Title: The Optimal Application of Multi-Lateral / Multi-Branch Completions
Abstract: The Optimal Application of Multi-Lateral / Multi-Branch Completions Hironori Sugiyama; Hironori Sugiyama Japan National Oil Corporation Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Tetsuro Tochikawa; Tetsuro Tochikawa Japan National Oil Corporation Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar J.M. Peden; J.M. Peden Heriot-Watt University Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar G. Nicoll G. Nicoll Heriot-Watt University Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google Scholar Paper presented at the SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 1997. Paper Number: SPE-38033-MS https://doi.org/10.2118/38033-MS Published: April 14 1997 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Get Permissions Search Site Citation Sugiyama, Hironori, Tochikawa, Tetsuro, Peden, J.M., and G. Nicoll. "The Optimal Application of Multi-Lateral / Multi-Branch Completions." Paper presented at the SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 1997. doi: https://doi.org/10.2118/38033-MS Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex Search Dropdown Menu nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All ContentAll ProceedingsSociety of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition Search Advanced Search AbstractDrilling several branches into a reservoir from a main wellbore (multi-lateral/multi-branch wells) offers potential benefits in terms of improving drainage, productivity and well economics. This technique has become increasingly popular since the 1990's to the extent that multi-lateral/multi-branch well technology has now become one of the most important innovations within the oil industry.In the paper, the authors review and summarize multi-lateral/multi-branch wells as a development option for oil and gas fields. The process of screening multi-lateral/multi-branch wells applications is discussed, identifying not only the potential benefits of economics and efficient access to reserves, but also the risk associated with both the reservoir application and mechanical systems. Emphasis is placed on providing guidelines for each stage of this evaluation and design processes for these wells, incorporating a multi-disciplinary understanding of the reservoir geology, reservoir dynamics, completion design and operational management of the well. The importance of contingency planning in the process is highlighted, as a means of risk management.IntroductionThe application of horizontal wells in developing oil and gas fields has dramatically increased and become increasingly important in recent years. The Technology Research Center of Japan National Oil Corporation and The Horizontal Well Technology Unit at Herriot-Watt University initiated in 1993 a collaborative work program for study of horizontal wells.The objectives of this work program were to review and analyze strategically important well technologies, with a view to developing a framework for optimum selection and design progress. The initial phase of work addressed horizontal well issues and their application, resulting in the publication of a Design Guide Book in 1994.An extension of the work was formulated to address multi-lateral/multi-branch wells which have a potentially important role in current, new and existing oilfield developments, and which are rapidly becoming an accepted technology for developing oil and gas reservoirs world wide. They may also promote a reduction in well numbers, and improvements in both productivity and ultimate recovery leading to enhanced economics in both new and mature fields. The rapid evaluation of multi-lateral/multi-branch wells promoted the study which was initiated in 1995 and published in 1996. A database of multi-lateral/multi-branch wells worldwide was compiled and a strategy for the planning and design of multi-lateral/multi-branch wells was encapsulated in tabular and flow chart format in the study. Summary results of this study follow in the remaining sections of this paper.What are Multi-Lateral/Multi-Branch Wells? This chapter examined the definition and the multi-lateral/multi-branch configuration options which are currently available and emphasized the economic and technical benefits which can be derived from their application.P. 135^ Keywords: Directional Drilling, drilling operation, Optimal Application, Upstream Oil & Gas, multi-lateral multi-branch completion Subjects: Drilling Operations, Directional drilling This content is only available via PDF. 1997. Society of Petroleum Engineers You can access this article if you purchase or spend a download.
Publication Year: 1997
Publication Date: 1997-04-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 3
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