Schlumberger Technology Corporation

Baker Hughes Corporation

Camco International, Inc.

Robert J. Mcnair, Jr.

Douglas J. Murray

Jeffrey D. Cockrell

L. Cameron White

Mark W. Brockman

Herve Ohmer

Mark Brockman

Mikhail Gotlib

Michael W. Frels

Philippe Gambier

Brian W. Cho

Emmanuel Rioufol

Mark W Brockman

Douglas James Murray

David L Malone

Brian W Cho

Robert J McNair

L Cameron White

Adrian Vuyk, Jr

Platon Koptilov

Jeffrey D Cockrell

Douglas J Murray

Robert J Mcnair

Gerald D Lynde

John Lindley Baugh

Jeffrey John Lembcke

Klaus B Huber

John Phillip Davis

Alfred R Curington

Arne Gunnar Larsen

Steven L Jennings

Mikhail V Gotlib

Darrin F Willauer

David G Forsyth

Daniel S Bangert

Bruce A Flanders

Michael W Frels

Brian C Wood

Christopher L Gann

James Kenneth Whanger

Edwin Schubrick

James K Jackson

William K Brown

A system and method is provided to measure a pressure or other characteristic at a source (e.g. a hydraulic power supply) and in or near a downhole tool. A comparison of the measurements is then made to verify that the system is operating according to desired parameters. In specific applications, the comparison can be made to ensure the supply of hydraulic fluid is reaching the downhole tool.

Downhole measurement system and method

One aspect of the present invention is a system and method to measure a pressure or other measurement at a source (e.g. a hydraulic power supply) and in or near a downhole tool and compare the measurements to verify that, for example, the supply is reaching the tool. Another aspect of the present invention is a system and method in which a gauge is positioned within a packer. Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a gauge that communicates with the setting chamber of a packer as well as related methods. Other aspects and features of the system and method are also described. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

A method and apparatus that allows communications of electrical power and signaling from downhole component to another downhole component employs an inductive coupler assembly. In one arrangement, one portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a production tubing section and the other portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a casing or other liner section. The production tubing inductive coupler portion is electrically connected to a cable over which electrical power and signals may be transmitted. Such power and signals are magnetically coupled to the inductive coupler portion in the casing or liner section and communicated to various electrical devices mounted outside the casing or liner section. In other arrangements, inductive coupler assemblies may be used to couple electrical power and signals from the main bore to components in lateral branches of a multilateral well.

Inductively coupled method and apparatus of communicating with wellbore equipment

A test technique and mechanism includes lowering a junction assembly to a junction between at least two bores of a well. The junction assembly includes one or more sealed connections that are tested by the generation of a test flow of fluid. The distal ends of the junction assembly are blocked so that a pressure increase in the junction assembly can be monitored. The level of this pressure increase is used to determine if there is any leakage in the junction assembly. To reduce the costs associated with a faulty junction assembly, the testing is performed during an installation procedure of the junction assembly. Thus, if a faulty junction is detected, it can be quickly removed and replaced with another junction assembly.

Testing a junction of plural bores in a well

A well completion apparatus and method comprises a junction assembly having a template and a lateral branch connector sealably engageable with the template to couple a main bore to a lateral branch bore. The template has a lateral window for positioning proximal a junction of the lateral branch bore and the main bore. The lateral branch connector is adapted to be engaged in the template so that a portion of the connector extends through the lateral window of the template. Plural flow paths comprise a first flow path in communication with the lateral branch, and a second flow path for communicating with a portion of the main bore below the junction.

Method and apparatus for providing plural flow paths at a lateral junction

A well completion apparatus and method comprises a junction assembly having a template and a lateral branch connector engageable with the template to couple a main bore to a lateral branch bore. To improve inter-engagement characteristics of the template and connector, one arrangement of the junction assembly utilizes a continuous rail and groove inter-engagement mechanism. In another arrangement, a portion of the rail and groove inter-engagement mechanism is segmented instead of continuous. A method and apparatus is also provided in some arrangements to enable placement of intelligent completion devices in a lateral branch. Additionally, some junction assemblies comprise flow control mechanisms to control commingling, or not, of fluids from different regions in the well bore.

Method and apparatus for connecting a main well bore and a lateral branch

A tubing is used in a well bore capable of furnishing a well fluid. The tubing has an annular member having a passageway. The tubing has at least one port that is connected to detect a composition of the well fluid and control flow of the well fluid into the passageway based on the composition.

Controlling production

A method and apparatus for predictable downhole milling of a casing window having predetermined location, orientation, dimension and contour geometry. An elongate substantially rigid milling shaft has at least one casing window milling element in fixed relation therewith and has a pilot mill in articulated and rotary driven connection with the milling shaft. The milling shaft is in articulated and rotary driven connection with a rotary drive mechanism. The articulated connection of the pilot mill and milling shaft may incorporate an articulation control system to permit the pilot mill to be maintained substantially coaxial with the milling shaft so that its trajectory at a predetermined stage of window milling can be controlled by the milling shaft when positive guiding by a deflecting tool can no longer be ensured. The deflecting tool is adapted to be set within the well casing and defines an inclined pilot mill guide surface for guiding the pilot mill along a predetermined inclined trajectory for milling into the well casing. The deflecting tool incorporates a generally cylindrical bearing for guiding and providing rotational stabilization to the pilot mill during initial window milling to ensure the accuracy of the pilot bore being milled through the well casing and into the surrounding formation. During window milling the pilot mill guides the milling shaft so that the string mills of the milling shaft remove a portion of the pilot mill guide bearing and form a guide face of predetermined contour on the deflecting tool for guiding other tools through the casing window and into the lateral bore. The deflecting tool may be of tubular geometry so as to guide not only the pilot mill but also the string mill and may also receive the rotary drive motor for guiding and stabilizing thereof.

Method and apparatus for retrieving a deflecting tool

A method and apparatus that comprises releasably securing a milling tool to a deflecting tool using a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism comprises a member that is adapted to be broken by milling action of the milling tool. In addition, in some arrangements, a protective mechanism protects abrasive inserts on a pilot mill of the milling tool.

Method and apparatus for accurate milling of windows in well casings

A well casing for receiving well fluid from a producing formation includes a first tubular section that has a tortuous outer surface for directing the flow of a bonding agent around the exterior of the first tubular section. The first tubular section has a central passageway. The well casing also has a second tubular section that is coaxial with and is connected to the first tubular section. The second tubular section has at least one opening for directing well fluid into a central passageway of the second tubular section.

Method and apparatus for securing a well casing to a wellbore

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 or hydraulic pressure conductors incorporated in the template and connector assembly may be used to provide for production operation and control of main and branch well bore production after installation. The equipment can be deployed in wells constructed with any inclination and orientation and can accommodate low or high dogleg severity at kick-off.

Method and apparatus for connecting a lateral branch liner to a main well bore

Junctions in multilateral well structures are sealed by employing a variety of degrees of premachined components and a variety of sealing embodiments, including casing segments having premachined windows, side pocket members which are adapted to reside within the string during run in and move laterally to the deployed position, woven members, cement filled ECPs, etc. Also disclosed is a downhole milling device which cuts a window in a casing segment or other material based upon a predetermined geometric pattern imposed upon the cutting tool by an integral template.

Method for sealing the junctions in multilateral wells

The present invention provides a tool for use in wellbores. The tool is operated by the wellbore hydrostatic pressure. The tool includes one or more devices that operate when a mechanical force is applied to such devices. The tool includes at least one atmospheric chamber. A setting member disposed in the tool is utilized to provide the mechanical force in response to the application of the hydrostatic pressure thereto. Prior to activating the tool, the setting member is locked or restrained in an inoperative position. To operate the device, the tool is placed at a suitable location in the wellbore. The atmospheric chamber is charged with the wellbore fluid, which releases the setting member from its restrained or locked position, subjecting the setting member to the wellbore hydrostatic pressure, thereby providing the mechanical force to operate at least one of the devices. A second atmospheric chamber may be provided that remains at the atmospheric pressure, but cooperates with the first chamber as it is charged with the wellbore fluid to operate a second setting member, which operates a second device. A sensor associated with the tool detects signals transmitted to the tool from a remote location. A control circuit in the tool receives the detected signals from the sensor and in response thereto operates an electrically-operated flow control device, thereby charging the chamber with the wellbore fluid.

Hydrostatic tool with electrically operated setting mechanism

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Mark W Brockman