Method and apparatus for single-run formation of multiple lateral passages from a wellbore

A method for running a lateral passage forming tool having a rotary indexing mechanism connected therewith into a well and sequentially forming multiple lateral passages extending into a subsurface formation from the well the multiple lateral passages each being oriented along predetermined azimuths, comprising:

• positioning a rotary indexing mechanism and lateral passage forming tool within a well, the indexing mechanism having rotary indexing connection with the lateral passage forming tool and being set to a predetermined azimuth;
• actuating the lateral passage forming tool and forming a first lateral passage in the subsurface formation;
• after completion of the first lateral passage actuating the indexing mechanism to move the lateral passage forming tool to a second lateral passage forming position;
• actuating the lateral passage forming tool and forming a second lateral passage in the subsurface formation from the well, the second lateral passage being oriented along a second azimuth;
• sequentially repeating said steps of forming a lateral passage and actuating the indexing mechanism until a desired number of lateral passages have been formed in the subsurface formation from the well each lateral passage extending from the well along an independent azimuth;
• and
• after sequentially forming the lateral passages retrieving the indexing mechanism and lateral passage forming tool from the well.

An indexing mechanism for sequentially controlled positioning of a device within a well, comprising:

• first and second indexing members being positionable within a well, said second indexing member establishing a substantially immoveable and selectively oriented position at desired depth within the well;
• said first indexing member being linearly and rotationally moveable relative to said substantially immoveable second indexing member and having positioning connection with the device and being sequentially rotationally indexed to a plurality of pre-determined positions by selective rotational positioning of said first indexing member relative to said second indexing member:
• said second indexing member defining a guide receptacle;
• a guide member being in substantially fixed relation with said second indexing member and being located within said guide receptacle;
• an indexing control stinger fixed to and projecting downwardly from said first indexing member and being receivable in linearly and rotationally guided relation within said guide receptacle;
• and
• a multiposition rotary indexing slot being defined by said indexing control stinger and receiving said guide member in position controlling relation therein and having rotationally indexing slot geometry positioned for engagement by said guide member, said indexing control stinger being moveable linearly by said first indexing member and during said linear movement engaging said rotary indexing slot geometry and imparting incremental rotational movement to said first indexing member and to the device connected therewith.

An indexing mechanism for controlled rotational positioning of a downhole tool within a well, comprising:

• first and second indexing members being positionable within a well, said second indexing member establishing a substantially immoveable and selectively rotationally oriented position at desired depth within the well;
• rotary indexing profiles being defined on said first and second indexing members and engaging to prevent relative rotation of said first and second indexing members and separating to permit rotation of said first indexing member relative to said second indexing member;
• said first indexing member having positioning connection with the downhole tool and being sequentially rotationally indexed to a plurality of pre-determined positions by selective rotational positioning of said first indexing member relative to said second indexing member:
• said second indexing member defining a guide receptacle;
• a guide member being in substantially fixed relation with said second indexing member and being located within said guide receptacle;
• an indexing control stinger being fixed to and projecting downwardly from said first indexing member and being receivable in linearly and rotationally guided relation within said guide receptacle of said second rotary indexing member;
• and
• a multiposition indexing slot being defined by said indexing control stinger and having a rotary indexing geometry, said multiposition indexing slot receiving said guide member in position controlling relation therein, said indexing control stinger being moveable linearly by said first indexing member and during said linear movement said guide member reacting with said rotary indexing geometry and imparting incremental rotational movement to said first indexing member and to the downhole tool connected therewith.