US20130284460A1 - Lateral junction assembly - Google Patents
Lateral junction assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130284460A1 US20130284460A1 US13/996,871 US201113996871A US2013284460A1 US 20130284460 A1 US20130284460 A1 US 20130284460A1 US 201113996871 A US201113996871 A US 201113996871A US 2013284460 A1 US2013284460 A1 US 2013284460A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lateral junction
- casing
- flange
- junction assembly
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/0035—Apparatus or methods for multilateral well technology, e.g. for the completion of or workover on wells with one or more lateral branches
- E21B41/0042—Apparatus or methods for multilateral well technology, e.g. for the completion of or workover on wells with one or more lateral branches characterised by sealing the junction between a lateral and a main bore
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
- E21B17/023—Arrangements for connecting cables or wirelines to downhole devices
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/0035—Apparatus or methods for multilateral well technology, e.g. for the completion of or workover on wells with one or more lateral branches
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/02—Subsoil filtering
- E21B43/10—Setting of casings, screens, liners or the like in wells
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
- Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
- Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)
- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
- Supports For Pipes And Cables (AREA)
- Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a lateral junction assembly (1) for providing a lateral junction in a wellbore by being inserted into a casing (60) having an opening (61) and defining a longitudinal axis (52), the lateral junction assembly (1) having a longitudinal direction (50) which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (52) and comprising a pipe module (10) comprising a pipe section (12) for being inserted through the opening (61) in the casing and a flange (11), wherein the lateral junction assembly further comprises a fixation element (25) adapted for being connected with the flange (11) to fixate the pipe module (10) in a predetermined location with the pipe section extending through the opening (61) in the casing (60).
Description
- The present invention relates to a lateral junction assembly for providing a lateral junction in a wellbore by being inserted into a casing having an opening and defining a longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the invention relates to a lateral junction system for providing a lateral junction in a wellbore. Moreover, the invention relates to a wireline tool for transporting, positioning and assembling a lateral junction assembly in a casing. Finally, the present invention relates to a method of installing a lateral junction assembly in a wellbore.
- A lateral wellbore is a branch of a primary wellbore and is often referred to as a lateral or side track. If a well has a plurality of laterals, it is referred to as a multi-lateral.
- Designing wells with laterals is a way of increasing the yield of an oil or gas field and may contribute to reducing the costs associated with drilling operations. Laterals may be created before the well is completed or at a later stage after the well has been cased. When making a lateral after the well has been cased, the junction between the primary casing and the lateral has to be installed at the location downhole. It is very difficult to perform a welding operation downhole, and the sealing between the lateral junction and the casing often fails.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,648 discloses different solutions wherein deformable devices are utilised for sealing the junction between vertical and lateral wells. Different types of deformable devices are lowered into a well prior to or after the well has been cased. Subsequently, the devices are deformed to obtain the intended shape of the lateral junction and cemented in place. A disadvantage in this respect is the use of cement or other curable liquid in the design of a lateral junction between a primary well and a lateral well. Furthermore, to deform the device subsequently induces the risk of leaks.
- Laterals are created downhole, and the precision of such operation may therefore be difficult to control, constituting a limiting feature. At the same time, it is important that the lateral junction is properly sealed to avoid outflow from the casing back into the formation.
- It is an object of the present invention to wholly or partly overcome the above disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, it is an object to provide an improved assembly which is easy to implement in an existing casing and still provides the necessary sealing effect.
- The above objects, together with numerous other objects, advantages, and features, which will become evident from the below description, are accomplished by a solution in accordance with the present invention by a lateral junction assembly for providing a lateral junction in a wellbore by being inserted into a casing having an opening (61) and defining a longitudinal axis, the lateral junction assembly having a longitudinal direction which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and comprising:
-
- a pipe module comprising a pipe section for being inserted through the opening in the casing and a flange,
wherein the lateral junction assembly further comprises a fixation element adapted for being connected with the flange to fixate the pipe module in a predetermined location with the pipe section extending through the opening in the casing.
- a pipe module comprising a pipe section for being inserted through the opening in the casing and a flange,
- An advantage in this respect is that a lateral junction can be provided by simply assembling standard modules downhole. By connecting the fixation element to the flange, the pipe module is pushed against the inner surface of the casing and thereby secured in the predetermined position. The lateral junction provided does not require precision welding, cementing or other types of casting or custom operations to ensure a liquid-tight lateral junction.
- In one embodiment, the pipe section may extend from a first surface of the flange, and the fixation element, when connected to the flange, may extend from a second surface of the flange opposite the first surface of the flange.
- The lateral junction assembly may further comprise a sealing element arranged at the first surface of the flange.
- Moreover, the assembly may comprise two or more fixation elements.
- The side edges of the fixation elements and the side edges of the flange may be provided with indentations or grooves or serrations to improve the bonding properties between the side edges of the fixation elements and between the side edges of the flange and the side edges of the fixation elements.
- Further, the one or more fixation elements may be sections of a hollow cylinder.
- Moreover, the one or more fixation elements may be sections of a circular ring.
- Also, a cross-section of the flange may constitute a first part of a circular ring and the one or more fixation elements may constitute a second and remaining part of the circular ring.
- In another embodiment, the lateral junction assembly may comprise one or more fixation elements distributed in the longitudinal direction of the lateral junction assembly.
- The lateral junction assembly may comprise one or more fixation elements positioned adjacent to a first edge of the flange and one or more fixation elements positioned adjacent to a second edge of the flange.
- Further, the lateral junction assembly may comprise one or more fixation elements positioned substantially in a middle part of the flange in the longitudinal direction.
- Additionally, the lateral junction assembly may comprise two or more pipe modules.
- Also, the pipe module may comprise two or more pipe sections extending from the flange.
- An advantage in this respect is that the distance between two laterals may be controlled by the distance between the pipe sections extending from the flange. Thus, the distance between two laterals does not have to be measured out.
- The present invention furthermore relates to a lateral junction system for providing a lateral junction in a wellbore, the lateral junction system comprising:
-
- a primary casing having an inner surface and at least one opening, the primary casing defining a longitudinal axis, and
- a lateral junction assembly as described above,
wherein the pipe module is positioned such that the pipe section extends through the opening of the casing and the one or more fixation elements pushes the first surface of the flange towards the inner surface of the casing, whereby the pipe module is secured in a predetermined location.
- Hereby, a modular system is provided having modules that can be transported to a desired location downhole and assembled to create a lateral junction. The modular system can be retrofitted to old wells or used in the completion of new wells. The modular system does not require precision welding to provide a liquid-tight lateral junction. The modules can be welded together to increase the strength of the system, but the welding does not affect the quality of the seals.
- Furthermore, the lateral junction may comprise a lateral casing adapted to be connected to the pipe section of the pipe module.
- In addition, the pipe module may have an extension in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the extension being smaller than an inner diameter of the casing.
- Moreover, each of the fixation elements may have an extension in a transverse plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the extension being smaller than an inner diameter of the casing.
- Also, a cross-section of the flange may constitute a first part of a circular ring, and the one or more fixation elements may constitute a second and remaining part of the circular ring, an outer periphery of the ring being substantially equal to or slightly larger than an inner periphery of the casing.
- The present invention further relates a wireline tool for transporting, positioning and assembling a lateral junction assembly as described above, the wireline tool comprising:
-
- an electronic unit for powering to the wireline tool,
- a motor unit,
- a pump unit,
- a driving unit moving the wireline tool downhole,
- a logging unit for determining the position in a casing downhole,
- a transportation unit for transporting and positioning the pipe module and the one or more fixation elements, and
- an assembly unit for assembling the lateral junction assembly downhole.
- Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of installing a lateral junction assembly in a wellbore having a casing with at least one opening, the method comprising the steps of:
-
- lowering a pipe module comprising a pipe section and a flange into a wellbore,
- lowering one or more fixation elements adapted for being connected with the flange into a wellbore,
- positioning the pipe module in the casing with the pipe section extending through the opening of the casing,
- joining the flange of the pipe module with the one or more fixation elements, thereby fixating the lateral junction assembly in a predetermined location.
- In said method, the side edges of the flange of the pipe module and side edges of the one or more fixation elements may be joined by cold welding caused by the side edges being pressed against each other.
- In the lateral junction assembly as described above, the fixation element may be a flexible member for pushing the pipe section through an opening in the flange.
- Also, the flexible member may be a sheet of spring steel.
- In an embodiment, the flexible member may be formed as strands and made of spring steel.
- Moreover, the fixation element may comprise multiple spring members for pushing the pipe section through an opening in the flange.
- The lateral junction assembly as described above may further comprise one or more locking devices extending from the pipe section and being adapted to fixate the pipe section in an activated position wherein the pipe section extends through the opening in the flange.
- Said one or more locking devices may be springs, such as leaf springs, extending from the pipe section towards the flexible member.
- Further, the lateral junction assembly as described above may further comprise one or more activation members adapted to prevent the pipe section from being pushed through the opening in the casing by the fixation element.
- The present invention also relates to a lateral junction system for providing a lateral junction in a wellbore, comprising:
-
- a primary casing having an inner surface and at least one opening, the primary casing defining a longitudinal axis, and
- a lateral junction assembly as described above,
wherein the pipe module is positioned such that the pipe section extends through the opening in the flange and the opening of the casing, whereby the lateral junction assembly is secured in a predetermined location.
- In addition, the present invention relates to a wireline tool for transporting, positioning and activating a lateral junction assembly as described above in a casing, the wireline tool comprising:
-
- an electronic unit for powering to the wireline tool,
- a motor unit,
- a pump unit,
- a driving unit moving the wireline tool downhole,
- a logging unit for determining the position in a casing downhole,
- a transportation unit for transporting and positioning the lateral junction assembly, and
- an activation unit for activating the lateral junction assembly downhole by removing one or more activation members of the lateral junction assembly.
- Also, the wireline tool as described above may further comprise an expander cone for pushing the pipe section of the lateral junction assembly through the opening in the flange and the opening in the casing.
- Finally, the present invention relates to a method of installing a lateral junction assembly in a wellbore having a casing with at least one opening, the method comprising the steps of:
-
- lowering a lateral junction assembly as described above into a wellbore,
- positioning the lateral junction assembly in the casing with the pipe section aligned with the opening of the casing,
- activating the lateral junction assembly downhole by removing one or more activation members, so that the pipe section extends through the opening in the casing, and
- fixating the lateral junction assembly in a predetermined location by means of the one or more locking devices.
- This method may further comprise the step of pulling or pushing an expander cone past the lateral junction assembly downhole, whereby the pipe section is pushed through the opening in the flange and the opening in the casing.
- The invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting embodiments and in which
-
FIG. 1 a shows a perspective view of a lateral junction assembly having a pipe module and one fixation element. -
FIG. 1 b shows a side view of the lateral junction assembly ofFIG. 1 a, -
FIG. 1 c shows a cross-section of the lateral junction ofFIGS. 1 a and 1 b taken alongline 1 c, -
FIG. 2 a shows a perspective view of a lateral junction assembly having a pipe module and two fixation elements, -
FIG. 2 b shows a top view of the lateral junction assembly ofFIG. 2 a, -
FIG. 2 c shows a cross-section of the lateral junction ofFIGS. 2 a and 2 b taken alongline 2 c, -
FIG. 3 shows a lateral junction comprising alternative fixation elements to the fixation elements ofFIG. 1 , -
FIG. 6 a shows a cased primary wellbore, a lateral wellbore and a lateral junction assembly positioned in the junction between the primary wellbore and the lateral, -
FIG. 6 b is an enlarged view of the lateral junction assembly ofFIG. 6 a, -
FIG. 7 shows a wireline tool for transporting, positioning and assembling a lateral junction assembly, -
FIG. 8 a shows a cross-section of another lateral junction assembly in a longitudinal direction, -
FIG. 8 b shows a cross-section of yet another lateral junction assembly in a transversal direction, -
FIG. 9 shows a lateral junction assembly positioned downhole and an expander cone, and -
FIG. 10 shows another wireline tool for transporting, positioning and assembling a lateral junction assembly. - All the figures are highly schematic and not necessarily to scale, and they show only those parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested.
-
FIG. 1 a shows show alateral junction assembly 1 comprising apipe module 10 and onefixation element 25 for fixating thepipe module 10 in a predetermined position inside acasing 60 in order to make a lateral extending from thecasing 60 into the formation as shown inFIG. 6 a. Thelateral junction assembly 1 extends in alongitudinal direction 50 and has atop end 16 a and abottom end 15 a. - The
pipe module 10 comprises aflange 11 extending in thelongitudinal direction 50 from abottom edge 15 a to atop edge 16 a. The flange is curved in a direction transverse to thelongitudinal direction 50. Apipe section 12 extends from anouter surface 13 of theflange 11 and a sealingmaterial 14 is positioned on theouter surface 13 extending around thepipe section 12. The sealingmaterial 14 has the shape of a strip but may be shaped and positioned in various manners that will be evident for a person skilled in the art. The pipe module further comprises apassage 18 extending from aninner surface 19 of the flange, through theflange 11 and through thepipe section 12. - Referring to
FIG. 1 c, recesses orgrooves 20 are provided in the inner surface of theflange 11. Therecesses 20 are adapted for receiving afixation element 25. Thefixation element 25 is positioned adjacent to the centre of theflange 13 in thelongitudinal direction 50. Thefixation element 25 is shaped as a circular ring with a cut out portion corresponding to the recesses in theflange 11 of thepipe module 10.End pieces 26 of thefixation element 25 are adapted for being inserted into therecesses 20 as shown inFIG. 1 c. - The
lateral junction assembly 1 may comprise more than onefixation element 25 to fixate thepipe module 10. Onefixation element 25 may be positioned adjacent to thetop end 16 a of thelateral junction assembly 1, and anotherfixation element 25 may be positioned adjacent to thebottom end 15 a. - The
pipe section 10 and thefixation element 25 are assembled by positioning theend pieces 26 offixation element 25 in therecesses 20 in theflange 11. Hereby, thefixation element 25, in combination with theflange 11, creates a cylindrical ring having an outer periphery when seen in a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 1 c. This periphery is designed to be equal to or slightly larger than an inner periphery of the casing in which the assembly is installed. - In use the
lateral junction assembly 1 according toFIGS. 1 a, 1 b, and 1 c is lowered into a wellbore and positioned as shown inFIGS. 6 a and 6 b. Prior to introduction of thelateral junction assembly 1, the wellbore has been provided with acasing 60 defining alongitudinal axis 52 extending along a longitudinal extension of the well. Thelateral junction assembly 1 is positioned with thepipe section 12 extending through anopening 61 in thecasing 60 and into the formation. Theouter surface 13 of theflange 11 is pushed towards aninner surface 62 of thecasing 60 by assembling thefixation element 25 and thepipe module 10 substantially as shown inFIG. 1 a. Hereby, a fluid-tight seal is created between theouter surface 13 of theflange 11 and theinner surface 62 of thecasing 60. Positioning and assembling of thelateral junction assembly 1 will be described in further detail below. - The
fixation element 25 has a diameter equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter of thecasing 60. To be able to lower thefixation element 25 down into thecasing 60, thefixation element 25 has to be slightly compressed compared to its original size. When thepipe module 10 has been positioned with thepipe section 12 extending through theopening 61 in thecasing 60 and theend pieces 26 of a fixation element have been inserted in therecesses 20, thefixation element 25 is returned to its original size. Hereby, a radial pressure is provided on theflange 11 towards thecasing 60. -
FIGS. 2 a, 2 b and 2 c show anotherlateral junction assembly 1 comprising apipe module 10 and afixation element 25 comprising twofixation parts pipe module 10 in a predetermined position inside thecasing 60. Thelateral junction assembly 1 extends in alongitudinal direction 50 and has atop end 16 a and abottom end 15 a. - The
pipe module 10 comprises aflange 11 extending in thelongitudinal direction 50 from abottom edge 15 a to atop edge 16 a and being curved in a direction transverse to thelongitudinal direction 50. Apipe section 12 extends from anouter surface 13 of theflange 11. On anouter surface 13 of the flange a sealingmaterial 14 is positioned around the extendingpipe section 12. The sealingmaterial 14 has the shape of a strip but may be shaped and positioned in various manners that will be evident for a person skilled in the art. The pipe module further comprises apassage 18 extending in a direction parallel to alateral axis 51 from aninner surface 19 of the flange, through theflange 11 and through thepipe section 12. - The
first fixation part 21 and thesecond fixation part 22 each has twoside edges 23, atop edge 16 b and abottom edge 15 b. Thefixation parts flange 11. - In use the
lateral junction assembly 1 according toFIGS. 2 a, 2 b, and 2 c is lowered into a cased wellbore and positioned as shown inFIGS. 6 a and 6 b. Thelateral junction assembly 1 is positioned with thepipe section 12 extending though theopening 61. Theouter surface 13 of theflange 11 is pushed towards aninner surface 62 of thecasing 60 by assembling thefixation parts pipe module 10 substantially as shown inFIG. 2 a. Hereby, a fluid-tight seal is created between theouter surface 13 of theflange 11 and theinner surface 62 of thecasing 60. - To secure the
lateral junction assembly 1 in the casing and create the necessary pressure on the flange, a certain amount of tension is needed in thelateral junction assembly 1. Hereby a sealing effect is provided between the flange and theinner surface 62 of the casing. - The
lateral junction assembly 1 is assembled by positioning thefixation parts pipe module 10 substantially as shown inFIG. 2 a and with thesides 23 of thefixation parts sides 17 of theflange 11 of thepipe module 10. When assembled, theflange 11 and thefixation parts - Now referring to
FIGS. 2 a and 6 b, by providing a lateral junction assembly having an outer periphery that is equal to or slightly larger than an inner periphery of thecasing 60, tension is created in thelateral junction assembly 1 when installed inside thecasing 60. - On the side edges 17, 23 small indentations or grooves forming peaks (not shown) may be provided for improving the mutual bonding properties between the
fixation parts fixation parts flange 11. When thefixation parts flange 11 are assembled inside thecasing 60 as shown inFIGS. 6 a and 6 b, they are press-fitted into engagement with each other to create a closed cylinder. This press fitting may contribute to plastic deformation of at least the peaks provided on the side edges of thefixation parts flange 11. The pushing together of thefixation parts flange 11 may also result in the side edges being cold welded together. -
FIG. 3 shows alateral junction assembly 1 having apipe module 10 almost identical to the pipe module described above and shown inFIGS. 2 a, 2 b and 2 c. The pipe module shown inFIG. 3 comprises a sealingmaterial 14 positioned on theouter surface 13 covering the majority of thesurface 13 and providing a large sealing surface. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , thelateral junction assembly 1 comprises twofixation elements 25, a top fixation element positioned adjacent to the top of theflange 11 and constituted byfixation parts flange 11 and constituted byfixation parts fixation elements 25 are assembled by positioning the side edges 23 of the fixation parts abutting each other and abutting the side edges 17 of thepipe module 10. Hereby, a circular ring having an outer periphery is formed. Thefixation elements 25 serve to provide a radial pressure on thepipe module 10 towards the casing when installed inside the casing. This pressure is created by rigidity of the fixation elements and the pipe module due to the fact that the outer periphery of the assembly of the fixation elements and the pipe module is at least somewhat larger than the inner periphery of the casing in which they are assembled. - The side edges 23 of the
fixation parts -
FIGS. 4 and 5 show different configurations of apipe module 10. Solutions incorporating the invention may use any of the above-mentioned technical features and functionalities in combination with the configurations shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 . - In
FIG. 4 , theflange 11 has a circularouter edge 17 and apipe section 12 extending from substantially a centre of anouter surface 13 of theflange 11. In the shown configuration, theflange 11 further comprisesrecesses 20 for accommodating fixation elements, such as thefixation element 25 shown inFIG. 1 a. -
FIG. 5 shows anelongated pipe section 10 comprising anelongated flange 11. Theelongated flange 11 has twoseparate pipe sections outer surface 13 of theflange 11. When positioned in a casing, thepipe sections outer surface 13 e.g. as a common seal covering all theouter surface 13 of theflange 11 or as separate seals arranged on the flange each extending around a pipe section as described earlier. The elongated pipe section is secured inside the casing using fastening elements e.g. as shown inFIG. 2 a, 3 or 1 a. - The
flange 11 may be configured in a number of different ways such as, but not limited to, as a circle, an oval, a rectangle, a square, a trapezium, etc. The fixation elements may also de shaped differently from what is shown in the drawing. Theflange 11 of thepipe module 10 and thefixation elements flange 11 may then be joined by sliding the fixation elements in alongitudinal direction 50 relative to the flange from a position either above or below. As thetop edge 16 b of the fixation elements reaches thetop edge 16 a of theflange 11, side edges 17, 23 come into abutment against each other. When thetop edges pipe module 10 has been wedged into the casing. - Referring to
FIGS. 6 a and 6 b, positioning of the lateral junction assembly will be described in the following. To utilise thelateral junction assembly 1, a cased vertical, horizontal or otherwise inclining primary wellbore, as shown inFIG. 6 a, is provided. Before installing thelateral junction assembly 1, the installation site has to be prepared by drilling an opening in the casing and drilling a lateral wellbore deviating from the direction of the primary wellbore. This is done using conventional directional drilling techniques, e.g. by using a radial drill string and whipstocks. When the opening through the casing and the lateral wellbore has been drilled, the drill string and whipstocks are retrieved. - Next, a
pipe module 10 and a set of thefixation elements opening 61 has been provided, thepipe module 10 is positioned with thepipe section 12 extending through theopening 61 as shown inFIG. 6 b. Next, the fixation elements are connected with theflange 11 of thepipe module 10. The method of establishing this connection is determined by the configuration of the fixation elements. During connection of theflange 11 and fixation elements, the well tool keeps the different parts in place. The well tool applies the necessary pressure/force to push the side edges of the fixation elements and the flange into abutment against each other. When the side edges are pushed together, the peaks (not shown) created by the grooves or indentations collide and deform due to the high pressure. The deformation may result in a type of cold welding process and cold welds being provided between the side edges, thereby enhancing the strength of the bond. Spot welding can be applied as an additional feature to strengthen the connections between the fixation elements and/or theflange 11. When thelateral junction assembly 1 has been installed, the sealingmaterial 14 forms a liquid-tight barrier between theouter surface 13 of theflange 11 and theinner surface 61 of thecasing 60. Next, thelateral casing 65 already positioned in the lateral wellbore is connected to thepipe section 12 of thelateral junction assembly 1. Alternatively, the casing is introduced through the hole extending through thepipe section 12 of thelateral junction assembly 1 and into the lateral wellbore. - When the
lateral junction assembly 1 has been installed, the inner diameter of the primary casing comprising the lateral junction is smaller than the inner diameter of other sections of the casing. -
FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show anotherlateral junction assembly 100 comprising aflange 111 extending in a longitudinal direction and being curved in a transverse direction and apipe section 112 for being inserted through anopening 117 in theflange 111. On anouter surface 131 of theflange 111, a sealingmaterial 114 b may be arranged around theopening 117 for providing a sealing effect between theflange 111 and an inner surface of the casing. Thelateral junction assembly 100 further comprises afixation element 125 extending from thepipe section 112 and acting to force thepipe section 112 through theopening 117 in theflange 111. Thefixation element 125 may be a sheet of spring steal, one or more spring members, such as in the form of strands, or other flexible means capable of exerting a pushing force on an end of the pipe section when in a deactivated position as shown inFIG. 8 a. Before being installed in a casing downhole, thepipe section 112 is kept in the position as shown inFIG. 8 a, by one ormore activation members 116, preventing thepipe section 112 from being pushed through theopening 117. Theactivation members 116 are distance rods maintaining a certain distance between the pipe section and the opening through which it is to enter when fastening to the casing forming a lateral. The activation members may also be a second pipe section surrounding the lateral assembly, hindering the pipe section from entering the opening. - On an outer surface of the
pipe section 112, one ormore locking devices 115 are provided for fixating thepipe section 112 when it has been pushed through theopening 117 as shown inFIG. 9 . Thelocking device 115 is fastened to the pipe section and extend from the pipe section towards the flexible member and thus away from the flange in the inactivated position and towards the flange in the activated and installed position. The locking device is a spring, such as leaf spring. Further, sealingmaterial 114 a may be provided around thepipe section 112 on a surface of thefixation element 125 facing towards theflange 111. When thepipe section 112 has been pushed through theopening 117, the sealingmaterial 114 a and/or 114 b are/is pushed towards the flange and the casing, respectively, and the one ormore locking devices 115 extend(s) from thepipe section 112 to prevent further displacements of thepipe section 112. - In use the
lateral junction assembly 100 is lowered into a cased wellbore and positioned in the same way as the embodiments shown inFIGS. 6 a and 6 b, in which the pipe section projects from the casing forming a first part of a lateral. Thelateral junction assembly 100 is positioned with theopening 117 opposite theopening 61 in the casing. Thelateral junction assembly 100 is activated by removing theactivation members 116 by an activation unit of awireline tool 80 known to the skilled person, such as a wireline tool. When theactivation members 116 have been removed, thepipe section 112 is forced through theopening 117 in theflange 111 and theopening 61 in the casing. The sealingmaterial 114 a being pushed towards the flange and thelocking devices 115 preventing displacement of thepipe section 112 fixate thelateral junction assembly 100 inside the casing. Thepipe section 112 may alternatively, or in addition to the force generated by the fixation element, be forced through theopening 117 in theflange 111 and theopening 61 in the casing by the wireline tool applying a pushing force to the pipe section. This may be done by pulling or pushing anexpander cone 88 or other suitable tool past the lateral junction assembly, whereby the pipe section is pushed through theopenings cone 88, as shown inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 7 shows awireline tool 80 for transporting, positioning and assembling/installing different embodiments of thelateral junction assembly wireline 90. Thewireline tool 80 comprises anelectronic unit 81 providing power and controlling the functionality of thewireline tool 80, a drivingunit 84 such as a downhole tractor for moving thewireline tool 80 inside the casing, amotor unit 82, and apump unit 83 e.g. for providing hydraulic pressure. Furthermore, the wireline tool comprises alogging unit 85 for controlling and determining the position of the wireline tool in downhole, atransportation unit 86 for transporting and positioning the pipe module and the one or more fixation elements, and anassembly unit 87 for connecting/assembling the pipe module and the one or more fixation elements of the lateral junction assembly. As shown inFIG. 10 , the wireline tool may alternatively or in addition to the above described comprise anexpander cone 88 or other suitable tool for applying a force to the pipe section to push it through theopenings - By fluid or well fluid is meant any kind of fluid that may be present in oil or gas wells downhole, such as natural gas, oil, oil mud, crude oil, water, etc. By gas is meant any kind of gas composition present in a well, completion, or open hole, and by oil is meant any kind of oil composition, such as crude oil, an oil-containing fluid, etc. Gas, oil, and water fluids may thus all comprise other elements or substances than gas, oil, and/or water, respectively.
- By a casing is meant any kind of pipe, tubing, tubular, liner, string etc. used downhole in relation to oil or natural gas production.
- In the event that the tools are not submergible all the way into the casing, a downhole tractor can be used to push the tools all the way into position in the well. A downhole tractor is any kind of driving tool capable of pushing or pulling tools in a well downhole, such as a Well Tractor®.
- Although the invention has been described in the above in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be evident for a person skilled in the art that several modifications are conceivable without departing from the invention as defined by the following claims.
Claims (21)
1-26. (canceled)
27. A lateral junction assembly (1) for providing a lateral junction in a wellbore by being inserted into a casing having an opening (61) and defining a longitudinal axis (52), the lateral junction assembly having a longitudinal direction (50) which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and comprising:
a pipe module (10) comprising a pipe section (12) for being inserted through the opening in the casing and a flange (11, 111),
wherein the lateral junction assembly further comprises a fixation element (25, 125) adapted for being connected with the flange to fixate the pipe module in a predetermined location with the pipe section extending through the opening in the casing.
28. A lateral junction assembly according to claim 27 , wherein the pipe section extends from a first surface (13) of the flange, and the fixation element, when connected to the flange, extends from a second surface (19) of the flange opposite the first surface of the flange.
29. A lateral junction assembly according to claim 27 , further comprising a sealing element (14) arranged at the first surface of the flange.
30. A lateral junction assembly according to claim 27 , wherein the assembly comprises two or more fixation elements (21, 22, 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d, 25).
31. A lateral junction assembly according to claim 30 , wherein the one or more fixation elements are sections of a hollow cylinder.
32. A lateral junction assembly according to claim 27 , wherein a cross-section of the flange constitutes a first part of a circular ring and the one or more fixation elements constitute a second and remaining part of the circular ring.
33. A lateral junction assembly according to claim 27 , comprising one or more fixation elements distributed in the longitudinal direction of the lateral junction assembly.
34. Lateral junction assembly according to claim 27 , wherein the fixation element is a flexible member for pushing the pipe section through an opening (117) in the flange.
35. A lateral junction assembly according to claim 34 , wherein the flexible member is a sheet of spring steel.
36. A lateral junction assembly according to claim 27 , wherein the fixation element comprises multiple spring members for pushing the pipe section through an opening (117) in the flange.
37. A lateral junction assembly according to claim 27 , further comprising one or more locking devices (115) extending from the pipe section and being adapted to fixate the pipe section in an activated position wherein the pipe section extends through the opening in the flange.
38. A lateral junction system for providing a lateral junction in a wellbore, the lateral junction system comprising:
a primary casing (60) having an inner surface (62) and at least one opening (61), the primary casing defining a longitudinal axis (52), and
a lateral junction assembly (1) according to claim 27 ,
wherein the pipe module is positioned such that the pipe section extends through the opening of the casing and the one or more fixation elements pushes the first surface of the flange towards the inner surface of the casing, whereby the pipe module is secured in a predetermined location.
39. A lateral junction system according to claim 38 , wherein the pipe module has an extension in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the extension being smaller than an inner diameter of the casing.
40. A lateral junction system according to claim 38 , wherein a cross-section of the flange constitutes a first part of a circular ring, and the one or more fixation elements constitute a second and remaining part of the circular ring, an outer periphery of the ring being substantially equal to or slightly larger than an inner periphery of the casing.
41. A wireline tool for transporting, positioning and assembling a lateral junction assembly according to claim 27 in a casing, the wireline tool comprising:
an electronic unit for powering to the wireline tool,
a motor unit,
a pump unit,
a driving unit moving the wireline tool downhole,
a logging unit for determining the position in a casing downhole,
a transportation unit for transporting and positioning the pipe module and the one or more fixation elements, and
an assembly unit for assembling the lateral junction assembly downhole.
42. A method of installing a lateral junction assembly in a wellbore having a casing with at least one opening, the method comprising the steps of:
lowering a pipe module comprising a pipe section and a flange into a wellbore,
lowering one or more fixation elements adapted for being connected with the flange into a wellbore,
positioning the pipe module in the casing with the pipe section extending through the opening of the casing,
joining the flange of the pipe module with the one or more fixation elements, thereby fixating the lateral junction assembly in a predetermined location.
43. A method according to claim 42 , wherein side edges of the flange of the pipe module and side edges of the one or more fixation elements are joined by cold welding caused by the side edges being pressed against each other.
44. A wireline tool for transporting, positioning and activating a lateral junction assembly according to claim 34 in a casing, the wireline tool comprising:
an electronic unit for powering to the wireline tool,
a motor unit,
a pump unit,
a driving unit moving the wireline tool downhole,
a logging unit for determining the position in a casing downhole,
a transportation unit for transporting and positioning the lateral junction assembly, and
an activation unit for activating the lateral junction assembly downhole by removing one or more activation members (116) of the lateral junction assembly.
45. A wireline tool according to claim 44 , further comprising an expander cone (88) for pushing the pipe section of the lateral junction assembly through the opening in the flange and the opening in the casing.
46. A method of installing a lateral junction assembly in a wellbore having a casing with at least one opening, the method comprising the steps of:
lowering a lateral junction assembly according to claim 34 into a wellbore,
positioning the lateral junction assembly in the casing with the pipe section aligned with the opening of the casing,
activating the lateral junction assembly downhole by removing one or more activation members, so that the pipe section extends through the opening in the casing, and
fixating the lateral junction assembly in a predetermined location by means of the one or more locking devices.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP10196416.1 | 2010-12-22 | ||
EP10196416.1A EP2469012B1 (en) | 2010-12-22 | 2010-12-22 | Lateral junction assembly |
PCT/EP2011/073615 WO2012085102A1 (en) | 2010-12-22 | 2011-12-21 | Lateral junction assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130284460A1 true US20130284460A1 (en) | 2013-10-31 |
Family
ID=43825324
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/996,871 Abandoned US20130284460A1 (en) | 2010-12-22 | 2011-12-21 | Lateral junction assembly |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130284460A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2469012B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103282595A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2011347269C1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112013015369A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2822752A1 (en) |
DK (1) | DK2469012T3 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2013007156A (en) |
RU (1) | RU2013133166A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012085102A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160326818A1 (en) * | 2014-12-15 | 2016-11-10 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Wellbore sealing system with degradable whipstock |
US9644459B2 (en) | 2010-07-28 | 2017-05-09 | Packers Plus Energy Services Inc. | Wellbore lateral liner placement system |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
BR112016028963B1 (en) * | 2014-07-16 | 2021-11-23 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | MULTI-HOLE JOINT ASSEMBLY, WELL SYSTEM AND METHOD |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5787987A (en) * | 1995-09-06 | 1998-08-04 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Lateral seal and control system |
US7011151B2 (en) * | 2000-05-22 | 2006-03-14 | Smith International, Inc. | Sealed lateral wellbore junction |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2297988B (en) * | 1992-08-07 | 1997-01-22 | Baker Hughes Inc | Method & apparatus for locating & re-entering one or more horizontal wells using whipstocks |
US5388648A (en) | 1993-10-08 | 1995-02-14 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Method and apparatus for sealing the juncture between a vertical well and one or more horizontal wells using deformable sealing means |
WO1998009053A2 (en) * | 1996-08-30 | 1998-03-05 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Method and apparatus for sealing a junction on a multilateral well |
US6283208B1 (en) * | 1997-09-05 | 2001-09-04 | Schlumberger Technology Corp. | Orienting tool and method |
US6883611B2 (en) * | 2002-04-12 | 2005-04-26 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Sealed multilateral junction system |
US7000695B2 (en) * | 2002-05-02 | 2006-02-21 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Expanding wellbore junction |
US6951252B2 (en) * | 2002-09-24 | 2005-10-04 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Surface controlled subsurface lateral branch safety valve |
US7275598B2 (en) * | 2004-04-30 | 2007-10-02 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Uncollapsed expandable wellbore junction |
EP1983153A1 (en) * | 2007-04-17 | 2008-10-22 | PRAD Research and Development N.V. | Flexible liner for drilled drainhole deployment |
CN101538997A (en) * | 2008-03-21 | 2009-09-23 | 普拉德研究及开发股份有限公司 | Underground well valve with integrated sensor |
-
2010
- 2010-12-22 EP EP10196416.1A patent/EP2469012B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2010-12-22 DK DK10196416.1T patent/DK2469012T3/en active
-
2011
- 2011-12-21 CA CA2822752A patent/CA2822752A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2011-12-21 CN CN2011800621302A patent/CN103282595A/en active Pending
- 2011-12-21 US US13/996,871 patent/US20130284460A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2011-12-21 RU RU2013133166/03A patent/RU2013133166A/en unknown
- 2011-12-21 AU AU2011347269A patent/AU2011347269C1/en not_active Ceased
- 2011-12-21 WO PCT/EP2011/073615 patent/WO2012085102A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-12-21 BR BR112013015369A patent/BR112013015369A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2011-12-21 MX MX2013007156A patent/MX2013007156A/en active IP Right Grant
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5787987A (en) * | 1995-09-06 | 1998-08-04 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Lateral seal and control system |
US7011151B2 (en) * | 2000-05-22 | 2006-03-14 | Smith International, Inc. | Sealed lateral wellbore junction |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9644459B2 (en) | 2010-07-28 | 2017-05-09 | Packers Plus Energy Services Inc. | Wellbore lateral liner placement system |
US10267126B2 (en) | 2010-07-28 | 2019-04-23 | Packers Plus Energy Services Inc. | Wellbore lateral liner placement system |
US20160326818A1 (en) * | 2014-12-15 | 2016-11-10 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Wellbore sealing system with degradable whipstock |
US11280142B2 (en) * | 2014-12-15 | 2022-03-22 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Wellbore sealing system with degradable whipstock |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2469012A1 (en) | 2012-06-27 |
EP2469012B1 (en) | 2013-09-04 |
AU2011347269A1 (en) | 2013-05-02 |
AU2011347269B2 (en) | 2015-02-19 |
BR112013015369A2 (en) | 2016-09-20 |
WO2012085102A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 |
DK2469012T3 (en) | 2013-12-09 |
RU2013133166A (en) | 2015-01-27 |
AU2011347269C1 (en) | 2016-02-25 |
CN103282595A (en) | 2013-09-04 |
MX2013007156A (en) | 2013-07-29 |
CA2822752A1 (en) | 2012-06-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CN101605963B (en) | Configurable wellbore zone isolation system and related methods | |
EP2491222B1 (en) | Expandable liner tieback connection | |
EP1283941B1 (en) | Sealed lateral wellbore junction | |
US9695651B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for use in slim hole wells | |
US7497264B2 (en) | Multilateral production apparatus and method | |
AU2020204498B2 (en) | Downhole straddle assembly | |
CA2437513A1 (en) | Multilateral well completion | |
US20160047176A1 (en) | Apparatus and Method of Connecting Tubular Members In Multi-Lateral Wellbores | |
CA2459537C (en) | System for lining a wellbore casing | |
US20130284460A1 (en) | Lateral junction assembly | |
US20140102719A1 (en) | Rock anchor | |
US10724309B2 (en) | Wellbore cement management system | |
US20150337616A1 (en) | Isolation Barrier | |
US10662710B2 (en) | Wellbore interactive-deflection mechanism | |
US10677013B2 (en) | Annular barrier with shunt tube | |
RU2630002C1 (en) | Depth, load and torque moment positioning | |
EP3246513A1 (en) | Downhole system having lateral sections | |
EP2725278A1 (en) | System for expanding a tubular element in a borehole |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WELLTEC A/S, DENMARK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HALLUNDBAEK, JORGEN;REEL/FRAME:030662/0640 Effective date: 20130527 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |