Accessing subterranean resources by formation collapse
First Claim
1. A method of accessing a subterranean zone from a terranean surface, comprising:
- forming an articulated well bore extending from the surface into the subterranean zone;
providing a tubing string within the well bore;
enlarging the well bore to a dimension selected to collapse at least a portion of the subterranean zone about the tubing;
wherein enlarging the well bore to facilitate collapse of the subterranean zone comprises;
positioning a cavity cutting tool having radially extendable cutting arms in the well bore;
extending the radially extendable cutting arms into contact with an interior of the well bore;
rotating the radially extendable cutting arms about a longitudinal axis of the well bore to cut an enlarge cavity; and
wherein positioning a cavity cutting tool having radially extendable cutting arms in the well bore comprises introducing the cavity cutting tool on a working string over the tubing string.
7 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A subterranean zone can be accessed from the surface by forming a well bore extending from the surface into the subterranean zone. A tubing string is provided within the well bore, and an underreamer passed over the tubing string to a specified location within the subterranean zone. The underreamer is operated in forming an enlarged cavity in the well bore, and the subterranean zone about the tubing string is collapsed. Pressure within the enlarged cavity my be reduced to facilitate collapse of the subterranean zone about the tubing. The tubing string is provided with apertures, either before being positioned in the well or after, to allow passage of fluids into an interior of the tubing string. The fluids from the subterranean zone may be withdrawn through the tubing string.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method of accessing a subterranean zone from a terranean surface, comprising:
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forming an articulated well bore extending from the surface into the subterranean zone; providing a tubing string within the well bore; enlarging the well bore to a dimension selected to collapse at least a portion of the subterranean zone about the tubing; wherein enlarging the well bore to facilitate collapse of the subterranean zone comprises; positioning a cavity cutting tool having radially extendable cutting arms in the well bore; extending the radially extendable cutting arms into contact with an interior of the well bore; rotating the radially extendable cutting arms about a longitudinal axis of the well bore to cut an enlarge cavity; and wherein positioning a cavity cutting tool having radially extendable cutting arms in the well bore comprises introducing the cavity cutting tool on a working string over the tubing string. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of accessing a subterranean zone from a terranean surface, comprising:
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forming an articulated well bore extending from the surface into the subterranean zone; providing a tubing string within the well bore; and enlarging the well bore to a dimension selected to collapse at least a portion of the subterranean zone about the tubing; wherein forming well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone comprises; forming a first well bore extending from the surface into the subterranean zone; and forming a second well bore through the first well bore and extending substantially horizontal; forming a third well bore through the first well bore and extending substantially horizontal; wherein forming the second well bore through the first well bore and extending substantially horizontal comprises forming the second well bore intermediate the surface and an end of the first well bore to define a rat hole at an end of the first well bore; and collecting liquids from the subterranean zone in the rat hole.
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17. A method of accessing a subterranean zone from a terranean surface comprising:
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forming a well bore extending from the surface into the subterranean zone; providing a tubing string within the well bore; passing an underreamer over the tubing string to a specified location within the subterranean zone; operating the underreamer in forming an enlarged cavity in the well bore; reducing pressure within the enlarged cavity to facilitate collapse of at least a portion of the subterranean zone about the tubing; and providing apertures in the tubing string to allow passage of fluids into an interior of the tubing string. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification