US 2007/0181308 A1 · Method and apparatus for single-run formation of multiple lateral passages from a wellbore

Abstract

A method and apparatus for forming multiple lateral passages from a wellbore into a subsurface earth formation to facilitate enhancement of the production of oil, gas, heavy oil or minerals from the formation. A plurality of lateral passages are formed from a wellbore into a subsurface formation through the use of a single-run passage forming tool to minimize rig time and associated costs. A downhole indexing tool is positioned downhole and has indexing sections for positioning and indexing of a downhole well service tool and establishes precise radial orientation and location of the tool for its well servicing operation. Sequential unidirectional rotational indexing is accomplished by an indexing control stinger having a J-slot indexing system defining a circumferential slot section defining a desired number of indexing positions that are sequenced responsive to linear reciprocating movement of the indexing control stinger.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for forming multiple lateral passages extending into a subsurface formation from a well, comprising:

positioning an indexing mechanism within a well, the indexing mechanism having orientating connection with a lateral passage forming tool;
forming a lateral passage in the subsurface formation;
actuating the indexing mechanism to a second lateral passage forming position;
forming a second lateral passage in the subsurface formation;
repeating said steps of forming a lateral passage and actuating the indexing mechanism until a desired number of lateral passages have been formed in the subsurface formation from the well;
and
retrieving the indexing mechanism and lateral passage forming tool from the well.

4 more elements

An indexing mechanism for sequentially controlled positioning of a device within a well, comprising:

first and second indexing members being positionable within a well;
one of said first and second indexing members having positioning connection with the device and being sequentially rotationally indexed to a plurality of pre-determined positions by selective rotational positioning of said first and second indexing members:
said second indexing member defining a guide receptacle;
a guide member being in substantially fixed relation with said second indexing member and being located within said guide receptacle;
a indexing control stinger projecting from said first indexing member and being receivable in linearly guided relation within said guide receptacle;
and
a multiposition J-slot being defined by said indexing control stinger and receiving said guide member in position controlling relation therein, said indexing control stinger being moveable linearly by said first indexing member and during said linear movement imparting incremental rotational movement to said second indexing member and to the device connected therewith.

4 more elements

An indexing mechanism for controlled positioning a downhole tool within a well, comprising:

first and second indexing members being positionable within a well;
indexing profiles being defined on said first and second indexing members and engaging to prevent relative rotation of said first and second indexing members and separating to permit relative rotation of said first and second indexing members;
said second indexing member having positioning connection with the downhole tool and being sequentially rotationally indexed to a plurality of pre-determined positions by selective rotational positioning of said first and second indexing members:
said second indexing member defining a guide receptacle;
a guide member being in substantially fixed relation with said second indexing member and being located within said guide receptacle;
a indexing control stinger projecting downwardly from said first indexing member and being receivable in linearly guided relation within said guide receptacle;
and
a multiposition J-slot being defined by said indexing control stinger and receiving said guide member in position controlling relation therein, said indexing control stinger being moveable linearly by said first indexing member and during said linear movement imparting incremental rotational movement to said second indexing member and to the device connected therewith.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for single-run formation of multiple lateral passages from a wellbore

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for single-run formation of multiple lateral passages from a wellbore

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20