UNCONVENTIONAL GAS PRODUCTION USING MULTILATERAL FRACTURING TECHNOLOGY

摘要

Unconventional gas reserves are costly to produce through conventional means of drilling and completion. Cost increases as more wells are drilled to access separate pockets of natural gas in the same field. Multilateral completions provide access to multiple pay zones from a single well bore while greatly increasing overall reservoir contact. Not only does this suggest the potential to increase production but also the potential to reduce the time and cost associated with moving the rig and drilling a new well.Shale and other "tight" formations, in the past, have been regarded as marginal sources of natural gas. But in recent years, they have seen increased activity and have become an important and economic source for gas, thanks to advances in fracturing and drilling technology. With reduced initial costs and greater reservoir contact, multilateral systems have a solid commercial potential in the unconventional gas market.The method discussed in this paper uses an existing TAML Level 3 multilateral system to provide a mechanically supported multilateral junction suitable for new or re-entry applications and high-pressure conditions. Special diverters allow the operator to selectively fracture the lateral and main bore while maintaining pressure integrity and isolation across the junction. In addition to fracturing, the diverters also allow selectively setting bridge plugs and perforating in each wellbore. This new technology, when used in conjunction with existing technology, provides high operational efficiencies capable of delivering a reliable and cost-effective multilateral junction with selective high-pressure fracturing capabilities.