CA2137936C - Retrievable whipstock arrangement and method - Google Patents
Retrievable whipstock arrangement and methodInfo
- Publication number
- CA2137936C CA2137936C CA002137936A CA2137936A CA2137936C CA 2137936 C CA2137936 C CA 2137936C CA 002137936 A CA002137936 A CA 002137936A CA 2137936 A CA2137936 A CA 2137936A CA 2137936 C CA2137936 C CA 2137936C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- anchor
- whipstock
- latch
- arrangement
- shaft
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
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
- E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
- E21B7/04—Directional drilling
- E21B7/06—Deflecting the direction of boreholes
- E21B7/061—Deflecting the direction of boreholes the tool shaft advancing relative to a guide, e.g. a curved tube or a whipstock
-
- 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
- E21B23/00—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing, or removing tools, packers or the like in the boreholes or wells
Abstract
An anchor (A) is secured in a cased well bore by a setting tool (T) having latch (10) that releasably secures with the anchor (A). The whipstock (27) has surfaces (33) which are engaged with shaft surfaces (32) at the earth's surface to orient the whipstock to face in a desired direction. The whipstock (27) is then lowered into a cased well bore and releasably latched to the anchor (A) by latch (35) engaged in recess (3) of the anchor and secured against rotation by surface (31d) engaged in whipstock latching surface (8) on the anchor (A). A lateral well bore can then be drilled from the cased well bore in the desired direction and at the desired elevation. The whipstock (27) may be connected with a drill string (DS) for lowering into an anchor (A) in the well bore. If desired, an ordinary well string (53) with latch arrangement (77) cooperates with latch arrangement (78) in the whipstock (27) to retrieve the whipstock from the anchor (A), or to position the whipstock in the anchor (A).
Description
~ 2~137~36 ' ::
A-2292 ~ ; ~
. ;~- ', . . .
riev~hle W~ .rL Arrsr~Pmant sn~
n9- ~L,~.. ~.. l .~rt It is well known to use ~ lorl~Q in drilling to direct or deviate a drill bit or cutter at an angle from a cased well bore. It is generally c~lQl<-..A~,~ in most inQtsnceQ, to initially set a cement plug, a packer and a rL at the desired elevation in a well tubular member such as a 15 casing.
The o :e~ ~ of the ~.1.;p~lo~L is then nr,c4...p1;Qh~l in a well known manner and generally r~quire6 a multiple trip operation into and out of the cased well bore. ,, It can be applc~ated that p.oble 6 may arise if ulldesiled rotation of :~ the ~rl ~ut~ occurs after orient~t;on and before setting the packer.
P~eee~ ,the ~. ', etQ~ and packer are left in the casing in the well bore which blocks accees to the cased well bore l~o~ &~
In some instances, it is desirable to leave the cased well bore open - ~' from which the lateral well bore is drilled, but this cannot be done with 25 ~ e~i_nt ~ p~ .. L sL uclu,ce and setting .~- t1.o~
niRrl~n~re ~..v~
A retrievable ~ tc~r a.l~.nge~uent includes a whipstock with a tape.~d face ll.e.~..., which ,.1.;1JElQcL can be l~1e~cAh1y and non rotatably Q~E;t;~ne(l in an anchor se~ cd with a cased well bore to position the 30 ~.L~,tQrlr face in the cased well bore in a desired direction. A latch ~n&~d-el f~,l6 part of a shaft ~l~pe~ g from the ~ ocL su~,uu~ls a latch that is iXl~ hl~ c~.~Ag~'e with the anchor secul~ed in the cased well bore, ~. Le.~ the ~ stor~ may be retrieved from the cased well bore.
CGOPe..~l~g sulf~ce3 on the o~ient~t;~n sleeve portion of the shaft 36 and on the whipstock enable the W1~ lC~L to be rotated and locked in a desired rotated position on the shaft at the earth's surface which pUsi~ n~
:
~- 2~.37~6 and msintsin~ the whipstock face in a desired direction when surfaces on - the oriPntst;Qn sleeve and the anchor secured in the cased well bore are engaged.
The anchor includes means to secure it with the casing and 5 mgin~gin it sec.llad with the casing.
Where the ~.l.;p~lorL is not lowered on a drill string into the cased well bore, it may be lowered on a well string and relP~shly, but non rotatably, latched to the anchor. The well string and whipEtork are provided with co~,o.alil-g latch ~lan~. m~ts to enable the ~.hi~slock to be lowered 10 and en~lgcd with the anchor by the well string and the well string then c'~~~e~ from the, l.;~lc.cL without chsn~ing the direction in which the ElC- L faces in the cased well bore.
The well string may be fe;l,gag~d with the ~ orL- for retrieving it from the cased well bore which leaves the cased well bore open for access.
An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apl,A~atu~ for l~le~A-~hly and non rotatably latch a wllip~lock to an anchor see~ed in a cased well bore.
An~tllsr object i8 to provide a method and appalatus to latch a ,.1.;~",lo.L with a well string to lower and 1~4;n~Ahly posi~ n the ~ h;p~-lo.~L:~ in an anchor ~u.ued in a cased well bore to face in a desired direction in the cased well bore, which well string may be then ~ engAged from the wh;~ r~!~ after the, l~;p~lo~L is iAIeA~hly posi~;onsd in the anchor while ...~A;nt~:n;.~e the ..' ,~etorl~ releA~Ahly~ and non rotatably positioned in theanchor to face in the desired direction.
:~i One object of the p.cce.-t invention is to provide an a,l~.~ment and method for lo~ a retl.e~,able ~/h;, tc-l~ into an anchor scc~ed in a well bore casing for drilling a lateral well bore and lhCre&rt;~ retrieving the ~. ~eto~L~ This leaves the cased well bore from which the lateral well bore is drilled ~rc ee- L l~ for wh~ r pu-~,G3e may be desired or n~cessA~ uch 30 as, by way of ~ - le only, for ~ec~:vi"g a flow conduit below the anchor to GQntl~lrt fluids from such cased well bore .
An~ther object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement and ... thoA for lo..~ g a retrievable ~ JElo~L into an anchor in a cased well bore casing for drilling a lateral well bore, retrieving the drill string 36 and then ret~;e.i"~ the whipstock.
StUI a further object of the p.~ G~nt invention is to provide a ... -Ll.~-and appala~us for drilling a desired mlmhçr of lateral well bores from the same cased well bore.
A-2292 ~ ; ~
. ;~- ', . . .
riev~hle W~ .rL Arrsr~Pmant sn~
n9- ~L,~.. ~.. l .~rt It is well known to use ~ lorl~Q in drilling to direct or deviate a drill bit or cutter at an angle from a cased well bore. It is generally c~lQl<-..A~,~ in most inQtsnceQ, to initially set a cement plug, a packer and a rL at the desired elevation in a well tubular member such as a 15 casing.
The o :e~ ~ of the ~.1.;p~lo~L is then nr,c4...p1;Qh~l in a well known manner and generally r~quire6 a multiple trip operation into and out of the cased well bore. ,, It can be applc~ated that p.oble 6 may arise if ulldesiled rotation of :~ the ~rl ~ut~ occurs after orient~t;on and before setting the packer.
P~eee~ ,the ~. ', etQ~ and packer are left in the casing in the well bore which blocks accees to the cased well bore l~o~ &~
In some instances, it is desirable to leave the cased well bore open - ~' from which the lateral well bore is drilled, but this cannot be done with 25 ~ e~i_nt ~ p~ .. L sL uclu,ce and setting .~- t1.o~
niRrl~n~re ~..v~
A retrievable ~ tc~r a.l~.nge~uent includes a whipstock with a tape.~d face ll.e.~..., which ,.1.;1JElQcL can be l~1e~cAh1y and non rotatably Q~E;t;~ne(l in an anchor se~ cd with a cased well bore to position the 30 ~.L~,tQrlr face in the cased well bore in a desired direction. A latch ~n&~d-el f~,l6 part of a shaft ~l~pe~ g from the ~ ocL su~,uu~ls a latch that is iXl~ hl~ c~.~Ag~'e with the anchor secul~ed in the cased well bore, ~. Le.~ the ~ stor~ may be retrieved from the cased well bore.
CGOPe..~l~g sulf~ce3 on the o~ient~t;~n sleeve portion of the shaft 36 and on the whipstock enable the W1~ lC~L to be rotated and locked in a desired rotated position on the shaft at the earth's surface which pUsi~ n~
:
~- 2~.37~6 and msintsin~ the whipstock face in a desired direction when surfaces on - the oriPntst;Qn sleeve and the anchor secured in the cased well bore are engaged.
The anchor includes means to secure it with the casing and 5 mgin~gin it sec.llad with the casing.
Where the ~.l.;p~lorL is not lowered on a drill string into the cased well bore, it may be lowered on a well string and relP~shly, but non rotatably, latched to the anchor. The well string and whipEtork are provided with co~,o.alil-g latch ~lan~. m~ts to enable the ~.hi~slock to be lowered 10 and en~lgcd with the anchor by the well string and the well string then c'~~~e~ from the, l.;~lc.cL without chsn~ing the direction in which the ElC- L faces in the cased well bore.
The well string may be fe;l,gag~d with the ~ orL- for retrieving it from the cased well bore which leaves the cased well bore open for access.
An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apl,A~atu~ for l~le~A-~hly and non rotatably latch a wllip~lock to an anchor see~ed in a cased well bore.
An~tllsr object i8 to provide a method and appalatus to latch a ,.1.;~",lo.L with a well string to lower and 1~4;n~Ahly posi~ n the ~ h;p~-lo.~L:~ in an anchor ~u.ued in a cased well bore to face in a desired direction in the cased well bore, which well string may be then ~ engAged from the wh;~ r~!~ after the, l~;p~lo~L is iAIeA~hly posi~;onsd in the anchor while ...~A;nt~:n;.~e the ..' ,~etorl~ releA~Ahly~ and non rotatably positioned in theanchor to face in the desired direction.
:~i One object of the p.cce.-t invention is to provide an a,l~.~ment and method for lo~ a retl.e~,able ~/h;, tc-l~ into an anchor scc~ed in a well bore casing for drilling a lateral well bore and lhCre&rt;~ retrieving the ~. ~eto~L~ This leaves the cased well bore from which the lateral well bore is drilled ~rc ee- L l~ for wh~ r pu-~,G3e may be desired or n~cessA~ uch 30 as, by way of ~ - le only, for ~ec~:vi"g a flow conduit below the anchor to GQntl~lrt fluids from such cased well bore .
An~ther object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement and ... thoA for lo..~ g a retrievable ~ JElo~L into an anchor in a cased well bore casing for drilling a lateral well bore, retrieving the drill string 36 and then ret~;e.i"~ the whipstock.
StUI a further object of the p.~ G~nt invention is to provide a ... -Ll.~-and appala~us for drilling a desired mlmhçr of lateral well bores from the same cased well bore.
2~ 7~-~6 Another object is to provide an arrangement and method for lowering - a retrievable wl~ vck into an anchor in a cased well bore for stepwise drilling a plurality of lateral well bores in any desired direction and elevation from the cased well bore and leaving the cased well bore open from which the lateral well bores are drilled.
Another object is to provide a mAtl r,~l and apparatus for rele~~hly sec.,;"g a whipstock with an anchor in a cased well bore and for retrieving the whip~torlr from the anchor.
Yet a further object is to provide a method and apparatus for ~ecu-;ng a rel.;evable wl.:~,blorlr face in any desired rotated relationship relative to an anchor secured in a cased well bore.
Still a further object is to provide a method and apparatus for 10~ 6 a ~ ,. L into a cased well bore on a well string to secure the ~ l.;p~lo.'L with an anchor and the well string then ,ele. ocd and retrieved from the cased well bore in a mAnn_r to inhibit unthreading the joints r~ .g the well string.
Still a rullhe. object is to provide a method and apparatus for -~
lo..~ 6 a ~/h;~ r into a cased well bore on a well string to secure the , h;~ lr with an anchor and the well string then ~cleaocd and retrieved :~ from the cased well bore, and thcrc~lel reengAging the well string with the k r~r to retrieve it.
A rul lLel object of the invention is to secure an anchor in a cased well bore that is configured for lecv:~/ing a ..l i~ ~ that ~u~pv.ls a latch for ,~leP~ ec~;~.g the ~ L in the anchor in a desired direction for drilling a lateral well bore from the cased well bore. ' A ru~lho~ object of the invention is to provide a whip~torLr that suppo.l~ a latch for releAs.~hly securing the whip~torLr in an anchor for drilling lateral well bores from a cased well bore. The ~.Li~ ~lock includes a surface for ...f ~ g the latch v~g~ d with the anchor. Coope aling ~0 surfaces on the anchor and and ~ l~;p~lc~ L face the ~h;~ clr in a desired direction while the ,.l. ~- ~c- L is in use to drill the lateral well bore. ~ ~ -Still ~ h object of the invention is to enhAnr~ pl o~l.-c~ :-~n of oil and gas from a ca~ed well bore by drilling lateral well bores from the cased well bore.
36 A ~u~ object of the invention is to provide an arrangement to enable a whipstock face to be posi~;-~ned in any desired direction at the earth's surface and then lo~.v.ed into a cased well bore for drilling lateral ~ -2~ 37!~36 well bores in desired directions from the cased well bore and the whipstock - then retrieved.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appa-ent from a c~n~ideration of the following drawings and 5 de~c. ;y~ion.
Rrief n~n~ )n of Drawin~
Fig 1 is a fiect;~n~l srhem~tic view showing one form of an anchor, with one form of latch ~up~ ed on a setting tool for ~.le~nnhly cQnnPct;ng the setting tool and anchor;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged partial sect;on~l view of Fig. 1 showing the anchor form of Fig. 1 r~le~ g the setting tool from the anchor form of Fig.
1 after the anchor has been secured in the a well bore tubular mPmh~r-Fig. 3 i8 a sect;or~ iew showing the anchor form of Fig. 1 secured in the well bore tubular m~mhPr;
Fig. 3A iB a eect;on~l s-hAm~t;c view of a survey mPch~ni.~m, or instrument, for ~l~te ~,linlng the oriPnt~t;on, or direction of a whipstock latch surface in the anchor for Pn~hling the whipstoclr to be rotated and locked on the shaft at the earth's surface in a predete.~illed position to face in a desired direction when it is po~it;~np~l and secured in the anchor;
Figs. 4 and 5 are sect;~m~l views, partly in elevation illustrating a t~ . L- scc~d on a drill string and being lowered into the anchor form of Fig. 1 and rPle~hly vcc.,-ed the.c~.ilh by latch means on a shaft cor nected to the ~ etoc'Lr and depen~ling thelerlom. One form of coopa.ali..g ~vurfi~e~onthe~ L i~ !randvhaft toenablethe ~ ;y~locL to :~ be povi~;one~l at the earth's surface to face in a locked, rotated position, if ~eCo~v~ry~ relative to the ~.h;pElorL latch vurface, such as a slot in the anchor, is also vhown.
Fig. 6 iCv an enlarged sec~n~l view on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4 which shows in greater detail one form of the cooperating surfaces on the 30 ~.l.;pslo~L and shaft to secure the whip~torlr in a desired rotated po~it;~n on a shaft to posi~;~ n the face of the ~.Lipvloc~ in a desired direction when the ~.h;pslorL iB sec ~ed with the anchor;
Fig. 7 sçh~m~t;~lly illustrates an arrangement for rçle~ing a y~ ocLr from an anchor and al80 an arrangement for latching with a pslorL to l - 3j~ n it in or retrieve it from a cased well bore;
Figs. 8 and 9 are enlarged partial sect;on~l views showing one form of a coope.aling latch ~.angc lant on a well string and a cooperating latch al.ang~ment on a ~.h;p~lo~L for rçlç~hly ~ngP~ing a well string with a .
2~ 136 whip~tock to position the wl~ip~lock in, and retrieve it from, a well bore tubular mamhçr and for ralçA~ing the well string from the whipstock;
Figs. 10 and 11 are are partial sect;~AnAl views, similar to Figs. 8 and 9, and showing another form of a cooperating latch arrangement for a 5 well string and ~ ,~l Fig 12 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 12-12 of Fig. 7 illu~l,~l,i,.~ further details of the forms of latch arrange"~ s of Eigs. 8-11 for the well string and the ~ .lor Fig. 13 is a ~ec~;AnAl view of a packer anchor and with a seal 10 b h.~,cn the anchor and ,.l.;p~ L;
Fig. 14 i8 a sect;(~nAl view, partly in elevation, of a cased well bore illu&l,_~ing an anchor with the ,.l.;~~l~c~ ac~ ed therewith to position the ..' ~ face in a desired mAnnar for receivillg a drill string to drill the lateral well bore shown;
Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 14 and showing a plurality of lateral well bores drilled from the cased well bore in desired directions and at sRlecte l elevations from the cased well bore; and Fig. 16 is a sect;~An-l view illu~l~aling one possible ~d~3 ent of ~-ln~ I -An e~ .a..t positioned in a cased well bore for c.-~ AAt;ng separately with the cased well bore and the lateral well bore after the l~L has been retrieved from the cased well bore.
Best Mo~ fnr l~-rrir~ O--t ~a Tnvant;An Attent;-~n is first d;i6~.~ed to Figs. 1-3 of the drawings wherein an ~ ee A~l is shown for ~ec~;llg an anchor, lop.ece .~d generally at A, 25 in a well bore tubular member, such as a casing C in cased well bore WB.
The anchor A ;..- ll.AeE~ a body B of any ~ tq~e configuration.
In the embodiment shown, the body B is illustrated as being tubular and is formed of lower tubular elemPnt la and an upper tubular ahamant lb tL~r~-'ly c~ ecled with tubular elemant la which is cQnn-ct~Ad with 30 lower cone 81. The body B is preferably tubular and includeg a lon~
bore 2 lho,etl ~ough.
An anchor surface on the anchor is provided and may be of any 8 ~itr~e con~iguration and is shown as being in the form of an internal groove or -nn~ r recess 3 in the bore 2 of the body. Slip means 4 are p~. te-J on the anchor in any 6uitable m_nnar and are shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 5 as 8e~ ~ed by frangible means, such as shear pins 5 r~ cel)t~ or on tapcled surfaces 6 and 6a, leb~eclively, on upper and lower spaced tubular portions 6b and cage 81 on the tubular body of the anchor . The . : ~
:
6 2'~
shear pins 5 extend th~ough the tapered surfaces 6 and 6a and into the slip ;
means 4 of the anchor to m~int~in the tapered surfaces in spaced relation as the tool is lowered into the well bore and until the setting tool, eBÇ-~te-l generally by T, is ~ct~ l to effect relative movement between 5 the tapered s~rfrl~es and the slip means to shear pins 5 for moving the slip means to engage the tubular member and secure the anchor with the tubular mrmhrr.
The upper end of body B in the ~mho~ ...?n~ shown termin~e in an l;..r~ surface 7, and where the body B is tubular with a bore 2, which is 10 the p,efe~.. d e~ho~ a~t~ the surface 7 is an annular edge surface. A
uu~rlr latch gurface çYt~n-l~ in the tubular body B from the edge 7. In ~ ~ -the form shown, the ~ orlr latch surface is a slot as shown at 8 that ç~t~n-l~ from the lu~ portion of the lape;ed surface as shown in the d~&..h~ga, but it may assume other configurations, such as, by way of 15 example only, a longitudinal recess on the internal wall of the body or other form as desired.
A setting A~l~n~ cnt or setting tool T of any suitable type may be employed to lower and secure the anchor in a tubular member such as cased well bore or the like. For Pyrmrle only, a wireline setting tool or ; ~ ~1 :~ hydr~ lly r l ~ ~l settingtool maybe ~ '(.,~d.
The setting tool includes a shaft, rod, or adapter 9 on which r~le~''e means such as a latch ~f~...ad to generally at 10 of any suitable form may be auppG,led. In the form shown, the latch 10 includes an s~nn~ r body 11 with frangible means such as shear pins 12 adjacent the ~; upper end thereof for rele~srhly securing the latch 10 on the shaft 9 as shown in Fig.1. The shear pins 12 extend through the chc~fe~entially spaced, l<!ngit~l~linrlly e~le ~ e slots 13 of body 11 and into shaft 9 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The slots te..-l nate a~ cent, but spaced from the upper end and bottom end of body 11 as shown. F.Y ~ ul;ng from the bottom ~0 end of latch body 11 are c.lc~f~.e..~ally spaced, k~ngit~ in~lly ~~Y~n-lin~
. .~...he~a 14 which have ~Ytern~l enlargement~, or latch surfaces thereon ~p,~ t 15 for pQci~ ning within the recess, or anchor surface 3.
The al.A~ment including the setting tool, latch 10 and anchor A
are ~çm~'e.ol at the earth's surface in a ms~nnar well known in the art to 36 co~ e~l them toget~r for lowering into the cased well bore as shown in Fig. 1 with the shear pins 12 ~djPc~nt the upper end of slots 13 and latch surfaces 15 in the anchor surface 3.
' .
2~ 36 A wireline or well string, depçnl1ing upon the setting arrangement - employed, is used to lower the arrangement into the cased well bore. The setting tool includes a first surface 23 on shaft or R-l~pter 9, shown in the form of a radially eYtJ?n~lin~ portion on shaft 9, which is po~it;~n~d ~ c~nt 5 the enlargements 15 when they are positioned in the recess 3. This pl evenls the latch 10 from prematurely r~leR~in~ from the tubular Body B until the setting tool is R~t~te~
~ ct~l~t;nn of the setting tool and setting the slips moves shaft or R~laFt~ 9 up. In~eased force applied to R~lRpt~ 9 through ~t~t;on of the 10 sefflng tool T after setting of the anchor A in the casing C of the well borebreake shear pin 12 as the R~lRrter moves u~ d relative to latch 10.
Cont;nl)ed up..~rd m~ -..ent of the R~'~rt~. 9 relative to latch 10 causes the bottom surface 24 of the latch 10 to engage with the ledge 25 on the shaft or R~lA~l,?/ 9 to remove the latch 10 from the sec.l,ed anchor A and retrieve 15 the latch 10 with the setting tool to the earth's surface.
The lower portion of Fig. 5 illustrates further details of the anchor A
not seen in Fig.1. A lock means, refe.led to generally at L is provided to mRintsin the anchor 3e_~d with the tubular with the tubular member C.
The lock L may ~8l~mç any desired form and in the form shown ~1 ;n.,l~.tle~ a ratchet surface 17 eYt~n~linE lo."~ l;n~lly on the outer surface of t~bl~lRr body B of the anchor. The tubular portion 6b has an internal I,a~oled thread 19 in ~nn~ r spaced relation to the ratchet thread 17 on tubular body B. A split ratchet ring 20 is b t,~._on tubular portion 6b and the tubular body B. The split or se~n~te 1 ratchet ring 20 has a ratchet thread 25 21 on its inner surface and a l~l~o~d thread 22 on its outer surface. These f~,c~ coopc.~&te to ~&~ oflAte relative l~-o~,~ent bet~.ecn the tubular portion 6b and the tubular body B when the setting tool is ~ct~ ed so that the lapc.~d &~ f~ 6 and 6a move the slips into securing relation with the tubular mPmher C. The ratchet surfaces lock the tubular portion 6b and ~0 cage 81 with tubular body B so the slip means 4 is locked in engagement with the tubular member C in the well bore when the ~etting tool is Rct~lRted in a mRnn~r well known in the art.
The setting &-.angem~nt including the setting tool T with sleeve S
ll~ereo" and anchor A are R~sçmhled as shown in Fig. 1 at the earth's 36 s~lrf~r~e. Sleeve S, as shown in Fig. 1 abuts the upper end 6c of the tubularportion 6b on which lape,~ed surface 6 is formed. When the setting tool is ~Rct~ted, relative movement is çffected between setting sleeve S and tubular body B in a m~nn~r well known in the art to set the slip means 4 r, ' ' ~ ~ ~ A " ' ' ' ' ', . ~ ~ , ~, ' ' I ' ' ' 2.~37~36 - . . .
and to cause the surfaces of the lock L to cooperate to Acc~mmodate relative m~,vt~ ent and then lock the tubular portion 6b, split ring 20 and the body B in engaged relation to m~infsin the slips engaged with the ;~
tubular mPmhPr C in the well bore.
An ~pplir~;Qn of force causes setting of the slips 4 in a monnPr well known in the art, after which the pins 12 are sheared upon up~.~d ~ -movement of t_e setting tool. The setting tool is then re~-,~,6d from the anchor A and ledge, or second surface, 25 on the setting string or tool, enga6~D~ with the bottom 24 of the latch to r~ ., it from the anchor and well bore along with the setting tool as illustrated in Fig. 2 of the La~ ,g.
Fig. 13 illuol,r te~ o-not~ form of the anchor A which includes the packer P on the tubular body above the Blip means. In thi6 ;n~ ra it may be desirable to pro.;de a lock L above and below the packer to ~ ;..'o;-- the slips seo.lred with the tubular m4mher should the packer deteriorate or 15 ~li~int,egrate.
The lock L above the packer P is shown as being the same as that in the Fig. 5 form of the anchor, with like nul.le~c.ls rep,~aen' ~ like parts.
The lock L above the packer P is similar to that shown below the packer in Fig. 5 in that it employs a tubular portion 6f above the packer, but :~ it has no tape.ed surface. Other parts are similar with like numerals ~e~CE~ like parts of the lock L below the packer. A seal 80 is provided on the latch ~nL~l 30 b~ t. ~e.- the latch ~-.and el 30 and the body B. The member 6d close~ offthe upper end of tubular portion 6b.
Figs. 4 and 5 show one form of the a-.angemont of the present in~. ~;on wherein a mill M is le!f~ c~nnp~ 1 n~ cn ~I the lower end of a drill string DS. A whi~tQ~ 27 is cQnnscted with the drill string ~e e-'l~ the mill by frangible means such as shear pin 26a which c~nnp~
the drill string with the whipstock at face 26. An e ~ e -n 28 delle~ from the lower end of the ~ 27 and in~lvdes co!-pl;~e 29 co~ r~led ~0 Ihe~ l- by any suitable means such as ll~eads as shown.
A shaft is connected to the ~ G~L 27. The shaft in the Pmh~ nh~l illustrated in the ~.i"6O is folmed by the orientot;~n sleeve 31 which r~ o~ therein and pe~1 -'ly Oullounds latch mandrel 30 as shown in the -d~ go~ The latch ~a~d~l 30 and o.;en~o~ n sleeve 31 are shown as 36 each being cQ-.n~te~l to the ~-~nC on 28 by co--l~l;..e 29 of the ~.h;pul and may be considered as part of the ~rl ,~ E 5c -~
The ~ n 28 of the .rl ~ is ~eaded and Eho~ red withco--~l;..C 29 which limits the make - up of the l~oaded ~4nn~ct;0n bht~.een . .
.~.".'' '~
2~ 6 çYtçn~ion 28 and coupling 29. The oriçntet;on sleeve 31 of the shaft and the whipstock are provided with cooperating surfaces for locking and ms.;,.~9;n;.~g the wh;p~ L face in any desired rotated poPi~;on on the shaft to enable a later. l well bore to be drilled in a desired direction from the 5 cased well bore. This rel-s-t;~-n~hip is msintsin~ll when the wLi~lock is non rotatably posit;~ned in the anchor A in the cased well bore.
The cooyelating surfaces on the whipstock and the shaft which initially det- ".,ne and .-~;nls;n this r~l-s-t;on~hir may assume any desired configuration, and one form is illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings. The 10 coope,ating surfaces comprise internal splin~s, ~eîe..ed to generally at 32, or intqrnal keys 32a and h~ . ay;~ 32b on the oriçntst;on sleeve 31 of the shaft~rl,j~icent its upper end, which engage with external splines, ~efe..ed to generally at 33, or ç~t~ ..al keyways 33a and keys 33b, formed on the co-.Pl;..e 29 of the ~ The keys 32a engage in h~y~. dy:j 33a and the 15 k~. d~ 32breceivekeys33b.
Any 6 ~ e n----~h. ~ of splines or keys and hey~. dy~i may be provided on the ~.h;y~OrL and the oriçnt~t;on sleeve of the shaft, as desired. The ~eatl. the n~-~n~Sel of splines, the smaller the angle ll-~ rebel~.een to more finitely adjust the face of the whipEt~ The splines are rep.csçnted as :~ immediately ~ljacent in Fig. 6, but they may be c;rc~ fe.e.llially spaced if desiied.
A lock sleeve 34, as shown in Fig. 4 i8 provided with threads to engage with the co~ 29 as shown and an ~nnnl~r shoulder 34a on lock sleeve 34 abuts an Pnmllr~r 8hml1der 31a on the o~;a.~ on sleeve 31 of the :~ shaft as shown to lock the ~.h~ L face 26 in any desired rotated po~i*on on the o,;~ ct Qn sleeve 31 of the shaft as shown. The coopc-ating surfaces on the ..-, Ft';!"l' illustrated as the lug 31d and the slot 8 in the anchor y.~nl relati~e rotation bel~.~~n the ..Lip~lock and the anchor sec~cd in the cased well bore. The coop. ..~ling ~--. f, rçs may assume any 30 desired configuration.
The lower end of tubular body B of the anchor A is cQnn~cted to lower cone 81 by slli~ le means such as threads as shown in the drawings. The lower l~pe.cd or conical surface 6a is formed on lower cone 81 and the cage 81' includes.e;-~f~.en~ially spaced slots 83 in which are posi~;~n~-l cap 36 screws 82 that are sec~ed on the lower cone 81. The slip means comprise upper and lower slip means 4 that are pQ~it;~n~l on the upper and lower coni--l surfaces 6 and 6a respectively. The slips extend through c;~ ~fe enlially spaced ~.;nd~ , 84 and 85 of cage 81' which engage and - 21.;37936 grip the inner surface of the casing C upon setting of the anchor A by the - setting tool. by way of eY~mrle only, the surface on the oriçnts~inn sleeve 31 i8 shown as a p~,c~li,lg lug 31d on the oriantstinn sleeve of the shaft which eng~ges in the whip6to~ latch surface, shown in the form of slot 8, when 5 the whipstock and shaft are positioned in and rale~bly latched with the anchor A, and when so e g~.ged, no relative rotation bet~. een the whipstoc face 26 and the casingoccurs.
Thus, the ~ a..an~.,~ent of the ,ulerent invention precludes relative rotation between the whipstock face and casing C when the 27 is ~ and r~k-q~qhly latched with the anchor A in the casing C.
A latch 35 is ~up,uu~ Ied on the ..' ~ -lr in any s li~shl~ m~nnPr and as shown in the form of the invention illustrated in the drawings, the latch 35 is bup~u, led on the .. ' ~ by latch ~~ld ~l 30 of the shaft. The latch 15 mandrel 30 is 8cc~ Dd by lI--eads 29a to the co--pl;.~ 29 that is cQnnecte~
vvith the ~ ulc~
The latch 35 is similar to latch 10, but di~.e.ll ,~fe.~"~e numerals are ~pl!lieA to describe it and dislil.~ush it from latch 10.
The latch lef~ .ed to generally at 35 ;~ les a body 36 rele~hly ev~Ld to the latch mandrel 30 by shear pins 35a which extend through 10 .~l- A;~A1 slûts 37 therein and into the latch ~c~l as shovm.
The shear pins 35a are sl onge~ than the shear pins 26a which secure the mill to the drill string and thus the mill can be .~1~P-e~ ~.;IhUUI
the ~ t;Un of the whipstock and latch l-,&nc~el 30 of the shaft :~; with tubular body B of the anchor A.
Circumfo~o~liallyspacedmembers38depend frombody 36 and the members 38 have eDlargements 39 ~ their lower ends as shown and A~ ;hcA with respect to the latch 10 that r~ I~A CAh1Y secures the ~ ;p~lc ~ L
and drill string with the anchor A to secure the ~.' ~ ;rlr in the desired 30 direction to enable a lateràl well bore to be drilled from the cased well bore.
The latch mandrel of the shaft, as previously noted, is co~-nP~le~A. to and may be considered as part of the ..' ~et~
The surface 27d on the latch ~and~cl 30 seats on sho~llA-~r 51 of the body B when the lug 31d is seated in the slot 8 of the body B, as shown in 35 Figs. 4 and 5. The first, or pnn~ r surface 27a, on the latch ~dlel 30 of the shaft is adjacent the eDl~c.-ls 39 in recess 3 and since the latch ~a-lL~l 30 is seated on ~hn..lAer 51 it cannot move down. Should up ~o~,e ~ent occur, the first, or Anm~l~r surface 27a moves to a posi~;on 7g36 A*~ent. and internal relative to enlargements 39 to p.event inward flexing - of mamhars 38, thus ~reven~ g enlargements 39 from moving out of recess 3.
The enlal ~en~ 39 pQ4it;An in the recess 3 of the tubular body B of S the anchor when the drill string, mill and ~ lorl~, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 are lowered into the anchor A se~ ~,ed in the cased well bore. The whipstock latch surface, in the form of the invention illustrated, is the lo~g~ ".l;~nl slot 8 in the anchor A. Lug 31d on the orient;nF sleeve 31 of the shaft engages the i..~l;n-~d surface 7 of the tubular body B when the 10 .~!, Fto~ ~cnt is lowered into the anchor A and the lug 31d on the o. ~ç~ r ~ sleeve 31 of the shaft is guided into the slot 8 to posit;An the shaft with the anchor.
After the anchor is po-4it;~A-na~l in the well bore tubular ...~.nh.~- in the .--P-n~er as p.~ .,iously described, the orient~t;~A-n of the ~ Aclr latch lS surface in the form of slot 8 in the anchor A is ~etermina~) in a m~nnar well known in the art, so that the whip~tor~ face may be rotated, or positioned, and ~ec~ on the o ;c ~ An sleeve shaft 31 of the shaft at the earth'e surface to face in the desired direction when e,lg,~d in the anchor A to enable a lateral well bore to be drilled from the cased well :~ bore in which the whipstock is positioned.
Fig. 3A e-' -m~t;r~lly ~cp~eee ' a .--e~h~ .--, or i"~ .ent, well known in the art for lo..~.~g into a cased well bore on a ~ e as shown to couJ~-~ l and record a survey that dete. ,,-c~ the oriçnt~t;An~ or direction, of a surface l~elalive to a predete lined direction, such as :1~; magnetic North, in a well bore. A tool ie ~ ' --'ly rop~e~ite~ 42 with a cen1,, ~ r rop.eecllted at 42a. The tool 42 inrl~h~ a pin or lug 43 that iD~d~ ~~ in slot 8 ant ~ - e F the tool to ~ t'~ e the o. ;ç ,~ c ~ :AA. of the pin 43 which i8 also the orientation of slot 8 of the anchor. The appa,d~us and method of obtaiDing the survey is well known to those skilled in the art, and 30 no detailed explanation i8'~1P~ç- -iD~ ~u~ce3l39-~
With this information, any person skilled in the art can then DCl orie.~t~ , sleeve 31 of the shaft from the ~ ;p~lo.,L 27 androtate it to position the face of the whipstock as desired. When the, ' x is .~ e ~Jcc' to the ~ g shaft 31 by the splines, and the ~ e~
36 lo. - .c~ into the anchor so lug 31d is in slot 8, the ~ lc,. L face 26 will be ~e~ed in the cased well bore in the diieclion in which it is desired to drill thelateralwellbore .
2~ 936 , -~
The Çore~oillg arrangement and method enables the whipstock to be adjusted at the earth's surface to face in any desired direction in the cased well bore to enable a lateral well bore to be drilled in a well known m, nn.,r.
After the anchor A has been set in the well bore, the above survey run, and the whipstock conn~ct~A l with orienting sleeve 31 in light of the -information obtained from the survey, the arrangement of Figs. 4 and 5, is run into the well bore on a drill string. Lug 31d is engaged with the ~ l.;p~locL latch surface 8 in the anchor, and latch 35 rçle .~hly secures the drill string and ,.l.;p~-lo.L with the anchor A to secure whipstock face 26 in the direction in which it is desired to drill from the cased well bore in which the ~.l.;psl~ L is set.
The mill is released from the whipstock by manipulating the whipstock either up or down to shear pin 26a. The first surface 27a ent~ the enlargements from withdrawing out of surface in the tubular body B of the anchor. The drill string is then manipulated to move the drill string and mill down to cut a window in the casing C and to perform the desired drilling operations to drill a lateral well bore, such as illustrated at47 from the cased well bore WB as shown in Fig. 14. The drill string is then retrieved from the cased and lateral well bores to the earth's surface.
:~ The drill string may inco,~o.ate suitable drilling tool~ to drill the latersl well bore 47 and in some in~tsnce~ the drill string and mill are ~ retrieved from the cased well bore after the mill has cut the .. hldo~. in the casing C and drill tools added as desired to drill the lateral well bore and the drill string lo.~a.~d back into the cased well bore to drill the lateral well a5 bore. The ~.' ~r 1350~ may then be retrieved to the earth's surface, as will be described. Removal of the, h;y~-/O~L leaves the cased well bore open and u~ t--icted for access to position s~litshle production eq~irmant in the cased wellbore, asmaybe desired.
Where it is desired to ...-:..ts;.. the fluids produced from the lateral 30 well bore Sty~ate from the fluids produced from the cased well bore from which the lateral well bore was drilled, suitable pro~ rt;An eql~ipment is initially inet-llPd in the cased well bore before the anchor A is set therein.
Fig. 16 illustrates one snit~~ allgt7 lenl showing a seal bore packer 48.
After drilling the lateral well bore from cased well bore WB, a 36 sllitA~l~Ae mlllt; ~t~ing packer 49 may be set in a well known m7 nnPr above the anchor A as shown in Fig. 16. Pro~llct;on tubing 48' may then be connPctc l there through and lLou~l- the anchor A to engage in seal bore packer 48 to c~ lv~ l flow from cased well bore WB to the earth's surface 2~.~79~6 separately from lateral bore 47. As shown, a separate packer conduit - con-ll-tt~ flow from the lateral well bore. In the absence of a multi-string packer 49, production from the lateral well bore 47 may be brought to the earth's surface via the 9nnll1~r space between the production tubing and S the casing C of the cased well bore.
Another alternative is to omit the mnltj st~inE packer 49 and employ the packer anchor form of Fig. 13. It then provides a seal bore packer and the pro~ n tubing 48' may be sealably engaged within the bore of the tubular body B of the anchor. The seal 80 and the packer P seal off the well 10 bore below the packer anchor for flow through the pro~lllct;nn string to the earth's surface.
Where there is no need to msin~nin the flow from the cased well bore separate from the flow from a lateral well bore, they remain in co~n~ ic-st;~n for flow to the earth's surface.
lS In some in~tsnces it may be desirable to drill a plurality of lateral well bores from the same well cased bore WB, and in selected varying di~oelions or elevations. In such ~it~ls~;~.nc, the ~ p~lo~ is retrieved after the drill string is ~v~v.vd from drilling a lateral well bore, and the Ftoc~ and ori~nt~t;~n sleeve of the shaft ~ çne~eed to enable the :~ vvop~ting surfaces on the ~.h l~ul"~L and o~ t?l:~n sleeve ofthe shaft to be ~ e ~ from each other.
To ~cc~ h this, the lock sleeve 34 is removed. The oriçntst;on Dleeve of the shaft and whipDtock can then be manip~ ted to tli~en~ee their lee~ev~i~a coope~ ~;n~ E-~ f~,r~E, which in the ~.mhollim~nt, shown are 25 keysandhv,.. ~,~D.
The G- en~tiv ~ of the surface, or slot 8 in the anchor A i8 known from previous drilling, or the survey may be reconducted. With the information from the ~.~.;0~8 survey or a new survey, relative rotation ~t~ ., the w_ipstock and the olientst;~n sleeve 31 of the shaft is effected 30 and then the keys and h~.ayD on the ~.l.i~slock and or;en~Ptjon sleeve ec~ r~led so that the ~,h;pulorL will face in the desired direction when ~ec~cd in the anchor to enable the lateral well bore to be drilled in such desired di,e_~ion.
The ~,l,.;p~lc.~L is then lelv..~red into the well bore and reingaged in 36 the anchor for drilling the next lateral well bore. This procedure may be r~ d to drill whrh.ci. nu~el of lateral well bores as desired a-nd in ~.l,at~.. s~le_~?d direct;~n~.
' ~i 2t.~7~36 If the elevation of the additional lateral well bores drilled from the cased well bore is to vary, then the length of the extension 28 on the whipstock may be varied acco.Lngly to space the ~.l~ip~locl~ lon~itll~lin7 lly from the anchor A and any other laterals as desired such as lateral 47 as 5 shown in Fig. 15 to drill the additional laterals .
Fig. 15 illustrates two lateral well bores drilled from the cased well bore WB. Like numerals are applied to corresponding components as previously described.
In Fig. 7 the shaft formed by the latch mandrel 30 and orienting 10 sleeve 31 is sr-he~Al rAlly illustrated as secured with and depçsul;ng from the whipstock 27 and a well string 53 is latched with the whipstock. The well string 53 may be employed to retrieve the WhipEt-.-C-l' and in some ;n~ it may be desh ~l, to lower the ~.l.ip~lo~ on a well string 53 to secure the whipstock in the anchor, release the well string from the 15 whip-tQ---L-, retrieve the well string then lower a drill string into the cased well bore to drill the lateral well bore, retrieve the drill string and then retrieve the ,. h;~,~ t~, L
Coope.ati.~g latch arrangements, one form of which is shown in Figs. 8-11 illcl~ , is le~ ~d to generally at 77 on the well string 53, and :~ ~ofe.,~d to generally at 78 on the ..' ~ 1 27 . The coope.ating latch arrang~- ~o~ts 77 and 78 enable the ~.Li~locl, and a well string to be ~e!~ ly e.l~d for lo..e.;~lg the ~.h;p~lt~L into the anchor by a well string, to enable the well string to be ~"A~;p~l~terl to be r~ ed lhc.~fiom after the ~.h;~lv~ L is latched in the anchor and retrieved and to enable the 25 well string to be lo..o~d and ~,hl~d with the ~.h;~ t~L to retrieve it.
The coope ati.lg latch arrangements on the well string and the ..- p~ l also f lr~lee the ~;h;p~lJ?rL to be engaged and l,qt---h~d with the well string by l~-.L;~V~ mellt. It also ~ eE the well string to be ~linenGP~ge~l from the whipEt~L- by right hand rotation of the well string 30 which avoids left hand ro1~Lon and the ~ t pofl~ihility of u~ lrcading the well e,tring in the well bore.
The coopc.ali~" latch al~ ..,ent on the ~ lorL comprises an ~~ 56 in the ..' ~ which çYte 1l~ down from the face 26 of the ..l.;~u/c.rL with lLleads 57 formed thereon as shownin Figs. 8, 9, 10, and 36 11. .
The COOpC~aLing latch al.al~gement on the well string 53 includes an 9.nn~ r col.nter bore 58 exte- lling from the upper end 59 of a c;r~fc~e,llial slot 60. The co..l~te~ bore 58 forms or provides an outer 2~ 7!~6 ' stnnuls r circular portion 61 with a lower end 62 that termin~s7te~ in spaced relation to the lower end, shown in dotted line at 63, of the c;,c~fe.enlial slot on the well string 53.
A latch reprçsentod at 65 has an slnm~lslr body 66 that slidably fits 5 within the COlultC. bore 58. Ci~ ~e.elllially spaced members 67 extend from the body toward the lower end 63 of slot 60. The memhers 67 have an enlargement 67a fldi,flcent their lower ends with threads 68 on the enl~n~rnte, which II,.eads are configured to engage with threads 57 on the ~ uln L as will be described.
The well string inrllt(lçs longitudinal keys 69 thereon as shown in Fig. 12 which extend longit~linAlly bel~.een mçmhars 67 ftdjSlcçnt the enl~menls 67a, as shown in dotted line and solid line, to ~.~v~ent relative ; 'l~taLon between the well string 53 and the mçmhars 67. This çnslhlçs latch 65 on the well string and the well string to be rotated ~imllltsn.oously to ca~ v the well string from the ~ lorL when desired.
The back surface 70 of the enlargements 67a on mamhers 67 is shown as being la~c~ed in the Figs. 8 and 9 form to c~7r~n with the taper 71 on enlarged portion 72 on the well 6tring form of Fig~. 8 and 9.
The back ~urface 70 of the enlalg~ellts 67a on members 67 is shown in fln sll~, .*t~s form in Figs. 10 and 11 as a generally flat surface -configured to conf~ with the enlarged, generally flat surface 74 on the well string form shown in Figs. 10 and 11.
When a well string 63 is to lower the whipEto~ lr into the well bore, the latch ~lg~c.-l thereon iB connected with the latch a~ gement on ~; the whipstock at the earth's surface and the well string and whipstock are lo..e ed into the well bore c~ -rc~l together as shown in Fig. 7 to secure the shaft in the anchor A, in a ~..A~ I' as pl~.iO. ~ly described herein.
When it is desired to release from the ~ ~lorL~ the well string iE~
rotated to the right and moved up.. ar.lly enough to assure that the end 59 of the cv- t bore 58 does not abut the top 86 of the latch body 66 and p.~ e.,t u~ o.èmcnt of the latch as it unthreads from the ~ of L . The well string i~ not moved to contact the back ~--. r~ c~ on the enla-gvmvnls 67a as such contact would prevent proper relea~e bel~.vcn the coope~alil,g latch ~.~gv ~énls on the well string and the ~ 'L
36 When the well string 53 is lowered to engage with the ~. l,ip~l~ck, it is pushed lon~t~ in~lly into the opçning 56 on the ~ lo~, which in the ~mh~;.];...~ , shown eYl md~ down from the face 26 of the whip6tQc~, and end 62 of circular portion 61 con~e the top thread in the ~ toc~
, ' ~ ' ''-;~ ;' :
Z~ 6 opening, as seen in Figs. 9 and 11. The top 86 of the latch cont~~tC the upper end 59 of the slot 60, and this pushes the threads 68 of the latch into the threads 57 in the whipstock. Since the latch is moved up in the slot 60 as shown in Figs. 9 and 11, there is clearance for the circumferentially spaced 5 m~mh~rs 67 to flex to the left as viewed in the IlldWil~ to enable them to flex and engage with the threads 57 on the ~.L",~Iock as shown in Figs. 8 and 10 to then be held in such position by engagement of the enlarged surface 72 and 74 in Figs. 8 and 10 .~"c~lively surface of the well string when it is pulled up..&rdly as shown in Figs. 8 and 10..
Snffi~ent pull is exerted to shear the frangible memhçrs 35a shown in Fig. 5 to release the latch from the anchor. Second surface 27b on the latch l.-and~al 30 of ~e shaft engages the bottom 52 of the latch to retrieve the latch with the ~ o. L from the well bore.
A centralizer 95 may be positioned on the well string 53 to assist in 15 guiding the well string 53 to latch a ~.Lipslock in the anchor and to guide the well string into l~trl.;..g relation with the whipstock anchored in the well bore for ret~;e.al thereo~ ~-The ~c reg~;l.g disclosufe and do~c.;~lion of the invention are illu~ tive and eYpl~n,qtory thereof, and various changes in size, shape ;~
:~ and m~ter~ as well as in details of the illustrated construction may be made ~ ;U~UL depD. I~U from the spirii of the invention.
:
::
Another object is to provide a mAtl r,~l and apparatus for rele~~hly sec.,;"g a whipstock with an anchor in a cased well bore and for retrieving the whip~torlr from the anchor.
Yet a further object is to provide a method and apparatus for ~ecu-;ng a rel.;evable wl.:~,blorlr face in any desired rotated relationship relative to an anchor secured in a cased well bore.
Still a further object is to provide a method and apparatus for 10~ 6 a ~ ,. L into a cased well bore on a well string to secure the ~ l.;p~lo.'L with an anchor and the well string then ,ele. ocd and retrieved from the cased well bore in a mAnn_r to inhibit unthreading the joints r~ .g the well string.
Still a rullhe. object is to provide a method and apparatus for -~
lo..~ 6 a ~/h;~ r into a cased well bore on a well string to secure the , h;~ lr with an anchor and the well string then ~cleaocd and retrieved :~ from the cased well bore, and thcrc~lel reengAging the well string with the k r~r to retrieve it.
A rul lLel object of the invention is to secure an anchor in a cased well bore that is configured for lecv:~/ing a ..l i~ ~ that ~u~pv.ls a latch for ,~leP~ ec~;~.g the ~ L in the anchor in a desired direction for drilling a lateral well bore from the cased well bore. ' A ru~lho~ object of the invention is to provide a whip~torLr that suppo.l~ a latch for releAs.~hly securing the whip~torLr in an anchor for drilling lateral well bores from a cased well bore. The ~.Li~ ~lock includes a surface for ...f ~ g the latch v~g~ d with the anchor. Coope aling ~0 surfaces on the anchor and and ~ l~;p~lc~ L face the ~h;~ clr in a desired direction while the ,.l. ~- ~c- L is in use to drill the lateral well bore. ~ ~ -Still ~ h object of the invention is to enhAnr~ pl o~l.-c~ :-~n of oil and gas from a ca~ed well bore by drilling lateral well bores from the cased well bore.
36 A ~u~ object of the invention is to provide an arrangement to enable a whipstock face to be posi~;-~ned in any desired direction at the earth's surface and then lo~.v.ed into a cased well bore for drilling lateral ~ -2~ 37!~36 well bores in desired directions from the cased well bore and the whipstock - then retrieved.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily appa-ent from a c~n~ideration of the following drawings and 5 de~c. ;y~ion.
Rrief n~n~ )n of Drawin~
Fig 1 is a fiect;~n~l srhem~tic view showing one form of an anchor, with one form of latch ~up~ ed on a setting tool for ~.le~nnhly cQnnPct;ng the setting tool and anchor;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged partial sect;on~l view of Fig. 1 showing the anchor form of Fig. 1 r~le~ g the setting tool from the anchor form of Fig.
1 after the anchor has been secured in the a well bore tubular mPmh~r-Fig. 3 i8 a sect;or~ iew showing the anchor form of Fig. 1 secured in the well bore tubular m~mhPr;
Fig. 3A iB a eect;on~l s-hAm~t;c view of a survey mPch~ni.~m, or instrument, for ~l~te ~,linlng the oriPnt~t;on, or direction of a whipstock latch surface in the anchor for Pn~hling the whipstoclr to be rotated and locked on the shaft at the earth's surface in a predete.~illed position to face in a desired direction when it is po~it;~np~l and secured in the anchor;
Figs. 4 and 5 are sect;~m~l views, partly in elevation illustrating a t~ . L- scc~d on a drill string and being lowered into the anchor form of Fig. 1 and rPle~hly vcc.,-ed the.c~.ilh by latch means on a shaft cor nected to the ~ etoc'Lr and depen~ling thelerlom. One form of coopa.ali..g ~vurfi~e~onthe~ L i~ !randvhaft toenablethe ~ ;y~locL to :~ be povi~;one~l at the earth's surface to face in a locked, rotated position, if ~eCo~v~ry~ relative to the ~.h;pElorL latch vurface, such as a slot in the anchor, is also vhown.
Fig. 6 iCv an enlarged sec~n~l view on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4 which shows in greater detail one form of the cooperating surfaces on the 30 ~.l.;pslo~L and shaft to secure the whip~torlr in a desired rotated po~it;~n on a shaft to posi~;~ n the face of the ~.Lipvloc~ in a desired direction when the ~.h;pslorL iB sec ~ed with the anchor;
Fig. 7 sçh~m~t;~lly illustrates an arrangement for rçle~ing a y~ ocLr from an anchor and al80 an arrangement for latching with a pslorL to l - 3j~ n it in or retrieve it from a cased well bore;
Figs. 8 and 9 are enlarged partial sect;on~l views showing one form of a coope.aling latch ~.angc lant on a well string and a cooperating latch al.ang~ment on a ~.h;p~lo~L for rçlç~hly ~ngP~ing a well string with a .
2~ 136 whip~tock to position the wl~ip~lock in, and retrieve it from, a well bore tubular mamhçr and for ralçA~ing the well string from the whipstock;
Figs. 10 and 11 are are partial sect;~AnAl views, similar to Figs. 8 and 9, and showing another form of a cooperating latch arrangement for a 5 well string and ~ ,~l Fig 12 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 12-12 of Fig. 7 illu~l,~l,i,.~ further details of the forms of latch arrange"~ s of Eigs. 8-11 for the well string and the ~ .lor Fig. 13 is a ~ec~;AnAl view of a packer anchor and with a seal 10 b h.~,cn the anchor and ,.l.;p~ L;
Fig. 14 i8 a sect;(~nAl view, partly in elevation, of a cased well bore illu&l,_~ing an anchor with the ,.l.;~~l~c~ ac~ ed therewith to position the ..' ~ face in a desired mAnnar for receivillg a drill string to drill the lateral well bore shown;
Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 14 and showing a plurality of lateral well bores drilled from the cased well bore in desired directions and at sRlecte l elevations from the cased well bore; and Fig. 16 is a sect;~An-l view illu~l~aling one possible ~d~3 ent of ~-ln~ I -An e~ .a..t positioned in a cased well bore for c.-~ AAt;ng separately with the cased well bore and the lateral well bore after the l~L has been retrieved from the cased well bore.
Best Mo~ fnr l~-rrir~ O--t ~a Tnvant;An Attent;-~n is first d;i6~.~ed to Figs. 1-3 of the drawings wherein an ~ ee A~l is shown for ~ec~;llg an anchor, lop.ece .~d generally at A, 25 in a well bore tubular member, such as a casing C in cased well bore WB.
The anchor A ;..- ll.AeE~ a body B of any ~ tq~e configuration.
In the embodiment shown, the body B is illustrated as being tubular and is formed of lower tubular elemPnt la and an upper tubular ahamant lb tL~r~-'ly c~ ecled with tubular elemant la which is cQnn-ct~Ad with 30 lower cone 81. The body B is preferably tubular and includeg a lon~
bore 2 lho,etl ~ough.
An anchor surface on the anchor is provided and may be of any 8 ~itr~e con~iguration and is shown as being in the form of an internal groove or -nn~ r recess 3 in the bore 2 of the body. Slip means 4 are p~. te-J on the anchor in any 6uitable m_nnar and are shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 5 as 8e~ ~ed by frangible means, such as shear pins 5 r~ cel)t~ or on tapcled surfaces 6 and 6a, leb~eclively, on upper and lower spaced tubular portions 6b and cage 81 on the tubular body of the anchor . The . : ~
:
6 2'~
shear pins 5 extend th~ough the tapered surfaces 6 and 6a and into the slip ;
means 4 of the anchor to m~int~in the tapered surfaces in spaced relation as the tool is lowered into the well bore and until the setting tool, eBÇ-~te-l generally by T, is ~ct~ l to effect relative movement between 5 the tapered s~rfrl~es and the slip means to shear pins 5 for moving the slip means to engage the tubular member and secure the anchor with the tubular mrmhrr.
The upper end of body B in the ~mho~ ...?n~ shown termin~e in an l;..r~ surface 7, and where the body B is tubular with a bore 2, which is 10 the p,efe~.. d e~ho~ a~t~ the surface 7 is an annular edge surface. A
uu~rlr latch gurface çYt~n-l~ in the tubular body B from the edge 7. In ~ ~ -the form shown, the ~ orlr latch surface is a slot as shown at 8 that ç~t~n-l~ from the lu~ portion of the lape;ed surface as shown in the d~&..h~ga, but it may assume other configurations, such as, by way of 15 example only, a longitudinal recess on the internal wall of the body or other form as desired.
A setting A~l~n~ cnt or setting tool T of any suitable type may be employed to lower and secure the anchor in a tubular member such as cased well bore or the like. For Pyrmrle only, a wireline setting tool or ; ~ ~1 :~ hydr~ lly r l ~ ~l settingtool maybe ~ '(.,~d.
The setting tool includes a shaft, rod, or adapter 9 on which r~le~''e means such as a latch ~f~...ad to generally at 10 of any suitable form may be auppG,led. In the form shown, the latch 10 includes an s~nn~ r body 11 with frangible means such as shear pins 12 adjacent the ~; upper end thereof for rele~srhly securing the latch 10 on the shaft 9 as shown in Fig.1. The shear pins 12 extend through the chc~fe~entially spaced, l<!ngit~l~linrlly e~le ~ e slots 13 of body 11 and into shaft 9 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The slots te..-l nate a~ cent, but spaced from the upper end and bottom end of body 11 as shown. F.Y ~ ul;ng from the bottom ~0 end of latch body 11 are c.lc~f~.e..~ally spaced, k~ngit~ in~lly ~~Y~n-lin~
. .~...he~a 14 which have ~Ytern~l enlargement~, or latch surfaces thereon ~p,~ t 15 for pQci~ ning within the recess, or anchor surface 3.
The al.A~ment including the setting tool, latch 10 and anchor A
are ~çm~'e.ol at the earth's surface in a ms~nnar well known in the art to 36 co~ e~l them toget~r for lowering into the cased well bore as shown in Fig. 1 with the shear pins 12 ~djPc~nt the upper end of slots 13 and latch surfaces 15 in the anchor surface 3.
' .
2~ 36 A wireline or well string, depçnl1ing upon the setting arrangement - employed, is used to lower the arrangement into the cased well bore. The setting tool includes a first surface 23 on shaft or R-l~pter 9, shown in the form of a radially eYtJ?n~lin~ portion on shaft 9, which is po~it;~n~d ~ c~nt 5 the enlargements 15 when they are positioned in the recess 3. This pl evenls the latch 10 from prematurely r~leR~in~ from the tubular Body B until the setting tool is R~t~te~
~ ct~l~t;nn of the setting tool and setting the slips moves shaft or R~laFt~ 9 up. In~eased force applied to R~lRpt~ 9 through ~t~t;on of the 10 sefflng tool T after setting of the anchor A in the casing C of the well borebreake shear pin 12 as the R~lRrter moves u~ d relative to latch 10.
Cont;nl)ed up..~rd m~ -..ent of the R~'~rt~. 9 relative to latch 10 causes the bottom surface 24 of the latch 10 to engage with the ledge 25 on the shaft or R~lA~l,?/ 9 to remove the latch 10 from the sec.l,ed anchor A and retrieve 15 the latch 10 with the setting tool to the earth's surface.
The lower portion of Fig. 5 illustrates further details of the anchor A
not seen in Fig.1. A lock means, refe.led to generally at L is provided to mRintsin the anchor 3e_~d with the tubular with the tubular member C.
The lock L may ~8l~mç any desired form and in the form shown ~1 ;n.,l~.tle~ a ratchet surface 17 eYt~n~linE lo."~ l;n~lly on the outer surface of t~bl~lRr body B of the anchor. The tubular portion 6b has an internal I,a~oled thread 19 in ~nn~ r spaced relation to the ratchet thread 17 on tubular body B. A split ratchet ring 20 is b t,~._on tubular portion 6b and the tubular body B. The split or se~n~te 1 ratchet ring 20 has a ratchet thread 25 21 on its inner surface and a l~l~o~d thread 22 on its outer surface. These f~,c~ coopc.~&te to ~&~ oflAte relative l~-o~,~ent bet~.ecn the tubular portion 6b and the tubular body B when the setting tool is ~ct~ ed so that the lapc.~d &~ f~ 6 and 6a move the slips into securing relation with the tubular mPmher C. The ratchet surfaces lock the tubular portion 6b and ~0 cage 81 with tubular body B so the slip means 4 is locked in engagement with the tubular member C in the well bore when the ~etting tool is Rct~lRted in a mRnn~r well known in the art.
The setting &-.angem~nt including the setting tool T with sleeve S
ll~ereo" and anchor A are R~sçmhled as shown in Fig. 1 at the earth's 36 s~lrf~r~e. Sleeve S, as shown in Fig. 1 abuts the upper end 6c of the tubularportion 6b on which lape,~ed surface 6 is formed. When the setting tool is ~Rct~ted, relative movement is çffected between setting sleeve S and tubular body B in a m~nn~r well known in the art to set the slip means 4 r, ' ' ~ ~ ~ A " ' ' ' ' ', . ~ ~ , ~, ' ' I ' ' ' 2.~37~36 - . . .
and to cause the surfaces of the lock L to cooperate to Acc~mmodate relative m~,vt~ ent and then lock the tubular portion 6b, split ring 20 and the body B in engaged relation to m~infsin the slips engaged with the ;~
tubular mPmhPr C in the well bore.
An ~pplir~;Qn of force causes setting of the slips 4 in a monnPr well known in the art, after which the pins 12 are sheared upon up~.~d ~ -movement of t_e setting tool. The setting tool is then re~-,~,6d from the anchor A and ledge, or second surface, 25 on the setting string or tool, enga6~D~ with the bottom 24 of the latch to r~ ., it from the anchor and well bore along with the setting tool as illustrated in Fig. 2 of the La~ ,g.
Fig. 13 illuol,r te~ o-not~ form of the anchor A which includes the packer P on the tubular body above the Blip means. In thi6 ;n~ ra it may be desirable to pro.;de a lock L above and below the packer to ~ ;..'o;-- the slips seo.lred with the tubular m4mher should the packer deteriorate or 15 ~li~int,egrate.
The lock L above the packer P is shown as being the same as that in the Fig. 5 form of the anchor, with like nul.le~c.ls rep,~aen' ~ like parts.
The lock L above the packer P is similar to that shown below the packer in Fig. 5 in that it employs a tubular portion 6f above the packer, but :~ it has no tape.ed surface. Other parts are similar with like numerals ~e~CE~ like parts of the lock L below the packer. A seal 80 is provided on the latch ~nL~l 30 b~ t. ~e.- the latch ~-.and el 30 and the body B. The member 6d close~ offthe upper end of tubular portion 6b.
Figs. 4 and 5 show one form of the a-.angemont of the present in~. ~;on wherein a mill M is le!f~ c~nnp~ 1 n~ cn ~I the lower end of a drill string DS. A whi~tQ~ 27 is cQnnscted with the drill string ~e e-'l~ the mill by frangible means such as shear pin 26a which c~nnp~
the drill string with the whipstock at face 26. An e ~ e -n 28 delle~ from the lower end of the ~ 27 and in~lvdes co!-pl;~e 29 co~ r~led ~0 Ihe~ l- by any suitable means such as ll~eads as shown.
A shaft is connected to the ~ G~L 27. The shaft in the Pmh~ nh~l illustrated in the ~.i"6O is folmed by the orientot;~n sleeve 31 which r~ o~ therein and pe~1 -'ly Oullounds latch mandrel 30 as shown in the -d~ go~ The latch ~a~d~l 30 and o.;en~o~ n sleeve 31 are shown as 36 each being cQ-.n~te~l to the ~-~nC on 28 by co--l~l;..e 29 of the ~.h;pul and may be considered as part of the ~rl ,~ E 5c -~
The ~ n 28 of the .rl ~ is ~eaded and Eho~ red withco--~l;..C 29 which limits the make - up of the l~oaded ~4nn~ct;0n bht~.een . .
.~.".'' '~
2~ 6 çYtçn~ion 28 and coupling 29. The oriçntet;on sleeve 31 of the shaft and the whipstock are provided with cooperating surfaces for locking and ms.;,.~9;n;.~g the wh;p~ L face in any desired rotated poPi~;on on the shaft to enable a later. l well bore to be drilled in a desired direction from the 5 cased well bore. This rel-s-t;~-n~hip is msintsin~ll when the wLi~lock is non rotatably posit;~ned in the anchor A in the cased well bore.
The cooyelating surfaces on the whipstock and the shaft which initially det- ".,ne and .-~;nls;n this r~l-s-t;on~hir may assume any desired configuration, and one form is illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings. The 10 coope,ating surfaces comprise internal splin~s, ~eîe..ed to generally at 32, or intqrnal keys 32a and h~ . ay;~ 32b on the oriçntst;on sleeve 31 of the shaft~rl,j~icent its upper end, which engage with external splines, ~efe..ed to generally at 33, or ç~t~ ..al keyways 33a and keys 33b, formed on the co-.Pl;..e 29 of the ~ The keys 32a engage in h~y~. dy:j 33a and the 15 k~. d~ 32breceivekeys33b.
Any 6 ~ e n----~h. ~ of splines or keys and hey~. dy~i may be provided on the ~.h;y~OrL and the oriçnt~t;on sleeve of the shaft, as desired. The ~eatl. the n~-~n~Sel of splines, the smaller the angle ll-~ rebel~.een to more finitely adjust the face of the whipEt~ The splines are rep.csçnted as :~ immediately ~ljacent in Fig. 6, but they may be c;rc~ fe.e.llially spaced if desiied.
A lock sleeve 34, as shown in Fig. 4 i8 provided with threads to engage with the co~ 29 as shown and an ~nnnl~r shoulder 34a on lock sleeve 34 abuts an Pnmllr~r 8hml1der 31a on the o~;a.~ on sleeve 31 of the :~ shaft as shown to lock the ~.h~ L face 26 in any desired rotated po~i*on on the o,;~ ct Qn sleeve 31 of the shaft as shown. The coopc-ating surfaces on the ..-, Ft';!"l' illustrated as the lug 31d and the slot 8 in the anchor y.~nl relati~e rotation bel~.~~n the ..Lip~lock and the anchor sec~cd in the cased well bore. The coop. ..~ling ~--. f, rçs may assume any 30 desired configuration.
The lower end of tubular body B of the anchor A is cQnn~cted to lower cone 81 by slli~ le means such as threads as shown in the drawings. The lower l~pe.cd or conical surface 6a is formed on lower cone 81 and the cage 81' includes.e;-~f~.en~ially spaced slots 83 in which are posi~;~n~-l cap 36 screws 82 that are sec~ed on the lower cone 81. The slip means comprise upper and lower slip means 4 that are pQ~it;~n~l on the upper and lower coni--l surfaces 6 and 6a respectively. The slips extend through c;~ ~fe enlially spaced ~.;nd~ , 84 and 85 of cage 81' which engage and - 21.;37936 grip the inner surface of the casing C upon setting of the anchor A by the - setting tool. by way of eY~mrle only, the surface on the oriçnts~inn sleeve 31 i8 shown as a p~,c~li,lg lug 31d on the oriantstinn sleeve of the shaft which eng~ges in the whip6to~ latch surface, shown in the form of slot 8, when 5 the whipstock and shaft are positioned in and rale~bly latched with the anchor A, and when so e g~.ged, no relative rotation bet~. een the whipstoc face 26 and the casingoccurs.
Thus, the ~ a..an~.,~ent of the ,ulerent invention precludes relative rotation between the whipstock face and casing C when the 27 is ~ and r~k-q~qhly latched with the anchor A in the casing C.
A latch 35 is ~up,uu~ Ied on the ..' ~ -lr in any s li~shl~ m~nnPr and as shown in the form of the invention illustrated in the drawings, the latch 35 is bup~u, led on the .. ' ~ by latch ~~ld ~l 30 of the shaft. The latch 15 mandrel 30 is 8cc~ Dd by lI--eads 29a to the co--pl;.~ 29 that is cQnnecte~
vvith the ~ ulc~
The latch 35 is similar to latch 10, but di~.e.ll ,~fe.~"~e numerals are ~pl!lieA to describe it and dislil.~ush it from latch 10.
The latch lef~ .ed to generally at 35 ;~ les a body 36 rele~hly ev~Ld to the latch mandrel 30 by shear pins 35a which extend through 10 .~l- A;~A1 slûts 37 therein and into the latch ~c~l as shovm.
The shear pins 35a are sl onge~ than the shear pins 26a which secure the mill to the drill string and thus the mill can be .~1~P-e~ ~.;IhUUI
the ~ t;Un of the whipstock and latch l-,&nc~el 30 of the shaft :~; with tubular body B of the anchor A.
Circumfo~o~liallyspacedmembers38depend frombody 36 and the members 38 have eDlargements 39 ~ their lower ends as shown and A~ ;hcA with respect to the latch 10 that r~ I~A CAh1Y secures the ~ ;p~lc ~ L
and drill string with the anchor A to secure the ~.' ~ ;rlr in the desired 30 direction to enable a lateràl well bore to be drilled from the cased well bore.
The latch mandrel of the shaft, as previously noted, is co~-nP~le~A. to and may be considered as part of the ..' ~et~
The surface 27d on the latch ~and~cl 30 seats on sho~llA-~r 51 of the body B when the lug 31d is seated in the slot 8 of the body B, as shown in 35 Figs. 4 and 5. The first, or pnn~ r surface 27a, on the latch ~dlel 30 of the shaft is adjacent the eDl~c.-ls 39 in recess 3 and since the latch ~a-lL~l 30 is seated on ~hn..lAer 51 it cannot move down. Should up ~o~,e ~ent occur, the first, or Anm~l~r surface 27a moves to a posi~;on 7g36 A*~ent. and internal relative to enlargements 39 to p.event inward flexing - of mamhars 38, thus ~reven~ g enlargements 39 from moving out of recess 3.
The enlal ~en~ 39 pQ4it;An in the recess 3 of the tubular body B of S the anchor when the drill string, mill and ~ lorl~, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 are lowered into the anchor A se~ ~,ed in the cased well bore. The whipstock latch surface, in the form of the invention illustrated, is the lo~g~ ".l;~nl slot 8 in the anchor A. Lug 31d on the orient;nF sleeve 31 of the shaft engages the i..~l;n-~d surface 7 of the tubular body B when the 10 .~!, Fto~ ~cnt is lowered into the anchor A and the lug 31d on the o. ~ç~ r ~ sleeve 31 of the shaft is guided into the slot 8 to posit;An the shaft with the anchor.
After the anchor is po-4it;~A-na~l in the well bore tubular ...~.nh.~- in the .--P-n~er as p.~ .,iously described, the orient~t;~A-n of the ~ Aclr latch lS surface in the form of slot 8 in the anchor A is ~etermina~) in a m~nnar well known in the art, so that the whip~tor~ face may be rotated, or positioned, and ~ec~ on the o ;c ~ An sleeve shaft 31 of the shaft at the earth'e surface to face in the desired direction when e,lg,~d in the anchor A to enable a lateral well bore to be drilled from the cased well :~ bore in which the whipstock is positioned.
Fig. 3A e-' -m~t;r~lly ~cp~eee ' a .--e~h~ .--, or i"~ .ent, well known in the art for lo..~.~g into a cased well bore on a ~ e as shown to couJ~-~ l and record a survey that dete. ,,-c~ the oriçnt~t;An~ or direction, of a surface l~elalive to a predete lined direction, such as :1~; magnetic North, in a well bore. A tool ie ~ ' --'ly rop~e~ite~ 42 with a cen1,, ~ r rop.eecllted at 42a. The tool 42 inrl~h~ a pin or lug 43 that iD~d~ ~~ in slot 8 ant ~ - e F the tool to ~ t'~ e the o. ;ç ,~ c ~ :AA. of the pin 43 which i8 also the orientation of slot 8 of the anchor. The appa,d~us and method of obtaiDing the survey is well known to those skilled in the art, and 30 no detailed explanation i8'~1P~ç- -iD~ ~u~ce3l39-~
With this information, any person skilled in the art can then DCl orie.~t~ , sleeve 31 of the shaft from the ~ ;p~lo.,L 27 androtate it to position the face of the whipstock as desired. When the, ' x is .~ e ~Jcc' to the ~ g shaft 31 by the splines, and the ~ e~
36 lo. - .c~ into the anchor so lug 31d is in slot 8, the ~ lc,. L face 26 will be ~e~ed in the cased well bore in the diieclion in which it is desired to drill thelateralwellbore .
2~ 936 , -~
The Çore~oillg arrangement and method enables the whipstock to be adjusted at the earth's surface to face in any desired direction in the cased well bore to enable a lateral well bore to be drilled in a well known m, nn.,r.
After the anchor A has been set in the well bore, the above survey run, and the whipstock conn~ct~A l with orienting sleeve 31 in light of the -information obtained from the survey, the arrangement of Figs. 4 and 5, is run into the well bore on a drill string. Lug 31d is engaged with the ~ l.;p~locL latch surface 8 in the anchor, and latch 35 rçle .~hly secures the drill string and ,.l.;p~-lo.L with the anchor A to secure whipstock face 26 in the direction in which it is desired to drill from the cased well bore in which the ~.l.;psl~ L is set.
The mill is released from the whipstock by manipulating the whipstock either up or down to shear pin 26a. The first surface 27a ent~ the enlargements from withdrawing out of surface in the tubular body B of the anchor. The drill string is then manipulated to move the drill string and mill down to cut a window in the casing C and to perform the desired drilling operations to drill a lateral well bore, such as illustrated at47 from the cased well bore WB as shown in Fig. 14. The drill string is then retrieved from the cased and lateral well bores to the earth's surface.
:~ The drill string may inco,~o.ate suitable drilling tool~ to drill the latersl well bore 47 and in some in~tsnce~ the drill string and mill are ~ retrieved from the cased well bore after the mill has cut the .. hldo~. in the casing C and drill tools added as desired to drill the lateral well bore and the drill string lo.~a.~d back into the cased well bore to drill the lateral well a5 bore. The ~.' ~r 1350~ may then be retrieved to the earth's surface, as will be described. Removal of the, h;y~-/O~L leaves the cased well bore open and u~ t--icted for access to position s~litshle production eq~irmant in the cased wellbore, asmaybe desired.
Where it is desired to ...-:..ts;.. the fluids produced from the lateral 30 well bore Sty~ate from the fluids produced from the cased well bore from which the lateral well bore was drilled, suitable pro~ rt;An eql~ipment is initially inet-llPd in the cased well bore before the anchor A is set therein.
Fig. 16 illustrates one snit~~ allgt7 lenl showing a seal bore packer 48.
After drilling the lateral well bore from cased well bore WB, a 36 sllitA~l~Ae mlllt; ~t~ing packer 49 may be set in a well known m7 nnPr above the anchor A as shown in Fig. 16. Pro~llct;on tubing 48' may then be connPctc l there through and lLou~l- the anchor A to engage in seal bore packer 48 to c~ lv~ l flow from cased well bore WB to the earth's surface 2~.~79~6 separately from lateral bore 47. As shown, a separate packer conduit - con-ll-tt~ flow from the lateral well bore. In the absence of a multi-string packer 49, production from the lateral well bore 47 may be brought to the earth's surface via the 9nnll1~r space between the production tubing and S the casing C of the cased well bore.
Another alternative is to omit the mnltj st~inE packer 49 and employ the packer anchor form of Fig. 13. It then provides a seal bore packer and the pro~ n tubing 48' may be sealably engaged within the bore of the tubular body B of the anchor. The seal 80 and the packer P seal off the well 10 bore below the packer anchor for flow through the pro~lllct;nn string to the earth's surface.
Where there is no need to msin~nin the flow from the cased well bore separate from the flow from a lateral well bore, they remain in co~n~ ic-st;~n for flow to the earth's surface.
lS In some in~tsnces it may be desirable to drill a plurality of lateral well bores from the same well cased bore WB, and in selected varying di~oelions or elevations. In such ~it~ls~;~.nc, the ~ p~lo~ is retrieved after the drill string is ~v~v.vd from drilling a lateral well bore, and the Ftoc~ and ori~nt~t;~n sleeve of the shaft ~ çne~eed to enable the :~ vvop~ting surfaces on the ~.h l~ul"~L and o~ t?l:~n sleeve ofthe shaft to be ~ e ~ from each other.
To ~cc~ h this, the lock sleeve 34 is removed. The oriçntst;on Dleeve of the shaft and whipDtock can then be manip~ ted to tli~en~ee their lee~ev~i~a coope~ ~;n~ E-~ f~,r~E, which in the ~.mhollim~nt, shown are 25 keysandhv,.. ~,~D.
The G- en~tiv ~ of the surface, or slot 8 in the anchor A i8 known from previous drilling, or the survey may be reconducted. With the information from the ~.~.;0~8 survey or a new survey, relative rotation ~t~ ., the w_ipstock and the olientst;~n sleeve 31 of the shaft is effected 30 and then the keys and h~.ayD on the ~.l.i~slock and or;en~Ptjon sleeve ec~ r~led so that the ~,h;pulorL will face in the desired direction when ~ec~cd in the anchor to enable the lateral well bore to be drilled in such desired di,e_~ion.
The ~,l,.;p~lc.~L is then lelv..~red into the well bore and reingaged in 36 the anchor for drilling the next lateral well bore. This procedure may be r~ d to drill whrh.ci. nu~el of lateral well bores as desired a-nd in ~.l,at~.. s~le_~?d direct;~n~.
' ~i 2t.~7~36 If the elevation of the additional lateral well bores drilled from the cased well bore is to vary, then the length of the extension 28 on the whipstock may be varied acco.Lngly to space the ~.l~ip~locl~ lon~itll~lin7 lly from the anchor A and any other laterals as desired such as lateral 47 as 5 shown in Fig. 15 to drill the additional laterals .
Fig. 15 illustrates two lateral well bores drilled from the cased well bore WB. Like numerals are applied to corresponding components as previously described.
In Fig. 7 the shaft formed by the latch mandrel 30 and orienting 10 sleeve 31 is sr-he~Al rAlly illustrated as secured with and depçsul;ng from the whipstock 27 and a well string 53 is latched with the whipstock. The well string 53 may be employed to retrieve the WhipEt-.-C-l' and in some ;n~ it may be desh ~l, to lower the ~.l.ip~lo~ on a well string 53 to secure the whipstock in the anchor, release the well string from the 15 whip-tQ---L-, retrieve the well string then lower a drill string into the cased well bore to drill the lateral well bore, retrieve the drill string and then retrieve the ,. h;~,~ t~, L
Coope.ati.~g latch arrangements, one form of which is shown in Figs. 8-11 illcl~ , is le~ ~d to generally at 77 on the well string 53, and :~ ~ofe.,~d to generally at 78 on the ..' ~ 1 27 . The coope.ating latch arrang~- ~o~ts 77 and 78 enable the ~.Li~locl, and a well string to be ~e!~ ly e.l~d for lo..e.;~lg the ~.h;p~lt~L into the anchor by a well string, to enable the well string to be ~"A~;p~l~terl to be r~ ed lhc.~fiom after the ~.h;~lv~ L is latched in the anchor and retrieved and to enable the 25 well string to be lo..o~d and ~,hl~d with the ~.h;~ t~L to retrieve it.
The coope ati.lg latch arrangements on the well string and the ..- p~ l also f lr~lee the ~;h;p~lJ?rL to be engaged and l,qt---h~d with the well string by l~-.L;~V~ mellt. It also ~ eE the well string to be ~linenGP~ge~l from the whipEt~L- by right hand rotation of the well string 30 which avoids left hand ro1~Lon and the ~ t pofl~ihility of u~ lrcading the well e,tring in the well bore.
The coopc.ali~" latch al~ ..,ent on the ~ lorL comprises an ~~ 56 in the ..' ~ which çYte 1l~ down from the face 26 of the ..l.;~u/c.rL with lLleads 57 formed thereon as shownin Figs. 8, 9, 10, and 36 11. .
The COOpC~aLing latch al.al~gement on the well string 53 includes an 9.nn~ r col.nter bore 58 exte- lling from the upper end 59 of a c;r~fc~e,llial slot 60. The co..l~te~ bore 58 forms or provides an outer 2~ 7!~6 ' stnnuls r circular portion 61 with a lower end 62 that termin~s7te~ in spaced relation to the lower end, shown in dotted line at 63, of the c;,c~fe.enlial slot on the well string 53.
A latch reprçsentod at 65 has an slnm~lslr body 66 that slidably fits 5 within the COlultC. bore 58. Ci~ ~e.elllially spaced members 67 extend from the body toward the lower end 63 of slot 60. The memhers 67 have an enlargement 67a fldi,flcent their lower ends with threads 68 on the enl~n~rnte, which II,.eads are configured to engage with threads 57 on the ~ uln L as will be described.
The well string inrllt(lçs longitudinal keys 69 thereon as shown in Fig. 12 which extend longit~linAlly bel~.een mçmhars 67 ftdjSlcçnt the enl~menls 67a, as shown in dotted line and solid line, to ~.~v~ent relative ; 'l~taLon between the well string 53 and the mçmhars 67. This çnslhlçs latch 65 on the well string and the well string to be rotated ~imllltsn.oously to ca~ v the well string from the ~ lorL when desired.
The back surface 70 of the enlargements 67a on mamhers 67 is shown as being la~c~ed in the Figs. 8 and 9 form to c~7r~n with the taper 71 on enlarged portion 72 on the well 6tring form of Fig~. 8 and 9.
The back ~urface 70 of the enlalg~ellts 67a on members 67 is shown in fln sll~, .*t~s form in Figs. 10 and 11 as a generally flat surface -configured to conf~ with the enlarged, generally flat surface 74 on the well string form shown in Figs. 10 and 11.
When a well string 63 is to lower the whipEto~ lr into the well bore, the latch ~lg~c.-l thereon iB connected with the latch a~ gement on ~; the whipstock at the earth's surface and the well string and whipstock are lo..e ed into the well bore c~ -rc~l together as shown in Fig. 7 to secure the shaft in the anchor A, in a ~..A~ I' as pl~.iO. ~ly described herein.
When it is desired to release from the ~ ~lorL~ the well string iE~
rotated to the right and moved up.. ar.lly enough to assure that the end 59 of the cv- t bore 58 does not abut the top 86 of the latch body 66 and p.~ e.,t u~ o.èmcnt of the latch as it unthreads from the ~ of L . The well string i~ not moved to contact the back ~--. r~ c~ on the enla-gvmvnls 67a as such contact would prevent proper relea~e bel~.vcn the coope~alil,g latch ~.~gv ~énls on the well string and the ~ 'L
36 When the well string 53 is lowered to engage with the ~. l,ip~l~ck, it is pushed lon~t~ in~lly into the opçning 56 on the ~ lo~, which in the ~mh~;.];...~ , shown eYl md~ down from the face 26 of the whip6tQc~, and end 62 of circular portion 61 con~e the top thread in the ~ toc~
, ' ~ ' ''-;~ ;' :
Z~ 6 opening, as seen in Figs. 9 and 11. The top 86 of the latch cont~~tC the upper end 59 of the slot 60, and this pushes the threads 68 of the latch into the threads 57 in the whipstock. Since the latch is moved up in the slot 60 as shown in Figs. 9 and 11, there is clearance for the circumferentially spaced 5 m~mh~rs 67 to flex to the left as viewed in the IlldWil~ to enable them to flex and engage with the threads 57 on the ~.L",~Iock as shown in Figs. 8 and 10 to then be held in such position by engagement of the enlarged surface 72 and 74 in Figs. 8 and 10 .~"c~lively surface of the well string when it is pulled up..&rdly as shown in Figs. 8 and 10..
Snffi~ent pull is exerted to shear the frangible memhçrs 35a shown in Fig. 5 to release the latch from the anchor. Second surface 27b on the latch l.-and~al 30 of ~e shaft engages the bottom 52 of the latch to retrieve the latch with the ~ o. L from the well bore.
A centralizer 95 may be positioned on the well string 53 to assist in 15 guiding the well string 53 to latch a ~.Lipslock in the anchor and to guide the well string into l~trl.;..g relation with the whipstock anchored in the well bore for ret~;e.al thereo~ ~-The ~c reg~;l.g disclosufe and do~c.;~lion of the invention are illu~ tive and eYpl~n,qtory thereof, and various changes in size, shape ;~
:~ and m~ter~ as well as in details of the illustrated construction may be made ~ ;U~UL depD. I~U from the spirii of the invention.
:
::
Claims (79)
1. An anchor operable by a setting tool to secure the anchor in a tubular memberto receive a tool after the setting tool has been actuated and removed from the tubular member to position the tool in a desired manner in the tubular member, said anchor including:
a body having a recess thereon;
slip means supported on said body for engagement with the tubular member to secure the anchor therewith;
said body terminating in an upper end with an inclined surface thereon;
and surface means on said body for cooperating with the tool to position the tool in the tubular member in the desired manner.
a body having a recess thereon;
slip means supported on said body for engagement with the tubular member to secure the anchor therewith;
said body terminating in an upper end with an inclined surface thereon;
and surface means on said body for cooperating with the tool to position the tool in the tubular member in the desired manner.
2. The anchor of claim 1 including:
frangible means releasably engaging said slip means on the anchor;
and releasable means for releasably securing the setting tool with the anchor.
frangible means releasably engaging said slip means on the anchor;
and releasable means for releasably securing the setting tool with the anchor.
3. The anchor of claim 1 including lock means on the anchor to maintain the anchor secured with the tubular member and wherein the slip means are releasablysupported on tapered surfaces on the anchor.
4. The anchor of claim 1 wherein said cooperating surface means on said body is a slot extending longitudinally from said inclined surface.
5. The anchor of claim 4 wherein the slot extends from the lowermost portion of said inclined surface.
6. The anchor of claim 1 wherein said body is a tubular body with a longitudinal bore therethrough and wherein said recess is formed in said longitudinal bore.
7. The anchor of claim 1 including a packer on said body expandable by actuating the setting tool to engage the packer with the tubular member.
8. The anchor of claim 6 including a packer on said tubular body expandable by actuating the setting tool to engage the packer with the tubular member.
9. The anchor of claim 4 including a packer on said body expandable by actuating the setting tool to engage the packer with the tubular member.
10. The anchor of claim 5 including a packer on said tubular body expandable by actuating the setting tool to engage the packer with the tubular member.
11. The anchor of claim 7 including lock means to maintain said packer engaged with the tubular member.
12. The anchor of claim 8 including lock means to maintain said packer engaged with the tubular member.
13. The anchor of claim 9 including lock means to maintain said packer engaged with the tubular member.
14. The anchor of claim 10 including lock means to maintain said packer engaged with the tubular member.
15. The anchor of claim 11 wherein said lock means is positioned on the anchor body above said packer.
16. The anchor of claim 11 wherein said lock means is positioned on the anchor body above and below said packer.
17. The anchor of claim 12 wherein said lock means is positioned on the anchor body above said packer.
18. The anchor of claim 12 wherein said lock means is positioned on the anchor body above and below said packer.
19. The anchor of claim 13 wherein said lock means is positioned on the anchor body above said packer.
20. The anchor of claim 13 wherein said lock means is positioned on the anchor body above and below said packer.
21. The anchor of claim 14 wherein said lock means is positioned on the anchor body above said packer.
22. The anchor of claim 14 wherein said lock means is positioned on the anchor body above and below said packer.
23. An arrangement for releasably anchoring a whipstock on an anchor secured downhole within a tubular member, the arrangement including:
a releasable latch supported on the whipstock;
an anchor surface on the anchor; and a latch surface on said latch for positioning within the anchor surface for releasably securing the whipstock with the anchor, such that the whipstock may be secured with the downhole anchor and subsequently released from the downhole anchor.
a releasable latch supported on the whipstock;
an anchor surface on the anchor; and a latch surface on said latch for positioning within the anchor surface for releasably securing the whipstock with the anchor, such that the whipstock may be secured with the downhole anchor and subsequently released from the downhole anchor.
24. The arrangement of claim 23 wherein:
said anchor surface comprises a recess on the anchor; and said latch surface comprises enlargements on said releasable latch.
said anchor surface comprises a recess on the anchor; and said latch surface comprises enlargements on said releasable latch.
25. The arrangement of claim 23 including:
a first surface on the whipstock for maintaining said latch surface secured in said anchor; and a second surface on the whipstock to retrieve the latch with the whipstock from the anchor.
a first surface on the whipstock for maintaining said latch surface secured in said anchor; and a second surface on the whipstock to retrieve the latch with the whipstock from the anchor.
26. The arrangement of claim 23 wherein the anchor includes tapered surfaces thereon and slip means supported adjacent said tapered surfaces for engagement with the tubular member to secure said anchor therewith.
27. The arrangement of claim 23 wherein the anchor has a tubular body.
28. The arrangement of claim 27 wherein said tubular body has a longitudinal bore therethrough with a recess therein.
29. The arrangement of claim 23 including lock means to maintain the anchor secured with the tubular member.
30. The arrangement of claim 23 wherein said releasable latch is releasably supported on the whipstock by frangible means and wherein said latch includes:
a latch body;
circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending members on said body; and enlargements on said members for positioning within the recess in the anchor.
a latch body;
circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending members on said body; and enlargements on said members for positioning within the recess in the anchor.
31. The arrangement of claim 25 wherein the whipstock includes:
a shaft depending therefrom and said first surface and said second surfaces are on said shaft.
a shaft depending therefrom and said first surface and said second surfaces are on said shaft.
32. The arrangement of claim 6 wherein said tubular body terminates in an upper end with an inclined annular edge surface thereon and a whipstock latch surface extending longitudinally from said inclined annular edge surface.
33. The arrangement of claim 32 wherein said whipstock latch surface is a slot that extends from the lowermost portion of said inclined annular edge surface.
34. The arrangement of claim 33 wherein the whipstock includes a lug for engaging in the slot of said tubular body.
35. The arrangement of claim 27 including a packer on said tubular body for engagement with the tubular member.
36. The arrangement of claim 35 including lock means to maintain said packer engaged with the tubular member.
37. The arrangement of claim 36 wherein said lock means is on the tubular body above and below said packer.
38. A whipstock for use in a cased well bore including:
an inclined face thereon;
a shaft depending from the whipstock;
said shaft including an orientation sleeve;
means to releasably secure said inclined face of the whipstock in any desired rotated position on said orientation sleeve; and means to releasably secure the whipstock in the cased well bore.
an inclined face thereon;
a shaft depending from the whipstock;
said shaft including an orientation sleeve;
means to releasably secure said inclined face of the whipstock in any desired rotated position on said orientation sleeve; and means to releasably secure the whipstock in the cased well bore.
39. The whipstock of claim 38 wherein said means to releasably secure said inclined face comprise cooperating releasable surfaces on the whipstock and on said orientation sleeve engageable to secure said inclined face in a desired rotated position on said orientation sleeve of said shaft; and means releasably connecting the whipstock with said orientation sleeve whereby the whipstock and orientation sleeve may be disconnected for disengaging said cooperating releasable surfaces on the whipstock and said orientation sleeve and then reconnected to position the whipstock in any desired rotated position on said orientation sleeve.
40. The whipstock of claim 39 wherein said cooperating surfaces comprise engageable keys and keyways on the whipstock and on said orientation sleeve of said shaft.
41. A retrievable whipstock arrangement for lowering on a well string to releasably engage with an anchor secured in a well bore prior to lowering the retrievable whipstock arrangement to engage the anchor, the whipstock arrangement comprising:
an inclined face surface on a whipstock;
a shaft depending from the whipstock;
a latch releasably supported on said shaft for releasably securing the whipstock with the anchor; and cooperating surfaces on the whipstock and on the well string for releasably securing the well string with the whipstock, such that the whipstock may be retrieved while the anchor remains secured in the well bore.
an inclined face surface on a whipstock;
a shaft depending from the whipstock;
a latch releasably supported on said shaft for releasably securing the whipstock with the anchor; and cooperating surfaces on the whipstock and on the well string for releasably securing the well string with the whipstock, such that the whipstock may be retrieved while the anchor remains secured in the well bore.
42. The whipstock arrangement of claim 41 wherein said cooperating surfaces on the whipstock and on the well string comprise:
a longitudinal threaded opening in the whipstock extending from said inclined face surface;
a latch slidably supported on the well string;
said latch including circumferentially spaced members with threaded surfaces thereon engageable with said threaded opening; and keys on the well string between said latch members to prevent relative rotation between said latch members and the well string as the well string is rotated so that the latch members unthread from the threaded opening in the whipstock to disengage the well string from the whipstock.
a longitudinal threaded opening in the whipstock extending from said inclined face surface;
a latch slidably supported on the well string;
said latch including circumferentially spaced members with threaded surfaces thereon engageable with said threaded opening; and keys on the well string between said latch members to prevent relative rotation between said latch members and the well string as the well string is rotated so that the latch members unthread from the threaded opening in the whipstock to disengage the well string from the whipstock.
43. The whipstock of claim 38 wherein said means to releasably secure the whipstock in the cased well bore is a latch supported on said orientation sleeve.
44. The retrievable whipstock arrangement of claim 41 wherein said cooperating surfaces on the whipstock and on the well string are constructed and arranged tosecure the well string with the whipstock by longitudinal movement of the well string and release the well string from the whipstock body by rotation.
45. An arrangement for maintaining a predetermined fixed relationship between a whipstock face on a whipstock and a whipstock latch surface on an anchor secured downhole within a tubular member in a well bore, the whipstock being retrievableindependent of the anchor, said arrangement comprising, a shaft extending from the whipstock;
cooperating surfaces on the whipstock and said shaft to lock the whipstock face in a predetermined relationship relative to the shaft;
a latch supported on said shaft for releasably securing the whipstock and the anchor; and said shaft includes an orientation sleeve with an orientation surface thereon for engaging the whipstock latch surface on the anchor to orientate the whipstock face in a predetermined relationship relative to the whipstock latch surface on the anchor.
cooperating surfaces on the whipstock and said shaft to lock the whipstock face in a predetermined relationship relative to the shaft;
a latch supported on said shaft for releasably securing the whipstock and the anchor; and said shaft includes an orientation sleeve with an orientation surface thereon for engaging the whipstock latch surface on the anchor to orientate the whipstock face in a predetermined relationship relative to the whipstock latch surface on the anchor.
46. The arrangement of claim 45 wherein:
said shaft includes a latch mandrel to support said latch thereon; and said cooperating surfaces comprise engageable keys and keyways on the whipstock and on the orientation sleeve of said shaft.
said shaft includes a latch mandrel to support said latch thereon; and said cooperating surfaces comprise engageable keys and keyways on the whipstock and on the orientation sleeve of said shaft.
47. The arrangement of claim 46 wherein:
said surface on the orientation sleeve is a lug;
the whipstock latch surface is a longitudinal slot in the anchor; and said latch is supported on said latch mandrel of said shaft for releasably engaging with the anchor for securing the whipstock with the anchor and for releasing the whipstock from the anchor.
said surface on the orientation sleeve is a lug;
the whipstock latch surface is a longitudinal slot in the anchor; and said latch is supported on said latch mandrel of said shaft for releasably engaging with the anchor for securing the whipstock with the anchor and for releasing the whipstock from the anchor.
48. The arrangement of claim 45 including a packer on the anchor engaged with the tubular member.
49. The arrangement of claim 45 including a lock to maintain the anchor secured with the tubular member
50. The arrangement of claim 48 including a lock to maintain the anchor secured with the tubular member.
51. The arrangement of claim 45 including a latch arrangement for releasably securing a well string with the whipstock.
52. The arrangement of claim 51 wherein said latch arrangement includes cooperating surfaces on the whipstock and the well string to secure the well string with the whipstock by longitudinal movement of the well string and to release the well string from the whipstock by relative rotation between the whipstock and the well string.
53. The arrangement of claim 52 where the longitudinal movement of the well string is downward to the face of the whipstock.
54. An arrangement for positioning a whipstock face on a well string in an anchor secured in a cased well bore tubular member for drilling a lateral well bore including:
a shaft extending from the whipstock;
said shaft including an orientation sleeve;
said shaft including a latch mandrel;
a lug on said sleeve;
the anchor including a tubular body extending upwardly therefrom to terminate in an upper end with an inclined annular edge surface thereon and a whipstock latching surface extending longitudinally on said tubular body from said inclined annular edge surface for receiving said lug on said sleeve; and a latch supported on said latch mandrel for releasably engaging with the anchor for securing the whipstock with the anchor and for releasing the whipstock from the anchor for retrieval from the well bore by manipulation of a well string.
a shaft extending from the whipstock;
said shaft including an orientation sleeve;
said shaft including a latch mandrel;
a lug on said sleeve;
the anchor including a tubular body extending upwardly therefrom to terminate in an upper end with an inclined annular edge surface thereon and a whipstock latching surface extending longitudinally on said tubular body from said inclined annular edge surface for receiving said lug on said sleeve; and a latch supported on said latch mandrel for releasably engaging with the anchor for securing the whipstock with the anchor and for releasing the whipstock from the anchor for retrieval from the well bore by manipulation of a well string.
55. The arrangement of claim 54 wherein said orientation sleeve partially surrounds said latch mandrel and each is secured to the whipstock and further including cooperating surfaces on the whipstock and said orientation sleeve of said shaft to lock the face of the whipstock in any of a plurality of angular predetermined relationships relative to said whipstock latching surface in the anchor tubular body.
56. The arrangement of claim 55 wherein said cooperating surfaces comprise engageable keys and keyways on the whipstock and on said orientation sleeve of said shaft.
57. The arrangement of claim 54 including a lock on the anchor to maintain the anchor secured with the tubular member.
58. The arrangement of claim 54 including a latch arrangement for releasably securing a well string with the whipstock to lower it into position in the anchor and to retrieve it from the well bore.
59. The arrangement of claim 58 wherein said latch arrangement includes cooperating surfaces on the whipstock and the well string to secure the well string with the whipstock by longitudinal movement of the well string to the face of the whipstock.
60. The arrangement of claim 59 where the longitudinal movement of the well string is downward to the face of the whipstock.
61. The arrangement of claim 54 wherein the well string is a drill string and further including:
a mill supported on the drill string and releasably secured to the face of the whipstock; and a latch arrangement in the whipstock to receive a tubular member therein to retrieve it from the well bore after the lateral well bore is drilled.
a mill supported on the drill string and releasably secured to the face of the whipstock; and a latch arrangement in the whipstock to receive a tubular member therein to retrieve it from the well bore after the lateral well bore is drilled.
62. A retrievable whipstock for releasably securing with an anchor secured within a well bore, including:
cooperating surfaces on the whipstock and anchor to releasably secure the whipstock with the anchor while secured in the well bore; and cooperating releasable surfaces on the whipstock and anchor to secure the whipstock non-rotatably on the anchor to face in any one of a plurality of directions relative to the anchor secured in the well bore.
cooperating surfaces on the whipstock and anchor to releasably secure the whipstock with the anchor while secured in the well bore; and cooperating releasable surfaces on the whipstock and anchor to secure the whipstock non-rotatably on the anchor to face in any one of a plurality of directions relative to the anchor secured in the well bore.
63. An arrangement for releasably anchoring a whipstock on an anchor secured in a tubular member, the arrangement including:
a releasable latch supported on the whipstock;
an anchor surface on the anchor; and a latch surface on said latch for positioning within the anchor surface for releasably securing the whipstock with the anchor.
a releasable latch supported on the whipstock;
an anchor surface on the anchor; and a latch surface on said latch for positioning within the anchor surface for releasably securing the whipstock with the anchor.
64. The arrangement of claim 63 wherein:
said anchor surface comprises a recess on the anchor; and said latch surface comprises enlargements on said releasable latch.
said anchor surface comprises a recess on the anchor; and said latch surface comprises enlargements on said releasable latch.
65. The arrangement of claim 63 including:
a first surface on the whipstock for maintaining said latch surface secured in said anchor; and a second surface on the whipstock to retrieve the latch with the whipstock from the anchor.
a first surface on the whipstock for maintaining said latch surface secured in said anchor; and a second surface on the whipstock to retrieve the latch with the whipstock from the anchor.
66. The arrangement of claim 63 wherein the anchor includes tapered surfaces thereon and slip means supported adjacent said tapered surfaces for engagement with the tubular member to secure said anchor therewith when the setting tool is actuated.
67. The arrangement of claim 63 wherein the anchor has a tubular body.
68. The arrangement of claim 67 wherein said tubular body has a longitudinal bore therethrough with a recess therein.
69. The arrangement of claim 63 including lock means to maintain the anchor secured with the tubular member.
70. The arrangement of claim 63 wherein said releasable latch is releasably supported on the whipstock by frangible means and wherein said latch includes:
a latch body;
circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending members on said body; and enlargements on said members for positioning within the recess in the anchor.
a latch body;
circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending members on said body; and enlargements on said members for positioning within the recess in the anchor.
71. An arrangement for maintaining a predetermined fixed relationship between a whipstock face and a whipstock latch surface on an anchor secured in a tubularmember in a well bore, said arrangement comprising:
a shaft extending from the whipstock;
cooperating surfaces on the whipstock and said shaft to lock the whipstock face in a predetermined relationship relative to the whipstock latch surface in the anchor; and a latch supported on said shaft for releasably securing the whipstock in the anchor.
a shaft extending from the whipstock;
cooperating surfaces on the whipstock and said shaft to lock the whipstock face in a predetermined relationship relative to the whipstock latch surface in the anchor; and a latch supported on said shaft for releasably securing the whipstock in the anchor.
72. The arrangement of claim 71 wherein:
said shaft includes:
a latch mandrel to support said latch thereon; and an orientation sleeve with a surface thereon for engaging with the whipstock latch surface; and said cooperating surfaces comprise engageable keys and keyways on the whipstock and on the orientation sleeve of said shaft.
said shaft includes:
a latch mandrel to support said latch thereon; and an orientation sleeve with a surface thereon for engaging with the whipstock latch surface; and said cooperating surfaces comprise engageable keys and keyways on the whipstock and on the orientation sleeve of said shaft.
73. The arrangement of claim 72 wherein:
said surface on the orientation sleeve is a lug;
the whipstock latch surface is a longitudinal slot in the anchor; and said latch is supported on said latch mandrel of said shaft for releasably engaging with the anchor for securing the whipstock with the anchor and for releasing the whipstock from the anchor.
said surface on the orientation sleeve is a lug;
the whipstock latch surface is a longitudinal slot in the anchor; and said latch is supported on said latch mandrel of said shaft for releasably engaging with the anchor for securing the whipstock with the anchor and for releasing the whipstock from the anchor.
74. The arrangement of claim 71 including a packer on the anchor engaged with the tubular member.
75. The arrangement of claim 71 including a lock to maintain the anchor secured with the tubular member.
76. The arrangement of claim 74 including a lock to maintain the anchor secured with the tubular member.
77. The arrangement of claim 71 including a latch arrangement for releasably securing a well string with the whipstock.
78. The arrangement of claim 77 wherein said latch arrangement includes cooperating surfaces on the whipstock and the well string to secure the well string with the whipstock by longitudinal movement of the well string and to release the well string from the whipstock by relative rotation between the whipstock and the well string.
79. The arrangement of claim 78 where the longitudinal movement of the well string is downward to the face of the whipstock.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002137936A CA2137936C (en) | 1994-02-23 | 1994-02-23 | Retrievable whipstock arrangement and method |
| GB9500248A GB2291447B (en) | 1994-02-23 | 1994-02-23 | Retrievable whipstock arrangement and method |
| PCT/US1994/001939 WO1995023274A1 (en) | 1994-02-23 | 1994-02-23 | Retrievable whipstock arrangement and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002137936A CA2137936C (en) | 1994-02-23 | 1994-02-23 | Retrievable whipstock arrangement and method |
| PCT/US1994/001939 WO1995023274A1 (en) | 1994-02-23 | 1994-02-23 | Retrievable whipstock arrangement and method |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2137936A1 CA2137936A1 (en) | 1995-08-24 |
| CA2137936C true CA2137936C (en) | 1999-05-11 |
Family
ID=25677666
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002137936A Expired - Lifetime CA2137936C (en) | 1994-02-23 | 1994-02-23 | Retrievable whipstock arrangement and method |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2137936C (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2291447B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995023274A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5740864A (en) * | 1996-01-29 | 1998-04-21 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | One-trip packer setting and whipstock-orienting method and apparatus |
| US5947201A (en) * | 1996-02-06 | 1999-09-07 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | One-trip window-milling method |
| CA2223517C (en) * | 1996-12-05 | 2004-02-24 | John C. Gano | Mill guide and anchor assembly for subterranean well casings |
| US6308782B1 (en) * | 1998-01-30 | 2001-10-30 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc | Method and apparatus for one-trip insertion and retrieval of a tool and auxiliary device |
| US6070667A (en) * | 1998-02-05 | 2000-06-06 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Lateral wellbore connection |
| GB2340519B (en) | 1998-08-03 | 2002-06-12 | Smith International | Deflector tool |
| US6499537B1 (en) | 1999-05-19 | 2002-12-31 | Smith International, Inc. | Well reference apparatus and method |
| US6543536B2 (en) | 1999-05-19 | 2003-04-08 | Smith International, Inc. | Well reference apparatus and method |
| CA2308944C (en) * | 1999-05-19 | 2008-04-01 | Smith International, Inc. | Well reference apparatus and method |
| GB2567225B (en) * | 2017-10-06 | 2020-02-26 | Priority Drilling Ltd | Directional drilling |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2669429A (en) * | 1951-11-06 | 1954-02-16 | John A Zublin | Apparatus for drilling deviating bores utilizing a plurality of curved tubular drillguide sections |
| US3115935A (en) * | 1960-03-18 | 1963-12-31 | Jefferson M Hooton | Well device |
| US3011568A (en) * | 1960-03-24 | 1961-12-05 | Irve C Grimm | Apparatus for drilling holes deviating laterally from a straight bore |
| US4307780A (en) * | 1980-07-21 | 1981-12-29 | Baker International Corporation | Angular whipstock alignment means |
| US5154231A (en) * | 1990-09-19 | 1992-10-13 | Masx Energy Services Group, Inc. | Whipstock assembly with hydraulically set anchor |
| US5193620A (en) * | 1991-08-05 | 1993-03-16 | Tiw Corporation | Whipstock setting method and apparatus |
| US5439051A (en) * | 1994-01-26 | 1995-08-08 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Lateral connector receptacle |
-
1994
- 1994-02-23 CA CA002137936A patent/CA2137936C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-02-23 WO PCT/US1994/001939 patent/WO1995023274A1/en active Application Filing
- 1994-02-23 GB GB9500248A patent/GB2291447B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2137936A1 (en) | 1995-08-24 |
| GB2291447A (en) | 1996-01-24 |
| GB2291447B (en) | 1998-02-18 |
| WO1995023274A1 (en) | 1995-08-31 |
| GB9500248D0 (en) | 1995-11-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20140224 |