Interfacing Fracturing and Sand Control Completion Strategies into Multilateral Technology; Considerations and Solutions

摘要

Multilateral technology offers the oilfield many advantagessince it can deploy a completion system that can mechanicallyconnect several lateral wellbores to a parent wellbore and willallow selective or commingled production. In most cases,these capabilities can provide more cost-effective wellconstruction since reservoir exposure from one wellbore isincreased. These advantages are particularly beneficial inoffshore and deepwater environments where slot and/or subseatemplates are limited, and rig costs are substantiallyhigher. Because of the flexibility of this technique and itscapability to offer various production options, it helps tomitigate the risks previously associated withdirectional/horizontal wells in new field developments as wellas in revitalization of mature fields. Because of continualimprovement in drilling techniques and the increase in fieldsuccess, multilateral technology continues to gain inpopularity; however, as with all completion techniques, itmust be remembered that existing completion options must beevaluated for each case, and if needed, adapted to meetspecific reservoir objectives and concerns.This paper will focus on considerations, applications, andbenefits of specific tool configurations developed forinterfacing sand-control fracturing stimulation withmultilateral technology. The techniques discussed includeexisting, modified, and conceptual completion methods thatcan be deployed into multilateral field-development strategies.The strategies address window selection, junction isolation,fluid loss, debris management, and lateral accessibility.Several completion sequences, which include a newTechnology Advancement for Multi-Lateral (TAML) level 4single-trip, gravel-pack methods and installation ofexpandable screen technology, will also be presented.