US 5,526,880 AGranted

Method for multi-lateral completion and cementing the juncture with lateral wellbores

AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated

InventorsHenry J. Jordan, Jr., Robert J. McNair, Rodney J. Bennett

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Abstract

The present invention relates to two improved methods for multilateral completion and cementing (e.g. sealing) the juncture between primary and lateral wellbores. These two completion methods of the present invention address the issue of cementation of the lateral wellbores for the purpose of zonal isolation. It is desirable to have the ability to re-enter each lateral wellbore as well as maintain the option to perform any function that could be done in a single wellbore. For this reason, cemented lateral wellbores are desirable so that normal isolation, stimulation or any other operation can be achieved. The methods allow sealing and reworking of either wellbores with single laterals or multiple laterals and provide safe durable junctions therebetween.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A method for cementing a multilateral wellbore which includes a primary wellbore and at least one lateral wellbore comprising the steps of:

a) delivering a liner into said lateral wellbore;
b) delivering to the lateral wellbore a cementing assembly, said cementing assembly including cement delivering structure and a first plug having a flow opening therethrough wherein cement from said cement delivery structure flows through said flow opening and into said liner to an annulus defined by a space between said liner and said lateral wellbore;
c) delivering a second plug to said lateral wellbore wherein said second plug mates with the first plug to block said flow opening and define a plug assembly;
d) delivering fluid to said lateral borehole to pressurize said plug assembly and thereby disengage said plug assembly from said cementing assembly wherein said plug assembly plugs said liner;
and
e) removing the cementing assembly.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.