Multilateral Well Stimulation via Selective Deflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for multilateral well stimulation, such as multistage fracturing, lack effective wellbore isolation and focused fracturing placement, preventing continuous pumping of fracturing fluid across multiple well zones in multilateral wells.
Innovation Solution
A method involving selective through-tubing access deflectors and isolation devices to enable sequential isolation and fracturing of lateral wellbores in descending order, allowing for continuous fracturing fluid delivery during a single mobilization of fracturing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing multistage perforation and plug techniques are used in multilateral wells, then fracturing can be performed in multiple zones, but wellbore isolation is inadequate and focused fracturing placement cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore is segmented into multiple isolated zones using packers positioned in the lateral wellbores. Each lateral wellbore can be independently isolated and stimulated, enabling precise fracturing placement in specific zones while maintaining reliable isolation from adjacent zones.
Solution Approach 2:
A deflector device is introduced as an intermediary component that redirects fracturing fluid from the vertical wellbore into selected lateral wellbores. This deflector enables focused fluid delivery to specific laterals, achieving precise fracturing placement while maintaining wellbore isolation through the packer system.
2Productivity
If multiple lateral wellbores are to be fractured, then productivity and recovery efficiency improve, but multiple mobilizations of fracturing equipment are traditionally required
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fracturing operations that would traditionally require separate equipment mobilizations are merged into a single continuous operation. The system combines access to multiple lateral wellbores with a single fracturing unit, allowing sequential stimulation of multiple laterals without equipment removal or remobilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The fracturing operation continues uninterrupted across multiple lateral wellbores. The deflector device enables continuous pumping of fracturing fluid from a single mobilized fracturing unit through different lateral wellbores in sequence, eliminating downtime associated with equipment demobilization and remobilization.
3Manufacturing precision
If sequential isolation of lateral wellbores is implemented, then focused fracturing is achieved, but device complexity increases due to isolation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The packer system serves multiple functions: it provides wellbore isolation between lateral zones, acts as a support structure for the deflector device, and enables selective access to different lateral wellbores. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
4Productivity
If continuous pumping of fracturing fluid is enabled across multiple zones, then treatment efficiency improves, but control of fluid distribution to specific laterals becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector device is designed to be movable or adjustable within the vertical wellbore, enabling dynamic redirection of fracturing fluid to different lateral wellbores as needed. This dynamic positioning capability allows continuous pumping while maintaining ease of control over fluid distribution to specific laterals.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient stimulation and production from multiple lateral wellbores in a single mobilization, improving well productivity and recovery efficiency while reducing development costs, suitable for various reservoir environments.
Implementation Method 1
isolating sequential lateral wellbores of the plurality of lateral wellbores in descending order and delivering fracturing fluid to each sequential lateral wellbore while isolated
Implementation Method 2
installing a selective through tubing access deflector between each respective pair of lateral wellbores
Implementation Method 3
delivering fracturing fluid to each sequential lateral wellbore while isolated
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method enables stimulation of a well having a plurality of lateral wellbores. The method comprises deploying fracturing equipment downhole for isolated interaction with each lateral wellbore of the plurality of lateral wellbores. The method and the fracturing equipment are designed to enable fracturing of the plurality of lateral wellbores during a single mobilization.