Multilateral Challenges and Solutions for Installations in the Middle East

Abstract

Multilateral technology can provide a higher recovery factor by achieving a longer field life supported by the cumulative production of the multiple laterals, turning otherwise unviable reservoirs into economically sound targets, keeping construction costs down and minimizing risk. This paper will focus on TAML 5 systems that meet well integrity requirements by isolating the junction from reservoir pressure or stimulations and provide independent accessibility on both laterals during the life of the well. This capability eliminates the requirement to pull the completion should access be required to the lateral for cleaning, stimulation, zonal isolation, or data acquisition. Using this technology also leads to a reduction in the cost of well construction as well as intervention. This paper discusses challenges faced to provide accessibility to both laterals from surface without using a re-entry deflector as well as solutions including segregated and commingled flow installations. Discussion will also cover completion designs that tie new laterals into existing production casing. Case studies will include a discussion of workover operations, isolation methods, and lateral creation systems. In the Middle East, older TAML 4 wells have been converted to TAML 5 in order to prevent detected gas migrating into the mainbore at the junction. This conversion of a cemented junction well has enabled production to resume on the wells. This application has also been applied to the installation of new wells in the region. New and re-entry wells were completed with intelligent upper completions to enable flow control of each lateral. The paper focuses on the challenges, solutions, and successful case studies of multilateral wells constructed in the Middle East. The paper also provides insight as to methodology for continually improving reliability of multilateral installations to maximize efficiencies.