Method and apparatus for sealing the juncture between a verticle well and one or more horizontal wells using mandrel means
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorsAlfred R. Curington, L. Cameron White, Daniel S. Bangert
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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. Several methods are disclosed which utilize a novel guide or mandrel which includes side pockets for directing liners into a lateral wellbore. Other methods include the use of extendable tubing and deflector devices which aid in the sealing process.
Claims46
A method for sealing the intersection between a primary borehole and 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 two lower passageways, a first of said lower passageways being associated with diverter means attached to said guide means;
- establishing communications between said first lower passageway and said selected branch borehole, wherein said selected branch borehole communicates with said first lower passageway to thereby effect a seal between said primary and branch boreholes.
A method for sealing the intersection between a primary borehole and a branch borehole comprising the steps of:
- positioning dual head completion means at a location adjacent a selected branch borehole previously formed or to be formed, said dual head completion means including an upper sloped diverting surface, said diverting surface including a longitudinal opening therethrough and including a scooped cut-out section;
- installing a first string through said primary borehole and into longitudinal opening;
- installing a second string through said primary borehole, said second string being received by said scooped cut-out section and being diverted into engagement in said branch borehole to thereby effect a seal between said primary and branch boreholes.
An apparatus for sealing the intersection between a primary borehole and 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 least one upper passageway and at least two lower passageways, a first of said lower passageways being associated with diverter means attached to said guide means, said selected branch borehole communicating with said first lower passageway to thereby effect a seal between said primary and branch boreholes.
Apparatus for sealing the intersection between a primary borehole and a branch borehole comprising:
- dual head completion means positioned at a location adjacent a selected branch borehole previously formed or to be formed, said dual head completion means including an upper sloped diverting surface, said diverting surface including a longitudinal opening therethrough and including a scooped cut-out section;
- a first string installed through said primary borehole and into longitudinal opening;
- a second string installed through said primary borehole, said second string being received by said scooped cut-out section and being diverted into engagement with a liner in said branch borehole to thereby effect a seal between said primary and branch boreholes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.