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: 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 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: 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 sealed multilateral junction system provides fluid isolation between intersecting wellbores in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a method of forming a wellbore junction includes the steps of sealing a tubular string in a branch wellbore to a tubular structure in a parent wellbore. The tubular string may be secured to the tubular structure utilizing a flange which is larger in size than a window formed in the tubular structure. The flange may be sealed to the tubular structure about the window by a metal to metal seal or by adhering the flange to the tubular structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a whipstock casing milling system and, more particularly, to such a system in which a window mill is secured to a whipstock so that the system may be run into a well, set and operated to open a window in a casing during a single trip. The milling system of the present invention comprises a protrusion (B) provided on the whipface of the whipstock wherein the protrusion (B) forms an extension of a relatively steep ramp surface (45) of the whipface so as to reduce damage to said surface (45) at a juncture (A) of said surface (45) with a relatively shallow ramp surface or parallel surface (46) during use of the system. The protrusion (B) thereby avoids an undercutting of a casing and a thinning of the whipstock.

Abstract: A drillable junction joint in a wellbore comprises a wellbore casing in which a section of the casing is constructed of easily drillable material. A sleeve having a premachined window therein is disposed within the casing joint and is freely orientable within the casing segment. Further disclosed are methods for installation of the junction joint and for creating an exit.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for separating oil and water by means of a two-phase liquid/liquid separator. The oil phase and the water phase respectively are separated over a portion of the length of the separator from an upstream end to a downstream end. The oil phase and the water phase respectively are extracted gradually over a length of the separator, and each of the phases is conducted out of the separator separately. A method and an arrangement for orienting the separator in a well are also described.

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 well completion apparatus and method comprises a junction assembly having a template and a lateral branch connector sealably engageable with the template to couple a main bore to a lateral branch bore. The template has a lateral window for positioning proximal a junction of the lateral branch bore and the main bore. The lateral branch connector is adapted to be engaged in the template so that a portion of the connector extends through the lateral window of the template. Plural flow paths comprise a first flow path in communication with the lateral branch, and a second flow path for communicating with a portion of the main bore below the junction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing cuttings in a deviated borehole using drilling fluids. The apparatus includes a pipe string and a bottom hole assembly having a down hole motor and bit for drilling the borehole. The pipe string has one end attached to the bottom hole assembly and does not rotate during drilling. The apparatus and methods raise at least a portion of the pipe string in the deviated borehole to remove cuttings from underneath the pipe string portion.

Abstract: A wellbore system having a borehole extending into an earth formation, a tubular element extending into the borehole whereby a cylindrical wall surrounds the tubular element in a manner that an annular space is formed between the tubular element and the cylindrical wall, at least one seal member arranged in the annular space, each seal member being movable between a retracted mode in which the seal member has a first volume and an expanded mode in which the seal member has a second volume larger than the first volume, wherein the seal member in the expanded mode thereof seals the annular space, and wherein the seal member includes a material which swells upon contact with a selected fluid so as to move the seal member from the retracted mode to the expanded mode thereof.

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 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: A method for recirculating fluid in a well system includes drilling a first well bore from a surface to a subterranean zone, and drilling an articulated well bore that is horizontally offset from the first well bore at the surface and that intersects the first well bore at a junction proximate the subterranean zone. The method also includes drilling a drainage bore from the junction into the subterranean zone, and receiving gas, water, and particles produced from the subterranean zone at the junction via the drainage bore. The gas, water, and particles are received from the junction at the surface, and the water is separated from the gas and the particles. The method also includes determining an amount of water to circulate, and recirculating a portion of the separated water according to this determination.

Abstract: A first passageway (17) provides a first fluid flow path, in a well between a first zone (9) and a, common region (26). A second passageway (23), outside the first passageway (17), provides a second fluid flow path; between the second zone (10) and the common region (26). The first passageway (17) is provided with a first flow controller (25), for controlling the flow of fluid between the first zone (9) and the common region (26). The second passageway (23) is provided with a second flow controller (28), for controlling the flow of fluid between the second zone (10) and the common region (26).

Abstract: A method and system are provided for installing an oriented conduit section in a well-bore having a substantially non-vertical axis. In one example, the system comprises: means for inserting a conduit a the well-bore, wherein the conduit comprises a section to be oriented, means for applying, in the well-bore, a rotating force to the section to be oriented, whereby an oriented section results, and means for fixing the conduit in the well-bore. An instrumented conduit section is also provided, for orientation in a well-bore having a substantially non-vertical axis. Further, a method is provided for using a tool in a well-bore, the method comprising: inserting a casing in the well-bore, orienting the casing in the well-bore, wherein an oriented casing is defined, inserting the tool in the oriented casing, and orienting the tool in the oriented casing.

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 technique for facilitating the use of a variety of completion elements in a wellbore environment. The technique utilizes an insertion guide disposed within an open-hole section of a wellbore. The insertion guide may be radially expanded towards the surrounding formation to remove excess annular space. The expansion of the insertion guide further allows the use of a completion element having a greater diameter than would otherwise be afforded.

Abstract: An apparatus and method includes releasably engaging a cementing tool in a casing assembly at a junction of plural wellbores. Cementing slurry is pumped through the cementing tool to fill an annular region around the casing assembly. The cementing tool is retrievable without first milling components at the junction. The cementing tool has an anchoring mechanism adapted to engage a landing profile of the casing assembly. Further, the cementing tool has an external seal adapted to seal inside the casing assembly.

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: This invention provides a method for improving oil recovery, preferably a high-viscosity oil relying on gravity drainage, by applying vibrational energy. A fracture is created at a wellbore and a fluid displacement device is inserted at or near the fracture opening. The optimum oil mobilization frequency and amplitude is determined. The fluid inside the fracture is oscillated to a prescribed range of frequency and amplitude to improve oil production. Applications for using the fracture as a delivery device for vibrational energy to enhance performance of the steam-assisted gravity drainage process, vapor-extraction gravity drainage, or cyclic steam process are provided. An application to improve recovery of heavy oil by aquifer drive or peripheral waterflood is also provided.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing unconsolidated subterranean zones penetrated by well bores are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a slotted pipe having openings formed therein which vary in size or in the number of openings along the length of the slotted pipe or both in the subterranean zone, isolating the annulus between the slotted pipe and the well bore and injecting particulate material into the annulus whereby the particulate material is uniformly packed therein.

Abstract: A method for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes drilling a substantially vertical well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone and forming a slot cavity in the substantially vertical well bore proximate to the subterranean zone. The slot cavity comprises a substantially non-cylindrical shape. The method also includes drilling an articulated well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone. The articulated well bore is horizontally offset from the substantially vertical well bore at the surface and intersects the substantially vertical well bore at a junction proximate to the subterranean zone. The method may include drilling the articulated well bore to intersect the slot cavity of the substantially vertical well bore and drilling a substantially horizontal drainage pattern from the slot cavity into the subterranean zone. The subterranean zone may comprise a coal seam.

Abstract: A process for in situ gasification of mineral oil in a subterranean formation comprises running a tool having a controllable thermal device therein from a surface production facility down to the subterranean formation, bringing said tool into operational proximity with the mineral oil in said subterranean formation, and activating the tool to operate the thermal device within a predetermined temperature range to generate gases or oily vapours from said mineral oil, which permits either an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method with reduced water contamination, or a gas production process (GPP) which is useful in reducing environmental risks normally associated with transport of crude oil.

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: 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: Apparatus and methods are provided which enhance drilling and completion of wellbore intersections. In a described embodiment, a cutting tool diverter is used to drill a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a main wellbore. The diverter is provided with an outer easily millable portion which reduces the amount of time needed to retrieve the diverter. In another embodiment, a substance is injected into a formation surrounding the intersection of the main and branch wellbores, to thereby facilitate sealing of the intersection.

Abstract: A technique for controlling fluid production in a deviated wellbore is disclosed. The technique utilizes a flow pipe the interior of which is in hydraulic communication with the earth's surface. A plurality of flow control valves are disposed at spaced apart positions along the length of the flow pipe. The flow control valves are used to regulate flow along intervals of the flow pipe.

Abstract: A downhole system includes a deflector with a reaction surface that is engageable to a mill. The deflector is coupled to a motion mechanism that is activable to move the deflector generally along a longitudinal direction. During operation, the mill is engaged to a surrounding downhole structure, and the mill is rotated. As the mill cuts an opening in the downhole structure, the motion mechanism moves the deflector, which allows the mill to move with the deflector. A smooth motion is provided by the motion mechanism to enable a more accurate cutting of the downhole structure (e.g., casing or liner).

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 hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.

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 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 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: 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 device for an underground well, typically a petroleum well (1), wherein, in the uncased inflow portion (2, 4, 6) of the well, there is placed an inflow pipe, possibly in the form of a strainer pipe (8) comprising a strainer/perforated outer mantle (16), a main pipe (12) located within and a number of preferably axial spacer strips (18) spaced apart about the external periphery of the main pipe and arranged to support the strainer mantle (16), whereby there are, in the space defined by the strainer mantle (16) and the main pipe (12), channels 20 between the spacers (18), and in one or more of the channels 20, there extends at least one cable/pipe/hose (34, 38).

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: A method of drilling a borehole into an earth formation using a drill string having an upper part (16a) and a lower part (16b) which is more flexible than the upper part, the method comprising drilling a first section of the borehole, drilling a second section of the borehole from said first borehole section, said second section extending at a selected inclination angle relative 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: 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 concerns a method and a reactor for the decontamination of ground water with the use of the vertical shaft technology from the well drilling technique, of the manufacture of horizontal filter wells and of reaction agents.

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 with 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.