Multilateral reference point

Abstract

A multilateral reference point sleeve includes a tubular member configured to be received in a tubing string of a wellbore. The tubular member has an uphole end and a downhole end. The uphole end is angled to define an orientation profile, and the orientation profile has an orientation slot extending therefrom. A method for orienting a tool in a wellbore includes running the multilateral reference point sleeve into the casing in the wellbore, anchoring the sleeve to an inner surface of the casing, running the tool into the tubing string, causing a pin on the tool to engage the orientation profile on the sleeve, and causing the pin on the tool to engage the orientation slot on the orientation profile.

1 . An orientation device comprising: 
 a single piece unitary sleeve, at least partially circumferentially closed, having at least a portion thereof configured to be expandable such that the single piece unitary sleeve exhibits a first circumference prior to being expanded and a second circumference subsequent to the sleeve being expanded; and    an orientation profile disposed at the sleeve configured to orient tools passing at least partially through the device.    
   
   
       2 . The orientation device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the portion configured to be expandable is sufficiently expandable in outside dimension to create a supportive interference fit with a tubular structure in which said device is installable.  
   
   
       3 . The orientation device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the orientation profile includes an apex.  
   
   
       4 . The orientation device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the orientation profile causes automatic orientation of another tool passing at least partially through the device, the automatic orientation occurring in one of two rotational directions.  
   
   
       5 . The orientation device as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the two rotational directions are determined based upon on which side of an apex of the orientation profile the other tool contacts the orientation profile.  
   
   
       6 . The orientation device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein a downhole end of the sleeve has a lesser thickness than an uphole end of the sleeve.  
   
   
       7 . The orientation device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the orientation profile further includes an orientation opening extending therefrom.  
   
   
       8 . The orientation device as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the slot is positioned about 180° from an apex of the profile.  
   
   
       9 . The orientation device as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the orientation opening extends along a wall of the sleeve and is configured to receive a pin on a separate tool and to maintain the oriented position of the separate tool.  
   
   
       10 . The orientation device as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the pin on the separate tool engages the orientation profile and rotates the tool into a desired orientation.