A Novel Approach to Initiating Multi-Lateral Horizontal Wells

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper describes the development and testing of a novel method to initiate multilateral horizontal wells that allows selective re-entry into any of the branches. The benefits of multilateral horizontal wells are reviewed, current methods, their benefits and drawbacks are described, and the criteria for designing a new method and tools for initiating multilateral horizontal wells are listed. Previous systems designed to initiate multilateral wellbores with selective re-entry have been quite complicated and therefore, costly. This paper describes a system for orienting and cementing pre-cut window sections in a typical production casing string, which provides a positive method for positioning and orienting a retrievable whipstock. This design does not have the capability to conveniently tie back or cement liners in individual lateral wellbores, but it is well suited for application in medium radius and short radius horizontal multilateral wells where bore-hole stability or zonal isolation are not issues.