Segmented Lateral Wellbore Access and Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In subterranean well development, particularly in dual-lateral wells, water breakthroughs and unwanted gas production lead to inefficient hydrocarbon recovery, costly rehabilitation, and challenges in accessing and managing branched lateral portions, resulting in non-economical production and potential well abandonment.

Innovation Solution

The integration of multilateral intelligent completions with mechanical sleeve inflow control devices and a lateral access system that allows rigless wireline and coil tubing access, enabling remote monitoring and mechanical adjustment of fluid flow in each lateral segment, along with a control valve system for managing fluid flow and logging operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional well access methods are used for workover operations in branched lateral portions, then access can be achieved, but the process becomes lengthy, costly, and introduces risk due to uncertainties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkover accessVSAvoidworkover duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral wellbore is divided into multiple isolated segments using packers, allowing independent access and workover operations in specific segments without affecting other parts of the well. This segmentation enables targeted interventions that reduce overall workover time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated access system with delivery tools serves as an intermediary mechanism to reach inflow control devices and perform workover operations in lateral segments. This specialized access infrastructure eliminates the need for lengthy conventional workover procedures by providing direct, controlled access to specific well sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If water breakthroughs occur in multi-lateral wells, then production continues, but oil-water ratio drops and rehabilitation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon productionVSAvoidwater production

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral wellbore is divided into multiple isolated segments using packers, allowing independent control of fluid flow in each segment. When water breakthrough occurs in one segment, inflow control devices can be adjusted or closed for that specific segment while maintaining production from other segments, thereby preventing overall production decline and avoiding costly rehabilitation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different inflow control settings are applied to different lateral segments based on their specific production characteristics. Segments experiencing water breakthrough receive localized control measures while other segments maintain optimized production, allowing heterogeneous management of water and hydrocarbon flow across the well system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If gas is produced with liquid hydrocarbons, then production continues, but the combined fluid becomes difficult to produce and costly to handle and refine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon productionVSAvoidgas production

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral wellbore is divided into multiple isolated segments using packers, allowing independent control of fluid flow in each segment. When excessive gas production occurs in one segment, inflow control devices can be adjusted or closed for that specific segment while maintaining production from other segments, thereby preventing overall production decline and avoiding costly rehabilitation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of repair

If lateral wellbores are accessed using conventional methods, then workover can be performed, but specialized equipment and procedures are required, increasing cost and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkover capabilityVSAvoidequipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The access system and delivery tools are designed to perform multiple functions including installing inflow control devices, adjusting mechanical sleeves, performing logging operations, and conducting workover interventions. This multi-functional approach consolidates various operations into a single access platform, reducing the need for multiple specialized equipment sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11692417B2Advanced lateral accessibility, segmented monitoring, and control of multi-lateral wells

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Methods and systems for producing fluids from a subterranean well include forming the subterranean well having at least one lateral wellbore. The lateral wellbore is completed with a lateral production tubular. The lateral wellbore is subdivided into subsequent lateral segments. Each lateral segment is defined by a downhole lateral packer and an uphole lateral packer that seal an annular lateral space defined by an outer diameter surface of the lateral production tubular and an inner diameter surface of the lateral wellbore. A main production tubular extends into the subterranean well, the main production tubular including a lateral access system that provides selective access to the lateral wellbore. A flow of a fluid within the lateral segment is controlled with an inflow control device of the lateral segment. The inflow control device is mechanically adjusted by a tool that is delivered to the inflow control device through the lateral access system.