Pushing hook positioning multilateral well window supporting tool and preset window positioning method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of petroleum and natural gas resource development, in particular to a sidewall contact hook positioning multilateral well window supporting tool and a preset window positioning method, and aims to solve the problem that a prefabricated window is difficult to align to a main borehole channel. The sidewall contact hook positioning multilateral well window supporting tool comprises a pre-windowing short sleeve and a positioning unit, wherein the positioning unit is inserted into the pre-windowing short sleeve and is detachably connected with the pre-windowing short sleeve; the positioning unit comprises a limiting assembly, a positioning shaft assembly and a pushing hook assembly; the positioning shaft assembly is inserted into the pre-windowing short sleeve and detachably connected with the pre-windowing short sleeve, the limiting assembly is inserted into the positioning shaft assembly and the pre-windowing short sleeve at the same time, and the pushing hook assembly is connected with the positioning shaft assembly and used for being connected to the edge of a sleeve windowing window in a clamped mode. The positions of the pre-windowing short sleeve and the positioning shaft assembly are locked through the limiting assembly, and the pushing hook assembly clamps the edge of a sleeve windowing window and guides the positioning shaft assembly and the pre-windowing short sleeve to rotate so as to complete positioning and locking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of oil and gas resource development technology, and in particular to a push-hook positioning branch well window support tool and a pre-set window positioning method. Background Technology

[0002] To establish complete mechanical support at the bifurcation interface in a branched well system, preventing collapse at the bifurcation point, and simultaneously constructing selective re-entry channels for each branch to connect the two branches, placing a short sleeve with a pre-set window at the interface is the optimal choice. However, ensuring that the pre-set window faces the main wellbore channel to create the re-entry channel presents a challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a push-hook positioning branch well window support tool and a pre-set window positioning method to solve the problem that pre-made windows are difficult to align with the main wellbore channel.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A push-hook positioning branch well window support tool includes a pre-opened window sleeve and a positioning unit, wherein the positioning unit is inserted into the pre-opened window sleeve and is detachably connected to the pre-opened window sleeve.

[0006] The positioning unit includes a limiting component, a positioning shaft component, and a push hook component; the positioning shaft component is inserted into the pre-opened window sleeve and is detachably connected to the pre-opened window sleeve; the limiting component is inserted into both the positioning shaft component and the pre-opened window sleeve; and the push hook component is connected to the positioning shaft component and is used to engage with the edge of the sleeve window.

[0007] Furthermore, the push-hook assembly includes a push sleeve, a force transmission rod, a push-hook, and a push-hook connecting rod;

[0008] The thrust sleeve is inserted into the positioning shaft assembly and slidably connected to the positioning shaft assembly. The force transmission rod is installed on the thrust sleeve. The push hook is hinged to the force transmission rod and is provided with a first sliding groove. One end of the push hook connecting rod is hinged to the positioning shaft assembly, and the other end is hinged to the first sliding groove and can slide along the first sliding groove.

[0009] During operation, the thrust sleeve moves along the axis of the positioning shaft assembly to push the force transmission rod, which in turn causes the push hook and the push hook connecting rod to swing so that the end of the push hook away from the force transmission rod forms a hook with the push hook connecting rod. The hook is used to engage with the edge of the sleeve opening window.

[0010] Furthermore, the push hook assembly also includes a leaf spring, which is disposed between the positioning shaft assembly and the push hook, and is used to apply a pushing force to the push hook to make the push hook swing away from the positioning shaft assembly.

[0011] Furthermore, the push hook assembly also includes a return spring, which is used to apply a thrust to the push sleeve to restore the push sleeve to its initial state, thereby causing the push hook and the push hook connecting rod to swing to the initial position.

[0012] Furthermore, the positioning shaft assembly includes a mounting sleeve, a positioning shaft, a push hook housing, a support ring, and a tapered head;

[0013] The seat sleeve, the positioning shaft, the push hook shell, and the conical head are connected in sequence. The support ring is fitted onto the push hook shell, and the push hook connecting rod is hinged to the support ring.

[0014] Furthermore, the limiting component includes a first anti-rotation key and a second anti-rotation key;

[0015] The first anti-rotation key is inserted into the side wall of the mounting sleeve, and the second anti-rotation key is inserted into the side wall of the pre-opened window short sleeve. The first anti-rotation key and the second anti-rotation key are detachably connected.

[0016] The first anti-rotation key has a T-shaped cross section, with the vertical side of the T-shape inserted into the side wall of the mounting sleeve and the horizontal side of the T-shape located on the inner wall of the mounting sleeve.

[0017] Furthermore, the push-hook positioning branch well window support tool also includes a limiting unit, which is inserted into the positioning shaft assembly. The limiting unit includes a connecting rod and a limiting sleeve; the limiting sleeve is fitted onto the connecting rod and inserted into the mounting sleeve.

[0018] The horizontal edge of the first anti-rotation key T-shape is located between the inner wall of the seat sleeve and the outer wall of the limiting sleeve;

[0019] The limiting unit is lifted to move the limiting sleeve away from the first anti-rotation key, and then lifted further to make the limiting sleeve abut against the seating sleeve to drive the positioning unit to lift; the second anti-rotation key is provided with an inclined surface, and as the positioning unit is lifted, the inclined surface of the second anti-rotation key abuts against the pre-opened window short sleeve and causes the limiting component to move radially to exit the pre-opened window short sleeve.

[0020] Furthermore, the push-hook positioning branch well window support tool also includes a centering key, which is installed on the pre-opened window short sleeve and arranged at 180° with the prefabricated window of the pre-opened window short sleeve.

[0021] Furthermore, the push-hook positioning branch well window support tool also includes a rotating unit, which includes a rotating head cap, a ball bearing, a support sleeve, and a lower connector;

[0022] The rotating head pressure cap and the lower connector are fitted onto the pre-opened window short sleeve and form an annular space with the pre-opened window short sleeve; the support sleeve is fitted onto the pre-opened window short sleeve and divides the annular space into two; the ball bearing is installed in the annular space to make the rotating head pressure cap and the lower connector rotatably connected to the pre-opened window short sleeve.

[0023] In another aspect, the present invention proposes a preset window positioning method, which uses the aforementioned push-hook positioning tool for branch well windows, comprising the following steps:

[0024] Tool insertion: Connect the push hook positioning branch well window support tool to the packer and insert it into the branch wellbore;

[0025] Tool activation: The ball is thrown and pressurized to push the thrust sleeve down, thereby causing the push hook assembly to form a hook. During the downward movement, the hook engages with the edge of the casing window and moves along the edge, eventually engaging with the bottom edge of the window, thereby aligning the pre-set window of the pre-opened short sleeve with the main wellbore.

[0026] Tool reset: Lift the packer to reset the push hook assembly, retract the latch, and then set the packer;

[0027] Tool Removal: Release the packer and lift the positioning unit out of the wellbore.

[0028] In summary, the technical effects achieved by this invention are as follows:

[0029] The push-hook positioning branch well window support tool provided by the present invention includes a pre-opened window short sleeve and a positioning unit. The positioning unit is inserted into the pre-opened window short sleeve and is detachably connected to the pre-opened window short sleeve. The positioning unit includes a limiting component, a positioning shaft component and a push-hook component. The positioning shaft component is inserted into the pre-opened window short sleeve and is detachably connected to the pre-opened window short sleeve. The limiting component is inserted into both the positioning shaft component and the pre-opened window short sleeve. The push-hook component is connected to the positioning shaft component and is used to engage with the edge of the casing window.

[0030] The push-hook positioning branch well window support tool provided by this invention locks the position of the pre-opened window sleeve and the positioning shaft assembly through a limiting component, preventing the prefabricated window of the pre-opened window sleeve from failing to align with the main wellbore. Simultaneously, the push-hook assembly simply engages with the edge of the casing window. During descent, it can move along the edge of the casing window and engage with the bottom edge of the casing window, thereby driving and guiding the positioning shaft assembly and the pre-opened window sleeve to rotate to complete positioning and locking, avoiding positioning failure and reducing the required fit between the push-hook assembly and the casing window shape. Furthermore, the positioning unit is detachably connected to the pre-opened window sleeve, allowing it to be removed after positioning to maintain full bore, preventing tool obstruction that could lead to borehole reduction or the need for drilling operations that could cause risks. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the push-hook positioning branch well window support tool provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the push-hook positioning branch well window support tool provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A structural diagram of the first section;

[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A structural diagram of the second section;

[0036] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A structural diagram of the third section;

[0037] Figure 6 for Figure 2 A structural diagram of the fourth section;

[0038] Figure 7 for Figure 2 A structural diagram of the fifth section;

[0039] Figure 8 This is the rear view of the last segment of the positioning unit;

[0040] Figure 9 This is the front view of the last segment of the positioning unit;

[0041] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the initial state of the push-to-hook assembly;

[0042] Figure 11 A schematic diagram showing the working state of the push-to-hook assembly;

[0043] Figure 12 for Figure 6 Sectional view at point AA;

[0044] Figure 13 for Figure 10 Sectional view at point BB;

[0045] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the tool's entry into the well.

[0046] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the tool's startup state.

[0047] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the tool's reset state;

[0048] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating the tool's retrieval status.

[0049] Icons: 10. Pre-opening window sleeve; 20. Positioning unit; 30. Centralizing key; 40. Limiting unit; 50. Rotation unit; 60. C-ring; 70. Packer; 80. Upper branch completion string; 90. Casing window opening; 401. Connecting rod; 402. Limiting sleeve; 501. Rotating head pressure cap; 502. Ball bearing; 503. Support sleeve; 504. Lower connector; 100. Limiting assembly; 110. First anti-rotation key; 120. Second anti-rotation key; 200, positioning shaft assembly; 210, seat sleeve; 220, positioning shaft; 230, push hook housing; 240, support ring; 250, conical head; 260, locking key; 270, limit seat; 300, push hook assembly; 310, thrust sleeve; 320, force transmission rod; 330, push hook; 340, push hook connecting rod; 350, leaf spring; 360, return spring; 370, connecting pin; 380, connecting pin pressure cap. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0051] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0052] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0053] To establish complete mechanical support at the bifurcation interface in a branched well system, preventing collapse at the bifurcation point, and simultaneously constructing selective re-entry channels for each branch to connect the two branches, placing a short sleeve with a pre-set window at the interface is the optimal choice. However, ensuring that the pre-set window faces the main wellbore channel to create the re-entry channel presents a challenge.

[0054] In view of this, the present invention provides a push-hook positioning branch well window support tool, including a pre-opened window short sleeve 10 and a positioning unit 20. The positioning unit 20 is inserted into the pre-opened window short sleeve 10 and detachably connected to the pre-opened window short sleeve 10. The positioning unit 20 includes a limiting component 100, a positioning shaft assembly 200 and a push-hook assembly 300. The positioning shaft assembly 200 is inserted into the pre-opened window short sleeve 10 and detachably connected to the pre-opened window short sleeve 10. The limiting component 100 is inserted into both the positioning shaft assembly 200 and the pre-opened window short sleeve 10. The push-hook assembly 300 is connected to the positioning shaft assembly 200 and is used to engage with the edge of the casing window 90.

[0055] The push-hook positioning branch well window support tool provided by this invention locks the positions of the pre-opened window sleeve 10 and the positioning shaft assembly 200 through the limiting component 100, preventing the prefabricated window of the pre-opened window sleeve 10 from failing to align with the main wellbore. Simultaneously, the push-hook assembly 300 simply engages the edge of the casing window 90. During descent, it can move along the edge of the casing window 90 and engage with the bottom edge of the casing window 90, thereby driving and guiding the positioning shaft assembly 200 and the pre-opened window sleeve 10 to rotate to complete positioning and locking, avoiding positioning failure and reducing the required fit between the push-hook assembly 300 and the casing window 90. Furthermore, the positioning unit 20 is detachably connected to the pre-opened window sleeve 10, allowing it to be removed after positioning to maintain full bore, preventing tool obstruction leading to borehole reduction or the need for drilling operations that could cause risks.

[0056] The following combination Figures 1-17 The structure and shape of the push-hook positioning branch well window support tool provided in this embodiment are described in detail:

[0057] In this embodiment, the push-hook positioning branch well window support tool includes a pre-opened window sleeve 10, a positioning unit 20, a centering key 30, a limiting unit 40, a rotating unit 50, and a C-shaped ring 60, as shown below. Figures 3-7 As shown, specifically, the positioning unit 20 is inserted into the pre-opened window sleeve 10, and the C-shaped ring 60 is fitted onto the positioning unit 20 and inserted into the pre-opened window sleeve 10. The C-shaped ring 60 simultaneously engages with the annular grooves on both the positioning unit 20 and the pre-opened window sleeve 10 to achieve a detachable connection between the two. The surfaces of the C-shaped ring 60 that contact the positioning unit 20 at both ends are beveled so that the C-shaped ring 60 expands and disengages from the positioning unit 20 when the positioning unit 20 is lifted. The straightening key 30 is installed on the pre-opened window sleeve 10 by screws and is arranged at 180° to the pre-fabricated window of the pre-opened window sleeve 10. The rotating unit 50 is fitted onto the lower end of the pre-opened window sleeve 10 and rotatably connected to the pre-opened window sleeve 10 to reduce the torque on the pre-opened window sleeve 10.

[0058] In this embodiment, the positioning unit 20 includes a limiting component 100, a positioning shaft assembly 200, and a push hook assembly 300. The positioning shaft assembly 200 includes a seat sleeve 210, a positioning shaft 220, a push hook housing 230, a support ring 240, a conical head 250, a locking key 260, and a limiting seat 270. Specifically, the seat sleeve 210, positioning shaft 220, push hook housing 230, and conical head 250 are sequentially threaded together. The support ring 240 is fitted onto the push hook housing 230, with both ends abutting against the push hook housing 230 and the conical head 250 respectively to achieve axial limiting. The locking key 260 is provided at two locations: between the seat sleeve 210 and the positioning shaft 220, and between the positioning shaft 220 and the push hook housing 230, to prevent relative rotation between the positioning shaft 220 and the seat sleeve 210 and the push hook housing 230. Specifically, the locking key 260 is simultaneously inserted into the side wall of both the mounting sleeve 210 and the positioning shaft 220, and is fixed to the positioning shaft 220 with screws, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown; the locking key 260 is simultaneously inserted into the side wall of both the push hook housing 230 and the positioning shaft 220, and is fixed to the push hook housing 230 by screws. Figure 6 As shown. Multiple locking keys 260 can be provided around the axial direction of the positioning shaft 220 to ensure connection strength. The limiting seat 270 is inserted into the positioning shaft 220 and the push hook housing 230 and is threadedly connected to the push hook housing 230.

[0059] In this embodiment, the limiting component 100 includes a first anti-rotation key 110 and a second anti-rotation key 120. The limiting unit 40 is inserted into the positioning shaft assembly 200 to limit the limiting component 100, and includes a connecting rod 401 and a limiting sleeve 402. Figure 4As shown. Specifically, the first anti-rotation key 110 is inserted into the side wall of the mounting sleeve 210, and the second anti-rotation key 120 is inserted into the side wall of the pre-opening window short sleeve 10. The first anti-rotation key 110 and the second anti-rotation key 120 are connected by screws. The limiting sleeve 402 is fitted onto the connecting rod 401 and threadedly connected to the connecting rod 401.

[0060] The first anti-rotation key 110 has a T-shaped cross-section, with its vertical side inserted into the side wall of the mounting sleeve 210. The limiting sleeve 402 is inserted into and mounted on the mounting sleeve 210, so that the horizontal side of the T-shaped first anti-rotation key 110 is positioned between the inner wall of the mounting sleeve 210 and the outer wall of the limiting sleeve 402. The length of the horizontal side of the T-shaped first anti-rotation key 110 is longer than the length of the slot on the mounting sleeve 210, preventing the limiting component 100 from coming off and causing the pre-opening window short sleeve 10 and the positioning unit 20 to disengage prematurely. The second anti-rotation key 120 has a trapezoidal cross-section, with the inclined surface formed by the waist of the trapezoid engaging with the pre-opening window short sleeve 10. When the limiting unit 40 is lifted, the limiting sleeve 402 moves away from the first anti-rotation key 110, allowing the limiting component 100 to move radially inward and fall into the positioning shaft assembly 200. When lifted, the inclined surface of the second anti-rotation key 120 abuts against the pre-opening window short sleeve 10 to generate radial displacement, thereby removing the pre-opening window short sleeve 10 so that the pre-opening window short sleeve 10 can be separated from the positioning unit 20.

[0061] In this embodiment, the push-hook assembly 300 includes a thrust sleeve 310, a force transmission rod 320, a push-hook 330, a push-hook connecting rod 340, a leaf spring 350, a return spring 360, a connecting pin 370, and a connecting pin cap 380. The thrust sleeve 310 is inserted into the positioning shaft 220 and the push-hook housing 230. The force transmission rod 320 is inserted into the thrust sleeve 310 radially. The push-hook 330 is hinged to the force transmission rod 320 and is provided with a first sliding groove. One end of the push-hook connecting rod 340 is hinged to the support ring 240, and the other end is hinged to the first sliding groove and can slide along the first sliding groove. In the initial state, the push hook 330 and the push hook connecting rod 340 are parallel to the axis of the positioning shaft assembly 200. During operation, the thrust sleeve 310 moves along the axis of the positioning shaft assembly 200 to push the force transmission rod 320, which in turn causes the push hook 330 and the push hook connecting rod 340 to swing so that the end of the push hook 330 away from the force transmission rod 320 forms a hook with the push hook connecting rod 340. The hook is used to engage with the edge of the sleeve opening window 90. At this time, the push hook 330, the push hook connecting rod 340, and the push hook housing 230 form a triangular structure. To ensure the movement of the thrust sleeve 310 and the force transmission rod 320, a groove extending along its own axial direction is provided on the push hook housing 230. One end of the force transmission rod 320 passes through the groove and slides within the groove.

[0062] In this embodiment, the end of the push hook 330 away from the force transmission rod 320 is shaped with an inward bevel of 30 degrees, which facilitates the guide hook to engage with the edge of the sleeve window 90.

[0063] One end of the leaf spring 350 is mounted to the push hook 330 by a screw, and the other end abuts against the push hook housing 230 in the initial state. This spring applies a thrust to the push hook 330 to cause it to swing away from the housing 230. Specifically, upon activation, the leaf spring 350 applies a lateral thrust to the push hook 330, preventing the mechanism consisting of the push hook 330 and the push hook connecting rod 340 from locking in the initial state. The initial state of the push hook assembly 300 reduces space requirements.

[0064] In this embodiment, each hinge point of the push-hook assembly 300 is fixed by connecting pins 370 and connecting pin caps 380. Specifically, the force transmission rod 320 and the push-hook 330 are used as examples for explanation. Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, the connecting pin 370 is radially inserted into the force transmission rod 320 and the push hook 330. The connecting pin cap 380 is fitted onto the connecting pin 370 and threadedly connected to the connecting pin 370 to prevent the connecting pin 370 from coming out. Correspondingly, the push hook 330 has a U-shaped groove for hinged engagement with the force transmission rod 320, and a through hole is formed on the side wall of the U-shaped groove for the connecting pin 370 to pass through.

[0065] In this embodiment, the return spring 360 applies a pushing force to the thrust sleeve 310, causing the thrust sleeve 310 to move upward and return to its initial state. This, in turn, causes the push hook 330 and the push hook connecting rod 340 to swing parallel to the axis of the positioning shaft assembly 200, facilitating the removal of the positioning unit 20. Specifically, two return springs 360 are provided: one is fitted into the thrust sleeve 310, with one end abutting against the thrust sleeve 310 and the other end abutting against the limiting seat 270; the other is inserted into the push hook housing 230, with one end abutting against the step on the inner wall of the push hook housing 230 and the other end abutting against the lower end of the thrust sleeve 310. When the thrust sleeve 310 moves downward, it can abut against the limiting seat 270, thereby limiting the stroke of the thrust sleeve 310 and preventing the return spring 360 from being over-compressed and damaged, as well as preventing the push hook 330 and the push hook connecting rod 340 from expanding excessively outward.

[0066] In this embodiment, to allow installation space for the push hook 330 and the push hook connecting rod 340, the side of the push hook housing 230 away from the prefabricated window of the pre-opened window sleeve 10 is milled with a flat surface, such as... Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown. In order not to affect the lower circulation and ball-throwing sealing function of the packer 70, the push hook shell 230 has multiple circulation holes in the middle, and the lower end of the thrust sleeve 310 is also machined with multiple circulation holes. The circulation channels of the two sets of circulation holes overlap, and an internal circulation passage can be established here.

[0067] In this embodiment, the rotating unit 50 includes a rotating head pressure cap 501, a ball bearing 502, a support sleeve 503, and a lower connector 504, as shown below. Figure 7As shown. The rotating head pressure cap 501 and the lower connector 504 are fitted onto the pre-opening window short sleeve 10 and form an annular space with the pre-opening window short sleeve 10; the support sleeve 503 is fitted onto the pre-opening window short sleeve 10 and divides the annular space into two; the ball bearing 502 is installed in the annular space to allow the rotating head pressure cap 501 and the lower connector 504 to be rotatably connected to the pre-opening window short sleeve 10. The rotating unit 50 is designed to prevent excessive torque from damaging the window after the preset window is guided and oriented, or to prevent the preset window from swinging back due to residual torsional stress.

[0068] Based on the push-hook positioning branch well window support tool proposed in this embodiment, a preset window positioning method is proposed. The method, employing the aforementioned push-hook positioning branch well window support tool, includes the following steps:

[0069] S100 Tool Insertion: Connect the push hook positioning branch well window support tool to the packer 70 and insert it into the branch wellbore.

[0070] Specifically, the upper end of the connecting rod 401 and the upper end of the pre-opened window sleeve 10 are both connected to the packer 70 and lowered with the packer 70. During the lowering process, the positioning shaft assembly 200 is embedded in the pre-set window of the pre-opened window sleeve 10. The lower end of the pre-opened window sleeve 10 is connected to the upper branch completion string 80. The upper branch completion string 80 passes through the casing opening window 90 and enters the upper branch wellbore. Figure 14 As shown.

[0071] S200 tool activation: The ball is thrown and pressurized to push the thrust sleeve 310 down, thereby causing the push hook assembly 300 to form a hook. During the descent, the hook engages with the edge of the casing window 90 and moves along the edge, eventually engaging with the bottom edge of the window, thereby aligning the pre-opened window of the pre-opened short sleeve 10 with the main wellbore.

[0072] Specifically, when the pre-opening short sleeve 10 is about to enter the sleeve opening window 90, the pressure inside the tube is increased by throwing a ball to pressurize it. After the ball seat enters the upper end of the thrust sleeve 310, it presses down, thereby pushing the thrust sleeve 310 downward, which in turn drives the force transmission rod 320 downward. At this time, under the action of the thrust of the leaf spring 350 and the downward movement of the force transmission rod 320, the push hook 330 swings outward to move away from the push hook shell 230, and the push hook connecting rod 340 swings at the same time to form a hook. At this time, the return spring 360 is compressed, such as... Figure 11As shown, as the hook extends, it hooks onto the edge of the sleeve opening window 90 and moves downwards. The sleeve opening window 90 is teardrop-shaped. During the downward movement of the hook and positioning shaft assembly 200, as long as the hook can hook onto the edge of the sleeve opening window 90, regardless of the initial orientation of the hook, it will eventually gradually engage with the bottom edge of the window, achieving a fixed position and positioning. During the process of the hook being guided towards the bottom edge of the sleeve opening window 90, it will rotate, simultaneously driving the positioning shaft assembly 200 and the pre-opened short sleeve 10 to rotate. As the positioning shaft assembly 200 bends upwards in the pre-opened short sleeve 10, it protrudes from the pre-set window of the pre-opened short sleeve 10. After the positioning shaft assembly 200 protrudes from the pre-opened short sleeve 10, their positional relationship is no longer coaxial. At this time, the rotation of the positioning shaft assembly 200 will generate a rotational torque, causing the pre-opened short sleeve 10 to rotate together. During this process, the centering key 30 keeps the upper part of the pre-opened short sleeve 10 coaxial with the positioning shaft assembly 200, counteracting the torque on the upper part of the pre-set window of the pre-opened short sleeve 10 and preventing damage to the upper edge of the pre-set window. Under the guidance of the above actions, after the hook reaches the lower end of the casing opening window 90, the orientation of the pre-set window of the pre-opened short sleeve 10 will be guided to face the main wellbore. Figure 15 As shown. It should be noted that when the positioning shaft assembly 200 is misaligned, the engagement between the hook formed by the push hook assembly 300 and the sleeve opening window 90 can restore the positioning shaft assembly 200 to its original trajectory and eliminate the misalignment.

[0073] S300 Tool Reset: Lift the packer 70 to reset the push hook assembly 300, retract the hook, and then set the packer 70.

[0074] Specifically, the packer 70 is lifted to remove the external load applied to the push-hook assembly 300. After the packer 70 is depressurized and seated, the pressure is released. At this time, the push-hook assembly 300 will automatically retract to its original position under the induction of the return spring 360. Figure 16 As shown.

[0075] S400 tool removal: Release packer 70 and lift positioning unit 20 out of the wellbore.

[0076] Specifically, to complete the release action of the packer 70, the central tube of the packer 70 first moves the limiting unit 40 upward, at which point the limiting sleeve 402 moves away from the limiting assembly 100. It should be noted that the limiting unit 40 is rotatably connected to the positioning unit 20 to avoid affecting the forward rotation release function of the packer 70. As it continues to move upward, the upper end of the limiting sleeve 402 abuts against the step on the upper inner wall of the mounting sleeve 210, thereby moving the positioning shaft assembly 200 upward. At this time, the second anti-rotation key 120 moves radially by contacting the inclined surface of the pre-opened window short sleeve 10, thereby causing the limiting assembly 100 to fall into the positioning shaft 220; at the same time, the C-ring 60 disengages from the mounting sleeve 210 under the action of the inclined surface contact, and the positioning unit 20 separates from the pre-opened window short sleeve 10. By continuing to lift, the positioning unit 20 can be completely pulled out of the wellbore. The pre-opened short sleeve 10 left in the well covers the casing opening window 90, providing support for the casing opening window 90. At the same time, the pre-set window of the pre-opened short sleeve 10 faces the main wellbore channel, providing a re-entry channel for the branch well to the main wellbore and establishing a production capacity connection between the branch wellbore and the main wellbore.

[0077] Several methods are used in the existing technology to place the pre-opened short sleeve 10: First, a support tool is used to add a tongue plate at the lower end of the pre-opened window. The tongue plate hooks the lower edge of the casing window 90 to achieve the positioning function of the pre-opened window. However, this requires the shape of the casing window to be highly consistent with the shape of the tongue plate groove. Otherwise, the tongue plate may not be able to hold the lower edge of the window, resulting in positioning failure. Second, the tool needs to set an arc-shaped positioning guide sleeve in the main wellbore. The positioning principle of the interlocking of the arc-shaped inclined plane is used to complete the orientation of the pre-opened window. Although this orientation is accurate and easy to construct, the tool occupies space, will cause a reduction in diameter in the main wellbore, and affect the function of re-entering the main wellbore. Third, the tool is used to run the complete casing to the branch well interface connection, and then a special grinding shoe is run to grind and mill the window facing the main wellbore on the complete casing. This method has high construction risk and low operation efficiency. The push-hook positioning branch well window support tool provided in this embodiment can complete all operations in one well run. During the running process, the push-hook assembly 300 can be guided by the edge of the casing window 90 to achieve alignment and positioning. It does not require a perfect shape match and greatly improves the success rate. At the same time, after placement, the positioning unit 20 can be completely removed to ensure full bore, avoiding construction risks and improving operation efficiency.

[0078] In summary, the push-hook positioning branch well window support tool provided in this embodiment has the following advantages:

[0079] 1. It is highly versatile and can be adapted to various types of packers 70 without affecting the original functions of the packer 70, such as release and bottom circulation.

[0080] 2. At the interface of the branch well, a pre-opened short sleeve 10 is used for mechanical support. The pre-set window faces the main wellbore, which can form a re-entry channel without drilling and grinding, and establish a connection between the two branches.

[0081] 3. The pressure-controlled active push hook assembly 300, together with the positioning shaft assembly 200, is used to position the window of the pre-opened short sleeve 10. There are no requirements for the original sleeve window conditions, and no special window repair tools are needed to repair the original sleeve window. The tools are highly adaptable.

[0082] 4. The tool can independently position and orient the pre-opened short sleeve 10 by using the active push hook assembly 300 in conjunction with the positioning shaft assembly 200. There is no need to reserve an auxiliary positioning unit 20 in the main wellbore, and it will not cause the main wellbore to shrink in diameter.

[0083] 5. The positioning unit 20 will be pulled out of the wellbore along with the packer 70's delivery tool after the packer 70's release function is activated, leaving only the pre-opened short sleeve 10 at the interface of the branch well. No subsequent operations are required, making the operation simple and reliable.

[0084] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A push-hook positioning support tool for branch well windows, characterized in that, It includes a pre-opening window sleeve (10) and a positioning unit (20), wherein the positioning unit (20) is inserted into the pre-opening window sleeve (10) and is detachably connected to the pre-opening window sleeve (10); The positioning unit (20) includes a limiting component (100), a positioning shaft component (200), and a push hook component (300); the positioning shaft component (200) is inserted into the pre-opening window sleeve (10) and is detachably connected to the pre-opening window sleeve (10); the limiting component (100) is inserted into both the positioning shaft component (200) and the pre-opening window sleeve (10); the push hook component (300) is connected to the positioning shaft component (200) and is used to engage with the edge of the sleeve opening window (90).

2. The push-hook positioning branch well window support tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The push-hook assembly (300) includes a push sleeve (310), a force transmission rod (320), a push-hook (330), and a push-hook connecting rod (340); The thrust sleeve (310) is inserted into the positioning shaft assembly (200) and slidably connected to the positioning shaft assembly (200). The force transmission rod (320) is installed on the thrust sleeve (310). The push hook (330) is hinged to the force transmission rod (320) and is provided with a first sliding groove. One end of the push hook connecting rod (340) is hinged to the positioning shaft assembly (200), and the other end is hinged to the first sliding groove and can slide along the first sliding groove. During operation, the thrust sleeve (310) moves along the axis of the positioning shaft assembly (200) to push the force transmission rod (320), thereby causing the push hook (330) and the push hook connecting rod (340) to swing so that the end of the push hook (330) away from the force transmission rod (320) forms a hook with the push hook connecting rod (340), and the hook is used to engage with the edge of the sleeve opening window (90).

3. The push-hook positioning branch well window support tool according to claim 2, characterized in that, The push hook assembly (300) further includes a leaf spring (350) disposed between the positioning shaft assembly (200) and the push hook (330), for applying a thrust to the push hook (330) to cause the push hook (330) to swing away from the positioning shaft assembly (200).

4. The push-hook positioning branch well window support tool according to claim 3, characterized in that, The push hook assembly (300) also includes a return spring (360), which is used to apply a thrust to the push sleeve (310) to restore the push sleeve (310) to its initial state, thereby causing the push hook (330) and the push hook connecting rod (340) to swing to their initial positions.

5. The push-hook positioning branch well window support tool according to claim 4, characterized in that, The positioning shaft assembly (200) includes a seat sleeve (210), a positioning shaft (220), a push hook shell (230), a support ring (240), and a tapered head (250); The seat sleeve (210), the positioning shaft (220), the push hook shell (230) and the conical head (250) are connected in sequence. The support ring (240) is fitted onto the push hook shell (230), and the push hook connecting rod (340) is hinged to the support ring (240).

6. The push-hook positioning branch well window support tool according to claim 5, characterized in that, The limiting component (100) includes a first anti-rotation key (110) and a second anti-rotation key (120); The first anti-rotation key (110) is inserted into the side wall of the seat sleeve (210), and the second anti-rotation key (120) is inserted into the side wall of the pre-opening window short sleeve (10). The first anti-rotation key (110) and the second anti-rotation key (120) are detachably connected. The first anti-rotation key (110) has a T-shaped cross section. The vertical side of the T-shape is inserted into the side wall of the seat sleeve (210), and the horizontal side of the T-shape is set in the inner wall of the seat sleeve (210).

7. The push-hook positioning branch well window support tool according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a limiting unit (40), which is inserted into the positioning shaft assembly (200). The limiting unit (40) includes a connecting rod (401) and a limiting sleeve (402). The limiting sleeve (402) is fitted onto the connecting rod (401) and inserted into the seat sleeve (210). The horizontal edge of the T-shaped first anti-rotation key (110) is located between the inner wall of the seat sleeve (210) and the outer wall of the limiting sleeve (402); The limiting unit (40) is lifted up so that the limiting sleeve (402) moves away from the first anti-rotation key (110), and the limiting sleeve (402) is further lifted up so that it abuts against the seat sleeve (210) to drive the positioning unit (20) to lift up; the second anti-rotation key (120) is provided with a slope, and as the positioning unit (20) is lifted up, the slope of the second anti-rotation key (120) abuts against the pre-opening window short sleeve (10) and causes the limiting component (100) to move radially to exit the pre-opening window short sleeve (10).

8. The push-hook positioning branch well window support tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a straightening key (30), which is installed on the pre-opened window sleeve (10) and arranged at 180° with the prefabricated window of the pre-opened window sleeve (10).

9. The push-hook positioning branch well window support tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a rotating unit (50), which includes a rotating head pressure cap (501), a ball bearing (502), a support sleeve (503), and a lower connector (504); The rotating head pressure cap (501) and the lower connector (504) are fitted onto the pre-opening window short sleeve (10) and together with the pre-opening window short sleeve (10) form an annular space; the support sleeve (503) is fitted onto the pre-opening window short sleeve (10) and divides the annular space into two; the ball bearing (502) is installed in the annular space so that the rotating head pressure cap (501) and the lower connector (504) are rotatably connected to the pre-opening window short sleeve (10).

10. A method for positioning a pre-set window, employing the push-hook positioning branch well window support tool as described in any one of claims 2-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Tool insertion: Connect the push hook positioning branch well window support tool to the packer (70) and insert it into the branch well hole; Tool activation: Throwing the ball to pressurize and push the thrust sleeve (310) down, thereby causing the push hook assembly (300) to form a hook. During the downward movement, the hook engages with the edge of the casing window (90) and moves along the edge, eventually engaging with the bottom edge of the window, thereby aligning the pre-set window of the pre-opened short sleeve (10) with the main wellbore. Tool reset: Lift the packer (70) to reset the push hook assembly (300), the hook retracts, and then set the packer (70); Tool removal: Drop the packer (70) and lift the positioning unit (20) out of the wellbore.

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