Lateral Well Locator and Reentry Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a reliable and cost-effective means to locate and reenter a lateral well bore after the removal of a whip stock, necessitating the use of caliper logs to determine window position and shape, which is inefficient and prone to dislodging guide members.
Innovation Solution
A down-hole assembly comprising a running tool with a window locator and a guide member, featuring a wedged-shaped outer surface for diverting tools through the window, allowing for precise location and reentry of the lateral well bore without the need for caliper logs, and enabling easy removal and reinstallation of tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If caliper logs are used to determine window position and shape, then measurement capability is provided, but the process is inefficient and prone to dislodging guide members
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member with a wedged-shaped outer surface is introduced as an intermediary component between the main wellbore and lateral wellbore. This guide member provides both the measurement reference and the mechanical guidance function, eliminating the need for separate caliper logs and preventing dislodgment by maintaining stable position through its wedge geometry that directs tools through the window.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple functions into a single integrated guide member: it serves as both the measurement reference for window location and the mechanical guide for tool diversion. This merging eliminates the separate caliper logging step and integrates positioning and guiding functions into one reliable component that cannot be dislodged.
2Productivity
If whip stock is removed from main well bore, then lateral well completion is achieved, but reliable reentry means is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is installed in advance during the lateral well completion process, before the whip stock is removed. This preliminary action ensures that when reentry is needed later, the guide member is already in place to provide reliable guidance, eliminating the need to rely on the temporary whip stock structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The whip stock serves as a temporary, disposable tool for initial lateral well creation, while the guide member provides permanent, reusable guidance for future reentry operations. This separation allows the whip stock to be removed after completion while leaving the durable guide member in place for long-term reliability.
3Reliability
If guide member is installed for reentry, then reentry guidance is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member features a localized wedged-shaped outer surface specifically at the section that interfaces with the window area, while the rest of the structure maintains standard wellbore compatibility. This localized modification provides the necessary guidance function without requiring complete structural redesign, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for reliable and cost-effective reentry into lateral well bores, preventing dislodgment of guide members and enabling remedial work such as cleaning and re-drilling, while restoring the well configuration post-whip stock removal.
Implementation Method 1
The running tool may also have biasing means operatively associated with the window locator. The biasing means may exert a force on the pivoting arm of the window locator to bias the window locating head in a direction external of the running tool.
Implementation Method 2
The running tool may include one or more shear pins affixed to the window locator. The shear pins maintain the window locating head in the stationary position until sheared.
Implementation Method 3
The guide member may have a wedged-shaped outer surface for diverting a down-hole tool through the window and into the lateral well bore.
Data Source
AI summary
A down-hole assembly used to locate an existing window in a main cased well bore and guide equipment through the window and into a lateral well bore after removal of a whip stock. The assembly includes a running tool with a convex section detachably connected to a concave section of a guide member. The running tool includes a window locator that locates the window. The guide member includes an inclined or wedge shaped portion for guiding tools or equipment through the window and into the lateral well bore so that remedial work can be carried out.