Method and apparatus for sealing the juncture between a vertical well and one or more horizontal wells using deformable sealing means
US5388648A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 8, 1993 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B41/0042
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of methods and devices are provided for solving important and serious problems posed by lateral (and especially multilateral) completion in a wellbore including methods and devices for sealing the junction between a vertical and lateral well. Methods are disclosed wherein deformable devices are utilized to selectively seal the juncture between the vertical and lateral wells. Such deformable devices may comprise (1) an inflatable mold which utilizes a hardenable liquid (e.g., epoxy or cementious slurry) to form the seal; (2) expandable memory metal devices; and (3) swaging devices for plastically deforming a sealing material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.