Evolution toward simpler, less risky multilateral wells
DRILLING/WELL COMPLETIONEvolution toward simpler, less risky multilateral wellsExamples show how industry is moving toward more functional multilateral completions, but with less complicated installationsThis article discusses a paradigm shift in multilateral (ML) technology. The new focus is away from increasingly complex completion installations and toward simple, yet highly functional completions. The presentation reviews the TAML multilateral classification system, then traces Level 3 ML completion technology from original to current configurations. The latest iteration retains simplicity, while adding full reentry functionality into both main-bore and lateral completions. The discussion then addresses pre-engineered Level 6 ML solutions that, by definition, uniquely embrace simplicity, while providing optimal functionality. Following this discussion, case studies from Venezuela, Nigeria and the U.S. illustrate installation procedures, operational issues, resulting efficiencies and economies, and opportunities to further improve the technology.
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