Method and apparatus for locating and re-entering one or more horizontal wells using whipstocks with sealable bores

摘要

In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of methods and devices are provided for solving important and serious problems posed by lateral (and especially multilateral) completion including methods and devices for re-entering selected lateral wells to perform completions work, additional drilling, or remedial and stimulation work. Various methods and devices are provided for assisting in the location and re-entry of lateral wells. Such re-entry devices include permanent or retrievable deflector (e.g., whipstock) devices. Preferably, the re-entry methods of this invention permit the bore size of the lateral wells to be the same or substantially the same bore size as the vertical wells.