended function or task (such as transmitting data, acquiring data, actuating a tool or the like). Preferably, only one downhole device is in its active mode at any one time. As a result of this power management technique, the power requirement downhole will be relatively low and substantially constant regardless of the number of downhole devices requiring power.

Abstract: A method of completing a subterranean well and associated apparatus therefor provide efficient operation and convenience in completions where production of fluids from a lateral wellbore and a parent wellbore is desired. In one disclosed embodiment, the invention provides a method whereby a tubular member may be extended from a parent wellbore into a lateral wellbore, without the need of deflecting the tubular member off of a whipstock or other inclined surface. The tubular member may be previously deformed and initially constrained within a housing, so that as the tubular member extends outwardly from the housing, the tubular member is permitted to deflect laterally toward the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for multilateral completion and cementing (i.e., sealing) the juncture between primary and lateral wellbores. The completion method of the present invention addresses the issue of cementation and sealing of junctures between vertical and lateral wellbores. It is desirable to have the ability to re-enter each lateral wellbore as well as maintain the option to perform any function that could be done in a single wellbore. For this reason, cemented and sealed lateral wellbores are desirable so that normal isolation, stimulation or any other operation can be achieved. The method allows sealing and reworking of either wellbores with single laterals or multiple laterals and provides safe durable junctions therebetween. The method of this invention utilizes a "hook" liner hanger system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating multiple branch wells from a parent well is disclosed. A multiple branching sub is provided for placement at a branching node of a well. Such sub includes a branching chamber and a plurality of branching outlet members. The outlet members during construction of the branching sub, have previously been distorted into oblong shapes so that all of the branching outlet members fit within an imaginary cylinder which is coaxial with and substantially the same radius as the branching chamber. After deployment of the branching sub via a parent casing in the well, a forming tool is lowered to the interior of the sub. The outlet members are extended outwardly by the forming tool and simultaneously formed into substantially round tubes. Next, each outlet member is plugged with cement, after which each branch well is drilled through a respective outlet member. If desired, each branch may be lined with casing and sealed to a branching outlet by means of a casing hanger.

Abstract: A disclosed method and associated apparatus provide convenient and accurate control of rates of fluid flow within a subterranean well. In one described embodiment, an apparatus has multiple tubing strings installed within multiple wellbores intersecting formations or intervals into, or from which, fluid is to be flowed. A remotely controllable flow regulating device is provided for each of the formations or intervals to regulate the rate of fluid flow through its associated tubing string. In another described embodiment, a single tubing string is utilized with multiple remotely controllable flow regulating devices interconnected therein.

Abstract: A downhole production well control system is provided for automatically controlling downhole tools in response to sensed selected downhole parameters. The production well having a production tubing string therein with multiple branches, i.e., zones. Communication and transmission of power (i.e. telemetry) over the production tubing string is by way of a combination of a hardwire system in the main borehole and a short hop system at the branches or laterals. Each zone includes a downhole control system and appropriate completion devices for controlling fluid flow. An acoustic or electromagnetic transceiver is associated with each control system for communication and/or transmission of power. An electrical conductor runs from the surface downhole along the production tubing string in the main borehole for communication and/or transmission of power, hardwired systems are well known.

Abstract: A multi-lateral well completion system segregates and prevents commingling of the production fluids flowing from a plurality of lateral wellbores which extend outward from a main wellbore. The system includes a segregator body member that is positioned and oriented in the main wellbore adjacent the inner ends of the lateral wellbores in a manner such that the inlets of separate, longitudinal flow passages in the segregator body member are aligned to receive the production fluid flow from respective lateral wellbores. Various structures are disclosed which provide isolated, pressure-sealed communication between the inner ends of each lateral wellbore and the flow passage inlet that is aligned therewith. Each flow passage in the body member can be equipped with a remotely operated valve to control production fluid flow therethrough, as well as with sensors to monitor various characteristics of the production fluids. Gas lift of the production fluids also can be provided.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for producing well fluids from an oil bearing formation penetrated by a well. The apparatus includes a tubing string forming a production flow path for production fluids between the earth's surface and a location in the well suitable for receiving well production fluids, a power tubing generally parallel to the production tubing and connected to the flow path of the production tubing, and a cross over flow mechanism to divert the flow of production fluids from the power tubing to the production flow path. A lubricant flow path extends from the earth's surface to a location near a pumping apparatus disposed in the power tubing to allow a lubricant to be introduced into the pumping apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively producing fluids from multiple lateral wellbores that extend from a central wellbore. The apparatus comprises a fluid flow assembly with a selectively openable and adjustable flow control valve in communication with a production tubing, located in the central wellbore between packers, and a lateral wellbore, and a selectively openable access door located adjacent the lateral wellbore allowing and preventing service tool entry into the lateral wellbore. The valve and door are individually controlled from the earth's surface.

Abstract: A guidance system comprising two guide tubes is lowered into a well with a conductor. The guide tubes are connected together by partitions which are about 100 feet apart and divide the conductor into two halves. Each partition comprises two symmetrically formed, semi-cylindrical sections facing in opposite directions. A threaded collar is secured to the upper end of each of the guide tubes. The collars are then landed on a lower plate at the upper end of the conductor. An upper plate is secured to the upper end of the conductor on top of the lower plate. The operator lowers a string of drill pipe through holes in the plates into the conductor to drill a first smaller diameter well at the bottom of the conductor. After drilling to the desired depth, the operator runs a first string of casing down the conductor and through the new well bore. The casing is located on one side of each partition and cemented in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of stabilizing the portion of an open-hole lateral well bore adjacent to and extending a distance from the junction of the lateral well bore with a primary well bore to prevent erosion and deformation of the lateral well bore during subsequent drilling and other operations. The methods basically comprise introducing a cement slurry into the portion of the lateral well bore adjacent to and extending a distance from the aforesaid junction under hydraulic pressure whereby the cement slurry enters voids and pore spaces in the walls of the well bore, allowing the cement slurry to set into a hard mass in the lateral well bore and then drilling excess set cement out of the lateral well bore. The stabilization ensures that when a liner is cemented in the lateral well bore, the junction between the liner and the casing in the primary well bore is sealed.

Abstract: A gas diverter tool is disclosed for use in improving the operation of an oil and gas well that has cracks, holes or leaks in the casing. The tool includes a thick walled tubular body for in-line threaded connection within a tubing string below a packer carried by the tubing string. The thick wall of the tubular body includes four circumferentially spaced passageways extending longitudinally therethrough to provide gas inlet openings. The upper ends of the passageways are removably closed, and the lower ends are diametrically reduced to provide valve seats. Spherical check valves are loosely received within the passageways above to seat downwardly against the valve seats. Elongated wiper rods are loosely slidable in the passageways and downwardly abut against the ball valves to hold the check valves closes.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing fluid hydrocarbons through a single production tubing string from first and second zones which communicate with a hydrocarbon wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus includes a packer positioned in the wellbore for selectively preventing a flow of fluids through the wellbore from the first zone to the second zone, a production tubing string that extends through the wellbore and is in fluid communication through the packer with the second zone, and first and second pumps for displacing fluid through the production tubing string. The second pump displaces fluid from the lower zone into the production tubing string. A perforated joint is placed in the production tubing string between the second and the first pump. The second pump has a given displacement capacity at a given speed and is of a type that inhibits a flow of fluid in either direction through the pump when it is not pumping fluids from the second zone.

Abstract: An in situ air sparging/soil vapor extraction apparatus includes first, second and third concentrically arranged pipes disposed in a single bore hole. The first pipe extends a first length through the bore hole to discharge pressurized gas from a second end. The second pipe surrounds the first pipe and extends a second distance, less than the first length of the first pipe, through the bore hole to discharge pressurized gas from the second end of the second pipe at a different level in the soil then the pressurized gas discharged from the second end of the first pipe. The third pipe surrounds the second pipe and is connected to a low pressure source to extract substantially all of the air discharged through the second ends of the first and second pipes and the contaminants entrained in the air from the soil and groundwater.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for drilling and completing multiple subterranean wells from a template which is secured within a cased well bore extending to the surface. An orienting cam having a bore therethrough is positioned above the template such that the bore through the orienting cam is automatically aligned with one of at least two bores through the template. Fluid tight seals are provided between the orienting cam and the casing and between the orienting cam and one of the at least two bores through the template. Thereafter, a drill string including a drill bit is lowered from the surface of the earth through the casing, the bore through the orienting cam and the one bore through said template to drill a first subterranean well bore.

Abstract: The invention comprises a casing tool having a lateral root premachined therein and plugged with cement. A wear bushing is also positioned within the entrance to the root from the uphole side of the tool to prevent distortion or even destruction of the root while the lateral is being drilled. Subsequent to the lateral being drilled the wear bushing is removed and a liner is run which is then sealed to the bore of the root with conventional sealing techniques, thus avoiding the need to seal oval holes.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-branched wellbore systems and methods for forming and utilizing such wellbores. An access wellbore is formed substantially in a non-producing formation. From the access wellbore are drilled one or more branch wellbore into producing formations and into non-producing formations. Additional branch wellbores may be formed from the access wellbore or the branch wellbores. Seals between the access wellbore and the production wellbores are formed outside the hydrocarbon-bearing formations. Flow control devices and other devices are installed outside the access wellbore, thereby utilizing the access wellbore primarily for transporting fluids during production of hydrocarbons. The distance between the access wellbore and any other desired formation, such as the producing formations, is determined during drilling of the access wellbore, preferably by utilizing acoustic sensors deployed in a drilling assembly.

Abstract: A dual completion method for oil/gas wells, which method is designed to prevent or at least minimize, coning of water in a hydrocarbon producing well. In a preferred embodiment the method includes the steps of perforating a common zone in the oil/gas well at vertically-spaced locations and producing water-free oil and/or other hydrocarbons through the upper perforations and the well annulus or tubing, as well as preferably hydrocarbon-free water from the bottom perforations through well tubing. Careful control of hydrocarbon and water production maintains a stable hydrocarbon and water contact in the formation and prevents coning of the water into the hydrocarbon and in some cases prevents coning of the hydrocarbon into the water. Production of hydrocarbon and water in this manner facilitates an equal pressure drop acting near the hydrocarbon/water contact in the well and formation to keep the water from rising in the formation.

Abstract: 058457102 A method of completing a subterranean well and associated apparatus therefor provide efficient operation and convenience in completions where production of fluids from a lateral wellbore and a parent wellbore is desired. In one disclosed embodiment, the invention provides an efficient method of protecting a junction of multiple wellbore portions by positioning a tubular drilling guide within the well extending through the junction. In one aspect of the present invention, the drilling guide is sealingly engaged with certain ones of the wellbore portions while drilling operations are being performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively producing fluids from multiple lateral wellbores that extend from a central wellbore. The apparatus comprises a fluid flow assembly with a selectively openable and adjustable flow control valve in communication with a production tubing, located in the central wellbore between packers, and a lateral wellbore, and a selectively openable access door located adjacent the lateral wellbore allowing and preventing service tool entry into the lateral wellbore. The valve and door are individually controlled from the earth's surface.

Abstract: An adaptor for oil well tubings interconnects two tubings in the interior of an oil well. Two types of adapters are provided, one for use when the two tubings are not installed at the same time and the other for use when the tubings are installed simultaneously. The first type has in its interior two bores to connect to the two tubings. The top end of the first bore in threaded to permit its connection to one of the tubings. The second bore has a diameter larger than that of the first to permit the insertion into its interior of the second tubing. The second type of adapter has in its interior two threaded bores to interconnect the two tubings. In both types of oil well tubing adapters, the bottom portion of the adapter has a 180.degree. bend segment which permits communication between the two orifices, thus making intercommunication between the tubings possible.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for recovering gas from an underground source of gas and water and for disposing of water from the source into a porous stratum above the source. A casing having perforations at the level of the porous stratum extends from the surface into the source. A first mandrel inside the casing is above the perforations and a second mandrel inside the casing is below the perforations. Each mandrel has a first and a second passageway therethrough. A perforated tube connects the first passageways of the first and second mandrels and a bypass tube connects the second passageways of the first and second mandrels. A first tube extends from the surface to the first passageway of the first mandrel and a second tube extends from the first passageway of the second mandrel into the source. A sucker rod extends from the surface through the inside of the first, perforated, and second tubes into the source.

Abstract: A guidance system comprising two guide tubes are lowered into a well with a conductor. The guide tubes are connected together by partitions which divide the conductor into two halves. Each partition comprises two symmetrical half sections facing in opposite directions. The operator lowers a string of drill pipe into the conductor to drill a first smaller diameter well at the bottom of the conductor. After drilling to the desired depth, the operator runs a first string of casing down the conductor and through the new well bore. The casing is located on one side of each partition and cemented in place. The operator then lowers the drill pipe down the other side of the partitions and repeats the drilling and casing of a second well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling a plurality of lateral wells from a main wellbore (10) including a junction joint (16) secured to the lower end of the lowermost casing string (14). The junction joint (16) includes an outer cylindrical housing (18) with a plurality of separate parallel guide tubes or tubular guide members (30A, 30B and 30C) secured to upper and lower plates (22 and 24) of the junction joint (16) and arranged to receive a pipe string. Entrance openings (26A, 26B, and 26C) are provided in upper plate (22) for the respective tubes (30A, 30B and 30C). A guide member (40) includes a small diameter alignment pin (54) and a pair of large diameter projecting pins (50). Upon alignment of guide member (40) with a selected tube (30A) by alignment of small diameter alignment pin (54) with an opening (38A) in upper plate (22), pins (50) are received within the upper ends of the non-selected tubes (30B and 30C) to close the non-selected tubes (30B and 30C). A drill string (76, FIG.

Abstract: An earth contamination site groundwater testing well having a borehole which passes though subsurface soil zones of interest is provided with a probe assembly that is installed in the borehole, that has a core stem which carries spaced-apart flexible disc seals that divide the borehole into different borehole zones that correspond to the subsurface soil zones of interest, and that includes microporous sampler points in the different borehole zones. The groundwater testing well borehole may be formed with a well casing that is afterwards removed while retaining the probe assembly in position.

Abstract: A downhole multilateral completion tool is disclosed which includes a premachined window joint and a production tube adapted to be moved downhole through the window joint and kicked off into the pre-drilled lateral. A flange and seal form a part of the uphole end of the production tube and provide a 3500 psi seal after the production tube is placed in the lateral. The invention, moreover, includes an energizing sleeve which biases the flange into a sealed position and a packer which by pulling the production tube, enhances the seal of the flange.

Abstract: A dual completion for gas wells includes a dual base with a primary hanger incorporated in the base. Primary and secondary coiled tubing strings extend through the base at a downwardly converging angle of 2.degree. or less. The dual base is mounted on an annular blowout preventer. At the top of the annular blowout preventer is a tubing centralizer that aligns the two tubing strings parallel to one another. The blowout preventer has two side ports below the bladder allowing the operator to produce gas from the annulus, to flare gas to atmosphere or to pump in kill fluid in the event of an emergency. The alignment of the tubing strings allows production recorders to be run in either string.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for producing well fluids from an oil bearing formation penetrated by a well including a tubing string forming a production flow path for production fluids between the earth's surface and a location in the well suitable for receiving well production fluids, a power tubing parallel to the production tubing and connected to the flow path of the production tubing, a pump barrel formed in the power tubing, and a lubricating plunger in the pump barrel forming an annulus therewith and having ports to permit flow of lubricating fluids from the lubricating plunger into the annulus. The apparatus is provided with means for providing lubrication fluid to the lubricating plunger.

Abstract: A system for producing a field is disclosed. The field includes a main access well with a first branch well extending therefrom. A separator for separating oil and water is placed in the first branch well. In an alternate embodiment, the separator may be contained within the main access well. A second branch well may also extend from the main access well and may contain a disposal assembly that is operatively associated with the separator. The first and second branch wells may intersect the same reservoir or different reservoirs.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for creating a multilateral well and improved multilateral well structures.

Abstract: A downhole production well control system is provided for automatically controlling downhole tools in response to sensed selected downhole parameters. An important feature of this invention is that the automatic control is initiated downhole without an initial control signal from the surface or from some other external source. This control system generally comprises downhole sensors, downhole electromechanical devices and downhole computerized control electronics whereby the control electronics automatically control the electromechanical devices based on input from the downhole sensors. Thus, using the downhole sensors, the downhole computerized control system will monitor actual downhole parameters (such as pressure, temperature, flow, gas influx, etc.) and automatically execute control instructions when the monitored downhole parameters are outside a selected operating range (e.g., indicating an unsafe condition).

Abstract: In a cased wellbore having one or more cased and cemented drainholes extending therefrom such that the elliptical shaped opening or junction of each drainhole with the primary well is sealed and cut flush with the inside of the primary well casing, an inventive method is disclosed for: (a) isolating each perforated and/or drainhole completion within the primary wellbore, (b) providing flow control means for each completion to permit selective testing, stimulation, production, or abandonment, and (c) facilitating selective re-entry into any cased drainhole for conducting additional drilling, completion, or remedial work. In a preferred embodiment, a production liner is permanently attached within the primary well casing such that packers straddle permanent flow control devices and precut liner windows which are positioned adjacent to perforated completions and drainhole entrance openings, respectively.

Abstract: A system adapted for controlling and/or monitoring a plurality of production wells from a remote location is provided. This system is capable of controlling and/or monitoring: (1) a plurality of zones in a single production well; (2) a plurality of zones/wells in a single location (e.g., a single platform); or (3) a plurality of zones/wells located at a plurality of locations (e.g., multiple platforms). The multizone and/or multiwell control system of this invention is composed of multiple downhole electronically controlled electromechanical devices and multiple computer based surface systems operated from multiple locations. Important functions for these systems include the ability to predict the future flow profile of multiple wells and to monitor and control the fluid or gas flow from either the formation into the wellbore, or from the wellbore to the surface.