Apparatus and Method For Creating A Fluid Communication Line In A Downhole Environment

A method for creating a fluid communication line in a downhole environment, comprising the steps:

• (a) running a communication tool into apparatus located in a wellbore:
• the apparatus including an annular chamber and a throughbore, the throughbore having a central longitudinal axis, there being a tubular wall between the annular chamber and the throughbore, and wherein the tubular wall is provided with a circumferentially arranged plurality of recesses, extending into the tubular wall;
• and the communication tool comprising a punch mechanism configured to radially extend a punch head so as to perforate the tubular wall between the annular chamber and the throughbore to provide the fluid communication, the communication tool being characterised in that:
• there are two punch heads, the punch heads being arranged to extend radially from the central longitudinal axis, in use, opposite each other with a first punch head aligned with a recess and a second punch head aligned with the tubular wall between two neighbouring recesses;
• (b) aligning the punch heads of the communication tool with the recesses of the apparatus so they are at the same depth;
• (c) operating the punch mechanism so as to radially extend the punch heads;
• and
• (d) perforating the tubular wall at a recess to provide fluid communication through the tubular wall.