METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING A LATERAL BRANCH LINER TO A MAIN WELL BORE

摘要

A method and apparatus for establishing connectivity of lateral branch liners to main well casings to achieve predictable and stable mechanical connectivity at the lateral junction of branch well bores to the main well bore to counter the problems of formation instability at the junction. After construction of a well having one or more lateral branches, a retrievable lateral branch template is located in the casing of a main well bore in positioned and oriented registry with a casing window that opens to a lined lateral branch. A retrievable lateral branch connector is then installed in assembly with the template to cooperatively define a production flow path having maximized mechanical integrity and optimized production flow in both the lateral bore and the main bore. Electrical power or hydraulic pressure conductors incorporated in the template and connector assembly may be used to provide for production and control of main and branch well bore production after installation.