skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Directional drilling system and method for drilling precise offset wellbores from a main wellbore

Patent ·
OSTI ID:7310560

This patent describes a directional drilling apparatus for deflecting a drill bit to drill an offset borehole from the central axial path of a main wellbore of vertical, horizontal, or slanted orientation. It comprises a tool body; inflatable packer means for sealing the main wellbore below the first passageway; means in the first passageway for activating the packer so that it will inflate; the tool body having a second passageway that forms an acute angle with the first passageway; and an entry portion having means for routing the drill bit into the second passageway. This patent also describes a method of drilling one or more offset wellbores from a first main wellbore. It comprises drilling the initial main wellbore; placing a first, larger drill string in the initial wellbore that has a tool body with first and second passageways therein; orienting the radial position of the second passageway with respect to the initial, main wellbore using a steering tool; placing a second, smaller drill string in the main wellbore and inside the first drill string; diverting the second drill string to the second passageway at a position upstream of first passageway; tracking the second passageway with the second drill string during drilling of an offset wellbore that forms an angle with the first borehole.

Assignee:
Anglo Suisse, Inc., Houston, TX (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5115872; A
Application Number:
PPN: US 7-599756
OSTI ID:
7310560
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 19 Oct 1990
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English