Wells – Processes – Perforating – weakening – bending or separating pipe at an...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-10
2001-02-20
Suchfield, George (Department: 3672)
Wells
Processes
Perforating, weakening, bending or separating pipe at an...
C166S055100, C166S117600, C166S313000, C166S376000, C175S081000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189616
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to operations performed in conjunction with subterranean wells and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides methods and apparatus for interconnecting multiple wellbores.
It is well known in the art to drill multiple intersecting wellbores, for example, by drilling a main or parent wellbore extending to the earth's surface and then drilling one or more branch or lateral wellbores extending outwardly from the parent wellbore. However, interconnecting these wellbores at intersections thereof still present challenges.
It is important to prevent migration of fluids between earthen formations intersected by the wellbores, and also to isolate fluid produced from, or injected into, each wellbore from communication with those formations (except for the formations into, or from, which the fluid is injected or produced). Hereinafter, completion operations for production of fluid are discussed, it being understood that fluid may also, or alternatively, be injected into one or more of the wellbores.
An expandable wellbore junction permits a unitized structure to be positioned at a wellbore intersection. The expandable junction is then expanded to provide access to each of the wellbores therethrough. In this manner, the unitized wellbore junction may be conveyed through the dimensional confines of the parent wellbore, appropriately positioned at the wellbore intersection, and then expanded to provide a tubular portion thereof directed toward each wellbore.
Unfortunately, methods and apparatus have vet to be developed which address problems associated with utilizing expandable wellbore connectors. For example, it would be desirable for minimal dimensional restrictions to be presented where a liner or casing string extending into each of the wellbores is connected to the wellbore connector, in order to provide enhanced fluid flow and access therethrough. As another example, in some cases it would be desirable to be able to expand the wellbore connector in the parent wellbore prior to drilling the lateral wellbore. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide methods and apparatus for conveniently and advantageously attaching tubular members to the wellbore connector. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide such methods and apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, methods and apparatus are provided which facilitate interconnection of multiple wellbores in a subterranean well.
In one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided in which a cavity is formed in a parent wellbore prior to drilling a lateral wellbore. The cavity is formed below casing lining the parent wellbore. An expandable wellbore connector is positioned in the cavity and expanded therein. The wellbore connector may be cemented in the cavity. The parent wellbore may then be extended, and the lateral wellbore may be drilled, by passing one or more cutting tools through the wellbore connector. Methods and apparatus for sealingly engaging the wellbore connector with tubular members extending into the wellbores are also provided. In an alternate method, the cavity may be formed radially outwardly through the casing.
In another aspect of the present invention, a tubular member is sealingly attached to a wellbore connector by outwardly deforming the tubular member within the wellbore connector. The tubular member has a radially reduced portion with a sealing material carried externally on the radially reduced portion. When the tubular member is radially outwardly deformed, the sealing material is radially compressed between the tubular member and the wellbore connector. A grip member or slip may also be carried on the radially reduced portion of the tubular member. The grip member may be circumferentially continuous and may be disposed at least partially within the sealing material.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, methods and apparatus for sealingly attaching two tubular members are provided. One of the tubular members has a radially reduced portion and a sealing material carried externally on the radially reduced portion. The tubular member with the radially reduced portion is inserted into the other tubular member and the radially reduced portion is radially outwardly extended. This may be accomplished by any method, including swaging, applying fluid pressure within the radially reduced portion, axially compressing a member within the radially reduced portion, etc. Outward expansion of the radially reduced portion may also cause outward expansion of the outer tubular member, and may cause plastic deformation of the outer tubular member.
In still another aspect of the present invention, a wellbore connector in a parent wellbore is interconnected with a tubular structure positioned in a parent or lateral wellbore. A tubular member is inserted into one or both of the wellbore connector and the tubular structure. A radially reduced portion of the tubular member is then radially outwardly extended to sealingly engage one or both of the wellbore connector and the tubular structure. A minimum internal dimension of the tubular member may thereby be increased.
In another aspect of the present invention, a packer is formed by providing one or more radially reduced portions on a tubular body. A sealing material is disposed externally on each of the radially reduced portions. A grip member may also be carried on the radially reduced portion and may be molded at least partially into the sealing material.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an opening through a sidewall of a tubular structure lining a wellbore is provided. A deflection device having a substantially axially extending guide layer outwardly overlying a body of the deflection device is positioned in the wellbore. A cutting tool is then displaced axially relative to the deflection device. A guide portion of the cutting device engages the guide layer, guiding the cutting tool to form the opening while cutting through the guide layer.
These and other features, advantages, benefits and objects of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon careful consideration of the detailed description of representative embodiments of the invention hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2331293 (1943-10-01), Ballard
patent: 2397070 (1946-03-01), Zublin
patent: 4444276 (1984-04-01), Peterson, Jr.
patent: 5318122 (1994-06-01), Murray et al.
patent: 5330007 (1994-07-01), Collins et al.
patent: 5348095 (1994-09-01), Worrall et al.
patent: 5388648 (1995-02-01), Jordan, Jr.
patent: 5425559 (1995-06-01), Nobileau
patent: 5655602 (1997-08-01), Collins et al.
patent: 5695008 (1997-12-01), Bertet et al.
patent: 5718288 (1998-02-01), Bertet et al.
patent: 5771972 (1998-06-01), Dewey et al.
patent: 5794702 (1998-08-01), Nobileau
patent: 5813465 (1998-09-01), Terrel et al.
patent: 5937955 (1999-08-01), Nims et al.
patent: 6059037 (2000-05-01), Longbottom et al.
patent: 0136935 (1985-04-01), None
patent: 0795679A2 (1997-02-01), None
patent: WO96/23953 (1996-08-01), None
patent: 9706345 (1997-02-01), None
patent: WO99/13195 (1999-03-01), None
Drilling Engineering Association “Rapid Juntion” Project Proposal Form, Undated 1998 DEA Rapid Junction Proposal, dated Jan. 15, 1998.
Bowling John S.
Freeman Tommie A.
Gano John C.
Longbottom Jim R.
Halliburton Energy Service,s Inc.
Imwalle William M.
Smith Marlin R.
Suchfield George
LandOfFree
Expandable wellbore junction does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Expandable wellbore junction, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Expandable wellbore junction will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2560314