Wells – Processes – Parallel string or multiple completion well
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-29
2001-10-30
Dang, Hoang (Department: 3672)
Wells
Processes
Parallel string or multiple completion well
C166S050000, C166S117600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06308782
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to equipment for multi-lateral wells and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for a one-trip insertion and retrieval of a tool and an auxiliary device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Multi-lateral wells have a vertical bore with two or more lateral windows therealong, each window communicating with a respective lateral bore. In order to access a lateral bore, it is typically necessary to run a coiled tubing string into the well three times.
For example, in order to direct a tool into a selected lateral bore, the coiled tubing string is run into the well with a whipstock thereon, and the whipstock is then fixed at the lower end of the window for the selected lateral bore. Then, the tubing string is withdrawn, leaving the whipstock in place. Thereafter, the coiled tubing string is run into the well a second time, with the appropriate tool at the end of the tubing string. When the tool reaches the whipstock, the whipstock deflects the tool out into the selected lateral bore. When use of the tool is completed, the coiled tubing string is withdrawn again in order to remove the tool from the well. Subsequently, the coiled tubing string is run into the well a third time, with a retrieving device which can engage a fishing neck provided on the whipstock. Then, the coiled tubing string is withdrawn from the well, in order to retrieve the whipstock out of the well.
During this three-trip procedure, the coiled tubing string is uncoiled three times for respective insertions, and is coiled back up three times during respective withdrawals. Coiling and uncoiling the tubing string contributes to fatigue and ultimate failure of the tubing string, which is relatively expensive. Thus, it is highly desirable to reduce the number of insertions or trips of the coiled tubing string into the well in order to perform any desired operation, including insertion and retrieval of a tool from a lateral bore.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
From the foregoing, it may be appreciated that a need has arisen for a method and apparatus for facilitating access to a multi-lateral well with a minimum number of insertions of a coiled tubing string. According to the present invention, a method and apparatus are provided to address this need.
One form of the present invention involves: supporting an auxiliary member for vertical movement within a vertical well casing; supporting an elongate tubing string for vertical movement within the vertical casing independently of the auxiliary member; providing a tool at a lower end of the tubing string; effecting downward movement of the tubing string while preventing downward movement of the tubing string away from an insertion position relative to the auxiliary member; preventing downward movement of the auxiliary member past a selected position within the vertical casing; and thereafter effecting continued downward movement of the tubing string while permitting the tubing string to move downwardly away from the insertion position relative to the auxiliary member.
A different form of the present invention involves: releasably holding a vertically moveable auxiliary member against vertical movement relative to the vertical casing; supporting an elongate tubing string for vertical movement within the vertical casing independently of the auxiliary member, the tubing string extending downwardly past the auxiliary member; providing a tool at a lower end of the tubing string; effecting upward movement of the tubing string; preventing upward movement of the tubing string past a withdrawal position relative to the auxiliary member; and permitting upward movement of the auxiliary member with the tubing string after the tubing string reaches the withdrawal position.
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Brooks Robert T.
Saurer Dan P.
Dang Hoang
Halliburton Energy Services Inc
Imwalle William M.
Smith Marlin R.
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