Method and Apparatus For Geothermal Energy Recovery From Wellbores

Abstract

Methods are disclosed for magnetically ranging and connecting a wellbore unto an opposing wellbore to create a continuous closed loop flow path from surface to downhole and back to surface again. The methods incorporate advanced directional drilling techniques, complex completion equipment as well as novel magnetic ranging systems which allow for the precise wellbore placement, zonal isolation and hydraulic communication required to recover geothermal energy by way of a circulated working fluid.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for connecting two wellbores comprising:
 a first drill string;   the first drill string having a bit;   the first drill string having a magnet that is capable of generating a magnetic field when rotated;   the first drill string having a magnetic field sensor;   a second drill string;   the second drill string having a second bit;   the second drill string having a magnet that is capable of generating a magnetic field when rotated;   the second drill string having a magnetic field sensor.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first drill string further comprises at least two magnets that are each capable of generating a magnetic field when rotated. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the second drill string further comprises at least two magnets that are each capable of generating a magnetic field when rotated. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the magnetic field sensor in the first drill string is installed between the drill bit and a drive train of a mud motor. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the magnetic field sensor in the second drill string is installed between the drill bit and a drive train of a mud motor. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the magnet in the first drill string is a rare earth magnet. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the magnet in the second drill string is a rare earth magnet. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first drill string and the second drill string are capable of rotating at different speeds. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for connecting two wellbores comprising:
 a first drill string;   the first drill string having a mechanism capable of generating a magnetic field;   the first drill string having a magnetic field sensor;   a second drill string;   the second drill string having a mechanism capable of generating a magnetic field;   the second drill string having a magnetic field sensor.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the first drill string further comprises at least two mechanisms that are each capable of generating a magnetic field. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the second drill string further comprises at least two mechanisms that are each capable of generating a magnetic field. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the mechanism capable of generating a magnetic field in the first drill string is between a drill bit and a drive train of a mud motor or the steering head of rotatable steering assembly, or the drive train of a turbine. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the mechanism in the first drill string is a magnet. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the mechanism in the second drill string is a magnet. 
     
     
         15 . A method of connecting two well bores comprising:
 installing a drill string containing a mechanism that generates a magnetic field when rotated in a first wellbore;   installing a magnetic field sensor in the first wellbore;   installing a drill string containing a mechanism that generates a magnetic field when rotated in a second wellbore;   installing a magnetic field sensor in the second wellbore;   rotating the first drill sting;   sensing the magnetic field produced;   adjusting drilling operations of the first drill string to alter a characteristic of the drilling operations.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising:
 rotating the second drill string; 
 sensing the magnetic field produced from the mechanism in the second drill string; 
 adjusting drilling operations of the second drill string to alter a characteristic of the drilling operations. 
 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the second drill string is rotated at a different speed than the first drill string. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the characteristic of drilling operation is adjusted such that the angle of drilling is changed.