Multilateral Technology in the Middle East: 25 Years of Evolution

Abstract

Abstract For a quarter of a century sustained technological advances in multilateral technology have enhanced economics and extended the production life of fields in the Middle East. This was accomplished by evolving to meet the demands of increasingly complex applications. Over this history, multilateral applications have evolved from standard Level 2 and Level 4 dual-laterals to dual-laterals with intelligent flow control, intervention capabilities, and improved junction integrity. The use of multilateral technology can deliver a significant increase in reservoir contact compared to single horizontal wells. A dual-lateral well can deliver twice the reservoir contact while eliminating the drilling, casing, and cementing of an additional vertical wellbore section. Operators are implementing multilateral field strategies to reduce overall development cost, cycle times, and carbon footprint. Further benefits include delivery of wells and facility systems using fewer in-field construction hours at a lower baseline cost. This paper discusses several multilateral installations in the Middle East over a 25-year period. It highlights the continuous improvement of multilateral technology used in the region by demonstrating how a multilateral well strategy reduces time-intensive operations by eliminating additional vertical wellbore sections and utilizing existing infrastructure. The case study will include discussion of workover intervention operations, completions, and lateral creation systems. The application of a multilateral strategy is a proven method to reduce time intensive operations by eliminating additional vertical wellbore sections and utilizing existing infrastructure. This paper will focus on the continuous improvement of multilateral technology to consistently meet challenges faced by operators in the Middle East region for over two decades. Wells originally drilled as standard Level 4 dual-laterals are now drilled and completed using intelligent flow control and, in some cases, Level 5 installations with pressure-controlled junctions. The paper focuses on a region and the technology used to increase efficiencies, enabling the delivery of increased reservoir contact in less operational days. The paper also provides insight as to methodology for continually improving reliability of multilateral installations to maximize efficiencies.