US 5,439,051 A · Lateral connector receptacle

Abstract

A novel lateral connector receptacle or LCR is provided which functions to (1) provide means for running a lower completion into a well; (2) provide means for orienting a retrievable whipstock assembly and/or scoophead diverter; and (3) provides means for attaching an upper completion to a lower completion. The LCR includes an upper section having a latch thread and smooth seal bore which respectively threadably attaches to, and mates with seals from, an orientation anchor. A middle section of the LCR includes an orientation lug for mating with the orientation anchor and providing a fixed reference point to the retrievable whip stock and/or scoophead/diverter assembly; and a lower section includes an inner mating (e.g., profiled) surface for attachment to an appropriate run-in tool. Preferably, the LCR includes three cylindrical, threadably mated subs (which respectively include the (1) latch thread and seal bore; (2) the orientation anchor lug and (3) the profiled connecting surfaces) and a fourth bottom sub. The LCR combines all of the aforementioned features providing a novel tool which allows for the ability to stack infinite laterals in a single well.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A lateral connector receptacle (LCR) for completing a wellbore comprising:

a cylindrical sub including an inner surface and an outer surface, said inner surface including spaced first, second and third sections and wherein;
said first section includes a smooth seal bore;
said second section includes orientation structure extending outwardly from said inner surface for orienting a device which is disposed within said cylindrical sub;
and
said third section includes mating structure for attachment to a run-in tool which delivers said cylindrical sub downhole into the wellbore;
and
wherein said sub has opposed first and second ends and wherein said first section is located near said first end, said third section is located near said second end and said second section is sandwiched between said first and third sections.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Lateral connector receptacle

Life of this patent

Lateral connector receptacle

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26