Junction having improved formation collapse resistance and method

Abstract

A junction includes a borehole casing having a window therein; a diverter disposed within the casing and aligned and oriented with the window, the diverter having at least one profile along a longitudinal edge thereof; and a hanger assembly having a window therein, the window having an edge receivable by the at least one profile, the profile supporting the hanger assembly and method.

1 . A junction comprising:
 a diverter having profiled longitudinal edges; and   a hanger assembly configured to engage the profiled longitudinal edges.   
   
   
       2 . The junction as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the profiled edges comprise a radial support surface. 
   
   
       3 . The junction as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the profiled edges comprise a hoop support surface. 
   
   
       4 . The junction as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the profiled edges each comprise a recess. 
   
   
       5 . The junction as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the profiled edges comprise a ramped surface. 
   
   
       6 . The junction as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the profiled edges comprise a flat face. 
   
   
       7 . The junction as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the profiled edges comprise at least a radial support surface and a hoop support surface. 
   
   
       8 . The junction as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the radial and hoop support surfaces intersect one another. 
   
   
       9 . The junction as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the intersection is at an acute angle. 
   
   
       10 . The junction as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the intersection is at an obtuse angle. 
   
   
       11 . The junction as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the acute angle is about 30 degrees to about 89.9 degrees. 
   
   
       12 . A method for improving collapse resistance of a junction comprising:
 disposing a diverter having a profiled longitudinal edge in a borehole at an intersection with a lateral borehole; and   engaging a hanger assembly with the profiled longitudinal edge.   
   
   
       13 . A junction comprising:
 a borehole casing having a window therein;   a diverter disposed within the casing and aligned and oriented with the window, the diverter having at least one profile along a longitudinal edge thereof, and   a hanger assembly having a window therein, the window having an edge receivable by the at least one profile, the profile supporting the hanger assembly.   
   
   
       14 . The junction as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the supporting is radial. 
   
   
       15 . The junction as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the supporting is in hoop.