Improved methods and systems for subterranean multilateral well drilling and completion

• Main Authors: LONGBOTTOM, JAMES R, WELCH, WILLIAM R, HOLBROOK PAUL DAVID, JACQUIER RICHARD CHARLES, GANO, JOHN C, WHITE, PAT M, FREEMAN TOMMIE AUSTIN, NIVENS WAYNE RAY, COX, DON C
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 06.12.1996
• Edition: 6
• Subjects: BLASTING; EARTH DRILLING; EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; HEATING; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; LIGHTING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; MINING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR ASLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS; PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; WEAPONS

A subterranean multilateral well structure comprises a main well flow conductor (120) within a main wellbore (110); several lateral wellbores (150) in material (112) surrounding the main wellbore; a preformed window member (322) having a preformed window (324) of a prescribed shape formed within the main well flow conductor; and a nipple (122) for locating a diverter (332) at a prescribed position in the flow conductor. The subterranean multilateral well structure also includes liners having interface ends cemented within each of the lateral wellbores; and pressure-bearing seals between the peripheries of the windows and interface ends of the liners. The sidewall of the main well flow conductor includes several windows having lateral orientations and a particular shape distributed along a length of the conductor. The seals provide connectivity among main and lateral wellbores; and pressure-bearing sealing of joints to allow selective isolation of and access to lateral wellbores.