Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a method for forming a well system. The method, in one aspect, includes forming a wellbore within a subterranean formation, and positioning an anchoring subassembly within the wellbore. The method, according to this aspect, further includes washing over at least a portion of the anchoring subassembly with a washover assembly, and then removing the washed over anchoring subassembly from the wellbore.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an omni-directional horizontally oriented deflecting tool for a coiled tubing, which includes an inner central pipe, an outer central pipe, a conical outer cylinder, a piston outer cylinder, an anchoring mechanism, a sealing mechanism, a reversing mechanism and a steering mechanism. The anchoring mechanism includes a cone, an O-shaped sealing ring I, a cone spring, a slip, a slip spring, a slip seat, a claw I and a pin shaft I, and the sealing mechanism includes a piston, an O-shaped sealing ring II, a claw II, a pin shaft II, an upper rubber cylinder seat, a rubber cylinder, a connecting cylinder, a lower rubber cylinder seat and a gasket.

Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a whipstock. The whipstock may include a tubular having a longitudinal passageway extending along a length thereof, the tubular having a tapered face extending along at least a portion of the length; a support structure movably coupled to the tubular and extendable across the tapered face, wherein the support structure is operable to move from a first closed position closing the longitudinal passageway and a second open position exposing the longitudinal passageway; and a locking mechanism in the tubular for releasably holding the support structure in the first position.

Abstract: A system for a downhole tubular includes a tubular having an outer surface and an inner surface. An anchor setting system is disposed in the tubular. The anchor setting system includes a motor system. An anchor assembly is disposed on the tubular. The anchor assembly includes slip and a setting system having a piston assembly. A window cutting system is arranged along the tubular. An actuator extends from the motor system, through the window cutting system, to the piston assembly. The motor system is selectively activated through a signal to deploy the slip.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to geotechnical rig systems and methods. In one embodiment, a cone penetration testing system includes, but is not limited to, a frame; at least one rotatable reel; at least one movable roller; and at least one sensor, wherein the at least one movable roller is configured to adjust a bend radius of at least one tube coiled about the at least one rotatable reel based at least partly on data received from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and downhole method for dynamically establishing in situ an arcuate path of up to 90° or more for a jetting hose or other flexible conduit for forming a lateral bore. The apparatus includes a whipstock comprised of one or more arcuate, telescoping segments which enable the operator to avoid the friction pressure and HHP restrictions of smaller diameter hoses, imposed due to the minimum bend radius restrictions encountered when forming the bend radius solely inside the casing of a wellbore. The apparatus can also be used with a Custom Ported Casing Collar. The hose bending path is established immediately behind the jetting nozzle as the lateral borehole is excavated. Upon retrieval of the flexible conduit and excavation device, the arced extension retracts back into the whipstock body, so as not to impede the whipstock's reorientation and/or depth relocation for forming the next mini-lateral.

Abstract: A hydraulic drilling system and method for drilling a borehole from a wellbore are disclosed. The system comprises a whipstock that is selectively rotatable about the central long axis of the work string, for repositioning the whipstock exit radially, without extracting the whipstock or the workstring from the wellbore. The system includes an extendable and contractible second work string for absorbing any axial forces on the work string. The system may also include a positional measurement device and the distal end of the drill tubing may be selectively steerable. The system may be used to drill a plurality of boreholes from the same wellbore. In one aspect of the method, an earth measurement device and/or an earth manipulation device is placed downhole.

Abstract: A method of orienting depth and direction (azimuth) of a guide device used to direct tools for the creation of a lateral borehole extending from a wellbore in an earthen formation, utilizing a visual imaging tool. The method including running a tool string into a wellbore, the tool string comprising a guide device and a visual imaging device, visually imaging the wellbore at a range of depths and orientations in the wellbore, and aligning the guide device within the wellbore in preparation of drilling tools to be used for the creation of a lateral borehole in an earthen formation.

Abstract: A sidetracking tool includes a setting tool having an expandable anchor, a whipstock connected to an upper end of the setting tool, the whipstock having a ramp face along an axial length thereof, and a drilling assembly including a drill bit disposed on an end thereof, wherein the drill bit is configured to interface with the ramp face of the whipstock.

Abstract: A whipstock assembly allowing a lowside casing exit, the whipstock assembly includes a whipstock including an upstream portion and a downstream portion, the upstream portion having a deflection wedge surface and an opposite casing-side surface; and a fulcrum protruding from the whipstock and positioned between the downstream portion and the upstream portion. Also includes is a method of allowing a first side exit in a window milling operation of a casing having a first side and an opposite second side.

Abstract: A method of controllably milling a window in at least a portion of a cased wellbore comprises: interconnecting a mill advancing device and a mill; applying a pressure differential between the mill advancing device and the mill, wherein the application of the pressure differential causes a downward movement of the mill advancing device and the mill; and causing the mill to engage the at least a portion of the cased wellbore.

Abstract: An anchor system including a housing having a radial opening therein. A piston disposed within the housing and translatable therein. A slip in operable communication with the piston such that translation of the piston axially of the housing causes movement of the slip radially of the housing. The slip having a contact face that is nonparallel to an axis of the housing and nonparallel to a surface against which the slip is configured to be set. A method for anchoring a tool is included.

Abstract: Equipment for drilling secant holes (2) includes by an excavating system (3, 14, 4, 16, and 17) and by a guide system (7, 8), both of which are set in the hole (2) being drilled and in a previously made hole (2?). The two systems are fixed with respect to one another in such a way as to define a pre-set distance between centers of the holes; the excavating system includes a motor (3) and a bit (4) connected thereto, and being completely introduced into the borehole.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the drilling of a deviated borehole. The system and method employ a flexible conveyance. A hydraulic actuation assembly is coupled to the flexible conveyance and a whipstock is releasably coupled to the hydraulic actuation assembly. The whipstock and hydraulic actuation assembly are conveyed downhole in the wellbore. The hydraulic actuation assembly provides a hydraulic fluid under pressure to anchor the whipstock.

Abstract: Diameter based tracking for a window milling system. A window cutting system includes a cutting assembly with multiple cutting faces for cutting the window; and a diverter for guiding displacement of the cutting assembly relative to the window, the diverter including multiple separate guide paths for the respective multiple cutting faces. A method of cutting a window includes the steps of: positioning a diverter in a tubular string, the diverter including multiple separate guide paths for respective multiple cutting faces of a cutting assembly; and then contacting the guide paths with the cutting faces to thereby form the window. Another method of cutting a window includes the step of: positioning a diverter in the tubular string, the diverter including multiple separate guide paths for respective multiple cutting faces of a cutting assembly, with each of the guide paths providing a separate wear surface for the respective cutting face.

Abstract: A self-contained system for drilling a drainhole laterally to a wellbore that includes a drill head with a tool for boring a drainhole and a self-propelled device for advancing the head into the drainhole during boring; a relay unit lowered into the wellbore, arranged to position the drill head against the sidewall of the wellbore in order to initiate the boring of the drainhole laterally to the wellbore; a cable for supplying electric power to the drill head, reeled out from the relay unit; and a mechanical system for removing cuttings from the drainhole during boring, the debris removed falling downhole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a window in the wall of a tubular wellbore. In one embodiment described herein, a down hole apparatus for forming a window in the wall of a wellbore utilizing a plurality of tubing string sections and a thick tailpipe positioned at the down hole end of a tubing section.

Abstract: A self-contained system for drilling a drainhole laterally to a wellbore that includes a drill head with a tool for boring a drainhole and a self-propelled device for advancing the head into the drainhole during boring; a relay unit lowered into the wellbore, arranged to position the drill head against the sidewall of the wellbore in order to initiate the boring of the drainhole laterally to the wellbore; a cable for supplying electric power to the drill head, reeled out from the relay unit; and a mechanical system for removing cuttings from the drainhole during boring, the debris removed falling downhole.

Abstract: An anchor tool for anchoring a downhole tool within a casing, a well, or any other downhole, hollow space. The tool has a longitudinal tool body with a center axis extending through the tool body in the center of the body, a first recess, a second recess, a third recess, and a fourth recess in the tool body; and a first anchor, a second anchor, a third anchor, and a fourth anchor. The first anchor is provided in the first recess, and so forth, and the anchors are outwards movable in the recesses for anchoring the tool. Each anchor provided in the recesses extends through the tool body transverse to and across the center axis and the anchors and the corresponding recesses are situated in the tool body for providing a symmetrical anchoring of the anchor tool.

Abstract: Whipstocks and deflectors comprising a degradable composition, and methods of using same are described. A degradable composition may consist essentially of one or more reactive metals in major proportion, and one or more alloying elements in minor proportion, with the provisos that the composition is high-strength, controllably reactive, and degradable under defined conditions. Methods of using degradable whipstocks in oilfield operations are also described. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method for forming and sealing a hole in a sidewall of a borehole may include conveying a bit and a sealer into the borehole using a carrier, forming a hole in the sidewall using the bit, and introducing a sealant from the sealer to the hole along a surface portion of the bit. An apparatus for forming and sealing a hole in a sidewall of a borehole includes a carrier conveyable into the borehole, a bit disposed on the carrier that forms the hole in a sidewall, and a sealer operable to introduce a sealant to the hole along a surface portion of the bit.

Abstract: A whipstock that is totally to substantially non-metallic is made preferably from a composite material. The body can include one or more stiffeners that are also preferably non-metallic. The mounting lug for the window mill can also be non-metallic. A metallic base can be used to connect to an anchor. Optionally the ramp can include a plate that is optionally internally supported. Alternatively the ramp can include hardened inserts or other wear resistant material. Composite materials that can be molded are preferred.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a retrievable downhole component within a drill collar includes a sleeve that is positionable about the downhole component and is mounted within the drill collar. The sleeve is adapted to limit the lateral movement of the downhole component. The sleeve includes a series of fins or is lined with an energy absorbing material which protects the component from shock and vibration while at the same time enables the component to be retrieved should the drill string become stuck in the borehole.

Abstract: A drilling system is presented for use in drilling lateral boreholes from a main borehole. The drilling system generally comprises a drilling machine, a drill string connected to the drilling machine so as to be driveable in an axial direction, and a guide connected to the drilling machine such that when the drill string is driven axially by the drilling machine, it interacts with the guide so as to be directed in a predetermined radial direction. A method of drilling a lateral borehole from a main borehole is also presented, comprising the steps of: positioning the drilling system in the main borehole; anchoring the guide in the borehole; operating the drilling machine to drive the drill string in an axial direction; and deflecting the drill string, by means of the guide, in a radial direction into the wall of the main borehole to drill the lateral borehole.

Abstract: A steerable drilling system including a bias unit and a separator. The separator is arranged to remove particulate matter from the supply of pressurized drilling mud to the actuator of the bias unit. The separator includes a hydrocyclone located upstream of the actuators. The hydrocyclone includes a housing defining a substantially conical recess having a large diameter end and a small diameter end. An inlet is in fluid communication with the large diameter end for providing the drilling mud thereto. A first outlet is in fluid communication with the small diameter end for outlet of relatively dirty mud. A second outlet is in fluid communication with the large diameter end for outlet of a supply of relatively clean mud for the plurality of actuators.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an apparatus for forming one or more holes in a wellbore casing, the apparatus comprising a deflector assembly and a drive assembly to drive said deflector assembly, wherein the deflector assembly may be optionally assembled at a surface of the wellbore prior to casing hole formation, and to methods employing the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of completing a lateral channel in a coal seam using a flexible hose with a waterjet that may be directed down a well casing and into a guide shoe. The guide shoe defines a window configured to open into the coal seam and allow the waterjet to engage the coal seam in a substantially horizontal direction. High pressure fluid is then pumped into the waterjet to make a lateral channel therein, and the flexible hose is rigid enough to allow an operator to manually-move the flexible hose.

Abstract: The method and apparatus can create excavation cavities suitable for drilling multilateral wellbores through the excavation using a kick-off. One embodiment of the method comprises isolating a wellbore at a determined location, excavating a downhole cavity in a wellbore above the determined location, and removing the apparatus for isolating the wellbore and the apparatus for excavating the downhole cavity from the wellbore to provide full access to the wellbore and the excavation cavity.

Abstract: A directional drilling apparatus for mounting a drill bit on a rotatable drill support comprises a member for transmitting rotation from the drill support to a drill bit, and a body mounted to the member. The body is configurable to offset a portion of the member relative to an axis of the body such that directional drilling may be achieved.

Abstract: A downhole assembly comprises a whipstock and an expandable anchoring tool connected to the whipstock, wherein the tool comprises a body including a plurality of angled channels formed into a wall thereof and a plurality of moveable slips, wherein the slips translate along the angled channels between a collapsed position and an expanded position. A method for performing a thru tubing operation in a well bore comprises running a downhole assembly comprising a whipstock and an expandable anchoring tool in a collapsed position through a first diameter section of the well bore, orienting the whipstock, and translating a plurality of pairs of slips of the expandable anchoring tool to an expanded position into gripping engagement with a casing lining a second diameter section of the well bore that is larger than the first diameter section, wherein the pairs of slips are axially spaced apart along the expandable anchoring tool.

Abstract: A downhole tool is disclosed that functions as an expandable anchoring tool, capable of passing through a restricted wellbore diameter while in a collapsed position and thereafter translating to an expanded position for grippingly engaging a larger wellbore diameter. An embodiment of the tool includes a body including a plurality of angled channels formed into a wall of the body and a plurality of moveable slips. The plurality of moveable slips translates along the plurality of angled channels between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The slips may include a plurality of extensions corresponding to and engaging the plurality of channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizontally drilling in wells utilizing a shoe assembly at the down hole end of upset tubing. The shoe assembly includes a fixed section and a rotatable section suspended below the fixed section. An electric motor and associated batteries and a gyroscope carried on the rotatable section enable an operator on the surface to selectively rotate and position the rotatable section to any desired angular location for drilling a hole in the well casing. After one or more holes have been cut in the casing, a drill assembly can be removed from the upset tubing and be replaced by a high pressure blaster nozzle to bore into the formation zones. The gyroscope enables the operator to accurately position the rotatable section to the same locations at which the holes have been cut. The drill assembly includes an electric motor with an associated battery, flexible drive shaft, and a hole saw.

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: An apparatus and method for connecting a lateral well bore to a vertical well bore using a tieback liner while providing full bore access in the vertical well bore casing. The tieback liner is rotationally aligned with respect to a window of the casing by locating a key slot formed above the window and longitudinally aligned by using a no-go device to locate the bottom edge of the window. The tieback liner includes a snap sleeve that extends into a window of the main well bore casing and connects the tieback liner to the casing. The section of the casing receiving the snap sleeve is of a larger inner diameter than the other sections of casing. The connection between the tieback liner and casing prevents the tieback liner from rotating, tilting, or moving laterally with respect to the casing. The connection imparts significant resistance to formation loading applied at the junction.

Abstract: A one-trip through tubing window milling system is disclosed. The whipstock is delivered with the mill and downhole motor in a downhole assembly which further includes MWD equipment for proper whipstock orientation. The entire assembly is run through tubing and the MWD equipment orients the whipstock. A motor lock prevents the downhole motor from turning as fluid pressure is applied to properly anchor the whipstock below the production tubing. The motor lock is defeated and the milling commenced using the downhole motor. At the conclusion of the window milling, the bottom hole assembly, including the mill, is removed and a retrieving tool releases the whipstock for retrieval through the production tubing.

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: Downhole apparatus for locating equipment in a required depth and orientation within a well bore, the apparatus comprising a body and a latching member mounted on said body so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the latching member is adapted to project into a latch profile provided in a casing of a well bore when in the extended position in such a way that it tends to slide along a well bore casing profile portion so as to locate the latching member centrally before preventing movement of the downhole apparatus in the direction of pressing, the latching member being yet further adapted to engage a second portion of said profile in such a way that when pressed against it, the latching member is moved towards the retracted position so as to permit movement of the downhole apparatus past said latch profile.

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: The apparatus is a whipstock assembly for use in a wellbore to form a lateral wellbore therefrom. In one aspect, a whipstock is attached to a cutting tool by a shearable connection whereby the whipstock and cutting tool assembly may be run into the wellbore simultaneously. The shearable connection is designed to fail in compression while being able to withstand forces in tension brought about by the whipstock, accessories and extensions required to properly place the whipstock above a preset packer in the wellbore. The shearable connection means consists of two sets of shearable members, one set provides equal shear resistance in tension and in compression, another set provides shear resistance in tension, but not in compression. The resulting connection is stronger in tension than in compression and failure of the connection due to the weight of the whipstock assembly is less likely.

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: A method and apparatus for milling a window in a downhole structure, such as a casing or a liner, includes a mandrel that supports milling elements arranged in a predetermined pattern. In one example, the milling elements are arranged in one or more continuous channels each having a generally helical pattern. The milling elements are able to cut the window in the downhole structure substantially continuously to the desired size.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for seating a whipstock. The apparatus comprises an expandable seat, or nipple, configured to receive a whipstock. The seat is run into a cased wellbore, and is set by expanding it into frictional contact with the inner surface of the casing. Thereafter, a whipstock is seated onto the seat. The seat includes a keyway configured to receive an orientation member extending from the whipstock. In this manner, the orientation of the seat can be determined. An orientation member of the whipstock can be adjusted to properly orient the face of the whipstock in the seat, and the whipstock lowered onto the seat so that it automatically seats in the proper direction. The whipstock then serves as a diverter tool for drilling a lateral wellbore such as a horizontal well.

Abstract: Apparatus for boring a hole from an inside of a casing outwardly at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the casing comprises a drill shoe having a longitudinal axis and being positionable in the casing, the shoe having first and second passageways which converge into a third passageway exiting the shoe, a torsional load transmitting element and a cutting element connecting to one end of the torsional load transmitting element, the torsional load transmitting element and cutting element being positioned in the first passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use, and a fluid conduit and a nozzle connected to one end of the fluid conduit, the fluid conduit and nozzle being positioned in the second passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use.

Abstract: A borehole tool including a tool body having and an anchoring mechanism, the anchoring mechanism having a drive mechanism including a motor, drive shaft, and clutch; an anchor arm moveable between first and second positions relative to the tool body; a push rod connecting the anchor arm to the drive mechanism; and a spring acting to bias the arm into a first position relative to the tool body. The push rod extends through the clutch mechanism and is engaged by the spring to bias the arm into the first position, and is also driven by the drive mechanism through the clutch to move the arm between the first and second position. The push rod may be connected to the anchor arm by a link. Measurement devices may be used to determine the position of the anchor arm or the tool body.

Abstract: A section mill is positioned below a whipstock or other 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 whipstock and into the earth formation. In an alternative embodiment, the combination of having the section mill below the whipstock is used in open hole operations having no casing. In yet another alternative embodiment, the section mill is positioned above the whipstock or other 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 whipstock or other 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: The well reference apparatus and method of the present invention includes an anchor member with a orientation member preferably permanently installed within the borehole at a preferred depth and orientation in one trip into the well. The orientation member provides a permanent reference for the orientation of well operations, particularly in a multi-lateral well. The assembly of the present invention includes disposing the anchor member and orientation member on the end of a pipe string. An orienting tool such as an MWD collar is disposed in the pipe string above the anchor member. This assembly is lowered into the borehole on the pipe string. Once the preferred depth is attained, the MWD is activated to determine the orientation of the orientation member. If the orientation member is not oriented in the preferred direction, the pipe string is rotated to align the orientation member in the preferred direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for boring a hole from an inside of a tube outwardly perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube comprises a drill shoe having a longitudinal axis and being positionable in the tube, the shoe having an inlet, an outlet perpendicular to the shoe longitudinal axis and a passageway connecting the inlet and outlet, a torsional load transmitting element having no torsional flexibility in relation to its bending flexibility, having a longitudinal axis and being disposed in the passageway, the torsional load transmitting element being movable relative to itself with no resistance about first and second perpendicular axes both of which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the torsional load transmitting element, a hole saw connected to one end of the torsional load transmitting element and a motor rotatably connected to the other end of the torsional load transmitting element.

Abstract: A through tubing retrievable whipstock and installation method is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of anchor links pivot at one end and have wickers on an opposed rounded end. The links are configured to deliver an optimum contact angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the whipstock in a variety of casing sizes and weights. A lock ring system holds the set position and the upper end is hinged and biased to stay out of the way of the mill or mills and yet be easy to engage by a retrieving tool.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a whipstock assembly for use in a wellbore to form a lateral wellbore therefrom. In one aspect, a whipstock is attached to a cutting tool by a shearable connection whereby the whipstock and cutting tool assembly may be run into the wellbore simultaneously. Upon compressive force from above, the shearable connection fails and the cutting action can begin. The shearable connection is designed to fail in compression but to withstand forces in tension brought about by the whipstock, accessories and extensions required to properly place the whipstock above a preset packer in the wellbore. In one aspect, the shearable connection provides a first set of shearable members with equal shear resistance in tension and in compression. Another set of shearable members provides shear resistance against tensile forces but do not provide shear resistance against compressive forces.

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