Abstract: An improved method for making a well for removing fluid from a desired subterranean formation. This invention provides for a method for making a well for removing fluid from a desired subterranean formation having an interface zone. The interface zone is coupled to a main directional well bore that extends from a top surface at ground level into the desired subterranean formation. A lateral well bore is also coupled to the interface zone. A directional sump bore is also coupled to the interface zone and the directional sump bore extends from the interface zone to a point below the interface zone. There is also a means for moving fluid from the directional sump bore through the main directional well bore to the top surface.

Abstract: A multilateral junction comprises a primary leg and one or more lateral legs. Each end of the primary leg and each lateral leg has an inflatable element therein. A method for installing a multilateral junction includes running a deformed junction to depth and serially or collectively inflating an inflatable element in each leg of said junction to reform said junction.

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: 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: 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. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expansion tool with hydraulically actuated, radially expandable members is disposed on a string of coil tubing. In another aspect of the invention the apparatus is utilized to expand a tubular lining a lateral wellbore into contact with a window of a larger tubular lining a central wellbore.

Abstract: A casing junction member connects in a well between a main casing and a lateral branch casing. The junction member has an upper end section which connects to the main casing extending above the member. It has a lower end section that is coaxial and connects into the main casing below the junction member. The junction member has a lateral section which extends downward for connecting to lateral branch casing. The junction between the main section and the lateral section has enlarged sections that are formed by opposed cones. A removable or drillable closure member blocks the lateral passage while in the collapsed and expanded positions. The casing junction uses internal fluid pressure to move from collapsed position to expanded position.

Abstract: A reduced debris milled multilateral window. In a described embodiment, a window joint is constructed in a manner which reduces debris created when a window is milled therethrough. The window joint includes a generally tubular body having a sidewall, a window portion of the sidewall being configured for forming a window therethrough, and a thickness of the sidewall being reduced in the window portion.

Abstract: A monobore wellbore (68) and method for completing the same are disclosed. The monobore wellbore (68) comprises a first casing (74) having an inner diameter (76) and a lap region (80). A second casing (90) is positioned within the wellbore (70) by passing through the first casing (74) such that an uphole end of the second casing (90) is positioned within the lap region (80) of the first casing (74). After downhole expansion, the second casing (90) has an inner diameter (114) that is substantially the same as the inner diameter (76) of the first casing. The uphole end of the second wellbore is coupled to the lap region (80) of the first casing (74) to create a mechanical connection and a hydraulic seal, thereby creating the monobore wellbore (68).

Abstract: A multi-zone packing system having unique features that allow for remote operation, thereby eliminating the need to raise and lower a work string and crossover tool to various zones of interest during a frac pack, gravel pack or related completion procedure. The squeeze pack system has a crossover tool or port collocated with each zone of interest and remotely operated closing devices to allow for the setting of each packer and the packing job to be performed with minimal or no movement of the work string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a wellbore junction is provided. In one embodiment, a first leg of a screen is fastened within a first tubular with a preformed window. The first tubular houses a whipstock with a cut-out portion containing a folded second leg of the screen. The first tubular is lowered into a junction of a central and a lateral wellbore. A second tubular is lowered within the first tubular and catches an end of the folded second leg of the screen thereby unfolding and expanding the screen as the second tubular is guided into the lateral wellbore. In another embodiment, an expandable sand screen junction component with expandable sand screen production tubing is lowered through a junction of a central and lateral wellbore into the lateral wellbore and expanded into place. A central wellbore access port is milled into the junction component.

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 and forming two or more exterior drainage wells from the entry well through the subterranean zones. The exterior drainage wells each extend outwardly and downwardly from the entry well for a first distance and then extend downwardly for a second distance. Each exterior drainage well passes through a plurality of the subterranean zones and is operable to drain fluid from the plurality of the subterranean zones.

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 wet connect arrangement for communication beyond obstructions in a wellbore such as gravel packs and lateral junctions, among others. The arrangement employs communication line at first and second tubulars and annular or part annular communication pathways between the lines when the first and second tubulars are in operable position.

Abstract: A test technique and mechanism includes lowering a junction assembly to a junction between at least two bores of a well. The junction assembly includes one or more sealed connections that are tested by the generation of a test flow of fluid. The distal ends of the junction assembly are blocked so that a pressure increase in the junction assembly can be monitored. The level of this pressure increase is used to determine if there is any leakage in the junction assembly. To reduce the costs associated with a faulty junction assembly, the testing is performed during an installation procedure of the junction assembly. Thus, if a faulty junction is detected, it can be quickly removed and replaced with another junction assembly.

Abstract: A guide tube bundle includes two or more guide tubes. Each guide tube includes a first aperture at a first end and a second aperture at a second end. The longitudinal axis of the first aperture of each guide tube is offset from the longitudinal axis of the second aperture of the guide tube Furthermore, the guide tubes are configured longitudinally adjacent to each other and are twisted around one another.

Abstract: An expandable float shoe and associated methods are provided. In a described embodiment, an expandable float shoe is attached to a leg of an expandable wellbore junction. The float shoe and leg are radially compressed, such as by folding along their axial lengths. The wellbore junction is conveyed into a well and expanded by applying pressure therein. The float shoe expands outward, along with the leg of the wellbore junction.

Abstract: A multilateral well construction and sand control completion. In a described embodiment, a well completion includes first and second wellbores intersecting at an intersection; an assembly positioned in the second wellbore, the assembly including a packer and a well screen, the packer being sealingly engaged with the second wellbore; and a wellbore connector sealingly connected to the assembly, the wellbore connector also being sealingly engaged in the first wellbore on opposite sides of the intersection, and the wellbore connector isolating the intersection from fluid flow through the assembly in the second wellbore and from fluid flowing through the wellbore connector between the opposite sides of the intersection.

Abstract: Improved method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface that substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with previous systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides an articulated well with a drainage pattern that intersects a horizontal cavity well. The drainage patterns provide access to a large subterranean area from the surface while the vertical cavity well allows entrained water, hydrocarbons, and other deposits to be efficiently removed and/or produced.

Abstract: Wellbore apparatus has been invented which, in at least certain aspects, includes a wellbore apparatus having a tubular member with a top end, a bottom end, a hollow portion, and a window therethrough, a sleeve positioned within the hollow portion of the tubular member, the sleeve having a top end and a bottom end, a diverter apparatus within or outside the tubular member and, optionally, below the bottom end of the sleeve, the sleeve movable so that the diverter, and the diverter directs the sleeve to the window and through the window into a bore extending beyond the window, and the window having an edge therearound to which the top end of the sleeve is weldable to sealingly secure the sleeve at the window.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean production interval while reducing the percentage of water produced. A lateral well is drilled from an existing primary well. A submersible pump is deployed to a position in the primary well below the intersection with the lateral well. The pump injects the separated water into the production interval through the primary well, at a rate sufficient to allow the gravity separation of the hydrocarbons and water in the area above the submersible pump. Suitable submersible pumps include an electric submersible pump, a cavity pump and a rod pump. One or more lateral wells may be used. The lateral wells can intersect the same production interval as the primary well or can intersect an unconnected production interval.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for drilling one or more holes at an angle to a wellbore. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tubular housing defining one or more openings. Each opening is configured to provide an exit through which a drilling assembly drills to form a hole at an angle to the wellbore. The apparatus further includes one or more deflectors. Each deflector defines a surface for guiding the drilling assembly through an opening, and each deflector is positioned inside the tubular housing such that the surface is facing the opening. The apparatus further includes an anchor having a bottom portion attached to a top portion of the tubular housing and having a top portion configured to be removably fixed to a conveyance tubular.

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: The invention relates to a method for treating subterranean formation comprising providing distributed temperature sensors, injecting a treatment fluid and monitoring the temperature across the treatment interval during the injection process.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a subterranean well includes a liner and a wiper. The liner is to be cemented inside the well bore, and the wiper, in a first mode, is connected to the liner when the liner is run downhole. In a second mode, the wiper is released to respond to a cement flow.

Abstract: A junction for the intersection of a main borehole and a lateral borehole includes a main tubular having a main window with a ramp aligned with the main window and a lateral tubular adapted to be telescopingly received within the main tubular and having a lateral window. The main tubular and lateral tubular each have an orientation surface. The lateral tubular has a first position with one end partially disposed within the main tubular. The lateral tubular is telescoped into the main tubular with the end of the lateral tubular engaging the ramp which guides the end of the lateral tubular through the main window and into the lateral bore. The orientation surfaces engage to orient the lateral window with the main window and form a common opening between the tubulars.

Abstract: A method of forming a downhole connection between tubular strings includes the step of crimping the tubular strings together. The tubular strings may be positioned in the same wellbore, or the tubular strings may be positioned in different intersecting wellbores during the crimping step. One of the tubular strings may be expanded outwardly within the other tubular string prior to the crimping step.

Abstract: The invention includes in one embodiment an isolation string having an upper packer and an isolation pipe in mechanical communication with the upper packer, the isolation pipe comprising an operable valve and an object activated valve, and the isolation string coupled to an object holding service tool adapted to release an object to engage the object activated valve. The present invention also includes in one embodiment a method of running-in an isolation string with an object holding service tool having an object held therewith into the well, the isolation string comprising an operable valve and an object activated valve; setting the isolation string in the casing adjacent perforations; pressurizing the object to cause a release from the object holding service tool, whereby the object travels to the object activated valve; closing the object activated valve with the released object; and withdrawing the object holding service tool from the well.

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 method for drilling a plurality of well bores through a single conductor housing which comprises providing a base plate which includes at least first and second well slots that extend therethrough, supporting the base plate on the conductor housing, suspending a temporary casing string from the first well slot, drilling a first well bore through the second well slot, removing the temporary casing string from the first well slot, and then drilling a second well bore through the first well slot.

Abstract: A method of completing a subterranean well utilizes an isolation bypass transition joint at a wellbore intersection. In a described embodiment, the isolation bypass transition joint has multiple plug devices in a sidewall thereof. The transition joint extends laterally from one wellbore into another. After a cementing operation, the plug devices are opened to permit flow through the transition joint sidewall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a junction of plural wellbores includes providing a casing junction assembly having plural outlets for communicating with corresponding wellbores. A tool has plural extendable conduits for engaging in the outlets. The casing junction assembly has an integral diverter with guiding surfaces to guide the conduits into the outlets.

Abstract: A multiple tube structure provides enhanced utilization of limited cross-sectional area in a wellbore. In a described embodiment, a tube system includes multiple tubular members rigidly attached to each other along axial lengths thereof. The tubular members are configured so that they conform to an interior of a generally D-shaped portion of a circle.

Abstract: A method is described for the construction of an arrangement of Extended Reach Wells (ERW) for the production, transport, and exploitation of mineral layers, in that an offshore reservoir of fluids is initially penetrated by an initial well, followed by penetration by a multilateral well, close to or connected at the end of the drilling section of the multilateral well to the end of the drilling section of the initial well. A well of long distance is therefore formed, connected hydraulically at one end of the initial well to the production unit. The resulting long-distance well allows for the drainage of the reservoir in deep and extremely deep water from a platform in shallower water.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a subterranean drainage pattern for accessing a subterranean zone includes a main well bore extending from a surface well bore, located at a first end of the area, to a second end of the area. A first plurality of lateral well bores extend in spaced apart relation to each other from the main well bore to the periphery of the area on a first side portion of the main well bore. A second plurality of lateral well bores extend in spaced apart relation to each other from the main well bore to a periphery of the area on a second, opposite side portion of the main well bore. A first plurality of ramping well bores extend in spaced apart relation to each other from the main well bore toward a boundary of the subterranean zone.

Abstract: A completion technique to replace cementing casing, perforating, fracturing, and gravel packing with an open hole completion is disclosed. Each zone to be isolated by the completion assembly features a pair of isolators, which are preferably tubular with a sleeve of a sealing material such as an elastomer on the outer surface. The screen is preferably made of a weave in one or more layers with a protective outer, and optionally an inner, jacket with openings. The completion assembly can be lowered on rigid or coiled tubing which, internally to the completion assembly, includes the expansion assembly. The expansion assembly is preferably an inflatable design with features that provide limits to the delivered expansion force and/or diameter. A plurality of zones can be isolated in a single trip.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for making measurements associated with a rock formation including a main borehole, a microborehole extending from the main borehole into the rock formation, and one or more sensing devices positioned and arranged to make a measurement at measurement zones being located in the microborehole. A packer can also be installed in the microborehole dimensioned and arranged to hydraulically isolate the measurement zones from conditions present in other parts of the microborehole and/or main borehole. Methods and systems are also disclosed for taking fluid samples and injecting fluid tracers in a mircoborehole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and arrangements for utilising the energy of water that flows out from a high-pressure reservoir. Water and hydrocarbons are separated in a down-hole separator (3) and are brought separately to the seabed. In a first aspect the energy of the water is utilised to inject the water into an underground formation (28) with a lower pressure. In a second aspect the energy is utilised to drive a turbine which in turn is driving a pump (32) for pressurising hydrocarbons. As a part of the invention a method and an arrangement to control the separator (3) by control valves (7, 8) on the well head (6) for each phase is provided. In a further aspect a higher water pressure is provided by gas lift.

Abstract: An improved method for drilling a lateral well from an existing wellbore is disclosed whereby a section of said existing wellbore is preferably enlarged such as by under-reaming. The enlarged section is filled with a material such as, for example, epoxy which hardens to form an impermeable body. The hardened material is drilled out laterally and also longitudinally, such that a sealed junction is formed within the impermeable body between the lateral well and existing well. The longitudinal drilling follows an arcuate path. In one embodiment of the present invention, a packer positioned within the enlarged section may be filled with the pumped material to thereby avoid any contamination of the material with other downhole elements such as mud and oil whereby the composition of the pumped material is consistent and known. In one embodiment, an arcuate drillable guide may be positioned in the enlarged section prior to filling the enlarged section with material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expansion tool with hydraulically actuated, radially expandable members is disposed on a string of coil tubing. In another aspect of the invention the apparatus is utilized to expand a tubular lining a lateral wellbore into contact with a window of a larger tubular lining a central wellbore.

Abstract: A multilateral injection/production/storage completion system. In a described embodiment, a method of completing a well having a first wellbore intersecting each of second, third and fourth wellbores includes the steps of: injecting a first fluid into a first zone intersected by the second wellbore; receiving a second fluid into the third wellbore in response to the first fluid injecting step; flowing the second fluid from the third wellbore to the fourth wellbore; storing the second fluid in a second zone intersected by the fourth wellbore; and then producing the second fluid from the second zone to a remote location.

Abstract: Alternate path multilateral production/injection. In a described embodiment, a system for drilling and completing a well having intersecting first and second wellbores comprises a casing string positioned in the first wellbore; and at least one apparatus interconnected in the casing string. The apparatus includes a mandrel having intersecting first and second passages formed therein. The first passage extends longitudinally through the mandrel and is in fluid communication with an interior of the casing string. The second passage extends laterally relative to the first passage and is configured for drilling the second wellbore therethrough. The mandrel further includes at least one third passage or alternate path extending longitudinally in the mandrel.

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: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a subterranean drainage pattern for accessing a subterranean zone includes at least one undulating well bore. The undulating well bore includes at least one inclining portion drilled through the subterranean zone at an inclination sloping toward an upper boundary of the single layer of subterranean deposits and at least one declining portion drilled through the subterranean zone at a declination sloping toward a lower boundary of the single layer of subterranean deposits. At least one bending portion couples the at least one inclining portion and the at least one declining portion to form a waveform.

Abstract: A drainage system for accessing multiple subterranean zones from the surface includes an entry well extending from the surface. The system also includes two or more exterior drainage wells extending from the entry well through the subterranean zones. The exterior drainage wells each extend outwardly and downwardly from the entry well for a first selected distance and then extend downwardly in a substantially vertical orientation for a second selected distance.

Abstract: The current invention provides methods for determining the sand production rate from unconsolidated and poorly consolidated subterranean formations under varying drawdown pressures. The current invention also allows for immediate production of fluid from the subterranean formation upon determination of the sand production rate. Additionally, the current invention provides a method for determining the detrimental sand production rate and/or the maximum sand free production rate for a subterranean formation. Finally, the current invention is applicable in vertical, horizontal, deviated and multi-lateral boreholes.

Abstract: This invention comprises the use of a variable orifice valve as a flow controller and flow meter. Pressure measurements are taken upstream and downstream of the variable orifice valve by way of a differential pressure measurement mechanism. The differential pressure measurement mechanism may comprise two separate absolute pressure measurement devices or a single differential pressure measurement device. Flow rate through the valve is determined from the pressure drop across the valve. In wellbores having multiple zones, a variable orifice valve together with a differential pressure measurement mechanism may be deployed for each zone. The flow rate through each of the zones and at the surface can then be monitored and controlled.

Abstract: A system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a first, second and third entry well bore extending from the surface, the first, second and third entry well bores located on the same drilling pad at the surface. A slanted well bore extends from each of the entry well bores to the subterranean zone. A substantially horizontal drainage pattern extends from the slanted well bores into the subterranean zone.

Abstract: A multilateral well completion. In a described embodiment, a multilateral well completion system includes a completion apparatus installed in a cased parent wellbore. The completion apparatus has an opening in its side which is rotationally aligned with a window in the parent wellbore casing. A tubular string is inserted through an inner tubular structure of the apparatus, through the opening, through the window, and into a branch wellbore extending outwardly from the window.

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.