Patent ID: 6247532
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A multiple branching sub for deployment in a borehole, said sub comprising:a branching chamber having an open first end of cylindrical shape and a second end, said branching chamber designed and arranged for sealed connection at said first end to casing in a borehole; andmultiple branching outlet members, each of which is integally connected to said second end of said branching chamber, each of said multiple branching outlet members being in fluid communication with said branching chamber, said sub characterized by:a retracted position for insertion into a borehole in which each of said multiple outlet members is substantially totally within an imaginary cylinder which is coaxial with and of substantially the same radius as said first end of said branching chamber: andan expanded position in which at least one of said multiple outlet members extends from said branching chamber in a path outwardly of said imaginary cylinder; andwherein said branching outlet members, when in said retracted position, are characterized by an outer concave shape when a radial cross-section of said branching outlet members is viewed from outside said imaginary cylinder, and wherein said branching outlet members are formed of an alloyed steel with austenitic structure.