Multiple horizontal drainholes can improve production

Journal Article · Mon Feb 14 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:7074651

Graves, K S ^[1]

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1. Baker Hughes Inteq, Houston, TX (United States)

Drilling several horizontal sections from a single vertical well bore has improved the drilling and production economics on many wells, especially in South Texas, where multilateral wells are becoming more common. A multilateral well consists of two or more horizontal drainholes drilled from one primary vertical well bore, either as a new well or as a re-entry. There are a number of advantages to drilling multilateral drainholes. Multilateral drainholes reduce drilling costs because only one main vertical bore is drilled (reduces drilling time and wellhead and casing costs). Of primary importance is the increased well production compared to similar single horizontal wells and vertical wells. The use of a single vertical well bore minimizes location, access road, and cleanup costs. Fewer surface production facilities may be necessary, and offshore, increasing the drainage area for a fixed number of well slots gives greater platform flexibility and allows more extensive field development. One disadvantage, however, is the potential complications during well control because two or more well bores are open. Also, the ability to service a particular well bore is more complex. To prevent future well bore service problems, each drainhole must be designed for later re-entry.

• OSTI ID: 7074651
• Journal Information: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States) Vol. 92:7; ISSN OIGJAV; ISSN 0030-1388
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
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ENERGY SOURCES
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GEOLOGIC STRATA
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