Method and apparatus for locating and re-entering one or more horizontal wells using mandrel means
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorsDaniel S. Bangert, Alfred R. Curington, L. Cameron White
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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 re-entering selected lateral wells to perform completions work, additional drilling, or remedial and stimulation work. Methods and devices are described for assisting in the location and re-entry of lateral wells using a guide or mandrel structure. Preferably, the re-entry methods of this invention permit the bore size of the lateral wells to be the same or substantially the same bore size as the vertical wells.
Claims41
A method for directing an object either through a primary borehole or through a branch borehole, comprising the steps of:
- installing guide means in said primary borehole, said guide means being defined by at least one housing positioned at a location proximate to the intersection between a primary borehole and a selected branch borehole previously formed or to be formed, said housing having at least one upper passageway and at least first and second lower passageways, said first lower passageway being associated with diverter means attached to said guide means;
- establishing communications between said first lower passageway and said selected branch borehole;
- and
- directing an object from said upper passageway to either said first lower passageway or to said second lower passageway.
An apparatus for directing an object wither through a primary borehole or through a branch borehole comprising:
- guide means in said primary borehole, said guide means being defined by at least one housing positioned at a location proximate to the intersection between a primary borehole and a selected branch borehole previously formed or to be formed, said housing having at lest one upper passageway and at least a first and second lower passageway, said first lower passageway being associated with diverter means attached to said guide means;
- said selected branch borehole communicating with said first lower passageway wherein an object can be directed from said upper passageway to either said first lower passageway or to said second lower passageway.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.