Abstract: An assembly having plural valves is run into a wellbore having plural zones, where each of the valves is actuatable by dropping a valve-actuating object into the corresponding valve. The valves are successively actuating, in a predetermined sequence, to an open state. The zones are successively tested after actuating corresponding valves to the open state.

Abstract: A well bore liner is carried on a working string into a main bore of a well. A well bore liner is directed from the main bore into an auxiliary bore of the well with a whipstock. The whipstock is coupled to a working string without withdrawing the working string from the main bore. The whipstock is then relocated in the well using the working string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a lateral channel from an existing oil or gas well includes a well perforating tool for perforating a well casing at a preselected depth, and a lateral alignment tool for directing a flexible hose and blaster nozzle through a previously made perforation in the casing to complete the lateral channel. The disclosed apparatus eliminates the need to maintain the precise alignment of a downhole “shoe” in order to direct the flexible hose and blaster nozzle through a previously made perforation through the well casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating a selected leg of a wellbore from the remainder of the wellbore includes a packer positionable in the selected leg of the wellbore, a tube extending through the packer from an uphole side of the packer to a downhole side of the packer to permit a fluid flow communication to the selected leg of the wellbore past the packer and a valve positioned in the tube to control fluid flow through the tube. In a method for isolating a selected leg of a wellbore, the apparatus is positioned in the selected wellbore leg and the packer set to permit fluid flow communication past the apparatus only through the tube and the valve of the apparatus.

Abstract: A subterranean zone can be accessed from the surface by forming a well bore extending from the surface into the subterranean zone. A tubing string is provided within the well bore, and an underreamer passed over the tubing string to a specified location within the subterranean zone. The underreamer is operated in forming an enlarged cavity in the well bore, and the subterranean zone about the tubing string is collapsed. Pressure within the enlarged cavity my be reduced to facilitate collapse of the subterranean zone about the tubing. The tubing string is provided with apertures, either before being positioned in the well or after, to allow passage of fluids into an interior of the tubing string. The fluids from the subterranean zone may be withdrawn through the tubing string.

Abstract: Zonal isolation of well bores is often desirable for performing downhole operations such as stimulation operations. In certain embodiments, diverter plugs for achieving zonal isolation in a casing string in a well bore may comprise a mandrel having a first end and a second end; a compressible body attached to and surrounding a longitudinal portion of the mandrel; and a sealing nose attached to the first end of the mandrel. In certain embodiments, systems for achieving zonal isolation of a casing string in a well bore may comprise a diverter plug comprising a mandrel having a first end and a second end, a compressible body attached to and surrounding a longitudinal portion of the mandrel, and a sealing nose attached to the first end of the mandrel; and a landing collar sized to mate with a portion of the sealing nose of the diverter plug. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perforating a formation in a wellbore without perforating a well bore casing. The methods and apparatus include an external casing perforating device configured so as not to perforate the casing. The interior of the perforating device serves as a fluid flow path between the casing and the formation following perforation and a valve in the casing selectively opens and closes the flow path.

Abstract: A surface controlled subsurface lateral branch safety valve provides flow control for each branch wellbore in a multilateral well. In a described embodiment, a completion system for a well having an intersection between parent and branch wellbores includes an apparatus having multiple passages formed therethrough. One passage provides fluid communication between opposite ends of the apparatus in the parent wellbore, and another passage provides guidance for drilling the branch wellbore. The apparatus further includes a flow control device, such as a surface controlled subsurface safety valve, which selectively controls fluid communication with the branch wellbore.

Abstract: A multi-drop flow control valve system having a plurality of hydraulically actuated flow control valve, each valve set in an initial operating position. The flow control valves are connected to a hydraulic control line in sequence, wherein the second flow control valve is below the first flow control valve and so on. Wherein a first hydraulic pressure in the control line will operate at least the first flow control valve to an actuated position and a second hydraulic pressure greater than the first hydraulic pressure will operate at least the first and second flow control valves to actuated positions. It may be desired for each of the control valves to be biased in the initial position when the hydraulic pressure is less than a base pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for completing a well with multiple zones of production includes a casing having a plurality of flapper valves integrated therein for isolating each well zone and a perforating gun string for selectively perforating the casing and underlying formation at each well zone to establish communication between the formation and the interior of the casing and to facilitate delivery of treatment fluid to each of the multiple well zones. The system and method may include mechanisms for selectively actuating each flapper valve, such as by detonating a perforating gun in a perforating gun string. The system and method may include providing a perforating gun string having multiple guns, each gun selectively detonated at a corresponding well zone, and the gun string being stored in a lubricator at the surface between alternating sequences of perforating and treating the well zones.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a string and a plurality of tools that are mounted in the string. The string includes a passageway. The tools are mounted in the string and are adapted to be placed in a state to catch objects (free-falling objects and/or pumped-down objects, as just a few examples) of substantially the same size, which are communicated downhole through the passageway.

Abstract: A system and method for assembly of downhole equipment in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a method of assembling an apparatus in a subterranean well includes the steps of: positioning an expandable shell in the well; expanding the shell in the well; and then interconnecting multiple portions of the apparatus to each other within the expanded shell.

Abstract: A high pressure multiple branch wellbore junction. A wellbore junction system includes a wellbore junction with at least three bores extending therethrough. Exits of the three bores are axially spaced apart. At least two deflectors are formed on the wellbore junction. The deflectors are axially spaced apart, and each of the deflectors is aligned with a respective lateral exit of the bores.

Abstract: A system for lining a junction between a main bore and an auxiliary bore includes a first tubing adapted to line at least a portion of the main bore. The first tubing has a lateral opening therein. A second tubing has a junction shield extending outward therefrom. The junction shield has a larger transverse dimension than the lateral opening and is adapted to contract to a smaller transverse dimension to pass through the lateral opening into the auxiliary bore.

Abstract: Devices and methods for control flow of formation fluids respect to one or more selected parameter relating to the wellbore fluid. In one embodiment, a flow control device for controlling fluid flow into the production tubular uses a flow restriction member that is actuated by a character change of the formation fluid, such as liquid to gas or oil to water. The flow restriction member can be sensitive to a change in density of the formation fluid. The flow restriction member is passive, self-regulating and does not need any power source or control signal to control fluid flow. In one embodiment, the flow control device automatically rotates into a predetermined orientation upon being positioned in the wellbore. A seal disposed on the flow control devices expands into sealing engagement with an enclosure after the flow control device assumed the desired predetermined position.

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: A wellbore system for simultaneously drilling a wellbore into an earth formation and producing hydrocarbon fluid from the wellbore, is provided. The system comprises a production tubing extending into the wellbore and having a hydrocarbon fluid inlet arranged in a first part of the wellbore in fluid communication with a hydrocarbon fluid bearing zone of the earth formation, and a drilling riser extending through the production tubing and having a drilling fluid inlet in fluid communication with a second part of the wellbore, said second wellbore part being scaled from said first wellbore part. A drill string extends through the drilling riser and into said second wellbore part so as to allow further drilling of the wellbore.

Abstract: An uncollapsed expandable wellbore junction and associated methods. In a described embodiment, a method of creating an expanded pressure vessel in a subterranean well includes the step of expanding the pressure vessel in the well, thereby increasing a dimension of the vessel, without prior decreasing of the dimension.

Abstract: A method and system of forming a lateral wellbore in a time and trip saving manner using a mill/drill to locate and place a casing window. In one aspect of the invention, a lateral wellbore is drilled with liner which is subsequently left in the lateral wellbore to line the sides thereof. In another aspect, the mill/drill is rotated with a rotary steerable system and in another aspect, the mill/drill is rotated with a downhole motor or a drill stem.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling and completing multiple wellbores from a single drilling rig and from within a single wellhead is provided. In one embodiment, a template is disposed at a predetermined location downhole within a casing. In one aspect, a first casing string is lowered with the template to the predetermined location and disposed within a first wellbore. A second wellbore may be drilled through a bore in the template. A second casing string may then be lowered through the bore into the second wellbore. In another embodiment, at least two wellbores are drilled and completed from a surface casing having a crossover portion.

Abstract: A system for producing gas and water from a gas bearing strata during and after drilling completion. The system includes a directional drilling system, a main bore and pump. The directional drilling system includes a drill and a drill string. The main bore intersects the gas bearing strata and has an upper vertical portion, a lower horizontal portion and a curve portion connecting the vertical portion and the horizontal portion. Waste material collects temporarily until pumped to the surface by the pump installed in the bore.

Abstract: A control system for a plurality of devices including a plurality of devices in at least one group. A first control line is in operable communication with the plurality of devices. A second control line in operable communication with the at least one group. A step-advance mechanism is in operable communication with each of the plurality of the devices, each mechanism being distinct from each other mechanism within the group of devices. Further disclosed herein is a method for reducing the number of control lines needed to control a plurality of downhole devices including supplying a first control line in operable communication with a plurality of devices including at least one group of devices and supplying a second control line in operable communication with the at least one group.

Abstract: A hybrid, hardwired and wireless well communication system having a fiber optical, electrical or other signal transmission conduit extending from the wellhead into the well and one or more wireless signal transducers that are located at a distance from the conduit and transmit wireless signals to one or more signal converters which are coupled to the conduit, and which are located near branchpoints of a multilateral well.

Abstract: A process for underbalanced drilling into multiple coal and shale formations, and dewatering the drilled formations, which includes drilling a first borehole through several coal seams to a certain depth; lowering an upstock on the end of a carrier string to the depth of the upper coal seam; lowering a drill string in the carrier string, and angling off of the upstock, to drill a lateral or horizontal borehole within the coal seam; repeating the process for the second coal seam; setting a packer in place above the first coal seam in the annulus between the cased borehole and the carrier string; forming perforations in the wall of the carrier string below the packer; retrieving the upstock from the carrier string; lowering an electrical submersible pump to the bottom of the principal borehole; pumping water from the sump portion to the surface within the annulus of the second drill string.

Abstract: An expanding wellbore junction system, apparatus and methods are provided for forming a sealed wellbore intersection in a subterranean well. In one described method, an expandable wellbore junction is expanded within an under-reamed cavity in a wellbore. Intersecting tubular legs of the wellbore junction are then drifted using a drifting apparatus. A deflection device may be used to direct a drift of the drifting apparatus into a selected one of the wellbore junction legs.

Abstract: A self orienting liner hanger system including a bent sub, an indexing sub in operable communication with the bent sub, a hanger assembly in operable communication with the indexing sub, and a profile connected with the hanger assembly. Yet further disclosed herein is a method for constructing a junction between a primary borehole and a lateral borehole. The method includes installing a window sleeve at the junction, running a liner hanger into the sleeve, cycling an indexing sub of the hanger until a bent sub of the hanger exits the window, and running the hanger into engagement with the sleeve.

Abstract: A multi-layered wellbore junction. In a described embodiment, a method of forming an expanded chamber in a subterranean well includes the steps of: positioning multiple chamber sidewall layers in the well; and expanding the layers in the well to form the expanded chamber.

Abstract: A method of drilling a borehole into an earth formation using a drill string having an upper part and a lower part which is more flexible than the upper part, the method involving drilling a first section of the borehole, drilling a second section of the borehole from the first borehole section, the second section extending at a selected inclination angle relative to the first section. During drilling of the second section the drill string is lowered through the borehole in a manner that the upper drill string part remains in the first section and the lower drill string part extends into the second borehole section.

Abstract: A sealed branch wellbore transition joint. In a described embodiment, a completion system for a well having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore includes a tubular string having a portion positioned within the window, and a sealing material on the tubular string portion. The sealing material swells in the well to thereby form a seal between the tubular string portion and the window.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for lining a lateral wellbore includes drilling a main wellbore extending from a surface to a subterranean zone, casing the main wellbore with a main casing having a plurality of lateral wellbore windows formed therein, positioning a whipstock having a longitudinal bore running therethrough adjacent a respective one of the lateral wellbore windows, forming a lateral wellbore through the respective lateral wellbore window using the whipstock, lining the first lateral wellbore with a lateral liner and a portion of a tie-back assembly that has a pre-milled lateral wellbore window formed therein, aligning the pre-milled lateral wellbore window with the longitudinal bore, and coupling the tie-back assembly to the main casing.

Abstract: The present invention provides cement compositions that include degradable materials, and methods of using such compositions in subterranean cementing operations. An example of a method of the present invention includes: providing a cement composition that includes a hydraulic cement, and a degradable material; placing the cement composition in a subterranean formation; allowing the cement composition to set therein; and allowing the degradable material to degrade. Another example of a method of the present invention is a method of enhancing the mechanical properties of a cement composition including adding a degradable material to the cement composition and allowing the degradable material to degrade.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows communications of electrical power and signaling from downhole component to another downhole component employs an inductive coupler assembly. In one arrangement, one portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a production tubing section and the other portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a casing or other liner section. The production tubing inductive coupler portion is electrically connected to a cable over which electrical power and signals may be transmitted. Such power and signals are magnetically coupled to the inductive coupler portion in the casing or liner section and communicated to various electrical devices mounted outside the casing or liner section. In other arrangements, inductive coupler assemblies may be used to couple electrical power and signals from the main bore to components in lateral branches of a multilateral well.

Abstract: A multilateral completion system utilizing an alternate passage. In a described embodiment, a wellbore junction includes a first passage extending from a first opposite end to a second opposite end of the wellbore junction. A window is formed through a sidewall of the wellbore junction and provides fluid communication between the first passage and an exterior of the wellbore junction. A second passage is in communication with the first passage on a first side of the window, and in communication with the first passage on a second side of the window.

Abstract: A deformable member can be used in a well tool for use in downhole oil/gas wells. In one embodiment, a deformable member (46) is described which is deformable between undeformed and deformed positions, and comprises a generally hollow cylindrical body (48) defining a wall (50). The wall (50) includes three circumferential lines of weakness in the form of grooves, with two grooves (52, 54) provided in an outer surface (56) of the member wall (50), and the other groove (58) provided in an inner surface (60). The member (46) is deformed outwardly by folding about the lines of weakness (52, 54, 56) and is used in particular to obtain sealing contact with a tube in which the member (46) is located.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for diverting a portion of the drilling fluid that flows into a drilling assembly comprise diverting the drilling fluid into the annulus of a deviated wellbore at a flow rate corresponding to a velocity that is sufficient to transport cuttings to the surface while drilling progresses. The diverted drilling fluid is directed into the annulus at an angle to prevent erosion of the wellbore wall. The flow rate of the diverted drilling fluid is controlled to establish a fixed flow rate, or alternatively, a variable flow rate. Pressure is dissipated and fluid velocity is reduced as the diverted drilling fluid flows between a high fluid pressure within the drilling assembly to a lower pressure in the wellbore annulus.

Abstract: An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines.

Abstract: A well system includes at least two well bores extending from a surface to a subterranean zone. Each of the two well bores is used to form a well bore pattern for the subterranean zone that intersects the other well bore and transports fluid from the subterranean zone to the other well bore for production to the surface. In addition, each of the two well bores is operable to collect fluids transported to the well bore by the well bore pattern formed through the other well bore for production to the surface.

Abstract: One or more templates are provided for circulating fluids in a main well bore and for drilling and completing at least one offset well bore from the main well bore. Each template has a body, an inlet leg, a main outlet leg, and an offset outlet leg. A straddle assembly is mounted in the template to configure the template for fluid circulation. The straddle assembly, in cooperation with the inlet and main outlet legs, effects a downhole flow path which directs fluids from the inlet leg through body of the template and out the main outlet leg, bypassing the offset outlet leg. The straddle assembly is distally displaced from the template to reconfigure the template for drilling. A diverter is placed in the body of the template upon displacement of the straddle assembly to define a drill string path from the inlet leg to the offset outlet leg. The offset well bore is drilled by conveying a drill string through the drill string path.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for accessing a plurality of subterranean zones from the surface. The method includes forming an entry well from the surface. Two or more exterior drainage wells from the entry well through the plurality of subterranean zones are formed. At least one exterior drainage well is operable to drain fluid from the plurality of subterranean zones.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for controlling the flow rate of a fluid in tubing (4), said apparatus (5) comprising at least one hole (7) passing through the wall of said tubing and a moving shutterjacket (8) mounted to engage said hole. According to the invention, said apparatus further comprises deflector means (9) covering said jacket and said hole so that said deflector means directs the fluid through the wall of said tubing.

Abstract: A section mill is positioned below an exit guide in a drill string assembly used to mill a section of steel casing below the whipstock and which as the section mill moves down and mills along the section of casing, causes the whipstock to be lowered down adjacent the milled-out casing and allows the drill bit and drill string to be run along the surface of the exit guide and into the earth formation. Alternatively, the section mill is positioned above the exit guide in a drill string assembly after the section mill has milled out in an appropriate length of the steel casing, the tubing string pulls both the section mill and the exit guide up to a position where the exit guide is adjacent the area of formation which has been exposed by milling along the steel casing.

Abstract: A method for controlling pressure of a dual well system includes drilling a substantially vertical well bore from a surface to a subterranean zone and drilling an articulated well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone using a drill string. The articulated well bore is horizontally offset from the substantially vertical well bore at the surface and intersects the substantially vertical well bore. The method includes drilling a drainage bore into the subterranean zone. The method includes pumping a drilling fluid through the drill string when drilling the drainage bore. The method includes pumping a pressure fluid down the substantially vertical well bore when drilling the drainage bore. The pressure fluid mixes with the drilling fluid to form a fluid mixture returning up the articulated well bore which forms a frictional pressure that resists fluid flow from the subterranean zone.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to apparatus and methods for remedial and repair operations downhole. Certain embodiments of apparatus include a lightweight expandable member (22) that can be radially expanded to increased its inner and outer diameters using an inflatable element (34). The lightweight member (22) can be used to repair a fautly safety vavle flapper (12) for example. The invention also relates to lateral tubular adapter apparatus and a method of hanging a lateral from a cased borehole.

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: A method of treating and completing a well includes positioning a downhole tool within a well. The downhole tool includes an elongated body defining a central passageway and including a plurality of production openings and at least one frac opening, a frac mandrel disposed within the central passageway, and a packer disposed about the elongated body. The method further includes securing the downhole tool in the well by the packer, fracing a formation through the frac opening, and producing a fluid from the formation through the production openings.

Abstract: A splitter assembly 10 is positioned downhole within a conductor 50 for separating two or more tubular strings placed within the conductor. A splitter housing may include a first bore 26 and a second bore 28 for separating a first well from a second well, and a plug 24 positioned in one of the bores including a top face 25 sloping downwardly toward the other bore. One or more guide plates 18 secured to the splitter housing and positioned above the plug guide a bit or other tool toward one of the first bore and the second bore. The splitter housing 10 may be positioned along the conductor 50 after the conductor is jetted in place. According to the method, the plug in one of the bores is retrieved after a casing is run in one well, so that the second bit and the second casing will pass through the bore which previously included the plug.

Abstract: Single horizontal wells drilled through heterogeneous reservoirs are capable of greater oil productivity than vertical wells, often with lower produced GOR and WOR. Multiple drainholes tied-in to a vertical cased well are even more beneficial. Completion of such drainholes in many sandy reservoirs must use cemented liners. Well configurations comprising multiple drainholes liners, each of them tied-in to a vertical casing by pressure-tight connections require novel technologies making use of some novel downhole equipment, tools and procedures for drilling, tie-in and completion of such wells. These may be for newly-drilled wells or may be obtained by re-entry into an existing vertical cased well. Specific equipment, including novel casing joints, whipstocks, intermediate liners and tubing completion assembly components applicable to new wells are described herein.

Abstract: Single horizontal wells drilled through heterogeneous reservoirs are capable of greater oil productivity than vertical wells, often with lower produced GOR and WOR. Multiple drainholes tied-in to a vertical cased well are even more beneficial. Completion of such drainholes in many sandy reservoirs must use cemented liners. Well configurations comprising multiple drainholes liners, each of them tied-in to a vertical casing by pressure-tight connections require novel technologies making use of some novel downhole equipment, tools and procedures for drilling, tie-in and completion of such wells. These may be for newly-drilled wells or may be obtained by re-entry into an existing vertical cased well. Specific equipment, including novel casing joints, whipstocks, intermediate liners and tubing completion assembly components applicable to new wells are described herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously producing fluid from one or more zones of an oil or gas well, while injecting fluid into one or more other zones of the well, and for converting a depleted production zone into an injection zone, by remotely shifting sleeves in the apparatus to selectively align inlet and outlet ports with production and injection flow paths, respectively. A production string is provided within a completion string; the completion string has inlet and outlet ports to the well bore. One or more production sleeves have production conduits which can be selectively aligned with inlet ports by shifting the production sleeves. One or more injection sleeves have injection conduits which can be selectively aligned with outlet ports by shifting the injection sleeves.