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Method and system for circulating fluid in a well system

  • US 8,434,568 B2
  • Filed: 07/22/2005
  • Issued: 05/07/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/20/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A system comprising:

  • a substantially vertical well bore extending from a surface to a subterranean zone;

    an articulated well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone and intersecting the substantially vertical well bore at a junction proximate the subterranean zone;

    a drainage bore extending from the junction into the subterranean zone;

    a drill string disposed within the articulated well bore, the drill string extending into the drainage bore;

    a drilling fluid provided through the drill string and exiting the drill string proximate a drill bit of the drill string;

    a tubing disposed within the substantially vertical well bore, the tubing having an open end at the junction;

    a second fluid provided down the substantially vertical well bore, the second fluid exiting the tubing at the junction; and

    a fluid mixture returning up the substantially vertical well bore outside of the tubing, the fluid mixture comprising the drilling fluid after the drilling fluid exits the drill string.

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