An integrated approach for the planning and completion of horizontal and multilateral wells

Abstract The rules and the criteria required for selection of horizontal and multilateral wells were developed. The selection criteria for junction levels and for lateral-section completion were also formulated. These criteria were illustrated with logical flowcharts and a single matrix. These flowcharts and matrix were used to establish a systematic procedure for the planning and completion of horizontal and multilateral wells. This comprehensive process is illustrated by case studies. The final outcome is the design of fit-for-purpose horizontal and multilateral wells, with intelligent flow capabilities. The critical factors affecting the selection of horizontal and multilateral well completion were identified. The decision to drill a horizontal lateral is affected by the coning potential and by the flow-capacity value. The selection of multilateral schemes is a complex function of both fluid and reservoir properties. The selection of the lateral-section completion equipment depends greatly on sand control requirements. The junction-level selection depends to a great extent on junction stability and on fluid flow control requirements.

[1]  I. Chaperon.  Theoretical Study of Coning Toward Horizontal and Vertical Wells in Anisotropic Formations: Subcritical and Critical Rates , 1986 .

[2]  J. Forrest.  Horizontal Gravel Packing Studies in a Full-Scale Model Wellbore , 1990 .

[3]  Cliff Hogg.  Comparison of multilateral completion scenarios and their application , 1997 .

[4]  A. R. Jennings,et al.  Laboratory studies of fines movement in gravel packs , 1997 .

[5]  C. Ehlig-Economides,et al.  Petroleum production systems , 1993 .

[6]  R. J. Saucier,et al.  Considerations in Gravel Pack Design , 1974 .

[7]  Brent Lowson.  Multi-Lateral Well Planning , 1997 .

[8]  S. K. Vij,et al.  Multilaterals: An Overview and Issues Involved in Adopting This Technology , 1998 .

[9]  S. Hamid,et al.  Causes of Sand Control Screen Failures and Their Remedies , 1997 .

[10]  Matthew Jabs.  Expanding the Options for Complex Multilateral Completions , 1997 .

[11]  C. Brand,et al.  Optimal Configurations of Multiple-Lateral Horizontal Wells , 1996 .

[12]  D. G. Gurley,et al.  Factors Affecting Gravel Placement in Long Deviated Intervals , 1990 .

[13]  Richard M. Hodge,et al.  Design Methodology for Selection of Horizontal Open-Hole Sand Control Completions Supported by Field Case Histories , 2000 .

[14]  Richard M. Hodge,et al.  Design Methodology for Selection of Horizontal Openhole Sand-Control Completions Supported by Field Case Histories , 2003 .

[15]  Bernt S. Aadnøy,et al.  Borehole stability of multilateral junctions , 2001 .

[16]  J. D. Gallivan,et al.  Evaluating the Performance of Multi-Lateral Producing Wells: Cost Benefits and Potential Risks , 1997 .

[17]  Michael J. Economides,et al.  Petroleum Well Construction , 1998 .

[18]  Henry L. Restarick.  Horizontal completion options in reservoirs with sand problems , 1995 .

[19]  Doug Durst,et al.  First Successful Multilateral Well Installation From a Floating Rig: Development and Case History , 1998 .

[20]  J. E. Jochen,et al.  Interpretation of Field Pressure and Production Data With a New Analytical Layered Reservoir Simulator , 1994 .