Triple branch completion with separate drilling and completion templates
US4415205A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 10, 1981 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 10, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B41/0035
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method, and apparatus to practice the method, to complete multiple (triple) branch wells using separate drill and casing templates. Principally this invention finds its greatest utility in the in situ leach mining of deep lying ore bodies. Initially, a generally vertical main hole is drilled in the earth and cased. The particular casing used has an internal indexing dog and specific areas which act as windows from which some of the branch wells are to be drilled. To form the individual branch wells, each window is sequentially drilled out by a drilling assembly which is oriented by a movable drilling template. The template is fixed with respect to the casing for each branch drilling by engaging the indexing dog. After each window and branch well is drilled, the drilling assembly and drilling template are retrieved to the surface and repositioned with respect to each other to provide for the next branch drilling. A whipstock assembly is used in connection with the drilling template and indexing dog to positively locate each branch well. After all branch wells are drilled, the whipstock assembly is retrieved. Next a triple tubing guide or template, which can engage the same indexin…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.