摘要:
The present inventions relate to improved apparatus and methods for radially expanding tubulars, such as tubing, casing and sand-control screen assemblies in a subterranean oil or gas well, and more specifically, to a variable diameter expansion tool for expanding downhole tubulars to varying diameters. In general, the inventions provide apparatus and methods for radially expanding a tubular, such as pipe, tubing, screen or screen assembly, deployed in a subterranean well by moving an expansion tool axially through the well. An automatically infinitely variable-diameter expansion cone tool is provided. A variable-diameter cone is provided, movable between an expanded position and a retracted position. The cone is enlarged to its expanded position and advanced through expandable components until a restriction is reached. At the restriction, the variable-diameter cone automatically retracts enough to allow the tool to continue advancing through the wellbore. When the restriction is past, the variable-diameter cone enlarges again to its expanded position.
摘要:
A method of regulating flow through a first tubular structure in a well provides flow control by use of an expandable second tubular structure inserted into the first tubular structure and deformed therein. In a described embodiment, a liner has sealing material externally disposed thereon. Expansion of the liner within a screen assembly may be used to sealingly engage the liner with one or more well screens of the screen assembly, and may be used to regulate a rate of fluid flow through one or more of the well screens.
摘要:
Apparatus and associated methods of using provide convenient and economical forming of an opening through a tubular structure in a subterranean well. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus has a whipstock wherein a receiver and a cutting device are operatively disposed. The receiver is capable of receiving a predetermined signal from a transmitter disposed within the tubular structure. The cutting device is activated to form the opening through the tubular structure a predetermined time interval after the signal is received.
摘要:
A method of completing a subterranean well and associated apparatus therefor provide efficient operation and convenience in completions where production of fluids from a lateral wellbore and a parent wellbore is desired. In one disclosed embodiment, the invention provides a method of completing a subterranean well wherein a tubular member having an aperture formed through a sidewall portion thereof is inserted through a junction of multiple wellbore portions. The aperture is positioned so that it faces one of the wellbore portions. Apparatus provided by the present invention include various forms of flow diverters which may be utilized in the method.
摘要:
A method of completing a subterranean well and associated apparatus therefor provide efficient operation and convenience in completions where production of fluids from a lateral wellbore and a parent wellbore is desired. In one disclosed embodiment, the invention provides a method of completing a subterranean well wherein a device having multiple portals is positioned at a junction of multiple wellbore portions and engaged with other structures positioned in the well. Several alternate constructions of a device for use with the method are provided as well.
摘要:
Apparatus and methods are provided for completing a wellbore junction. In one embodiment described herein, a lateral wellbore junction is sealed utilizing an apparatus assembled within the well. The apparatus may include multiple housings which are engaged with each other to form a sealed assembly with flow passages extending into the lateral wellbore, and upper and lower portions of a parent wellbore. Associated sealing devices and flexible couplings are also provided.
摘要:
A bidirectional disappearing plug member and plug assembly is capable of blocking pressurized fluid flow from opposing axial directions in a flowbore. In a preferred embodiment, the plug member, which blocks flow through the flowbore, may be readily and at least partially dissolved through the application of at least one pressurization and depressurization within a tubing string above the plug assembly. Construction of the plug assembly permits the plug member to be conveniently emplaced in a fluid-filled wellbore by permitting fluid flow around the plug member during the emplacement process. The plug member may then be secured within the plug assembly to block fluid flow from either axial direction. Operation of a plug rupture sleeve or mandrel, for at least partially dissolving the plug member, may be controlled by a ratchet assembly or linear indexing apparatus requiring multiple pressurizations and depressurizations before the plug member is exposed to wellbore fluids and thereby at least partially dissolved.
摘要:
A sealed wellbore junction is conveniently and efficiently created in a subterranean well. In one described embodiment, a first assembly including a deflection device is positioned in the well adjacent a junction of parent and lateral wellbores. A second assembly is then sealingly engaged with the first assembly, thereby sealing the junction, and providing fluid communication between the lateral wellbore and upper and lower portions of the parent wellbore. Sealing engagement between the first and second assemblies may be provided by a variety of sealing members, or by metal-to-metal contact between the assemblies.
摘要:
A method and apparatus for establishing and substantially destroying a fluid-type plug which is substantially dissolvable in fluid. A means for selectively opening a fluid port to the plug member is described which causes dissolution of the plug to occur. The plug member is maintained within a plug housing which also contains the fluid port. The plug housing is received within an annular sleeve which serves to seal the plug housing port against fluid intrusion into the plug housing port. The sleeve also contains an aperture which will become generally aligned with the plug housing port as the plug housing is axially separated from the annular sleeve. Axial separation of the plug housing and sleeve is accomplished by selectively pressurizing and depressurizing the flowbore containing the plug assembly to remove support for the plug housing.
摘要:
Improved methods and systems for creating a multilateral well and improved multilateral well structures. In one aspect of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of: (1) setting a diverter at a prescribed position and a prescribed orientation in a main well flow conductor located within a main wellbore, (2) boring through a sidewall of the main well flow conductor and into a material surrounding the main well flow conductor, the boring creating a window having a particular shape in the sidewall, the orientation of the diverter determining a lateral position of the window in the main well flow conductor, a lateral wellbore thereby being formed in the material and extending from the main wellbore, (3) lining the lateral wellbore with a liner, the liner having an interface end, the interface end adapted to contact a periphery of the window in the sidewall and (4) cementing the liner in place within the lateral wellbore, the step of cementing creating a pressure-bearing seal between the periphery of the window and the interface end of the liner. The method allows multiple lateral wellbores to be joined to the main wellbore and provides for connectivity among main and lateral wellbores, pressure-bearing sealing of joints to allow selective isolation of one or more wellbores or portions thereof and subsequent wellbore access for rework or other purposes.