Patent ID: 8915311
Filing Date: 2014-12-23
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for drilling a lateral bore from within a well casing, comprising: (a) a source of pressurized fluid; (b) a high pressure hose that can be introduced into the well casing, for conveying a pressurized fluid down into the well casing; (c) a jet lance that is flexible and includes a thrust liner spaced apart from and surrounding the high pressure hose, wherein the thrust liner circumferentially surrounds spacers and tension cables disposed circumferentially around the high pressure hose, and wherein the spacers provide a slip fit between the thrust liner and the high pressure hose, and the tension cables apply a tension force to the thrust liner, the thrust liner enabling the jet lance to bend around a curve within the well casing without shearing or buckling; and (d) a pressurized fluid jet drill that is coupled to a distal end of the jet lance, the pressurized fluid jet drill being actuated by the pressurized fluid to drill through a formation that surrounds the well casing to form the lateral bore.