Feed-Through Intervention Window Adds Versatility on Intelligent Completion Multilateral Wells

Abstract For three decades multilateral well construction has been widely adopted in the North Sea and the Middle East as a beneficial method of field development. Further opportunities are available to increase production performance throughout the life of multilateral wells with the implementation of variable inflow control and monitoring for the mainbore and laterals while maintaining lateral access. An operator in the Middle East, with experience in both multilateral and intelligent completion system installations, wanted to combine the benefits of both completion strategies to further enhance well economics and extend field production life. The solution supports several intelligent completion options through integrating control line feed-through capability into a field-proven through-completion intervention multilateral window system. This paper highlights the development, testing, and a successful case study of the integrated system for an intelligent multilateral application in the Middle East. The paper discusses how through-completion intervention access to the multilateral branches was achieved, while adding independent flow control and permanent lateral monitoring. The paper emphasizes how wells originally planned as single wellbores, or simple dual laterals can now benefit from intelligent flow control in both the mainbore and lateral zones. The methodology for continually improving the reliability and versatility of multilateral installations to maximize efficiencies is also highlighted. The case study illustrates the practical implementation and success of intelligent multilateral strategies in the region. The benefits of combining reservoir control with multilateral technology are highlighted, including reduced CAPEX and OPEX with a lower carbon footprint. The paper emphasizes how intelligent multilateral field strategies can optimize hydrocarbon access and recovery while minimizing construction hours and costs. The case study discusses the first installation in the region where an operator has taken advantage of a field-proven through-completion intervention multilateral window system integrated with control line feed-through capability to facilitate control and monitoring of each reservoir section. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements, applications, and benefits of intelligent multilateral technology in the Middle East, with a focus on reducing costs, and optimizing asset value.