Patent Grant
11680459
This disclosure relates to the production of oil, gas, or other resources from subterranean zones to the surface.
Hydrocarbons or other resources in subsurface reservoirs or locations below the Earth's surface can be produced to the surface via wells drilled from the surface to the subsurface locations. After drilling, such wells are completed by installing one or more liners and production tubing to provide a pathway for such resources to flow to the surface. Liners can be cemented into the wellbore by introducing cement into the annular space between the wellbore and the liner or into the annular space between two successive liners. Such cementing can provide support the vertical and radial loads experienced by the liner, isolate different zones within the subsurface location, and provide other benefits.
Some wells undergo cement squeeze operations to repair, solidify, or generally re-cement a portion of a wellbore or liner. A cement squeeze well tool operates to supply cement to an annulus of a wellbore or liner at a location within a wellbore near a perforation, leak, or other unwanted opening in a wall of a wellbore or liner. For example, cement squeeze well tools and methods are utilized when a cemented liner is perforated, faulty, incomplete, or otherwise unsatisfactory and requires additional cement to repair the cemented liner.
Certain aspects of the subject matter herein can be implemented as a system for performing a cement squeeze operation in a wellbore. The system includes an integrated liner hanger assembly and a running tool. The integrated liner hanger assembly is configured such that, when the integrated liner hanger is positioned within a first liner string positioned within the wellbore, it has an uphole end and a downhole end, and an annulus is partially defined by an outer surface of the integrated liner hanger assembly and an inner surface of the first liner string. The downhole portion of the integrated liner hanger assembly includes a liner hanger that, when actuated, engages slips against the inner surface of the first liner string to prevent axial movement of the integrated liner hanger assembly and to hang a second liner string below the first liner string. The integrated liner hanger assembly also includes a liner top packer assembly configured to isolate, when actuated, a volume of the annulus uphole of the liner top packer assembly from a volume of the annulus downhole of the liner top packer assembly. The integrated liner hanger assembly also includes a cement retainer sub positioned axially uphole of the liner hanger and downhole of the liner top packer assembly. The cement retainer sub includes a plurality of fluid passageways fluidically connecting an central bore of the liner hanger assembly to an annular volume of the annulus downhole of the liner top packer element and uphole of the liner hanger. The cement retainer sub also includes a sliding sleeve configured to translate axially from a first position in which the sleeve prevents a flow of fluid through the fluid passageways to a second position in which the sleeve does not prevent the flow of fluid through the fluid passageways. The running tool includes a plurality of setting dogs and configured to run the integrated liner hanger assembly and the second liner string into the wellbore within the first liner string, actuate the liner hanger, actuate the packer assembly, and axially translate the sliding sleeve from the first position to the second position.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. At least some of the plurality of fluid passageways include a one-way valve configured to prevent a flow of fluid from the annulus to the central bore and to allow a flow of fluid from the central bore to the annulus if a fluid pressure within the central bore exceeds an opening pressure of the one-way valve.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The plurality of fluid passageways can be positioned circumferentially around the cement retainer sub.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. Actuating of the packer assembly can include axially raising the running tool in an uphold direction and then lowering the running tool such that a first subset of the plurality of setting dogs engage against a landing shoulder of the packer assembly.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. Axially translating the sliding sleeve from the first position to the second position can include, after actuating the packer assembly, axially raising the running tool in an uphole direction such that a second subset of the plurality of setting dogs engages against a first landing shoulder of the sliding sleeve.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The sliding sleeve can be further configured to slide axially to a third position in which the sleeve prevents a flow of fluid cement through the fluid passageways and in which the sliding sleeve is locked so as to prevent further axial movement of the sliding sleeve. Sliding of the sliding sleeve from the second position to the third position can include, after axially translating the sliding sleeve from the first position to the second position, axially lowering the running tool in an downhole direction such that a third subset of the plurality of setting dogs engages against a second landing shoulder of the sliding sleeve.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The flow of fluid is a flow from the central bore to the annulus can be a flow of cement.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The flow of cement through the plurality of fluid passageways can be after a cementing job that includes a flow of cement into an annulus between the second liner string and the wellbore.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. A volume of the cement flowed through the plurality of fluid passageways can at least partially fill a cement void, unfilled by cement after the cementing job, in the volume of the annulus downhole of the liner top packer assembly.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The steps of (a) running the integrated liner hanger assembly and the second liner string into the wellbore, (b) actuating the liner hanger, (c) actuating the packer assembly, and (d) axially translating the sliding sleeve between the first position to the second position, can be completed in a single trip of the running tool into and out of the wellbore.
Certain aspects of the subject matter herein can be implemented as an integrated liner hanger assembly for performing a cement squeeze operation in a wellbore. The integrated liner hanger assembly is configured to be lowered, by a running tool, within a first liner string cemented into the wellbore and further configured such that, when so lowered, the integrated liner hanger assembly has an uphole end and a downhole end and an annulus is formed by an outer surface of the integrated liner hanger assembly and an inner surface of the first liner string. The integrated liner hanger assembly includes a liner hanger, a liner top packer assembly, and a cement retainer sub. The liner hanger comprises a downhole portion of the integrated liner hanger assembly and is configured to, when actuated by the running tool, engage slips against the inner surface of the first liner string to prevent axial movement of the integrated liner hanger assembly and to hang, within the wellbore below the first liner string, a second liner string. The liner top packer assembly comprises a portion of the integrated liner hanger assembly uphole of the liner hanger and is configured to isolate, when actuated by the running tool, a volume of the annulus uphole of the liner top packer assembly from a volume of the annulus downhole of the liner top packer assembly. The cement retainer sub is positioned axially uphole of the liner hanger and downhole of the liner top packer assembly. The cement retainer sub includes a plurality of fluid passageways fluidically connecting an central bore of the liner hanger assembly to an annular volume of the annulus downhole of the liner top packer element and uphole of the liner hanger. The cement retainer sub further includes a sliding sleeve configured to be translated axially by the running tool from a first position in which the sleeve prevents a flow of fluid through the fluid passageways to a second position in which the sleeve does not prevent the flow of fluid through the fluid passageways.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. At least some of the plurality of fluid passageways can include a one-way valve configured to prevent a flow of fluid from the annulus to the central bore and to allow a flow of fluid from the central bore to the annulus if a fluid pressure within the central bore exceeds an opening pressure of the one-way valve
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The plurality of fluid passageways can be positioned circumferentially around the cement retainer sub.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The integrated liner hanger assembly can be further configured such that actuating of the packer assembly includes axially raising the running tool in an uphold direction and then lowering the running tool such that a first subset of the plurality of setting dogs engage against a landing shoulder of the packer assembly.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The integrated liner hanger assembly can be further configured such that axially translating the sliding sleeve from the first position to the second position can include, after actuating the packer assembly, axially raising the running tool in an uphole direction such that a second subset of the plurality of setting dogs engages against a first landing shoulder of the sliding sleeve.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The sliding sleeve can be further configured to slide axially to a third position in which the sleeve prevents a flow of fluid cement through the fluid passageways and in which the sliding sleeve is locked so as to prevent further axial movement of the sliding sleeve. Sliding of the sliding sleeve from the second position to the third position can include, after axially translating the sliding sleeve from the first position to the second position, axially lowering the running tool in an downhole direction such that a third subset of the plurality of setting dogs engages against a second landing shoulder of the sliding sleeve.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The integrated liner hanger assembly can be further configured such that the flow of fluid from the central bore to the annulus is a flow of cement
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The integrated liner hanger assembly can be further configured such that the flow of cement through the plurality of fluid passageways is after a cementing job, and the cementing job includes a flow of cement into an annulus between the second liner string and the wellbore.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The integrated liner hanger assembly can be further configured such that a volume of the cement flowed through the plurality of fluid passageways at least partially fills a cement void in the volume of the annulus downhole of the liner top packer assembly, said void unfilled by cement after the cementing job.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The integrated liner hanger assembly can be further configured such that the steps of (a) running the integrated liner hanger assembly and the second liner string into the wellbore, (b) actuating the liner hanger, (c) actuating the packer assembly, and (d) axially translating the sliding sleeve between the first position to the second position, are completed in a single trip of the running tool into and out of the wellbore.
Certain aspects of the subject matter herein can be implemented as a method of performing a cement squeeze operation in a wellbore into which a first liner string has been cemented. The method includes running, by a running tool and into the first liner string, an integrated liner hanger assembly and a second liner string hung therefrom. The integrated liner hanger assembly includes an uphole end and a downhole end and an annulus is formed by an outer surface of the integrated liner hanger assembly and an inner surface of the first liner string. The integrated liner hanger assembly includes a liner hanger, a liner top packer assembly, and a cement retainer sub. The liner hanger comprises a downhole portion of the integrated liner hanger assembly and is configured to, when actuated by the running tool, engage slips against the inner surface of the first liner string to prevent axial movement of the integrated liner hanger assembly and to hang, within the wellbore below the first liner string, a second liner string. The liner top packer assembly comprises a portion of the integrated liner hanger assembly uphole of the liner hanger and is configured to isolate, when actuated by the running tool, a volume of the annulus uphole of the liner top packer assembly from a volume of the annulus downhole of the liner top packer assembly. The cement retainer sub is positioned axially uphole of the liner hanger and downhole of the liner top packer assembly. The cement retainer sub includes a plurality of fluid passageways fluidically connecting an central bore of the liner hanger assembly to an annular volume of the annulus downhole of the liner top packer element and uphole of the liner hanger. The cement retainer sub further includes a sliding sleeve configured to be translated axially by the running tool from a first position in which the sleeve prevents a flow of fluid through the fluid passageways to a second position in which the sleeve does not prevent the flow of fluid through the fluid passageways. The method further includes actuating, by the running tool, the liner hanger by engaging slips of the liner hanger against the inner surface of the first liner string to prevent axial movement of the integrated liner hanger assembly. The method further includes cementing the second liner string in the wellbore by a cementing job comprising flowing cement into an annulus between the second liner string and the wellbore. The method further includes actuating, by the running tool, the liner top packer assembly, thereby isolating a volume of the annulus uphole of the liner top packer assembly from a volume of the annulus downhole of the actuating the liner top packer assembly. The method further includes axially translating, by the running tool, the sliding sleeve from the first position to the second position, and flowing the fluid cement through the fluid passageways and thereby at least partially filling a cement void or leak in the volume of the annulus downhole of the liner top packer assembly, said void or leak unfilled by the cement of the cementing job.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. At least some of the plurality of fluid passageways can include a one-way valve configured to prevent a flow of fluid from the annulus to the central bore and to allow a flow of fluid from the central bore to the annulus if a fluid pressure within the central bore exceeds an opening pressure of the one-way valve
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The plurality of fluid passageways are cam be positioned circumferentially around the cement retainer sub.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The actuating of the packer assembly can include axially raising the running tool in an uphold direction and then lowering the running tool such that a first subset of a plurality of setting dogs of the running tool engage against a landing shoulder of the packer assembly.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. Axially translating the sliding sleeve from the first position to the second position can include, after actuating the packer assembly, axially raising the running tool in an uphole direction such that a second subset of the plurality of setting dogs engages against a first landing shoulder of the sliding sleeve.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The sliding sleeve can be further configured to slide axially to a third position in which the sleeve prevents a flow of fluid cement through the fluid passageways and in which the sliding sleeve is locked so as to prevent further axial movement of the sliding sleeve. Sliding of the sliding sleeve from the second position to the third position can include, after axially translating the sliding sleeve from the first position to the second position, axially lowering the running tool in an downhole direction such that a third subset of the plurality of setting dogs engages against a second landing shoulder of the sliding sleeve.
An aspect combinable with any of the other aspects can include the following features. The steps of (a) running the integrated liner hanger assembly and the second liner string into the wellbore, (b) actuating the liner hanger, (c) actuating the packer assembly, and (d) axially translating the sliding sleeve between the first position to the second position, can be completed in a single trip of the running tool into and out of the wellbore.
The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in this detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from this detailed description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings.
This disclosure describes an integrated liner hanger assembly, system, and method for performing cement squeeze operations. The assembly, system, and method of some embodiments of the present disclosure can enable the flowing of cement into the annulus downhole of the liner top packer element but above the liner hanger, and further downhole below the liner hanger. The assembly, system, and method of some embodiments of the present disclosure can enable fewer running tool trips (as compared to other apparatus, systems, or methods) in order to position a liner in the well, activate the liner hanger and (after cementing the liner in the well) activate the liner top packer and conduct the remedial cement squeeze operation. In some embodiments, and as described in greater detail below, some or all of these steps can be accomplished in a single trip of the running tool (that is, without removing the running tool from the well until after these steps are accomplished).
After some or all of the wellbore 102 is drilled, a portion of the wellbore 102 extending into to the subterranean zone 106 can be lined with lengths of tubing, called casing or liner. The wellbore 102 can be drilled in stages, the liners can be installed between stages, and cementing operations can be performed to inject cement in stages in the annulus between the liner and inner surface of the wellbore (and/or the annulus between the inner surface of an outer, larger-diameter liner into which the (smaller-diameter) liner has been positioned. In the example well system 100 of
A first annulus 110 is defined by the outer surface of liner 108 and the inner surface of wellbore 102. The example well system 100 also includes a second, inner liner 112 positioned radially inward from the outer liner 108 and defined by lengths of tubing that line a lower portion of the wellbore 102 that extends further downhole of the wellbore 102 than the portion of the wellbore into which first liner 108 has been positioned. A second annulus 114 is defined in its uphole portion by the outer surface of inner liner 112 and the inner surface of outer liner 108 and in its downhole portion by the inner surface of inner liner 112 and the inner surface of wellbore 102.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a well system (such as well system 100) is constructed by lowering a first liner (such as liner 108) into place and then cementing the annulus by injecting a cement slurry downhole through central bore of the liner, such that the cement slurry then travels uphole within the annulus and hardens, shown in
While
In the process of cementing liners into place using the procedures described above or other suitable procedures, gaps or voids such as voids 160 of
To address such voids or leaks, a remedial cementing operation called a “cement squeeze” is sometimes performed by pumping cement downhole and into the voids or leaks. As part of such a squeeze operation, an isolation tool known as a cement retainer can be set in the liner to enable the remedial cementing to be applied to a lower interval while providing isolation from the annulus above cement retainer. Such cement retainers are typically positioned above the liner top packer (which in turn is typically installed above the liner hanger), which can limit the effectiveness of a cement squeeze operation to fill voids or leaks below the liner top packer and around and below the liner hanger.
In the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, liner hanger 120, liner top packer assembly 122, and cement retainer sub 130 are components of an integrated liner hanger assembly 140. The integrated liner hanger assembly, system, and method of some embodiments of the present disclosure enables fewer running tool trips (as compared to other apparatus, systems, or methods) in order to position the liner in the well, activate the liner hanger and (after cementing the liner in the well), and activate the liner top packer and conduct the remedial cement squeeze operation. In some embodiments, and as described in greater detail below, some or all of these steps can be accomplished in a single trip of the running tool (that is, without removing the running tool from the well until after the steps are accomplished). Specifically, a single trip in some embodiments includes the steps of (a) placing the running tool, the liner, and liner hanger assembly in the well, (b) axially positioning the liner and the liner hanger assembly at the desired downhole location, (c) activating the slips of the liner hanger, (d) after cementing the liner in the well, activating the liner top packer, (e) opening the fluid passageways of the cement retainer sub to conduct the cement squeeze operation, and (f) closing the fluid passageways of the cement retainer sub after the cement squeeze operation is completed, without removing the running tool from the well during or between steps (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f), and then—after completing steps (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f)—removing the running tool from the well. In some embodiments, additional steps can be done as part of the single trip of the running tool. In some embodiments, only some of steps (a), (b), (c), and (d) are done in the single trip of the running tool.
In some embodiments, the above procedure can be accomplished in a single trip because only a slight axial movement of the running tool is required to slack off weight on the liner hanger to fully engage the hanger slips against the casing and to test the slips. Then the running tool can be disengaged from the hanger by applying higher pressure to collapse the lock ring or pins allowing the running tool to be pulled for few feet to confirm disengagement from the liner hanger, but the internal packoff seals between the running tool and liner hanger ID are still active to perform the cement displacement. After pumping the cement slurry around the liner, the running tool can be pulled partially out of the hanger to expose the liner top packer setting dogs. The running tool can be lowered again to slack off with the settings dogs on top of the tie-back receptacle to compress the liner top packer and create the seal against the casing. If required to perform any cement squeeze operation, the running tool can be pulled up so the opening dogs engage with the loading shoulders of the internal sleeve and open the cementing ports. Once the cement squeeze operation is performed, the running tool can be lowered to close the cementing posts by shifting the internal sleeve down. Finally, the running tool can be pulled fully out of the hanger to surface.
In the illustrated embodiment, integrated liner hanger assembly 140 further includes liner top packer assembly 122 which includes a packer element 210. In the illustrated embodiment, liner top packer assembly 122 is a mechanically-actuated packer and includes an actuation sleeve 212. Shifting actuation sleeve in a downhole direction (for example, by lowering a running tool with collapsible spring-loaded dogs such that the dogs engage against a landing shoulder 214 of actuation sleeve 212) actuates packer assembly 122 by causing packer element 210 to expand and contact the inner surface of the outer liner string. In this way, liner top packer assembly 122 can, when actuated isolate a volume of an annulus uphole of the liner top packer assembly from a volume of the annulus downhole of the liner top packer assembly. In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to a landing shoulder 214, a running tool can lock into or engage with a locking profile. In some embodiments, packer assembly 122 can be an inflatable packer, a swellable packer, or another suitable packer, instead of or in addition to being mechanically activated.
In the illustrated embodiment, integrated liner hanger assembly 140 further includes cement retainer sub 130 positioned axially uphole (that is, in the direction towards uphole end 202) of the liner hanger 120 and downhole (that is, in the direction towards downhole end 204) of liner top packer assembly 122. Cement retainer sub 130 includes a plurality of fluid passageways 220 through main body 224 fluidically connecting central bore 200 of the liner hanger assembly to the exterior of integrated liner hanger assembly 140. As described in greater detail below, remedial cement from a cement squeeze operation can be flowed from the surface in a downhole direction through central bore 200, to and through fluid passageways 220 (if not blocked by a sliding sleeve as described further below) into an annulus exterior to liner hanger assembly 140. In the illustrated embodiment, at least some of the fluid passageways 220 include a one-way valve 222 configured to prevent a flow of cement or other fluid from the annulus to the central bore and to allow a flow of cement or other fluid from the central bore to the annulus if a fluid pressure within the central bore exceeds an opening pressure of the one-way valve 222. As shown in the cross-sectional view A-A′ shown in
Cement retainer sub 130 further includes sliding sleeve 230 positioned within main body 224, through which are a plurality of sleeve passageways 232. Each sleeve passageway 232 lines up circumferentially with a respective fluid passageway 220. As described in greater detail in reference to
In a first axial position (the position shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, sliding sleeve 230 further includes a locking ring 240. When sliding sleeve 230 is translated axially to a third, closed-and-locked position (axially further towards downhole end 204 than the first position shown in
Referring to
As shown in
If the operator determines that a cement squeeze job is not desired or required, then after the step shown in
If the operator determines that a cement squeeze job is desired or determined then, as shown in
As shown in
Once cement pumping operation is completed, the one-way valves 222 will close and prevent the hydrostatic column of drilling fluid to push the cement further into the loss zone. As shown in
As running tool 131 is pulled upward after locking the sliding sleeve in the third position, if locking dogs 406 or 412 engage against shoulder 234, such engagement could prevent further such upward movement of running tool 131 and thus interfere with removal of running tool 131 from liner hanger assembly 140 and thus from the well. In some embodiments, such undesirable engagement against shoulder 234 can be prevented by including shear pins with dogs 406 and 412 as shown in
Proceeding to step 704, the liner hanger is actuated by the running tool, thereby engaging slips of the liner hanger against the inner surface of the first liner string and preventing further axial movement of the integrated liner hanger assembly. Proceeding to step 706, the second liner string is cemented in the wellbore by conducting a cementing job comprising flowing cement into an annulus between the second liner string and the wellbore. Proceeding to step 708, the liner top packer assembly is actuated by the running tool, thereby isolating a volume of the annulus uphole of the liner top packer assembly from a volume of the annulus downhole of the actuating the liner top packer assembly.
Proceeding to step 710, the operator determines whether a cement squeeze job is desired or required. If at step 710 the operator determines that a cement squeeze job is desired or required, then the method proceeds to step 712 in which the sliding sleeve is axially translated by the running tool from the first position to the second position. Proceeding to step 714, fluid cement is flowed through the fluid passageways, at least partially filling a cement void or leak in the volume of the annulus downhole of the liner top packer assembly, said void or leak having been unfilled by the cement of the cementing job.
Proceeding to step 716, the sliding sleeve is axially translated by the running tool to a third, closed-and-locked position in which the sleeve prevents a flow of fluid cement through the fluid passageways and in which the sliding sleeve is locked so as to prevent further axial movement of the sliding sleeve. At step 718, the running tool is removed from the well. In some embodiments, as described above, steps 702 through 716 are accomplished in a single trip of the running tool (that is, without removing the tool from the wellbore during (or between) any of steps 702, 704, 706, 708, 710, 712, 714, and 716). In some embodiments, method 700 can be accomplished in two or more trips of the running tool.
Returning to step 710, if the operator determines that no cement squeeze job is required, then the method proceeds step 718 in which the running tool is removed from the well and steps 712 through 716 are not performed.
The term “uphole” as used herein means in the direction along the production tubing or the wellbore from its distal end towards the surface, and “downhole” as used herein means the direction along the production tubing or the wellbore from the surface towards its distal end. A downhole location means a location along the production tubing or wellbore downhole of the surface.
A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, example operations, methods, or processes described herein may include more steps or fewer steps than those described. Further, the steps in such example operations, methods, or processes may be performed in different successions than that described or illustrated in the figures. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 462431 | McMullin | Nov 1891 | A |
| 1896482 | Crowell | Feb 1933 | A |
| 1949498 | Frederick et al. | Mar 1934 | A |
| 2121002 | Baker | Jun 1938 | A |
| 2189697 | Baker | Mar 1939 | A |
| 2187487 | Burt | Jan 1940 | A |
| 2222233 | Mize | Nov 1940 | A |
| 2327092 | Botkin | Aug 1943 | A |
| 2672199 | McKenna | Mar 1954 | A |
| 2806532 | Baker | Sep 1957 | A |
| 3116799 | Lemons | Jan 1964 | A |
| 4190112 | Davis | Feb 1980 | A |
| 4227573 | Pearce et al. | Oct 1980 | A |
| 4349071 | Fish | Sep 1982 | A |
| 4391326 | Greenlee | Jul 1983 | A |
| 4407367 | Kydd | Oct 1983 | A |
| 4538684 | Sheffield | Sep 1985 | A |
| 4735268 | Harris et al. | Apr 1988 | A |
| 4834184 | Streich et al. | May 1989 | A |
| 4928762 | Mamke | May 1990 | A |
| 4953617 | Ross et al. | Sep 1990 | A |
| 5178219 | Streich et al. | Jan 1993 | A |
| 5330000 | Givens et al. | Jul 1994 | A |
| 5678635 | Dunlap et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
| 5806596 | Hardy et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
| 6138764 | Scarsdale et al. | Oct 2000 | A |
| 6491108 | Slup et al. | Dec 2002 | B1 |
| 6595289 | Tumlin et al. | Jul 2003 | B2 |
| 6755256 | Murley et al. | Jun 2004 | B2 |
| 7424909 | Roberts et al. | Sep 2008 | B2 |
| 7600572 | Slup et al. | Oct 2009 | B2 |
| 7762323 | Frazier | Jul 2010 | B2 |
| 8307898 | Johnson et al. | Nov 2012 | B2 |
| 8579024 | Mailand et al. | Nov 2013 | B2 |
| 8770276 | Nish et al. | Jul 2014 | B1 |
| 9133671 | Kellner | Sep 2015 | B2 |
| 9359861 | Burgos | Jun 2016 | B2 |
| 9416617 | Wiese et al. | Aug 2016 | B2 |
| 9567834 | Moffitt et al. | Feb 2017 | B2 |
| 10280706 | Sharp, III | May 2019 | B1 |
| 10837254 | Al-Mousa et al. | Nov 2020 | B2 |
| 11142976 | Al-Mousa et al. | Oct 2021 | B2 |
| 20040040707 | Dusterhoft et al. | Mar 2004 | A1 |
| 20040256113 | LoGiudice | Dec 2004 | A1 |
| 20050263282 | Jeffrey et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
| 20060213656 | Clifton | Sep 2006 | A1 |
| 20070181304 | Rankin et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
| 20080314591 | Hales et al. | Dec 2008 | A1 |
| 20090272544 | Giroux | Nov 2009 | A1 |
| 20100263856 | Lynde et al. | Oct 2010 | A1 |
| 20110203794 | Moffitt et al. | Aug 2011 | A1 |
| 20120125619 | Wood | May 2012 | A1 |
| 20130213654 | Dewey et al. | Aug 2013 | A1 |
| 20130240207 | Frazier | Sep 2013 | A1 |
| 20140158350 | Castillo et al. | Jun 2014 | A1 |
| 20160084034 | Roane et al. | Mar 2016 | A1 |
| 20160281458 | Greenlee | Sep 2016 | A1 |
| 20160305215 | Harris et al. | Oct 2016 | A1 |
| 20160340994 | Ferguson et al. | Nov 2016 | A1 |
| 20170067313 | Connell et al. | Mar 2017 | A1 |
| 20170089166 | Sullivan | Mar 2017 | A1 |
| 20180010418 | VanLue | Jan 2018 | A1 |
| 20180252069 | Abdollah et al. | Sep 2018 | A1 |
| 20190186232 | Ingram | Jun 2019 | A1 |
| 20190203551 | Davis et al. | Jul 2019 | A1 |
| 20190284898 | Fagna et al. | Sep 2019 | A1 |
| 20200056446 | Al-Mousa et al. | Feb 2020 | A1 |
| 20210025259 | Al-Mousa et al. | Jan 2021 | A1 |
| 20210054708 | Al-Mousa et al. | Feb 2021 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 958734 | May 1964 | GB |
| WO 2017043977 | Mar 2017 | WO |
| WO 2018017104 | Jan 2018 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| Bruton et al., “Whipstock Options for Sidetracking,” Oilfield Review, 26(1), Spring 2014, 10 pages. |
