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US 6,189,616 B1Granted
Expandable wellbore junction
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsJohn C. Gano, Tommie A. Freeman, Jim R. Longbottom, John S. Bowling
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Multiple wellbores are interconnected utilizing a deflection device having a guide layer of lower hardness than the body of the deflection device, and a cutting tool having a guide portion and being operative to cut through the deflection device guide layer and a tubular structure lining a wellbore.
Claims13
A method of interconnecting first and second wellbores, the method comprising the steps of:
- positioning a deflection device within the first wellbore, the deflection device having a substantially longitudinally extending guide layer outwardly overlying a body of the deflection device, and the guide layer having a hardness substantially less than that of the body;
- and
- displacing a cutting tool substantially longitudinally relative to the deflection device, a guide portion of the cutting tool contacting the guide layer, thereby guiding the cutting tool to cut an opening through a tubular structure lining the first wellbore while cutting through the guide layer.
Apparatus for forming an opening through a tubular structure lining a wellbore, the apparatus comprising:
- an elongated body having a generally longitudinally extending outer side surface portion positionable to face the intended opening location on the tubular structure, and along which a cutting tool may be moved while forming the opening;
- and
- a guide layer attached to the outer side surface portion, the guide layer having a hardness substantially less than that of the body and being removable by a cutting tool as it moves along the outer side surface portion while forming the opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.