Shifting apparatus and method for use in tubular strings for selective orientation of tubular strings below the shifting apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to a shifting apparatus and method for use with a tubular string set in a well for unlocking, selective orientation and relocking of sections of the tubular string below the shifting apparatus of this invention, while the tubular string sections above the shifting apparatus of this invention remain substantially unchanged in their orientation in the well including a lower tubular wall member connected to the tubular string above the shifting apparatus, an upper tubular wall member connected to the lower tubular wall member for controlled movement and orientation between the lower tubular wall member and the upper tubular wall member and connected to the tubular string below the shifting apparatus, and an internal tool located inside the upper and lower tubular wall members for releasablely and selectively locking into the upper and lower tubular wall members for holding the upper and lower tubular walls engaged until orientation of the tubular string below the shifting apparatus is desired, and for releasablely and selectively unlocking the upper tubular wall member from the lower tubular wall member for allowing the upper tubular wall member and the tubular string below the shifting apparatus to be rotated by the internal tool member, with the lower tubular wall member and the tubular string above the shifting apparatus remaining substantially unchanged in orientation in the well, by lifting the internal tool up hole and rotating it to orient the upper tubular wall member connected to the tubular string below the shifting tool to the desired orientation.