Patent ID: 6374918
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A method for completing an earth wellbore, the wellbore having a first production zone to be abandoned, and the wellbore having tubing extending down within casing therein and forming a tubing-casing annulus, the tubing having a lower end at a point above a lower end of the casing, and the tubing-casing annulus being sealed by a first sealing apparatus above the first production zone, the method comprising the steps of:sealing the lower end of the tubing with a sealing device to prevent fluid flow therethrough; creating a lower opening in the tubing above the first sealing apparatus; inserting cement into the tubing-casing annulus through said lower opening in the tubing; creating an exit opening through both the tubing and the casing above said lower end of the tubing; forming said lateral wellbore through said exit opening; severing the tubing above said lateral wellbore; creating an upper opening in the tubing above said lateral wellbore, said tubing now having a new lower end above said lateral wellbore; and setting a second sealing apparatus in the wellbore above said lateral wellbore so as to sealing off the tubing-casing annulus.