Multilateral Intelligent Well Completion Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multilateral well completion systems face challenges in independent monitoring and control of flow from lateral and primary boreholes, with potential damage to components and limitations in maximum production rate due to small completion tubing sizes and buckling issues.
Innovation Solution
A new completion architecture is introduced where lower completion equipment is deployed downhole in the lower lateral borehole and primary borehole, followed by intermediate and upper completion deployments, enabling electrical and hydraulic communication and allowing larger tubing sizes to maximize production while minimizing component damage and buckling risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If smaller sized completion tubing is run downstream of the uppermost multilateral junction interface, then the maximum production rate is limited, but this approach is taken to avoid buckling issues during deployment and/or during the life of the well
Solution Approach 1:
The well completion system is divided into multiple segments: a first completion string in the first lateral borehole, a second completion string in the second lateral borehole, and a third completion string in the primary borehole. This segmentation allows each completion string to be independently sized and optimized, enabling larger tubing diameters in each lateral without requiring the entire downstream completion to be sized for the smallest lateral, thereby increasing production capacity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional single-string completion architecture to a multi-string three-dimensional completion architecture. By deploying completion strings in multiple lateral boreholes that converge at a junction and connect to a primary borehole, the system creates additional spatial dimensions for tubing routing. This allows larger diameter tubing to be used in individual laterals without creating buckling issues along the entire downstream path, as each string is independently supported and sized.
2Adaptability or versatility
If downhole flow control valves, permanent downhole gauges, downhole cables, and control lines are run through multilateral junctions, then independent monitoring and control is enabled, but this increases the potential for damage to such components due to very little clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The completion system segments the routing of intelligent completion components into separate, dedicated paths. Flow control valves, gauges, cables, and control lines are installed within individual completion strings rather than being forced through tight multilateral junctions. This segmentation provides adequate clearance and protection for each component while maintaining the capability for independent monitoring and control of each lateral borehole.
Solution Approach 2:
The completion strings act as intermediary protective conduits between the intelligent completion components and the harsh well environment. By routing sensitive components through dedicated completion strings with sufficient internal diameter, the system provides mechanical protection and adequate clearance, reducing the potential for damage while still enabling full intelligent completion functionality at the multilateral junction.
3Productivity
If a new completion architecture with multiple completion strings is deployed, then larger tubing sizes can be used to maximize production, but this increases the complexity of the completion system
Solution Approach 1:
The completion system is segmented into multiple independent completion strings, each optimized for its specific lateral borehole. This segmentation allows each string to use larger tubing sizes appropriate for its production requirements without affecting the other laterals. The modular nature of segmented completion strings simplifies deployment and maintenance compared to a single complex string, as each segment can be independently installed, sized, and replaced.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates improving a completion architecture for a multilateral intelligent well completion (IWC). Effectively, a new and enhanced completion design and deployment approach is provided for multilateral IWCs. According to an embodiment, lower completion equipment is initially deployed downhole into a lower lateral borehole and lower section of a primary borehole. An intermediate completion may then be run downhole and into engagement with the lower completion equipment. Subsequently, an upper lateral borehole (or boreholes) may be drilled and completed. After drilling and completing the one or more upper lateral boreholes, an upper completion is deployed downhole and coupled with the intermediate completion in a manner which enables signal communication with downhole sections of the well.