Method and apparatus for connecting a lateral branch liner to a main well bore
US6209648A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 3, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B41/0042
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus for establishing connectivity of lateral branch liners to main well casings to achieve predictable and stable mechanical connectivity at the lateral junction of branch well bores to the main well bore to counter the problems of formation instability at the junction. After construction of a well having one or more lateral branches, a retrievable lateral branch template is located in the casing of a main well bore in positioned and oriented registry with a casing window that opens to a lined lateral branch. A retrievable lateral branch connector is then installed in assembly with the template to cooperatively define a production flow path having maximized mechanical integrity and optimized production flow in both the lateral bore and the main bore. The lateral branch template and connector provide the capability to selectively re-enter a lateral branch and to also hydraulically isolate the formation surrounding the junction from fluid circulating in both the lateral branch and the main well bore. Both the lateral branch template and the lateral branch connector are prefabricated and installed into the well by means of running and setting tools. Electrical power…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.