Multilateral Wellbore Segmentation for Rig Re-mobilization Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multilateral well operations are inefficient and expensive due to the need for multiple trips to isolate and perform fracture treatments in both main and lateral wellbores, which can prevent production from the main wellbore and require re-mobilization of the drilling rig for follow-on activities.
Innovation Solution
The technique involves drilling a main wellbore and lateral wellbores before performing fracture treatments, using a whipstock to deflect the drill bit and a downhole deflector tool to selectively access either the main or lateral wellbore, allowing for hydraulic isolation and reducing the number of trips needed, thereby enabling cost savings and flexible production options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple trips are made to isolate and perform fracture treatments in main and lateral wellbores, then fracture treatment can be performed, but well operations become inefficient and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore system is segmented into multiple isolated zones (main wellbore and lateral wellbores) using downhole isolation devices. This allows independent access and treatment of each segment without requiring multiple trips to isolate zones, as the segmentation is permanently established during the initial drilling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole isolation devices are installed during the initial drilling and completion operations before production begins. This preliminary action establishes the isolation infrastructure in advance, eliminating the need for subsequent trips to isolate wellbores for fracture treatments or other operations.
2Ease of operation
If the drilling rig is re-mobilized for follow-on activities, then access can be obtained, but operational costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling rig is used to install downhole isolation devices and establish access infrastructure during the initial drilling operation. This preliminary action enables subsequent follow-on activities (fracture treatments, re-stimulation, plugging) to be performed without re-mobilizing the drilling rig, as the isolation and access mechanisms are already in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole isolation devices are designed to serve multiple functions: isolating wellbores for fracture treatments, enabling follow-on activities like re-stimulation and plugging, and allowing selective production from different wellbores. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate operations and rig re-mobilizations for each activity.
3Reliability
If production from main wellbore is prevented during lateral wellbore fracture treatment, then isolation is achieved, but production is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore system is divided into independently isolatable segments using downhole isolation devices installed in each wellbore. This segmentation allows the main wellbore to be isolated from lateral wellbores during fracture treatments, enabling simultaneous or sequential production from different segments without delaying overall production timeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole isolation devices incorporate dynamic control mechanisms that allow selective opening and closing of isolation points. This enables flexible production strategies where the main wellbore can be isolated during lateral fracture treatments, then quickly reopened for production, minimizing delays and allowing optimized production scheduling.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example of forming multilateral wells in unconventional reservoirs, a subterranean zone is drilled using a drilling rig to form a main wellbore. Using the drilling rig, the subterranean zone is drilled to form a lateral wellbore off the main wellbore. The drilling rig is removed after forming a multilateral well including the main wellbore and the lateral wellbore. Using a fracturing system, a fracture treatment is performed on the lateral wellbore.