How can you optimize multilateral wells for maximum production?

The critical issues for optimizing production in multilateral wells are geological knowledge of flow units and their configuration and completion technology. Employing intelligent completion system lead better production in multilateral wells. The productivity simulation helps visualize production performance of any well configuration to give quick answer to well productivity forecast.

38 years Drill eng+ rig sup,explo & dev. Technical points seen here= little benefit. How to cut the drill & compl f. 30% to /2: Oman 125 vert& Ho: 13 days /prior average of 23 d; Tchad f. 21 to 9 d), Venez: 110 to 5od. 1 -Get best crews/all level, best drillsup, drillers, Mec & Elec...; 2 - Set bonus scheme worth it $/day saved vs. Original program, incl. /mud men, compeltion sup, drivers, service co'ies: ALL of them! 3 - DO NOT Change the bonus scheme WHATSOEVER Should you realize they make too much! 4 - Let them propose modif/sequence, workorganisation, accept most of them. Decide on bits make et design (they know better than drilleng what's works here & there on a same field 5 - Review well archictecture (often a carbon copy)

I have not heard zonal isolation mentioned as a key component of optimization. This requires adequate geosteering capability to stay in zone coupled with the right completion and cement. Understanding your fracturing capabilities and optimization then will lead to the most productive drain and highest EUR.

Intelligent Well Design: Advanced Completion Technologies: Real-Time Monitoring: Reservoir Modeling: Selective Stimulation: Optimized Flow Control: Integrated Production Strategies: Continuous Optimization: Well Integrity Management: Data Analytics: By combining these strategies and leveraging technological advancements, operators can optimize multilateral wells to achieve maximum production and reservoir recovery.

To optimize production in multilateral wells, a good basin-scale geomechanical model would be of great help to improve trajectories according to the mechanical properties of the rock and the local geological characteristics.

The design of junctions in multilateral wells is critical for ensuring structural integrity and optimal flow. Utilize robust and reliable junction technology that allows for efficient and safe branching of the wellbore. This includes considering factors like mechanical strength, pressure integrity, and ease of access for future interventions.

For junction pressure integrity select a TAML5 junction with burst and compression pressure rating to cope with all well production and treatment service pressure variations between the multilateral legs.

Choose the right completion strategy to maximize production and manage reservoir characteristics. Options include cased and perforated completions, open-hole completions, or advanced techniques like hydraulic fracturing. The choice depends on the reservoir type, the nature of the formation, and economic considerations.

Some multilateral junctions allow well intervention into one MLT-leg, or alternatively the installation of small OD tubing intelligent completion strings. The diameter of the toolstring or tubing with packers/valves/gauges are however typically quite restricted. If reservoir control is required in the MLT legs, then sand screens with inflow control devices (autonomous regulators of oil/gas/water) can add a lot of value. Alternatively battery operated valves for acoustic or electromagnetic communication can be deployed. These technologies allow reservoir control without well intervention or cumbersome top completion workover scenarios.

The more reservoir meters one has in a well, the more difficult the initial well clean-up becomes, and if one cannot control the MLT branches individually, or has installed zone control completion technology, then MLT legs or parts thereoff may not contribute to production and recovery. Multilateral well design thus needs thorough clean-up simulations with sensitivity analysis on all vital parameters from mud/reservoir fluid properties via pressure and permeability variations to flowing bottomhole pressure scenarios (gas lift, GOR, water cut).

Ensure consistent and efficient flow of hydrocarbons from the reservoir to the surface. Address challenges such as hydrate formation, wax deposition, scale build-up, and sand production. Implement strategies like chemical treatments, temperature control, and sand control methods.

Technology is developing faster for re-entry for interventions more effectively. AnnTech and AKOS are two that are pioneering efficient tools to address the complexities of multilaterals. Having a plan for planned maintenance is also key.

Regular well interventions are necessary to maintain or enhance well performance. Techniques like coiled tubing operations, snubbing, and wireline interventions can address issues like blockages, equipment failures, or changes in reservoir conditions.

The real problem is that data collection in the reservoir sections of multilateral wells is complicated. The junctions are only now starting to emerge with electrical cables, and achieving a connection with gauges/flow measurement devices installed below junctions require either downhole wet connectors (notoriously low reliability) or wireless inductive couplers (expensive stuff) - unless only the mainbore is completed together with the top completion. Battery operated wireless gauges can however be installed, or very low tech tracer chemical rods can be installed.

Continuously analyze data from downhole sensors and surface monitoring systems. This data helps in making informed decisions about production optimization, identifying trends, and predicting future performance. Advanced data analytics and machine learning can offer deeper insights into reservoir behavior and well performance.

Because a potential exists does not mean it is viable, because you can physically drill it does not mean you should, because it was economical does not necessarily mean it was optimized for maximum contact. I have seen projects that never should have made it to execution as well as great projects that fail on poor execution…