Method and apparatus for re-entering an abandoned well
US7600571B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7021
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A reentry apparatus for installation on an abandoned well with a surface casing and a production casing inside and below the top end of the surface casing. A production plate seals the production casing. The apparatus includes a drill guide tube with a bottom end attachable to the production plate and configured to extend up above the top end of the surface casing. A surface plate seals the top of the surface casing and the tube extends up through the surface plate and is sealed thereto. A vent hole extends through the tube wall between the surface and production plates. A plug blocks the central passage of the tube above the vent hole. The tube is adapted for releasable attachment of a cap and a pressure control apparatus with drilling tool such that the drilling tool can bore through the plug while containing pressurized fluid in the surface casing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.