Multilateral Well Acid Stimulation via Junction and Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Performing acid stimulation without intervention in multilateral wells is challenging due to the need for extra trips with downhole service tools, which complicates the process and increases operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving pre-milled windows, casing orientation tools, and fluid loss devices allows for acid stimulation of lateral wellbores without intervention by sealing the main wellbore, enabling hydraulic communication and mechanical access through a junction, allowing stimulation and subsequent comingled flow without the need for additional tool trips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional acid stimulation method is used in multilateral wells, then stimulation can be performed, but extra trips with downhole service tools are required increasing operational complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The main wellbore is sealed and prepared in advance before lateral stimulation, establishing the necessary conditions (seal integrity, hydraulic isolation) before the actual stimulation operation, thereby enabling single-trip intervention-free stimulation
Solution Approach 2:
A junction tool serves as an intermediary device between the main wellbore and lateral wellbores, providing mechanical access and hydraulic communication without requiring direct downhole service tool intervention during stimulation, thus reducing operational complexity
2Ease of operation
If sealing the main wellbore is implemented, then intervention-free stimulation is enabled, but seal integrity must be maintained throughout the process
Solution Approach 1:
The seal system is designed to maintain its own integrity through the stimulation process without requiring external intervention or monitoring, allowing the sealing function to be self-sustaining from setup through stimulation to production
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is designed and positioned in advance to accommodate the entire stimulation process, including pressure variations and fluid flow changes, ensuring reliability is built into the system before operation begins
3Productivity
If lateral wellbores are stimulated through the junction, then comingled flow is achieved, but hydraulic communication must be established beforehand
Solution Approach 1:
The junction tool merges the hydraulic systems of the main wellbore and lateral wellbores into a single integrated flow path, enabling comingled production where fluids from multiple zones combine and flow together through a unified completion system
Data Source
AI summary
A main well bore is drilled. The main well bore is completed and stimulated. The main well bore is sealed. A lateral well bore is drilled off the main well bore. A junction that allows communication with the lateral well bore and that connects the main well bore is inserted. The lateral well bore is stimulated through the junction. The main well bore is unsealed, allowing comingled flow from the main bore and the lateral bore.