Patent ID: 8205672
Filing Date: 2012-06-26
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for lateral tunneling within a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: a tool assembly having an upper end and a lower end, the tool assembly having an internal fluid passage; coiled tubing connected to the upper end of the tool assembly, the coiled tubing is in fluid communication with the internal passage of the tool assembly, the tool assembly comprising: a first reversible knuckle joint connected to the tool assembly, the first reversible knuckle joint having a central bore in fluid communication with the internal passage of the tool assembly; a second reversible knuckle joint, the second reversible knuckle joint having a central bore in communication with the central bore of the first reversible knuckle joint, the second reversible knuckle joint being connected below the first reversible knuckle joint; a wand having a first end, a second end, and a central bore, the first end of the wand being connected below the second reversible knuckle joint, wherein the central bore of the wand is in fluid communication with the central bore of the second reversible knuckle joint; and a nozzle connected to the second end of the wand, wherein the nozzle is in fluid communication with the coiled tubing, wherein the first and second reversible knuckle joints are adapted so that down hole loads can overcome an activating drive device of the first and second reversible knuckle joints in a manner that allows the first and second reversible knuckle joints to adjust angles during tunneling and the tool assembly includes only two reversible knuckle joints.