Method and apparatus for sealing the juncture between a vertical well and one or more horizontal wells using deformable sealing means
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorsDouglas J. Murray, Frederick T. Tilton
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Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of methods and devices are provided for solving important and serious problems posed by lateral (and especially multilateral) completion in a wellbore including methods and devices for sealing the junction between a vertical and lateral well. Methods are disclosed wherein deformable devices are utilized to selectively seal the juncture between the vertical and lateral wells. Such deformable devices may comprise (1) an inflatable mold which utilizes a hardenable liquid (e.g., epoxy or cementious slurry) to form the seal; (2) expandable memory metal devices; and (3) swaging devices for plastically deforming a sealing material.
Claims20
A method for sealing the intersection between a primary borehole and a branch borehole comprising the steps of:
- positioning deformable sealing means at an intersection between a primary borehole and branch borehole either prior to or subsequent to drilling of the branch borehole;
- and
- deforming said sealing means to seal the intersection between said primary borehole and said branch borehole.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.