Guide To Multilateral Operations

IPM
Guide to Multilateral
Operations
IPM Guide to Section: Page:
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Foreword
The purpose of this “Guide to Multilateral Operations” is to give an overview of the
design and drilling of a multilateral well, for an engineer who has little to no knowledge of
multilateral operations. It is not meant to be a comprehensive guide to all multilateral
operations (the TAML multilateral guide at over 300 pages does this effectively). It is
intended to give information in a concise manner to provide an understanding of the
process and systems available. Thus the engineer has enough knowledge to be able to
make educated decisions about the planning and execution of a multilateral well project.
The guide provides information about all the widely used systems available, from all
companies, not just Schlumberger. Again this information is an overview and there are
links to further information on the most widely used systems.
The appendix at the back contains a list of abbreviations as they are very common in
multilateral technology. It is suggested these are reviewed before beginning the guide
This guide has been put together by the IPM team working on the Petrozuata heavy oil
project in Venezuela. This project has run over 200 multilateral junctions in a 2 year
period using three of the most common systems from three separate service companies.
Prior to this the Team Leader of the Petrozuata Project had been in Houston involved
with the development and marketing of the Schlumberger RAPID family of multilateral
systems.
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1. Basic facts on Multilateral Wells 1
1.1. What is a Multilateral Well? 1
1.2. Historic data about multilateral wells 1
1.3. Why multilateral systems are needed? 3

1.3.1. Well construction issues 3
1.3.2. Reservoir development issues 4
1.3.3. Technical disadvantages: 4
1.3.4. Economic disadvantages: 5
1.4. Classification Systems 5

1.4.1. Complexity Ranking 6
1.4.2. Terminology and geometry of Multilateral Wells 9
1.5. Usage to date of Multilateral Wells 12
2. How to Choose the Correct Multilateral Well System 13
2.1. Introduction 13
2.2. Multilateral Completion Selection Criteria 13

2.2.1. Sand Control 13
2.2.2. Water Production 13
2.2.3. Artificial Lift (Well Outflow) 14
2.2.4. Rig Selection 14
2.2.5. Selective or Commingled Production 14
2.2.6. Production Draw-Down / Junction Stability 14
2.2.7. Access to lower Laterals (Reentry) 15
2.2.8. Restricted vs. Fullbore Access 15
2.3. Risk vs. Benefits 15
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2.4. Cost vs. Benefits 16
3. Well Design and Placement of the Multilateral System 17
3.1. Directional Well Design 17
3.2. Mechanical Requirements 17

3.2.1. Doglegs 17
3.2.2. Tangents 18
3.2.3. Inclination of the Hole 18
3.2.4. Orientating Windows 19
3.3. Lithological Requirements 19
3.4. Torque and Drag 20
4. Multilateral Technology 21
4.1. Quick Description of Available Technology 21

4.1.1. Schlumberger’s Rapid™ Series 21
4.1.2. Baker Oil Tools 22
4.1.3. Sperry Sun LatchMaster™ Pre-milled Window Systems 24
4.1.4. Sperry Sun ExitMaster™ Milled Casing Exit Systems 25
4.2. Multilateral System Descriptions and Installment Procedures 26

4.2.1. Schlumberger Rapid™Series 26
4.2.1.1. RapidAccess™ 26
4.2.1.2. RapidConnect™ 29
4.2.1.3. RapidTieback™ 33
4.2.1.4. RapidSeal™ 38
4.2.2. Baker Oil Tools 44
4.2.2.1. WindowMaster™ & TorqueMaster™ System 44
4.2.2.2. MLZXP Liner Hanger 46
4.2.2.3. HOOK™ Hanger system 47
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4.2.2.4. Level 4 ML System 47

4.2.2.5. ROOT™ System 48
4.2.2.6. FORMation Junction™ 49
4.2.2.7. Downhole Splitter™ System 50
4.2.3. Sperry Sun LatchMaster™ Pre-milled Window Systems 52
4.2.3.1. SSDS LTBS Level 3 Multilateral System 52
4.2.3.2. SSDS RMLS level 4 Multilateral System 52
4.2.3.3. ITBS level 5 Multilateral System 53
4.2.3.4. PACE 6 Level 6 Multilateral System 54
4.2.4. Sperry Sun ExitMaster™ Milled Casing Exit Systems 55
4.2.4.1. 4502-4503 Metal Mill Through Systems 55
4.2.4.2. RDS System 55
4.2.4.3. 4501 Low Side Perforation System 56
4.2.5. Weatherford 57
4.2.6. Other Companies 58
5. Multilateral Well Completions 59
5.1. Completion Issues 59

5.1.1. Artificial Lifting Mechanisms 59
5.1.2. Production Control 59
5.1.3. Re-entry Requirements 59
5.2. Sperry Sun BranchMaster™ Lateral Access Completion Systems 60

5.2.1. LRS™ Lateral Re-entry System 61
5.2.1.1. Application 61
5.2.1.2. Features 61
5.2.1.3. Benefits 61
5.3. Sperry Sun WorkMaster™ Workover Systems 61
6. Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis 63
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6.1. Pre-Milled vs. Milled Systems 63
6.2. Operational Comparison of the 3 most run Systems 65

6.2.1. Baker Hook hanger Technology 65
6.2.1.1. Main Bore Preparation 65
6.2.1.2. Whipstock Installation 66
6.2.1.3. Milling the Window 66
6.2.1.4. Whipstock retrieval 66
6.2.1.5. Creation of the Junction 67
6.2.1.6. What Can Go Wrong 67
6.2.2. Schlumberger RapidTieback 68
6.2.2.3. Creation of the Junction 69
6.2.2.4. Whipstock Retrieval 69
6.2.2.5. What Can go Wrong 70
6.2.3. Sperry Sun AJ RMLS – Level 4 71
6.2.3.3. Creation of The Junction 72
6.2.3.4. Clean out Trip 72
6.2.3.5. Whipstock retrieval 73
6.2.3.6. What can go Wrong 73
6.2.4. Time Comparison of the three Systems 74
7. Well Control Considerations 77
7.1. Isolation Between Laterals 77
7.2. Killing Procedure 77
7.3. Failure To Fill The Hole Properly While Tripping 78
7.4. Fluid Losses After Retrieving Whipstocks 78
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8. Appendixes 79
8.1. Multilateral Terminology 79
8.2. Well description 81
8.3. Junction Description 81
8.4. Useful Web pages related to Multilateral Technology 82
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1. Basic facts on Multilateral Wells
1.1. What is a Multilateral Well?
The general definition of a multilateral well is a single mother bore with multiple
boreholes or laterals drilled from it.
These wells are not new, however successful application has dramatically increased
over the last decade and now represents an alternative well construction strategy to
complement vertical, inclined, horizontal and extended reach well trajectories.
Multilaterals can be utilized in both new wells as well as existing wells in oil and gas
reservoirs. A range of geometrical configurations is available to provide the optimum
economic benefit in specific reservoir scenarios. The complexity of the technology is also
variable, depending upon well requirements ranging from simple commingled barefoot
sidetracks to complex and sophisticated multiple laterals with selective reentry systems,
each offering individual pressure isolation, flow control and intervention capabilities.
New technologies such as multilaterals offer considerable benefits in certain applications

but they introduce greater complexity in terms of the reservoir management / exploitation
and the drilling /completion of the wells.
1.2. Historic data about multilateral wells
The application of drilling multiple well bores or laterals from a single well is not a new
concept. Evidence indicates endeavors began as early as in the 1920s. In 1928, a
patent was filed for a tool designed to cut multiple windows in casing with the use of a
whipstock-type device.
Early forms of branched well drilling evolved from rudimentary open-hole sidetracking
techniques that were used to avoid obstacles encountered in the main wellbore, such as
a fish left in hole or lost Bottom Hole Assemblies. But in the intervening years, it became
apparent that the drilling of several branches into a reservoir from a main wellbore could
result in additional benefits in terms of improved drainage, productivity and well
economics.
In 1953, in Russia, the first truly multilateral well was drilled with turbodrills in the
Bashkiria field in Bashkortostan. This well ultimately had nine lateral branches from the
main borehole that increased penetration of the pay zone by 5.5 times and production by
17-fold, yet the cost was only 1.5 times that of a conventional well.
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Under the auspices of the Soviet Oil Industry Ministry, another 110 such wells were
drilled in Russian oilfields over the next 27 years. Not until ARCO drilled its dual-lateral
K-142 well in New Mexico’s Empire field in 1980, did another operator attempt such a
feat, for multilaterals were simply too difficult and too risky. They also required
substantial investment in both time and technology.
Figure 1: An early example of a Multilateral well
It had been know for some time that the Austin Chalk formations of South Texas were
extensively fractured. When a vertical well intersected these fractures, it became quite
productive. But if the well missed the fracture sets, it came up dry. In the 1980s,
operators began to drill horizontally, crossing natural fracture sets with tremendous
production results. Because the Austin Chalk formations were consolidated and hard to
damage formations, multilateral wells became a natural result when a number of
operators began drilling systematic open hole sidetracks from the main wellbore, with a
view to increasing production and exploiting irregular shaped leases, making a
breakthrough in multilateral know-how and resulting in a boom of this new technology as
horizontal drilling and multilateral drilling progress were going hand in hand.
Between 1987 and mid 1995, 315 multilateral wells were drilled in the USA. The majority
of these wells were in the Austin Chalk region, although multi-laterals have also been
drilled in Wyoming, California, New Mexico, and Michigan.
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Elf Aquitaine completed one of Europe’s first multilateral wells in 1984 in the Paris Basin,
France. This well was a three-legged multi-drain well.
In 1995, the UK’s North Seas first tri-lateral was completed by Phillips Petroleum.
In 1996, the first successful deployment of a level 5 system was performed on Norsk
Hydro’s Oseberg field in the North Sea.
In 1998, 5% of multilateral wells were of level 5.
In 1999, Shell ran the first level 6 junction in California as a field test.
In 2000, Petrozuata drilled over one hundred multilateral wells in the Faja of Orinoco,
Venezuela. The wells ranged from level 1 to 4 complexity and consist of various well
geometries.
1.3. Why multilateral systems are needed?
There are two main reasons for drilling multilateral wells: well construction and reservoir
development.
1.3.1. Well construction issues
Reduce number of wells:
Reduce number of slots on offshore platform
Reduce number of pads
Reduce surface facilities
Utilize existing wellbore instead of drilling new well
Reduce cost
Reduce Wellhead and completion equipment
Reduce number of intermediate casing strings
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Intermediate sections drilling costs disappear
Reentry: cost of original well, casing and surface location are already written off
1.3.2. Reservoir development issues
Reservoir exposure can be increased for production or injection strategies, especially

in heavy – or viscous-oil, depleted naturally fractured and tight reservoirs.
Increased reserves
A real connectivity can be increased to reduce coning and cusping effects, reduce
sanding potential, increase vertical and horizontal sweep efficiencies and enhance
gravity drainage in reservoirs that have a high fluid-density mobility contrast
More efficient exploitation of complex geological features
Access multiple reservoirs from a single vertical take point
Access stacked reservoirs with multiple horizontal laterals
Exploration and evaluation of multiple targets
Added value in terms of additional production
Added value in terms of accelerated production
Improve enhanced recovery operations
Both these reasons also present technical and economical disadvantages. Multilateral
wells are not always the best fit for every project
1.3.3. Technical disadvantages:
Well intervention takes special equipment to re-access the laterals
Reservoir monitoring and management is more complicated
Drilling risk increase with the addition of laterals
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Cleaning up of individual lateral or mainbore from milling and drilling debris
1.3.4. Economic disadvantages:
Concentrated investment and economic risk. The potential economic cost of losing
the mother wellbore or a lateral
Initial additional cost of the multilateral operations compared to a standard well
Dependent on relatively “new” technology
Finally, completing wells using multilateral technology may be more achievable from a
technical point of view nowadays. However, when looking at the economic feasibility of
the project, the risks and costs associated with this emerging technology are still difficult
to quantify e.g. the inherent costs associated with the implementation (Capex) and
maintenance (Opex) of the whole system may be considerably higher than conventional
completion strategies.
A careful and detailed study should be made before making the final decision as to
whether to drill a multilateral well or not. There should be no political, or fashion, or “we
must use new technology” attitude interfering with the final decision.
1.4. Classification Systems
Until 1997, there was considerable confusion regarding multilateral technology. There
were few terms to describe the technology that were universally agreed upon, and a
classification of multilateral wells by difficulty and risk was lacking. As a consequence,
under the leadership of Eric Diggins of Shell UK Exploration and Production, a forum
called “Technology Advancements - Multi Laterals (TAML)” was held in Aberdeen,
Scotland in the spring of 1997. Its goal was to provide a more unified direction for the
development of multilateral technology. Experts in multilateral technology from many of
the world’s leading oil companies shared their experiences and agreed upon a
classification system that ranks multilateral wells by their complexity and functionality.
Following this forum, the TAML consortium was formed. The TAML members are:
Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, BP-Amoco, Chevron, Mobil, Norsk Hydro, Phillips, Saga,
Shell, Smith, Sperry Sun, Statoil, Texaco, TIW,Total, Weatherford, Well Service
Technology.
The objective of the TAML consortium is to promote the efficient development and
utilization of multilaterals within the international petroleum industry, through dialogue;
information and technology exchange; and collective sponsorship.
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TAML consortium has defined the different multilateral categories based on the
construction techniques and capabilities of the junction.
The classification is split into two tiers:
Complexity ranking
Functional classification (this is rarely used and is contained in the appendix for
reference)
1.4.1. Complexity Ranking
An indication of the multilateral junction complexity is defined by a number indicating the

complexity level. They range from level 1 to level 6. Details are given below along with
illustrations:
The level 1 multilateral well is an open- Figure 2: Level 1 Multilateral junction

hole sidetrack where we exit a main
wellbore that is uncased with another The level 2 multilateral well is an open,
uncased wellbore. This is a typical uncased sidetrack from a cased main
completion for the Austin Chalk, for the wellbore. As it can be seen in Figure 3,
Weyburn in Canada and for many of the we have a cased and cemented main
wells in the Middle East today and has wellbore. We have an exit out of a
been the most common multilateral well window and drilled a lateral wellbore.
drilled today. This lateral wellbore can include a drop-
off liner, but the drop-off liner itself is not
attached or connected to the main
casing. There is a gap of between five
and 50 feet in most cases. This is a
common installation today in Alaska. It
is seeing more and more evaluation for
other areas where the reservoir itself
needs to be given some kind of
structural insurance against collapse or
wellbore sloughing. Its greatest
application is in areas where there is
good stability for the open hole section.
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Figure 3: Level 2 Multilateral junction Figure 4: Level 3 Multilateral junction
A level 3 multilateral well, again, is an The level 4 well is very similar to the
exit from a cased wellbore, but in this level 3; however, in this case both the
case we do have the lateral liner that is main wellbore and the lateral are
mechanically connected to the main cemented to the junction. The most
wellbore. This is a liner hanger type common methods used to provide this
mechanical connection. It can utilize the system requires doing a sidetrack,
wall thickness of the mainbore casing as running the lateral liner up into the main
a liner hanger profile, as shown. It could casing, cementing the liner and then
also include bringing the liner up into the removing the liner stub from the casing
main wellbore and hanging off a with other milling techniques. Note there
conventional liner. The key point in this is no pressure integrity at the junction.
is that we have a mechanical not a
cement attachment of the lateral liner to
the main casing.
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Figure 5: Level 4 Multilateral junction

The level 5 is the first multilateral

The level 6 is the newest development
access that provides pressure integrity
in the multilateral technology today, and
at the junction. In the level’s 1- 4, there
it provides pressure integrity integral to
is no pressure integrity at the junction. If
the junction itself, without the use of
the junction were in a gas cap or in a
completion equipment. We show
water-bearing zone, you would have
completion equipment in here just to
production of that zone. The level 5
provide an idea of how the well would
utilizes completion equipment, single
likely be completed in many cases, but
packers below the junction in each leg,
the wall of the junction itself is a
a dual packer above and tubing
pressure seal. Any additional use of
between them to provide the pressure
completion equipment will increase the
isolation across the junction. This level
pressure rating at the junction and will
5 completion equipment could be used
permit selective access to either lateral.
in a level 4 junction, a level 3 or even a
level 2 junction (under certain
conditions).
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1.4.2. Terminology and geometry of Multilateral Wells
Beyond the above classification, there is a generally adopted naming convention used to
describe the well geometry of multilateral wells.
The Main Wellbore is often referred to as motherbore, mainbore or parentbore.
All the branches kicking off from the Motherbore are called Laterals and can be
numbered Lateral A, Lateral B and so on, numbering from bottom to top or top to bottom.
The connection between the Motherbore and the laterals is called the Junction.
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Motherbore
or Main
Well Bore
Junction
Lateral
Figure 8: Multilateral junction and mainbore definition
There are many other generally accepted terms for describing Multilateral Wells
geometry. The main categorizing factor is whether the laterals are on the same
horizontal plan, i.e. same True Vertical Depth (TVD), or on the same vertical plan, ie.
following the same directions at different depths. From these two main categories, an
almost infinite number of combinations are derived, some of which are described below
or depicted in the figures below.
Stacked dual, Stacked triple: Generally, a stacked multilateral well refers to multiple
wellbores targettingtargeting different stacked pay zones. Basically, the laterals would be
heading towards the same direction, although not necessarily, at different True Vertical
Depths.
Dual opposed or Gullwing: This type of multilateral well refers to multiple wellbores
targeting the same pay zone but in opposed directions. Basically, the laterals would be
heading towards opposed directions but at the same True Vertical Depth.
Fishbone/Herringbone or Whalebone: As the motherbore or trunk (generally not

cased) would go towards one direction at one specific True Vertical Depth, the fishbones
would depart from that trunk and comb both areas on each side of the trunk. This could
be along the same TVD or going up, the fishbones becoming then more like whalebones
types of branches.
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Stacked Dual Lateral Dual Opposed and Stacked Opposed

Triple Lateral
Planar Dual Lateral Planar Dual Lateral (Pitch Fork)
Planar Opposed Dual Lateral Planar Opposed Dual Lateral

(Gullwing) (Gullwing) with Herring Bone Pattern
Lateral with Herring Bone Pattern Lateral with Opposed Herring Bone
Pattern
Planar Quadrilateral Stacked Planar Quadrilateral
Figure 9: Various Multilateral Well Designs
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1.5. Usage to date of Multilateral Wells
The usage of multilaterals is still small compared with the overall number of wells drilled.
As you go from Level 1 to Level 6 the numbers go down dramatically. There have been
1000’s of level 1 wells with open hole sidetracks drilled. These are most common in
fractured formations where there is a need to access a numerous amount of different
fissures to increase the production, but the formations are stable. Other applications
have been in heavy oil belts to access more channel features, and thus increase
production. The majority of level 2 wells drilled are re-entries in older wells. Thus most of
these use a milling system to create the junction. Some may use a drop off liner also, but
there is normally no requirement for lateral reentry. In the middle East a number of new
wells are being drilled using pre milled window systems, but without running any liner or
tieback. The main reason behind this is that they like to drill the top lateral first then
progress downhole. The pre milled system is ideal for this as is provides a fullbore
access below but still with the ability to re set a whipstock and reenter the upper lateral.
Overall several hundred level 2’s have been completed.
The number of level 3’s drilled has increased dramatically over the last 2 years, primarily
because of ML’s in the Faja in Venezuela. Over three hundred level 3’s have been
completed with the Baker HOOK and the Schlumberger Rapid TieBack System each
being run more than 100 times. The other system with a number of installations in the
past is the Sperry LTBS, but this is being phased out in favor the Sperry RMLS and
derivatives.
The number of level 4 system’ssystems has also increased dramatically due to the Faja
drilling in Venezuela. To date worldwide more than 150 systems have been installed with
the Sperry Sun RMLS being the most common. The only other system used in this
category is the Baker level 4 but a majority of these Baker junctions get completed as
level 5’s. The number of level 5 junction is difficult to get , but the total worldwide number
is certainly less than 100, and likely in the 50’s range. These are again split between the
Sperry RMLS/MSCS and Baker ROOT. No other company has run products in this
category to date.
The level 6 systems are all very new. Less than 10 in total have been installed with all
but one (a Schlumberger RapidSeal system run in Brasil) of these being a Baker
Formation Junction system. Sperry is expected to run a PACE6 system very soon.
As will be discussed later the TAML categories do not indicate how many wells have
reentry access to the laterals. Some systems give thru tubing access by way of design
but also some standalone thru tubing reentry systems are available that can be run with
different window systems. The two most widely used of these are the PCE MLR and the
Sperry Sun LRS.
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2. How to Choose the Correct Multilateral Well System
2.1. Introduction
There are a host of reasons to want to drill a multilateral well, ranging from insufficient
slots on an offshore platform to steam projects in heavy oil basins. This section aims to
outline all the factors that should be considered before starting a multilateral project, and
gives an indication of which systems will be more suitable to your application.
2.2. Multilateral Completion Selection Criteria
A multilateral well, like any drilling project, should be planned from the completion back.
However, completion design is the area where multilateral considerations depart the
most from conventional well design.
2.2.1. Sand Control
The decision of which system to choose and how much it will cost partly depends on
how much and what type of sand control is needed. A majority of multilateral wells are
drilled in reservoirs that require low complexity sand control measures. This may range
from no sand control measures at to perforated/slotted liner or stand alone screens. In
certain junction systems it is possible to perform open/cased hole gravel pack or fracture
treatments but these get to be very complex operations, as typically there is no seal at
the multilateral junction, and thus no pressure containment. If more than screens are
needed then a modified level 3 (Rapid Connect), level 4 (RMLS or Baker Root) or level 6
system is required. This has immediately increased the cost of the operation
substantially and this is one of the major reasons that ML wells are not more
widespread. Low cost wells that require sand control are not typically good candidates
for multilateral wells.
2.2.2. Water Production
Similar to the sand control issue, planners must decide how water will be produced or
handled and when it can be expected. The ability to allow for the determination of each
lateral’s contribution of water may also dictate the appropriate multilateral system.
Proper placement of the junction with respect to coning potential of the completed
lateral, especially in strong bottom water drive reservoirs, is essential to the success of
the multilateral implementation.
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2.2.3. Artificial Lift (Well Outflow)
ML wells are very suited to wells that flow naturally. In these cases the lack of pressure
containment at the junction is not usually an issue. For artificially lifted wells the
suitability depends on the lifting mechanism. Gas lift wells are a problem as generally
there is little to no annulus pressure containment across the junction. Electric
submersible pumps, progressive cavity pumps or jet pumps have less limitations, with
the major one being the efficiency of the pump to lift fluids from above the junction (can
be a major issue if the junction is very high in the motherbore compared to the reservoir
depth). With certain ML systems, fullbore access is possible through the junctions (see
§4.1.6) that can help in some of these situations. For beam pumps again the issue is the
ability to produce from above the junction with the system being used. For injectors,
because of the lack of pressure containment across the window, there is limited scope
with only level 5 and level 6 systems being applicable in most cases (thus very high
cost).
2.2.4. Rig Selection
If there are only 2 slots left on an offshore platform but 6 targets to drill then ML wells
can look very attractive as the relatively high cost of the wells are easily justified as the
cost to build another platform is significantly higher. Also with sub sea wells where the
cost of the wellhead and umbilicals can run to US$MM the cost is very easy to justify.
2.2.5. Selective or Commingled Production
In some areas commingled production is not allowed or in some cases where there is a
different pressure regime between zones is it not possible anyway. In these cases a
dual string system is needed. The only ways to keep the flows separate from each other,
within a “pressure tight” system (i.e. junction is isolated), is to run a level 5 (Baker ROOT
or Sperry RMLS with MSCS) or level 6 system. All these systems require significantly
increased expenditure and complexity. If the junction can be left open to the flow then a
straddle style system can be used, with the lower string being stabbed into a PBR
(polished bore receptacle) and the dual packer being above the junction. One additional
drawback is the artificial lift options are very limited in all of these scenarios.
2.2.6. Production Draw-Down / Junction Stability
The most common cause of multilateral failure is junction instability. While junction
failure typically occurs during the drilling process, it can also occur during production
draw-down after completion. If draw-down pressures are expected to be high,
consideration should be given to a multilateral system that ensures production isolation
of each lateral. While level 1-3 multilaterals will have draw-down pressures exerted
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directly on the formation. Level 4 multilaterals will have drawdown pressures exerted
onto a cement sheath separating the formation from the junction. Rock mechanics
analysis and lithology study should be performed to ensure that the formation would not
collapse into or around the junction (see §3.3: Lithological Requirements).
2.2.7. Access to lower Laterals (Reentry)
Typically everyone thinks they need access to all the laterals in their well. However this
may come at a very high price and needs to be considered carefully. Almost all systems
allow access to the lower lateral without any real problems. The problem is always to
access the laterals created from the motherbore. There are systems available that allow
thru tubing access to laterals. Some are an integral part of the junction design (e.g.
Rapid Connect, Baker HOOK), are “add-ons” to the basic system (Baker ROOT, Sperry
MSCS) or others that can be added to any junction (PCE MLR). Some systems,
particularly those using an oriented coupling in the casing string, can be configured for
thru tubing access, but they will also allow access if the completion string is pulled. Other
systems, usually those where the window has been milled with a retrievable whipstock
(Baker Window Master, Smith Track Master), have no access to the laterals either with
or without a completion string.
2.2.8. Restricted vs. Fullbore Access
Fullbore access may be required in a multilateral well, dependent on the life of the well
and the type of completion. If the completion packer is designed to be below the junction
then typically fullbore access is needed, or if an artificial lift system is to be close enough
to the lower zone to be efficient, access may also be necessary. Also during the life of a
well , cleanout, perforations, gravel packs, remedial jobs may be necessary of which
some of these operations would require fullbore access below the window.
Fullbore access systems are available in each ML level. Typically level 2 milled windows
have fullbore access to the lower lateral, as the whipstock is removed and no restriction
is added. Some level 3 systems have fullbore access (Rapid Tieback) whereas others
have significant restrictions (LTBS, Baker HOOK) that do not under any circumstances
allow fullbore access below the junction, as there are “liner hangers” inside the
motherbore. The Sperry RMLS level 4 has access but not the Baker ROOT system as it
relies on an oriented packer to position the window for subsequent laterals.
2.3. Risk vs. Benefits
In general as you go from level 1 to level 6 junctions the complexity and thus cost rises
exponentially. An openhole sidetrack, if done as a blind sidetrack, incur little to no
additional expense, except that of the additional drilling time. Compare this to a level 5
junction where even the simplest of the systems requires an additional 15 trips and a
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substantial amount of tools and equipment. The risk involved is also increased
substantially, especially when dealing with systems requiring window milling and
washover operations. The lowest complexity junction should always be used as this
reduces the overall risk and thus cost.
2.4. Cost vs. Benefits
This has already been mentioned in other sections to some extent. As previously stated,
“As you go from level 1 to level 6 junctions the cost rises exponentially...” To give some
understanding of the costs involved, typically milling a window to create a typical level
two with no lateral access on the completion would require 75-100k expenditure on
equipment and 2/3 additional trips (mill window, retrieve whipstock). A level 3 junction
with a standard completion (no lateral access) is in the range of 200k+ and 3-6
additional trips dependent on system. Add lateral access to the same level 3 and the
price is almost doubled! Compare this with a RapidSeal™ level 6 system, where the
system is 500k+ and 6-8 additional trips are needed or a Baker ROOT system for a level
5 where the system is upwards of 500k and 10-12 trips are required. The higher end
systems are only suitable for high value wells. As an example in Brazil a Voador well
was completed as a level 5 with a Baker system. The total well cost was almost
US$25,000,000 but this was a US$10,000,000 saving on the price of two wells (ref
paper SPE 56779 : Paisicynyk et al).
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3. Well Design and Placement of the Multilateral System

This section outlines the basic criteria that need to be considered for a multilateral well
project. It is not a definitive design guide but it briefly covers the areas that need to be
considered.
3.1. Directional Well Design

A directional well in design will obviously be much more complicated than single laterals.
Multiple well bores are attached to the main bore with a multilateral window systems and
each lateral has an entry through the mainbore.
While drilling multilateral wells, multilateral junctions play a major role in the correct
execution of the proposed well plan. The smoothness of the exit from the multilateral
junction and the well profile with regards to doglegs and sidetracks have significant
impact on the success of the well. When a multilateral well is designed, the entire sub
branches needs to be taken into account since they each are related to one another.
The collision issues may also be significant and the use of gyro surveying tools may be
necessary.
A compromise is usually needed on the well design to accommodate two targets from
the same wellbore. A number of mechanical issues related to dogleg limits, reservoir
spacing, window orientation etc. will put restraints on the design, but all these need to be
considered. The primary focus should be to have as smooth an entry out the window as
possible as this is the most critical factor in the design equation.
3.2. Mechanical Requirements

3.2.1. Doglegs
Doglegs are the inseparable part of multilateral systems since there is always a need to
have directional wells associated to multilateral wells. The most important aspect is to
have the right directional design that would fit into the multilateral system requirements
without hindering the well objectives.
The most important thing in the multilateral systems considering doglegs is to arrange
them in a way that neither well geometry and well target, nor multilateral system will be
compromised due to design. It is recommended to place multilateral systems in a low
doglegs area (some junctions e.g. RMLS require this anyway). Having reduced dogleg
at the junction area ensure that multilateral system or equipment will not be exposed to
irregular, changeable well bore profiles just outside the window, especially if needing to
use external casing packers.
Doglegs above the multilateral junction need to be kept consistent and steady to avoid
sharp changes in the well geometry. Especially when completion equipment is
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considered having low doglegs is always an advantage. (See §4.1.1: Artificial Lifting
Mechanisms.)
3.2.2. Tangents
Two types of tangents needs to be considered regarding multilateral wells, tangents for
the artificial lift equipment and tangents for multilateral window systems irrespectively.
The main reason to utilize tangents is to have a smooth section that is free of excessive
changes in the well bore geometry. Since multilateral well design requires smoothness,
accuracy and cleanliness in the well bore, it is very important to minimize extreme
changes in the well bore especially where multilateral systems are going to be located.
It is very important to place the multilateral systems where formations with reasonably
high compressive strengths are present. When designing the well plan it is very
important to identify the location of the window system and to make sure that a tangent
is present if needed for that particular window system.
The second kind of tangent that may be required is to place the artificial lift equipment,
especially ESP pumps. The location of the pump tangent plays a major role depending
on the window system. It is obvious that when the tangent is located below the
multilateral system or systems in the well bore, the whole completion and artificial lift
assembly has to pass through window junction. Passing windows with complicated
artificial lift assemblies can be troublesome.
3.2.3. Inclination of the Hole
The hole Inclination where the multilateral system is going to be installed is very
important for the purpose and the position of the multilateral system. Usually higher
inclinations are more difficult to install multilateral systems. Although multilateral
systems have even been installed at 90 degrees inclinations, it is not recommended to
set whipstocks and install multilateral systems at these high inclination. At higher
inclinations, it is more difficult to install whisptocks, mill windows and set multilateral
systems. The management of debris gets to be an even greater issue as inclination
increases. Most of the time multilateral systems require clear indication of slack off and
pick up weights. When multilateral systems are set in higher inclinations, it is very
difficult to find the neutral point and actual slack off and pick up weight. In these cases a
bumper sub is recommended to get better indications.
Lower inclinations are the easiest to install multilateral systems. At higher inclinations
profiles might be filled with drilling cuttings and it might be more difficult to set either
tieback or the whipstock. Moreover when lower inclinations are chosen two well bores
can be separated faster and collision issues can be resolved easier.
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3.2.4. Orientating Windows
There are several ways to orient windows in multilateral systems. Either gyro or MWD
surveys can be used to take a survey of the window position and orientation. The
directional well design dictates the orientation of the window systems in the multilateral
wells. If the multilateral system is going to be located in a vertical portion of the hole,
since they are not in high side of the hole, it can be oriented with the direction of hole.
For directional wells there is another factor that needs to be considered, high side of the
hole. It is very crucial to orient a multilateral system close to highside (facing 30 degrees
left or right side of the hole is normal). The reason mainly high side is chosen is to avoid
premature exits to the branches, avoid having drilling solids across the window area and
for the milled systems being able to reach lower lateral without accidentally getting in to
one of the upper branches. For the milled systems, in order to have full support of the
whipstock face during milling operations high side is chosen. If the whipstock were
oriented to low side, the window would be very short and entry into the lateral can prove
very difficult.
For the pre-milled multilateral window systems, the window system is oriented while
running casing for the main bore and cemented in place after taking gyro surveys to
orientate the window. Most pre-milled window systems are equipped with a UBHO sub
or window orientation sub on top of the pre-milled joint allowing an accurate reading for
the direction, inclination and window orientation related to high side of the well.
For the milled window systems, using either Gyro or MWD orients the face of the
whipstock. After the whipstock is oriented, milling of the casing is commenced and
casing is milled in the required direction. For the milled systems it is preferred to keep
the window orientation left of high side to highside. This is because mills tends to roll out
of the whipstock face causing twisted or short windows if they are oriented to much to
the right (this is more noticeable at higher angle). Ideally the whipstock face should
support the mill until it completes the full whipstock face slide.
3.3. Lithological Requirements

In order to achieve a successful multilateral junction, the formation that is going to
accommodate the multilateral system needs to be chosen very carefully. Depending on
the multilateral system the requirement for lithology may vary. Preferably multilateral
systems need to be placed in the hardest formation possible. Having a loose or soft
formation complicates the junction quality and causes future problems. Especially for
lower level multilateral systems, formation strength and consolidation places are a
critical factor for the future of the multilateral junction.
Wherever possible the junction should be set in as stable a formation as possible. It is

impossible to set hard and fast rules. A none reactive shale is a much better place to
have a junction than a soft unconsolidated sand. However if the choice is between a
reactive shale that washes out very readily or a consolidated sand the choice in that
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instance may be the sand. Again the type of junction and the well type with have a lot to
do with the design, as a level 3 set in a sandy formation may just produce sand from the
junction and thus the well would have been unsuccessful. The Drilling Engineer should
consult with the Geologist, Reservoir Engineer, and Production Engineer to confirm that
the targeted section is acceptable.
Moreover for the level four and cemented junctions, placing an annular packer below the
multilateral junction is an important issue. When cemented junctions are considered,
enough room in the shale body should be allowed for the annular casing packer to set.
Having a annular casing packer in a sandy or unconsolidated formation might cause
problems by not giving enough support to the annular casing packer and by washing out
above or below the packer and causing cement to leak below the annular casing packer.
Certainly it is difficult to predict formation distribution before physically drilling it,
therefore a good knowledge about the lithology is required to plan annular casing packer
placement.
3.4. Torque and Drag

Torque and drag values are very important when multilateral wells are considered.
Certainly having a whipstock and kicking off a whipstock adds a significant tortuosity and
dogleg into the multilateral branch. Most of the time there is not a significant difference
between a multilateral well branch torque and drag values and a single lateral torque
and drag values. Since the whipstock is left in place and provides support while drilling
for the drilling assembly, the amount of drag force is minimized at the junction.
When torque and drag values are considered, hole cleaning needs to be taken into
account. At the window area hole diameter is greater and hole cleaning is less effective.
As a result cuttings tend to settle at the junction area. When designing multilateral wells
hole cleaning needs to be kept in mind and considered very important to reduce torque
and drag values.
Torque and drag values also need to be considered while running liner for the
multilateral systems. It is always more difficult to run liner into multilateral systems since
there is more irregularity in the hole. Moreover there is less vertical height available for
the multilateral systems compared to the main bore since the multilateral system is
placed at a shallower depths. In some cases, particularly long horizontal sections, as a
result of shallower TVDs, the amount of liner running string weight might not be enough
to overcome hole drag. It is important to keep in mind that having multilateral systems
are more difficult and a thorough pre planning is required. Almost always, it is beneficial
to run a torque and drag simulation to simulate liner running loads and weight available
at each depth.
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4. Multilateral Technology
4.1. Quick Description of Available Technology
4.1.1. Schlumberger’s Rapid™ Series
Used in new well applications, these are junction construction systems in which all
lateral exits have access capabilities. The Rapid™ series consists of:
RapidAccess™ Milled Exit Multilateral level 2 junction construction system for new
and Open Multilateral wells that mills the window in a determined
Hole depth and orientation. The system provides fullbore
Completion access to the lateral or lower mainbore and selective re-
entry to lateral with the use of a production whipstock.
RapidConnect™ Milled Exit Multilateral level 3 junction construction system for new
and Lateral Multilateral wells that mills the window in a determined
Tieback depth and orientation. Can also be used for re-entry
System applications with some modifications. The system
provides mechanical integrity across the junction.
The system provides restricted access to the lower

mainbore, restricted access to the lateral with the use
of a thru tubing deflector
RapidTieback™ Pre- milled Multilateral level 3 junction construction system for new
Window Multilateral wells utilizes a pre- milled window in a
and Lateral determined depth and orientation. The system provides
Tieback mechanical integrity across the junction.
System
The system provides fullbore access to the lateral or
lower mainbore and selective re-entry to lateral with
the use of a whipstock.
RapidSeal™ Wireline Multilateral level 6-junction construction system for new

Actuated Multilateral wells that utilizes an expandable metal
Casing Exit technology to drill two new laterals. The system
System provides mechanical and hydraulic integrity across the
junction.
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4.1.2. Baker Oil Tools
WindowMaster™ Milled Exit Multilateral level 2 junction construction system for

& and new or re-entry Multilateral wells that mills the
TorqueMaster™ openhole window in a determined depth and orientation.
completion
The system provides fullbore access to the mainbore
and no access to the lateral unless a ML packer is
used as the whipstock orientation device.
MLZXP™ Milled Exit Multilateral level 3 junction construction system both

and Lateral new and re-entry well applications.
Hanger
The system provides fullbore access to the lateral, but
eliminates access to mainbore.
HOOK™ Milled Exit Multilateral level 3 junction construction system for

and Lateral new or existing Multilateral wells utilizes a milled
Tieback window in a determined depth and orientation. The
with/without system provides mechanical integrity across the
cement junction.
The system provides restricted access to the mainbore

and selective re-entry to the lateral with the use of a
diverter sleeve.
ROOT™ Isolated Multilateral level 4 and 5 junction construction system

Tieback that uses a milled window for drilling new multilateral
System wells. The lateral liner can be cemented and washed
over to allow full-gauge access to the lateral or lower
mainbore. Hydraulic integrity is supplied using
cement.
FORMation™ The FORMation Junction system uses formed metal

Junction technology to create a multilateral junction that,
during installation, has an effective outside diameter
less than the sum of the junction’s two lateral casing
leg diameters. The system is run in a pre-formed
mode as part of a standard casing or liner string which
can be either run to surface or hung off with a liner
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hanger.
Downhole Baker Oil Tools Downhole Splitter™ is a unique system

Splitter™ and process that allows two distinct wells to be drilled,
cased, and completed from a single surface conductor.
When completed, each well can be produced,
serviced, and worked over independently of the other.
The Downhole Splitter is regarded as a TAML Level 6
multilateral, which Baker Oil Tools has designated as a
Level 6S.
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4.1.3. Sperry Sun LatchMaster™ Pre-milled Window Systems
Used in new well applications, these junction systems incorporate a pre-milled window
joint with precise exit geometry. No downhole milling is necessary to create the lateral
exit. Another key feature of these systems is the use of the Sperry-Sun latch coupling as
the primary whipstock orientation feature. This allows precise depth control and
azimuthal orientation to ensure guaranteed repeatable re-entry of the lateral. The
LatchMaster™ series consists of:
LTBS™ Lateral Multilateral level 3 junction construction system that uses a

Tieback pre- milled window for drilling new multilateral wells. The
System lateral liner is mechanically hung off the mainbore window,
which allows limited access to the lower mainbore.
RMLS™ Retrievable Multilateral level 4 junction construction system that uses a

Multilateral pre- milled window for drilling new multilateral wells. The
System lateral liner can be cemented and washed over to allow full-
gauge access to the lateral and lower mainbore.
ITBS™ Isolated Multilateral level 5 junction construction system that has full
Tieback mechanical and hydraulic integrity across the junction using
System a flexible hanger.
Selective re-entry to either the lower mainbore or lateral can

be done with coiled tubing or wireline.
PACE-6™ Pressure- Multilateral level 6 junction construction system that uses an

Actuated inflatable window for drilling new multilateral wells. The
Casing Exit inflatable window provides full mechanical and hydraulic
System integrity across the junction.
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4.1.4. Sperry Sun ExitMaster™ Milled Casing Exit Systems
Used in both new and re-entry well applications, these are junction construction systems
in which all lateral exits for the multilateral windows are milled downhole. These systems
may or may not utilize the Sperry-Sun latch coupling. The ExitMaster™ series consists
of:
4501™ Low-Side Multilateral level 4 junction construction system that mills a

Perforation window and uses gravity-based, low-side perforation to re-
System establish hydraulic communication with the mainbore.
Developed in conjunction with Weatherford.
4502™ Metal Mill- Multilateral level 4 junction construction systems that mill a
and Through window. Mechanical integrity of junction results from a liner
4503™ Systems lap being cemented across the junction. Lower mainbore
access is re-established by milling a hole through the
whipstock to the lower mainbore. Developed in conjunction
with Weatherford. 4503™ system is used for subsea
operations from a floating platform.
MERLIN™ Milled Exit Multilateral level 2 junction construction system that uses
Retrievable conventional casing milling to create a precise milled window
Multilateral geometry. Developed in conjunction with Smith
System International.
RDS™ Re-entry Multilateral junction construction system that uses a

Drilling downhole casing milling machine to create a precise milled
System window geometry. The lateral liner can be cemented and
washed over to allow full-gauge access to the lateral or
lower mainbore.
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4.2. Multilateral System Descriptions and Installment Procedures
4.2.1. Schlumberger Rapid™Series
4.2.1.1. RapidAccess™
RapidAccess is Schlumberger's level 2 multilateral system that consists of a casing

profile (nipple) system run within the main casing string. This profile provides a
permanent datum for sidetracks in the casing in new and reentry wells. The casing
profile is called an Indexing Casing Coupling (ICC), and needs no orientation during
casing running. It is fullbore ID, for the 7” or 9 5/8” casing, API casing collar OD, and is
run as a normal casing pup joint.
Today Schlumberger provides the capability of three different nipple profiles, meaning
that three of these nipples can be placed and located selectively (there is no sequence
they have to be installed). The milled window can be placed up to 90’ above the ICC and
two or three windows can be indexed off of the same ICC at different orientations as
long as it is with-in the 90’ spacing.
Figure 10: Indexing Casing Coupling (ICC) Installation
The ICC is run in the hole within the casing string and cemented in place as described in
the figures above.
After running and cementing, it is necessary to define the orientation of the ICC in such a
way that the whipstock can be orientated in the preferred direction for a casing exit. This
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orientation can be done in two ways: the easiest way is during a Cement Evaluation run
of the casing using Schlumberger's Ultrasonic Imaging tool.
The USI tool is a sonic casing inspection tool. On a log it shows the exact direction of
the mule shoe and the orientation slot, referenced to high side in the well or, if it's a
vertical well, to gyro north.
If the cement evaluation is not run, a simple MWD run or gyro survey can be run to
determine the orientation of the orientation slot of the ICC.
There's no further surveying required. Then run in with the mill, whipstock, and SLT
(Selective Landing Tool). As the SLT enters the ICC it auto-rotates and lands in the
ICC. Further set down shears the screws of the SLT and locks it in place.
This SLT includes an orienting key that auto-orients the tool and locates it into the
orienting feature. It has locking keys that integrate into the locking profile of the nipple.
It has a debris barrier that will keep drilling debris from fouling the keys.
When the complete assembly is run in the hole, the SLT enters a RapidAccess profile, it
will auto-orient, and if the keys are not the keys designed to land in this profile, they're
designed to run at a lower one, the tool will simply traverse through this profile, it will not
stop and land and then continue to run in the hole until the profile that the keys are
mated for is reached. Setting down weight of five to ten thousand pounds, will shear
internal screws allowing the internal mandrel to slip down behind these keys locking
them in place.
Figure 11: Shearing bolt and milling window
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The bolt is sheared that connects the mills to the whipstock and the window is milled as
per plan. Before drilling the lateral, the whipstock can be replaced with a smaller more
retrievable version if necessary, called a RDT. This would be done if the lateral was to
take a large amount of time to finish. The well is then drilled as required.
Figure 12: Replacing Whipstock and drilling lateral
Figure 13: Running liner, releasing liner and retrieving whipstock
The RapidAccess will allow a level 2 in open hole). However, we can run a
junction (cased main bore and junction drop off-liner for more stability of the
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lateral, and if isolation is required, this

liner can be cemented in place. The ICC
stays in the main string allowing re-entry
during the life of the well.
Figure 14: Installed RapidAccess

junction
4.2.1.2. RapidConnect™
RapidConnect is a level 3 system that provides a connected lateral to the main wellbore.
The level 3 junction is based on the RapidAccess ICC nipple profile. As a reminder, the
ICC is in the main casing string, and no orientation is needed.
The key to the system is the ability to achieve connectivity in a milled junction by means
of template and a connector tieback tool. The first element, the template, has a precut
window shape that's placed adjacent to the milled window downhole, and a series of
guides that will allow the second element, the Connector to run through it.
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Template
SLT
Drop-Off Liner
Figure 15: Rapid Connect Template
The second piece, the connector physically connects the main bore with a drop-off liner
(or open hole) locking itself into the template, creating the level 3 junction with a very
strong structural connection (but reduced ID because of the template itself).
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Connector
SLT
Figure 16: Rapid Connect Connector
Some of the Benefits from the system will be:
1. It can be installed in a milled window that was either created by a conventional

packer-milling system or by a window milled by means of the RapidAccess. If
the CCI was not run in the main string, a multilateral packer can be set with a
proper orienting sub to land the SLT and the template.
2. The junction is created between the template and the connector, and not the
main casing and the connector. This is an advantage because the template has
a pre-cut shape so the junction will be perfectly connected, making it smoother in
case of any intervention across the junction during the life of the well.
3. Since the connector locks into the template, the formation will not push the
connector out.
4. Re-entry by any means, just limited by the ID of the system.
5. The gap between the connector and the template is minimum; preventing sand
flow to the main bore.
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6. The system is installed in 2 trips. Thus reducing the rig time needed.
Summary of the running procedure:
1. Mill the window as per RapidAccess procedure. Retrieve the whipstock.
2. Assemble the SLT and Template using a spacer if needed to position the
Template in the middle of the milled multilateral window created by RapidAccess.
This is the same spacing that was utilized when creating the junction. The
assembly is constructed in the following order (assuming a packer has been set
below the window with a PBR); seals, locator, SLT, spacer (if needed), Template
(with integral PBR). RIH on drill-pipe.
3. If there is a production packer below the window, RIH until the locator sub
engages into the top of the PBR. Then continue RIH until the SLT sets in the ICC
nipple profile. This positions the window of the template facing the milled window
in the casing.
4. Attach the running tool to the connector and run with an MWD tool, making sure
that the toolface is aligned with the high side of the connector.
5. Run the connector in the hole slowly until the running tool engages the muleshoe
profile on the top of the template. This will orient the connector to the window in
the template. Set down to shear the retaining pins. The connector is now free to
run down the rails and out into the lateral.
Figure 17: Connector is engaged on the template
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6. If there is a drop-off liner in the lateral, pump slowly until a pressure build up is
seen, indicating that the seal assembly has entered the top of the PBR of the
liner. Continue running down until some weight is observed. The connector has
been installed and the junction has been created. If no liner is in the lateral, a full
section of liner can be run using the connector. The running tool is then released
and retrieved.
7. The system is then ready to run the completion.
Figure 18: Completed Rapid Connect system
4.2.1.3. RapidTieback™ outside with fiberglass to prevent

collapsing during cementing operations.
The RapidTieback™ is Schlumberger’s Before cementing the mother casing,
level 3 multilateral system (acquire from the opening has to be oriented by
Secure Oiltools) that allows fullbore means of a gyro survey with a designed
access to both, the main bore and the orientation sub that lands on the top of
laterals. The system is based on a pre- the joint giving the correct orientation of
milled window joint that contains an the window opening.
internal sleeve of drillable polyurethane
synthetic material and wrapped on the
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Orientation Slot
Upper Profile
Inner Drillable Sleeve
Urethane Filler
Pre-Cut Window w/ Composite covering
Orientation Slot
Figure 19: Rapid TieBack Components Figure 21: Drilling out inner sleeve
The RapidTieback™ window joint has a

design of two locating profiles, on the
top and bottom of the joint, each
consisting of a depth locator profile and
a orientation slot. The lower profiles
define the depth and orientation of a
whipstock while the upper profiles define
the same variables for setting the
tieback and retrieving running tools.
The mother casing is cemented in place

(it is necessary to use a special wiper
plug – dart- able to pass through the
reduced inner diameter due to the
polyurethane sleeve in the inside of the
Figure 20: Cementing window joint joint). The synthetic material is drilled
through with a hole opener or a PDC bit
and motor assembly. The well is
cleaned before running with the desired
bottom hole assembly to drill the lower
laterals if applicable.
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Figure 22: Installing Whipstock across Figure 23: Drilling out window
the window
running or setting tool uses the window
The lower lateral is drilled, and a joint upper locator profiles; Once located
whipstock is set in place based in the with the depth locator profile, a ball is
lower locator profiles of the window joint dropped and the pressure increased,
with a special set of depth locating keys activating a clutch mechanism that
and an orientation key from the bottom allows rotation of the drill string and
of the whipstock (mono-positioning tool). tieback assembly but not of the liner
The window is drilled out and the lateral string. By rotating the running tool, an
drilled to total depth. The completion is orienting key will latch on the orientation
run in the hole with a liner tieback that slot, releasing at the same time a Kelly
sets in the window joint opening, shaft that will be able to stroke, moving
maintaining a fullbore access as the tieback down and setting the set of
mentioned before, across the main bore tabs against the window pre-cut profiles.
and the laterals. This tieback is a The setting tool is hydraulically released
mechanism that latches the lateral liner and pulled up to unset the locator
to the pre-milled window creating a profiles. The whipstock is retrieved with
TAML level 3 junction. The tieback a hydraulic hook that, as in the previous
operations, sets in the depth locator
profile and orienting the hook towards
the retrieving slot by means of the
orientation key.
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The access to the lateral is reduced.

The well is then ready for further
completions and drilling operations.
Figure 24: Rapid Tieback Installation
Finally, since the MLPS is a Level 3,

and there is no seal at the junction, a
window patch can be run using a Figure 26: Diverter installed across the
hydraulic running tool that lands in the junction
upper depth profile and an orientation
key as part of the patch that gives
correct alignment from this to the The unique design of the locating
window opening. profiles in the window joint, will allow
easy re-entries to the laterals. The
simplest method, that is generally
applied where the rig intervention cost is
low will be setting a whipstock or a
casing diverter on the lower window joint
profiles, leaving full drift access through
out the opening. The running
procedures would be the same as when
setting the whipstock for the drill-out of
the window; locate on the bottom depth
locator profiles, then orient until the key
latches on the orientation profile
Figure 25: Completed window junction
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Advantages and Disadvantages of a Level III Rapid Tieback
The Mechanical tieback has been defined as a means of mechanically connecting the
lateral liner to the main casing string. The first such mechanical system was Sperry-
Sun’s LTBS, designed to permit multiple laterals to be drilled, lined and tied-back to the
parent casing bore, without use of cement. The hanger of this system lands in a profile in
the parent casing string, and a movable gate is trapped and locked in place, leaving the
parent wellbore open but partially obstructed.
In any of the tieback systems, the whipstock can be moved from the first drilled window
to the next one, in any order desired. This system was not originally designed to provide
a hydraulic seal. However, the window-hanger tolerances are controlled in order to
prevent wellbore solids from entering into the parent wellbore through the closed window
juncture region. Mechanical tieback systems currently available restrict the liner size and
ID of the hanger.
As one of the most important advantages of the level 3 tieback systems, is the possibility
of including a staged cementing procedure in the lateral to assure a measure of
hydraulic sealing integrity for the lateral juncture (convert into level 4). Each of these
cemented applications requires re-entry into the lateral in order to drill out the wiper dart
and stage cementing equipment.
Cementing the juncture is an option, but not a requirement of the mechanical tieback
system. Mechanical tieback of the hanger is accomplished within a specially designed,
pre-milled casing window, which receives and attaches the lateral tieback hanger onto
the OD of the casing. Once landed in place, the hanger is locked in the landed position;
and no further cementing or mechanical operations are required. The Schlumberger
RapidTieback system has been applied in different occasions successfully in the
Orinoco Belt (Venezuela), where complex reservoir characteristics require the use of
multilateral technology for more efficient exploitation.
Some Pros and Cons of the Tieback Systems are:
Pros
1. Provides mechanical tieback of the lateral liner to the main wellbore casing
string.
2. Eliminates the need for cementing operations when junction seal is not required.
3. Eliminates certain higher risk milling operations.
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4. Provides an unrestricted and full ID within the main-bore and laterals.
5. Allows selective re-entry during the life of the well
Cons
1. Does not provide hydraulic isolation
2. Sand control applications may require lateral cementing operations for complete
sand exclusion, depending upon specific sand exclusion design required.
Applications
1. Hanging screens, slotted liner, perforated pipe, etc. in the lateral, without need
for cement
2. Reducing exposure time in time-sensitive or fluid-sensitive reservoirs
3. Completions in lower permeability or fractured reservoirs
4. Thermal and heavy oil reservoir applications.
4.2.1.4. RapidSeal™
The Schlumberger level 6 system, RapidSeal™, consists of a casing element with two
sections (legs) attached forming the junction. The junction is reconstructed and not
manufactured down-hole thus pressure integrity can be reliably achieved (Level 6). In
order to place the junction in the well, the legs are compressed to a combined outside
diameter equal to the largest piece of casing.
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Figure 27: Compressed junction inside a 13 3/8” simulated casing.
After it is installed in the well the legs are reformed to the original geometry by means of
the Wireline Expansion Tool. This tool gives a smooth expansion operation that is
monitored and controlled from the surface. This expansion is all done in one trip, greatly
reducing rig time over competitive systems.
Figure 28: Reformed Junction inside a simulated 17” ID
The junction is built with two round legs then they are compressed during the
manufacturing process as seen in the figure above. This allows the legs to drift the same
size casing as the main body of the junction. As an example, a 9-5/8” RapidSeal™
junction will drift a 13-3/8” with an ID of 12.25”.
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Figure 29: Underreaming hole section for RapidSeal™ Junction
The first step is to drill an underreamed section at the intended installation point of the
junction. (If the junction is a 9-5/8” then the underreamed section will be of 17”). The
junction is now run down-hole as the shoe of the casing string. The end of the junction
has a “hole finder” that keeps the junction in the middle of the hole and acts as a bit
deflector later when the laterals are drilled out.
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Figure 30: Running of the Wireline Expansion Tool
The Wireline Expansion Tool is run in the hole. This tool will then verify the orientation of
the junction. If the junction is run in the horizontal section of a well then the legs will need
to be positioned horizontally (side by side) not vertically (one over the other). This
expansion tool will reform (not expand) the legs while an electric current is sent from the
surface, the tool converts it to hydraulic pressure that acts against a set of pistons that
push the saddle of the tool against the legs of the junction. The wireline will send real-
time signal that allows an indication of the roundness of the legs.
A cement retainer is then installed below the profile and above the RapidSeal™ junction;
preferably the retainer is run on wireline to save rig time. The setting tool of the cement
retainer lands in the profile providing a positive placement of the cement retainer. The
junction is then cemented using standard dual wiper plug procedures. Since the cement
retainer is above the junction then cement is left both inside and outside the
RapidSeal™ junction. When the cement sets, the retainer is drilled out with a locator on
the string and as deep as the junction of both legs to ensure that the bit is not going to
damage the junction while drilling the cement.
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Figure 31: Cement Job – Retainer and Dual Plug system – Drill out
Figure 32: Run deflector and drill first Lateral
The next step is to drill the first lateral. A out the correct leg to clean the cement
deflector is run, oriented on surface to and then to drill the lateral to total depth.
either side. The deflector guides the bit The Hole Finder on the bottom of the
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junction directs the bit at a 2 degree

angle away from the other lateral.
Figure 34: Set Deflector and drill second

leg
Figure 33: Set RS Liner Hanger The procedure is now repeated on the
second leg. To do this the deflector is
To install the liner in the lateral a liner pulled, the orientation key reversed, and
hanger is needed that will hold it in the deflector is rerun. This will now
place. This liner hanger needs to hold deflect the bit out the remaining leg.
pressure and the weight of the liner Since the other lateral completion
while setting in a very short section of already has an isolation device in it this
the leg of the junction. The RS liner lateral can be left open.
Hanger is unique to this application. It is
the setting assembly of the RS Liner
Hanger that uses the same profile
above the junction that we have used for
positioning everything else in the
junction. The completion directly below
the RS Liner Hanger has a nipple profile
to set a plug. This plug needs to isolate
the completion in this leg from the
completion in the other leg while drilling
and completing is finished.
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Finally, the laterals are now completed

and they need to be tied back to the
surface. The picture shows the Dual
Access system. This should be the most
common way to complete the junction.
By using a string stabbed into each
lateral and a dual packer, the junction is
isolated from any reservoir pressure and
there is access to each lateral. To run
this DualAccess system the dual packer,
2 tubing strings and seals are all run in
together. As the assembly enters the
junction it rotates to align the tubing
strings up with the RS Liner Hangers.
One seal assembly will no-go on the
liner hanger positioning it in the middle
of the seal bore while the other seal
assembly floats in its respective seal
bore. Now that the assembly is
Figure 35: Final Schematic with Dual positioned correctly the dual packer is
Access Completion System set. The rest of the completion is
connected by mean of an orienting snap
latch that orients and snaps into the top
of the dual packer.
4.2.2. Baker Oil Tools
4.2.2.1. WindowMaster™ & TorqueMaster™ System
A Baker Oil Tools Level 2 multilateral system delivers a junction that incorporates a
cased and cemented mainbore with an open-hole lateral that can be completed barefoot
or with a slotted liner or screen. If a permanent orientation and depth control point is
desired for future re-entry work, a permanent multilateral packer can be used with a
WindowMaster™ Whipstock a casing exit system. However, if fullbore access through
the mainbore is the major concern, a retrievable multilateral packer can be used below
the WindowMaster Whipstock.
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Figure 36: Baker WindowMaster™ Whipstock a casing exit system
A Level 2 multilateral with a permanent orientation point is constructed by setting a

permanent multilateral packer (MLZXP™ Liner Hanger/Packer or ML TorqueMaster™
Packer) in the cased mainbore directly below the desired kickoff depth. Following a
multilateral packer orientation run, the surface-oriented WindowMaster milling assembly
is run and anchored into the multilateral packer. Window milling and lateral drilling are
performed and the WindowMaster whipstock assembly is then retrieved. If production
isolation is required during the well life, a Baker Oil Tools sliding sleeve is run in
conjunction with a tieback string and a Baker Oil Tools production packer that is set
above the casing exit point. When open, the sleeve allows for commingled production of
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both zones to the surface. However, the sleeve can be closed to shut off flow from the
lateral formation. The sliding sleeve completion option DOES NOT allow for re-entry into
the upper lateral.
Re-entry System
If re-entry into the upper lateral is desired, a Baker Oil Tools Lateral Entry Nipple
(LEN™) can be used in place of the sliding sleeve. This LEN tool provides for thru-tubing
re-entry into the lateral bore when required. Production isolation of the upper lateral is
still possible through the use of an isolation sleeve that can be placed across the lateral
bore opening of the LEN tool.
A retrievable packer Level 2 system is installed in the same manner as the permanent
packer option; however, the multilateral packer (retrievable TorqueMaster) and
WindowMaster are run in tandem, oriented simultaneously using MWD and the
retrievable TorqueMaster, then set with annular pressure. After drilling the lateral, the
WindowMaster and retrievable TorqueMaster assembly are retrieved, leaving full-gauge
access into the mainbore.
4.2.2.2. MLZXP Liner Hanger
The multilateral packer (MLZXP Liner Hanger/Packer or TorqueMaster Packer) is set in

the cased mainbore at a depth to allow for the desired kickoff point. Following a
multilateral packer orientation run, the surface-oriented WindowMaster milling assembly
is run in and anchored into the multilateral packer. Window milling and lateral drilling are
then performed, and the WindowMaster™ Whipstock assembly is retrieved.
An optional flow-through diverter can be run and then anchored into the multilateral
packer. A slotted liner hanging from a liner hanger/production packer is then run into the
lateral, and the packer is set in the mainbore. The slotted liner and flow-through diverter
allow for commingled production.
The flow-through diverter may be eliminated. Instead, a bent joint assembly is used with
surface manipulation of the drillpipe in order to divert the slotted liner into the lateral. As
in the previous configuration, the liner hanger/production packer is set, supporting the
lateral to the mainbore. Neither option allows access to the mainbore formation, due to
the presence of the slotted liner across the junction.
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4.2.2.3. HOOK™ Hanger system entry orientation profile, and a hook

below the pre-milled window that is
designed to catch and "hang" the lateral
A Baker Oil Tools HOOK Hanger liner in the bottom of the casing exit
multilateral system delivers a window. Re-entry is accomplished using
mechanically supported junction in either a lateral or main-bore re-entry
which the mainbore is cased and module as a bottomhole assembly on
cemented with the lateral open. The tubing or coiled tubing.
lateral is completed with a lateral liner
anchored, but not cemented, to the
mainbore creating a Level 3 junction.
Firstly a hanger/packer is set (standard

Liner Hanger/Packer or TorqueMaster
Packer) in the cased mainbore at a
depth to allow for the desired kickoff
point. Following a multilateral packer
orientation run, the surface-oriented
WindowMaster milling assembly is run
in and anchored into the multilateral
packer. Window milling and lateral
drilling are then performed, and the
WindowMaster™ Whipstock assembly
is retrieved.
Using the Baker Oil Tools HOOK™

Hanger system, allows for selective re-
entry into the lateral and the mainbore.
The HOOK Hanger is a casing joint with Figure 37: Baker Hook Hanger™
a pre-cut main-bore window, internal re- system
4.2.2.4. Level 4 ML System
A Baker Oil Tools Level 4 multilateral system delivers a junction in which the mainbore
and lateral are cased and cemented, providing maximum mechanical support of the
junction area. The Baker Oil Tools Level 4 multilateral junction is called the ROOT
SystemSM.
With the inclusion of additional Baker completion equipment such as sliding sleeves or
Baker Oil Tools Lateral Entry Nipple (LEN™), production isolation and re-entry capability
into either wellbore is also possible with this Level 4 multilateral system.
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4.2.2.5. ROOT™ System
Baker Oil Tools ROOT system is the basic system foundation for creating a Level 4 or
Level 5 multilateral completion. A Baker Oil Tools MLZXP Liner Hanger Packer or ML
TorqueMaster Packer is run in conjunction with Baker Oil Tool ML Whipstock System to
create the casing exit window. After drilling the lateral, the lateral casing is run and
cemented in place with the top of the liner extending back through the casing exit and
into the mainbore portion of the well. The lateral bore can then be perforated, stimulated,
and completed as required.
After completing the lateral, a washover assembly tool is used to wash over and retrieve
not only the portion of the lateral liner extending into the mainbore, but also the original
ML whipstock and anchor assembly. At this point, a Root System Level 4 has been
created offering full mechanical integrity across the junction. Additional completion
equipment is installed to create the hydraulic integrity required for a Level 5 multilateral
system. First, a Scoophead Diverter and Anchor System are run. The anchor system
latches into and orients against the ML Packer positioned below the window. Once the
Scoophead Diverter is landed, the lateral production string is run through the Scoophead
Diverter and sealed off in a previously run production packer set in the lateral bore. The
final step in the multilateral process is dependent upon the type of production desired.
Baker Oil Tools Level 5 multilaterals can be configured to provide either commingled or
isolated production to surface of each zone. If isolated production is desired, a standard
Baker Oil Tools GT™ Dual Packer can be run directly above, and tied into, the
Scoophead Diverter. If commingling of the two zones is desired, a Baker Oil Tools
Selective Re-Entry Tool (SRT™) along with a standard Baker Oil Tools packer can be
run directly above, and tied into, the Scoophead Diverter. The SRT is most simply
described as an inverted ‘Y’ block that ties production from both zones. Selective re-
entry into either bore is still possible with this system through the use of a diverter that
can be run on coiled tubing or wireline and landed in the SRT. This diverter is configured
at surface to selectively block off a selected production leg and guide the coiled tubing
into the other leg of the multilateral. Once the intended leg has been treated or worked
over, the diverter can be removed and the well put back on commingled production.
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Figure 38: Baker Root™ Multilateral system
4.2.2.6. FORMation Junction™
Baker Oil Tools completed the world’s first Level 6 multilateral with the FORMation
Junction™ Multilateral System. This system utilizes casing to provide pressure integrity
at the junction area. This differs from the Level 5 multilateral systems that rely upon
additional downhole completion equipment to create the hydraulic integrity of the
junction. The FORMation Junction system uses formed metal technology to create a
multilateral junction that, during installation, has an effective outside diameter less than
the sum of the junction’s two lateral casing leg diameters. The system is run in a pre-
formed mode as part of a standard casing or liner string which can be either run to
surface or hung off with a liner hanger. The openhole area at the junction landing depth
is underreamed prior to running the junction to provide the room needed to re-form the
junction. Once in this underreamed section, the non-circular leg is re-formed using
swaging technology. Conventional drilling and completion techniques are then used to
finish construction and completion of the wellbore. After creating the Level 6 multilateral,
zonal isolation and re-entry capability into either wellbore are possible through the use of
additional downhole completion tools.
The Level 6 FORMation Junction Multilateral System offers several advantages over to
other multilateral systems. Among the most significant are the elimination of milling and
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debris creation, the continued liner ID access into both bores, the increased well control
capability due to the casing seal, the ability to install the FORMation Junction in a "Top-
Down" configuration, and finally, the ability of the system to use conventional casing
running and cementing techniques. The resulting completion offers maximum flexibility
with minimal risk and complexity. Currently available in a 9-5/8" (244.47 mm) top
connection with two 7"(177.8 mm) legs, the major components of the FORMation
Junction Multilateral System are: the pre-formed junction assembly; a pre-installed
diverter used in the re-forming process; drilling diverters for future re-entry work, and
running tools. All other cementing, drilling, and completion tools are standard, non-
multilateral specific equipment.
Figure 39: Baker FORMation Junction™ Multilateral System
4.2.2.7. Downhole Splitter™ System
Baker Oil Tools Downhole Splitter™ is a unique system and process that allows two
distinct wells to be drilled, cased, and completed from a single surface conductor. When
completed, each well can be produced, serviced, and worked over independently of the
other. The Downhole Splitter is regarded as a TAML Level 6 multilateral, which Baker Oil
Tools has designated as a Level 6S.
Inclusion of the Downhole Splitter system can have a significant impact on the planning
and development of an offshore platform or subsea well. The Downhole Splitter can
reduce the size of the platform being planned, resulting in a considerable savings in the
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cost of developing the reserve. The system can also be beneficial in dramatically
reducing location footprint in environmentally sensitive land locations.
The Downhole Splitter is run in the hole on surface casing and hung off in the wellhead.
A special orienting-type seal assembly is run into the Splitter and directed to the first leg,
which contains standard float equipment. The Splitter and casing are cemented in place.
The first leg is drilled to TD, logged, and the liner is run and hung off in Splitter leg #1.
The seal assembly is re-oriented to the second leg, and the process is repeated.
Depending on size/leg configuration, the wells can be tied back with conventional type
tieback liners and completed as two monobore type completions, or commingled if
desired. Full mechanical and high-pressure hydraulic isolation are achieved at the
junction.
Figure 40: Baker Downhole Splitter™ System
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4.2.3. Sperry Sun LatchMaster™ Pre-milled Window Systems
4.2.3.1. SSDS LTBS Level 3 Multilateral System
The LTBS system was designed primarily to create a level 3 junction for multilateral
wells that require a mechanical integrity w/o cementing the junction. It features a pre-
milled window joint with an orienting latch coupling, milling free system, unrestricted
fullbore access, precise depth and azimuth control by means of the latch coupling
(permanent for future interventions). The basic installation procedure will follow: Install
the pre-milled window joint and cement in place after orientation acquired. Run
whipstock assembly and drill lateral as required. Run lateral liner with tieback hanger
and hang-off. Retrieve drilling whipstock.
Figure 41: Sperry Sun Level 3 LTBS Multilateral System
4.2.3.2. SSDS RMLS level 4 Multilateral System
The RMLS system is designed to create a level 4 multilateral junction for wells that
require cement at the junction. The cemented junction will provide a barrier against
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sand production as well as full drift and full ID for both, the main bore as well as in the
branch or lateral. The RMLS precut window joint is run in the main string, oriented. The
drilling whipstock is set using the latching profiles in the window joint. The lateral is
drilled and the liner is set and hanged in place. The junction will then be cemented and
the whipstock retrieved by means of a washpipe assembly, maintaining fullbore access
to the completed lateral and main string.
Figure 42: Sperry Sun Level 4 RMLS Multilateral System
4.2.3.3. ITBS level 5 Multilateral System
The ITBS system is designed to create a level 5 multilateral junction for wells that
require hydraulic and pressure integrity at the junction. The system does not require the
junction to be cemented since a flexible hanger is utilized to eliminate the probabilities of
sand production. Features of the level 4 RMLS multilateral window joint are: a deflector
with an external packer element and internal sealing component and a flexible hanger
that will maximize the flow area. Install the window joint and orient, run the whipstock in
place and drill the lateral as required. Retrieved the whipstock and install the ITBS
deflector – inflate the packer element. Then run the liner with the flexible hanger and
engage the mainbore stinger in the deflector seal bore. POOH running tool.
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Figure 43: Sperry Sun Level 5 ITBS Multilateral System
4.2.3.4. PACE 6 Level 6 Multilateral System
The PACE 6 system is designed to create a level 6 multilateral junction with mechanical
and hydraulic pressure integrity. The system utilizes an expandable metal window joint
that is inflated to give fullbore access to both, the main string and the lateral. The
installation procedure begins with running the inflatable window on the main string,
inflate and cement in place. Then drill lower or main bore and cement as required. RIH
with drilling whipstock and drill lateral as required. Run liner hanger and cement as
required, and finally retrieve whipstock assembly.
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Figure 44: Sperry Sun PACE Level 6 Multilateral System
4.2.4. Sperry Sun ExitMaster™ Milled Casing Exit Systems
4.2.4.1. 4502-4503 Metal Mill Through Systems
Systems designed to create a mechanical and hydraulic seal at the junction. Offers a
fullbore lateral access but a restricted main bore entry. The whipstock is run in the hole
and set on a multilateral packer. The window is milled and the lateral drilled as required.
The liner is run and cemented in places creating a level 4 multilateral junction. A mill
guide is installed and it milled through. There is a high mechanical integrity, but limited
access.
4.2.4.2. RDS System
The RDS System incorporates a special window milling system that will allow the milling
of a precise window. The system can be used when creating levels 2,3 and 4 junctions.
The RDS eliminates the problems with milling standard windows, where geometry is
usually elliptical and spiral with no control over depths.
The RDS is run in the hole with an anchor packer and latch coupling. It’s oriented and
set in place. The window is milled and the milling machine is retrieved, leaving the
anchor packer and latch coupling as reference. An RMLS whipstock is then run, and the
lateral is drilled. The liner is run with a transition joint and cemented in place. The
whipstock is then retrieved by washing over it, leaving a level 4 junction.
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Figure 45: Sperry Sun RDS System
4.2.4.3. 4501 Low Side Perforation System
The 4501 is a system designed to re-enter existing wells in order to develop additional
reservoirs from the previous well bore. The systems will continue to allow production
from the original main bore, but communication is only hydraulic.
The whipstock is run in conjunction with a packer, the window is milled and the lateral
drilled as required. The liner is run and cemented in place creating a level 4 junction.
The whipstock stays in place but it is perforated to produce the lower section of the
junction.
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Figure 46: Sperry Sun 4501 Low Side Perforation System
4.2.5. Weatherford
The Weatherford SRSTM Selective Re-entry Multilateral System allows sidetracking

numerous times from a parent well, providing the ability to mill the lateral windows in
close proximity to each other. The system also allows re-entry to a specific wellbore at
any time, while simultaneously providing parent well accessibility due to the large ID
packer in the whipstock assembly.
The system provides an economical multilateral solution. Up to six laterals can be

created from the single packer installation, and the laterals can be individually isolated
during drilling or during production and are accessible for positive reentry.
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Figure 47: Weatherford SRSTM Selective Re-entry Multilateral System
4.2.6. Other Companies
Some other companies have a limited range of other similar systems. A number of
companies worldwide can mill windows to create a level 2 junction. TIW has a fiberglass
casing joint, which they have used on a number of occasions. Belwo this they use a
locating profile to set a whipstock, this allows them to drill windows in casing with the
metal; debris problems and the need to orient casing. Obviously fiberglass casing has a
lot of structural issues so it is very limited on the conditions it can be used. TIW also has
a widely used orientation packer so windows can be milled in casing. It has a very large
pass through diameter so is a popular choice as it only slightly limits flow from below.
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5. Multilateral Well Completions
5.1. Completion Issues
5.1.1. Artificial Lifting Mechanisms
The design of a multilateral well may change depending on the type of artificial lift
utilized for the multilateral well. It is important to know the vertical distance between the
laterals and if pump equipment will be placed above, below or between them (only some
systems allow this). Additionally, the downhole lifting component may have limited
dogleg characteristics, enabling placement of the system and preventing cyclic failure.
The limited build and turn may impact multilateral wellpath design and therefore
selection point of lateral junction.
5.1.2. Production Control
The need to know contribution from each lateral will also determine which multilateral
system is appropriate. For example, a Level 1 system that has an open trunk and an
open lateral, has no casing in the main wellbore from which, flow monitoring equipment
or “intelligent” well completion systems can be installed. In many areas commingling of
different reservoirs is not allowed unless the contribution of the flow from each flow unit
can be quantified. This alone may dictate the type of junction needed as one that
requires a flow controller device will inherently be a lot more expensive as the junction
needs to be isolated to do this.
5.1.3. Re-entry Requirements
The classification, level, and cost of the optimum system depend in part on the
operator’s plans for re-entry. The junction with the least risk, cost, and complexity (Level
1) has only a limited capability for re-entry due to a lack of casing in the main wellbore,
while the other levels allow the installation of a whipstock or other deflection device in
the main wellbore casing.
Re-entry criteria includes anticipated water production, anticipated remedial

interventions for stimulation, cleanup, etc., potential for enhanced recovery (i.e. steam,
water, CO2, etc.), cost, mechanical risk and complexity, and more.
The degree of disposability must also be considered. Disposability involves how much
(or more importantly, how little) work will be done if a lateral begins to produce
sand/water, scale up, or any other problem that may require remedial attention. A truly
disposable lateral will either be ignored depending on the degree of the problem or
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simply be "plugged off" and forgotten. If any lateral access is achievable, a more
sophisticated abandonment could be attempted.
Once all the above parameters have been thoroughly studied and needs clearly
identified, and once the multilateral system has been decided upon, the multilateral well
completion can be designed.
As can be noted, the differentiation between the various multilateral systems is primarily
a matter of the completion itself. Multilateral wells can be completed with either dual or
single completions, offering selective re-entry, selective production or independent
production.
In order to properly describe all the various completion systems, it is necessary to

categorize the completion systems as per the TAML level classification.
5.2. Sperry Sun BranchMaster™ Lateral Access Completion Systems
These completions systems are designed specifically for multilateral applications and
allow re-entry into the lateral and lower mainbore. All allow isolation and flow control of
the lateral and lower main zones and can be used in pre-milled or milled window
junctions. These systems may or may not utilize the Sperry-Sun latch coupling. The
BranchMaster™ series consists of:
LRS™ Lateral Re-entry System Multilateral well completion system that allows through-tubing
re-entry or isolation of both the lateral and mainbore. Selective
re-entry to either the lower mainbore or lateral can be done with
coiled tubing or wireline.
LRS-SL™ Self-Locating Lateral Re- Multilateral well completion system with self-orienting and self-
entry System locating lateral re-entry indexing system. The self-locating
mechanism can be used to locate any conventional milled
window. Selective re-entry to either the lower mainbore or
lateral can be done with coiled tubing or wireline.
MSCS® Multi-String Completion Multilateral well completion system that allows segregated
System production of two zones and gives full pressure isolation of the
well junction using completion equipment.
Vector Block Vector Block The vector block is used in conjunction with the MSCS® system
to enable commingled production of two legs and also have full
pressure isolation of the junction. Selective re-entry to either the
lower mainbore or lateral can be done with coiled tubing or
wireline.
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TPI™ Through-Tubing Pressure Through-tubing pressure isolation sleeve used with multilateral
Isolation Sleeve completion systems to isolate the lateral bore from the
mainbore. This sleeve can be used for high-pressure
applications.
5.2.1. LRS™ Lateral Re-entry System
5.2.1.1. Application
The LRW™ whipstock provides drillstring intervention into the lateral bore for workover
operations. This whipstock can be used in any multilateral junction that incorporates a
latch coupling as a depth and orientation reference. This capability allows the lateral
bore to be re-entered should access be required to the lateral for cleaning, stimulation,
zonal isolation, data acquisition, or the exploitation of additional zones. The LRW™
system is run and retrieved on drill pipe. The throated design allows easy movement of
the whipstock from one latch coupling to another without having to pull the whipstock out
of the hole.
5.2.1.2. Features
• Sperry-Sun latch assembly to land and orient whipstock correctly with the lateral bore
or lateral liner
• Throated design to allow easy installation and retrieval of whipstock
5.2.1.3. Benefits
• Applicable for workover operations in the lateral
• The throated design allows easy movement of the whipstock from one latch coupling to
another without having to pull the whipstock out of the hole thus saving a trip.
5.3. Sperry Sun WorkMaster™ Workover Systems
Used in casing re-entry or through-tubing re-entry applications, these systems are

designed specifically to allow re-entry into the lateral or lower mainbore to perform
workover operations. These systems use a range of installation methods from drill pipe
to coiled tubing or wireline. The WorkMaster™ series consists of:
LRW™ Lateral Re-entry Re-entry workover whipstock that can be used in any Sperry-
Whipstock Sun multilateral system that uses a Sperry-Sun latch coupling
and allows re-entry to the lateral bore. This tool is installed
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Whipstock and allows re-entry to the lateral bore. This tool is installed
using drill pipe.
LRW-SL™ Self-Locating Lateral Re-entry workover whipstock that has a self-orienting and self-
Re-entry Whipstock locating lateral re-entry indexing system. The indexing system
can be used to locate any conventional milled window and allow
re-entry to the lateral bore. This tool is installed using drill pipe.
TEW™ Tubing Exit Whipstock Through-tubing re-entry workover whipstock that can be used
in any Sperry-Sun multilateral completion system to gain access
to the lateral. Selective re-entry to either the lower mainbore or
lateral can be done with coiled tubing or wireline.
WREAL™ Wireline Re-entry Re-entry workover whipstock that can be used in any Sperry-
Alignment System Sun multilateral system that has had an orienting sub installed
with the Sperry-Sun latch coupling. Selective re-entry to either
the lower mainbore or lateral can be done with coiled tubing or
wireline.
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6. Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis
6.1. Pre-Milled vs. Milled Systems
Milling operations are critical in the multilateral well construction, representing one of the
areas of higher risk. Milling in two trips provides the best-shaped window but is more
time consuming.
The following table describes the advantages and disadvantages of milling windows
DISADVANTAGES OF MILLING ADVANTAGES OF MILLING
More Cuttings – Steel shavings Lower cost
Less rig time: No gyro orientation surveys – use of

Induced Hole cleaning problems
MWD tools – No sleeves to retrieve or drill out.
Window can be milled after cementing the main

Unknown shape of the window section *
bore csg. String.
Anchors for the whipstock can be run and set at

Risk of parting casing
different inclinations.
Low reliability in whipstock retrieval Window placing can be changed.
Difficulty to re-position the whipstock in the same

No cement plug required (retrievable anchor)
place for reentry purposes.
Loose csg., collars or centralizers can be a problem

Can be done at any inclination, azimuth and dogleg.
when milling.
Milling assemblies roll over right side, some left and

some not roll at all – again, unknown shape of
window
Rough edges of the window can create difficulty to

exit.
Rough edges can damage or destroy inflatable

packers or screens run as they are passing through
the window opening
Risk of abandoning the main bore.
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A bad window has to be patched reducing the ID of

the main bore and depending on the design, can
loose the whole purpose of the multilateral system
(like running artificial lift equipment across it)
Intelligent valves or sensors can be damaged.
The figures below are showing the image logs of a typical milled window vs. the shape of
a pre-cut window joint. The pre-cut window joints are pre-machined and the shape is fit
for purpose – The joint comes wrapped with a material that will allow cementing
operations (integrity).
Figure 48: Typical Milled Window USIT – Image Logs
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Figure 49: Pre-milled window joint – SLB RapidTieback™ system
6.2. Operational Comparison of the 3 most run Systems
6.2.1. Baker Hook hanger Technology
6.2.1.1. Main Bore Preparation
The Only concerns for the mother casing preparation in the Hook Hanger System are
first, to have a guarantee of a good cement job (by means of good cement returns) and
second, although it is not essential, avoid running any kind of centralizers in the joint
where the window is going to be milled.
A Casing Scraper can be run in conjunction with the lower lateral Liner Hanger or as a
separate trip if the liner is being cemented. The liner Hanger setting depth has to be
determine prior to running the liner, based on the desired window depths – space out.
After the Liner Hanger/Packer ( or bridge plug or ML packer) is set, the Casing Scraper
will be worked slowly through the programmed setting depth of the whipstock assembly.
The well is circulated clean before POOH with the casing scraper assembly. It’s
recommended to scrape to a minimum of 20 ft below Bottom Trip Anchor setting depth,
and Reciprocate across setting interval several times scraping at least 50 ft above to
cover where Bottom Trip Anchor will be set.
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6.2.1.2. Whipstock Installation
Refer to the design criteria chapter to acknowledge that as a level three, there is no
hydraulic seal at the junction (just mechanical integrity) in such a way that the proposed
window depth has to be set in a hard consolidated formation when possible. The
whipstock face will be aligned in between collars with at least having the top of the
whipstock placed at least 7 feet below a casing collar eliminating the risk of splitting or
parting the casing at that spot.
It’s is essential to space out using enough drill pipe between the Locator Seal Sub and
the Unloader Sub to position the Whipstock face at the proper depth.
The whipstock is run in the hole with the milling assembly attached by means of a brass
shear bolt (can be steel – shear value pre-set depending on the application). Any hard
movement could cause weakening of this bolt. Before reaching setting depth, orient tool
face high side (most likely between 45° left to 15° right). Set the slips of the bottom trip
anchor, and once the whipstock is set, facing the correct orientation, the bolt will be
sheared and milling of the window begins.
6.2.1.3. Milling the Window
Ditch magnets at the shakers should be placed to eliminate the steel cuttings from the
circulating system. The yield point of the mud should be kept to a minimum of 40 to
ensure carrying capacity of the same as well. Based on the milling assembly, the
window will be milled until the upper watermelon mill exits the window. The Opening can
be redressed until minimum drag from the mills is observed when turning off the pumps
and attempting to go across the window without rotation.
At this point the window is milled and it is required to POOH for the directional assembly.
With the whipstock in place drill the desired well-bore configuration.
6.2.1.4. Whipstock retrieval
After drilling the wellbore, before running any completion string, the whipstock is to be
retrieved using a special lug or hook design in addition to a bumper sub. The whipstock
has a retrieving slot 7 ft below the top, so with the pumps on, rotate slowly while moving
up the face of the whipstock and when the lug enters the slot there will an increase in
torque, indicating that the hook has entered the slot. With approximately 50k lbs over-
pull the BTA will be released. The use of an MWD tool can aid in the retrieval of the
whipstock.
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6.2.1.5. Creation of the Junction
With the whipstock out of the hole, the completion string is run with a bent joint on
bottom to access the window opening. The assembly is run monitoring the depth to
confirm the string has exited the window, since the string can be traveling inside the
main bore and tagging on top of a lower lateral. Set the Hook hanger assembly, inflate
the ECP (optional depending on the application) if it’s being run on the completion string,
set the packer and release the running tool.
At this moment, the level 3 junction is completed. The main-bore, depending on the
combination being run is restricted in ID, but selective re-entry is available by means of a
diverter sleeves set on the hook hanger assembly that will allow work-over operations
inside the lateral.
6.2.1.6. What Can Go Wrong
Bad Cement job: Can be a cause for the mother casing string to move and get a not
very odd shaped window opening.
Shear the bolt while running the whipstock: Special care has to be taken by the drilling
crew when running a whipstock. The bolt can get weak enough to shear and loose the
whipstock in the hole.
Milling a short window: Milling too fast can cause having a short window that may make
difficult to hook the hanger assembly. Follow established procedures for milling the
window. Always running a string mill is possible to open the window even more, but
before retrieving the whipstock. Once the whipstock has been retrieved, is not
guaranteed that can be set again in the same direction and depth.
Underbalance situation when retrieving the whipstock: If an overbalance fluid situation is

present, the Unloader Valve Sub below the Bottom Trip Anchor can be opened allowing
the upper and lower formations to equalize which will free the Locator Seal Assembly.
Not being able to retrieve whipstock: If it’s not possible to hook the whipstock, attempt
with the MWD tool. If over-pull is applied but without success, shear release the
emergency shear disconnect, retrieve the whipstock and leave the bottom trip anchor to
be retrieved in an additional fishing trip. If the hook will not engage a die collar can be
used.
Pump (with mud motor) across the whipstock face: Can cause damage on the bit as well
as the whipstock face. Do not rotate bottom hole assembly stabilizers across the
whipstock. Considered sliding until the whole BHA is out of the main-bore.
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Difficulties Crossing the window: If after milling the window, and drag is found when
attempting to go pass the window opening, considered a redressing trip with a
watermelon mill and stretch the length of the window.
Not entering the lateral when running completion string: If the liner does not successfully
enter the lateral, pull back up hole to a point +/- 15’ above the top of the window, orient
looking for torque indications and try again.
Not able to set the Hook hanger: If it’s not possible to set the hook hanger, run a gyro
(an UBHO is run in conjunction with the hanger assembly) tool and orient the hook on
the opposite side of the window opening.
ECP did not inflate: If indications of not inflating the ECP, evaluate economics to decide
if it’s valuable to retrieve the whole completion string and rerun with a new ECP.
Getting stuck while running the completion string: In some applications, the liner gets
stuck while running in the hole, and before setting the hook hanger. In these cases, and
again, if applicable and economical, a cut inside the completion string is suggested, and
rerun the hook hanger assembly with a smaller string to sting inside the original one and
save the liner.
6.2.2. Schlumberger RapidTieback
Once the pay target have been identified, the pre-milled windows, pre-cut casing joints
covered with a polyurethane synthetic material and wrapped with fiberglass to prevent
collapsing during cementing operations are installed within the mother casing string.
The main concern will be obtaining an accurate orientation of the window opening. A
gyro survey is run on wireline (lands on the orienting key of the window joint). The main
bore casing string can be worked and rotated until the desired orientation is obtained.
The RapidTieback system window joint has a design of two locating profiles, on the top
and bottom of the joint, each consisting of a depth locator profile and a orientation slot.
The lower profiles define the depth and orientation of a whipstock while the upper
profiles define the same variables for setting the tieback (junction) and retrieving running
tools.
During cementing operations, it is necessary to use a special wiper plug – dart- able to
pass through the reduced inner diameter across the polyurethane coated area. Some
difference in displacement values can be seen since the plug is not a conventional one
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but a fin type dart, plus the reduction in diameter will affect the calculated displacement
values.
The synthetic material is drilled through with an in-gauge hole opener. This becomes an
additional trip but important step on the cleaning of the inside of the window joint as well
as of the locator profiles.
Refer to the design criteria chapter to acknowledge that as a level three, there is no
hydraulic seal at the junction (just mechanical integrity) in such a way that the proposed
window depth has to be set in a hard consolidated formation when possible. The
whipstock is run into the hole until the depth locator key in the anchor assembly (called
monopositioning tool -MPT-) has passed the lower depth profiles. Then the anchor is set
in place and the spring loaded orienting key is released and rotated into the lower
orienting profile, leaving the whipstock face aligned with the window opening.
6.2.2.3. Creation of the Junction
The window fiber glass coating is drilled out with a tri-cone bit. Rotating or pumping
across the whipstock face with a PDC bit will damage the bit at the beginning of the
lateral, causing penetration (time) problems and not ensuring an in-gauge well bore.
The liner completion string is run in the hole with a liner tieback. The tieback running or
setting tool uses the window joint upper locator profiles; Once located with the depth
locator profile, a ball is dropped and the pressure increased, activating a clutch
mechanism that allows rotation of the drill string and tieback assembly but not of the liner
string. By rotating the running tool, an orienting key will latch on the orientation slot,
releasing at the same time a Kelly shaft that will be able to stroke, moving the tieback
down and setting the set of tabs against the window pre-cut profiles. The setting tool is
released hydraulically and pulled to unset the locator profiles.
The window will maintaining a full drift across the mother casing as well as to the
laterals. This mechanism creates a TAML level 3, meaning that there is mechanical
integrity at the junction.
6.2.2.4. Whipstock Retrieval
The whipstock is retrieved with a hydraulic hook running tool, as in the previous
operations, which sets in the depth locator profile and orients the hook towards the
retrieving slot on the face of the whipstock, rotating until the orienting key latches into the
upper orienting profile.
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Enough over-pull has to be applied in order to unset the debris seal and unlatch the
lower depth and orienting keys of the monopositioning tool. At this stage the main-bore
and lower laterals if applicable below the whipstock have been isolated for as long as
the drilling of the lateral lasted, so a drop in fluid level will be experienced when
unseating the whipstock. For well control purposes, keep the hole full at all moments
and avoid swabbing.
The well is then ready for further completions and drilling operations.
6.2.2.5. What Can go Wrong
Could not orient the window joints: Rotation of the whole main casing string is
necessary to obtain the desired orientation. Stroke the string to release the torque. It is
recommended as well to torque the main casing joints as much as possible (standards)
and eliminate the possibility of not getting the rotation at the window joint.
Inadvertently drill-out the window: When drilling through the urethane inner sleeve
special care has to be taken with the applied WOB and Rpm’s. Exiting the window
without cleaning the urethane can cause the abandonment of the well.
Accumulation of urethane debris: The clean out has to be done with a mud system that
offers a good carrying capacity – The main casing is cemented and float protected, but
water is not the recommended fluid.
Could not set the MPT: To avoid not being able to find the depth locator profiles, the
recommendation would be a good cleaning –jetting- of the profiles before running the
whipstock. That can be done with the running tool of the lower lateral liner hanger. Try a
modification on this tool to have a set of lateral ports to jet sideways and clean the wall
of the mother casing and leave solids free the window profiles. An additional washing or
jetting trip will be considered after an economical evaluation of the alternatives.
High Doglegs at the window: Plan a short tangent section to place the window joints.
Getting stuck while running the completion string: In some applications, the liner gets
stuck while running in the hole, and before setting the tieback. In these cases, and
again, if applicable and economical, a cut inside the completion string is suggested, and
rerun the tieback assembly with a smaller string to sting inside the original one and save
the liner.
Could not retrieve the whipstock: If the whipstock can not be retrieved with the
hydrohook (despite the two slots of the whipstock face design), the contingency is
running a box tap as fishing assembly.
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6.2.3. Sperry Sun AJ RMLS – Level 4
Once the main pay targets have been identified, the pre-cut window joints are run in the
hole as part of the mother casing string. The casing will be scribed and windows aligned
on surface. On depth, a gyro survey at the top of the ALJ (UBHO key type) is run. To
obtain the desired orientation (+- 30° RHS) it may be necessary to reciprocate and
rotate the string until the gyro shows a high side orientation of the window opening. The
previous RMLS system utilized an internal sleeve for gaining integrity during cement
operations; however, the modified system uses an aluminum window eliminating the trip
to retrieve the inner sleeve, and at the same time since it will be a milling operation, the
window is opened when the whipstock is run. Saving an additional trip. (where pressure
integrity above 1500psi is required the use of the older inner sleeve RMLS is
recommended).
Do not place any centralizers across the window joints. The mother string will then be
cemented per the approved cementing program. On the initial RMLS design, a special
wiper plug was needed to across the inner sleeves, but in the new aluminum jacket
system, a conventional top plug is used. The lower lateral will be drilled and completed
as per design, including in the string one inverted float collar or a drillable plug (or
similar) to avoid communication in between laterals since the operations are time
consuming and to act as an additional debris barrier.
The window joint features a designed latch coupling as integrated part of the window
joint and heart of the Sperry Sun system. It provides unique profiles that will ensure the
right depth and orientation for a whipstock to be set and re-set again throughout the life
of the well.
At the bottom of the whipstock is the Latch Assembly that will allow to set the whipstock
at the proper depth and orientation in the Latch coupling. This Latch assembly can pass
through the Latch Coupling up and down, but there is only one orientation with which it
will locked in place and no longer allow push through or rotation. This is the right
whipstock orientation corresponding to the pre-milled window opening. As in other ML
systems, the whipstock has an emergency release as a contingency that will allow to
retrieve the whipstock if the latch assembly could not be pull out of the coupling.
Set the whipstock on the latch coupling, confirm orientation and shear the bolt to start
with the milling of the aluminum window opening.
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6.2.3.3. Creation of The Junction
The window will be milled with a milling assembly (starter mill with PDC cutters, and two
watermelon mills). The window is pre cut, so milling time is less than when milling in
casing and at the same time the mills will follow the pre-shape window opening. After
the window is opened, with the pumps off, slack down to confirm there is no drag or
hanging of mills across the whipstock face. The window is 10.5’ long and the whipstock
slide gives an estimated kick-off dogleg of +/- 4° / 100’.
Pick up the directional bottom hole assembly and then the drilling of the lateral section
can proceed as per geology and directional requirements to Total depth.
Run the completion string with an Annular Casing Packer to be inflated (by means of a
inverted float, not a running tool) set in the shale section approximately 300 feet outside
the window, distance to be cemented up to the main-bore junction.
A stage tool placed above the ACP will be placed in the string for cementing and
creating the level 4 junction. The top of the completion liner string is a 15 feet long steel
joint called Transition Joint (9 ppf steel) run by means of a running tool attached to the
string by a J-Latch mechanism at the bottom of this transition joint. The running tool
accommodates a pre-loaded liner wiper plug for displacing of the cement. The transition
joint will land on the whipstock face when a stop (shoulder on locator) sits on the top of
the whipstock, confirming correct setting depth.
Inflate the ACP and pump cement slurry and displace with drillpipe wiper plug that will
latch on the pre-loaded dart and move down to close the stage tool.
After the finishing the cement job, the running tool is released and pull approximately
200’ above the junction to circulate out excess of cement. The junction is now cemented
and sufficient WOC time must be given to achieve desired compressive strength.
6.2.3.4. Clean out Trip
A clean out of the cementing equipment (DV tool and inverted float) has to be performed
prior to the retrieval (washover) of the whipstock. A small OD tricone bit can be used to
go inside the liner and drill out the equipment. As an example, inside a 7” liner run a 6
1/8” bit on 3 ½” DP and a 4 ¾” mud motor for time saving (remember we have cement
on top of the transition joint, a stage tool with two plugs and the inverted float).
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6.2.3.5. Whipstock retrieval
Transition Joint is landed across the face of the whipstock. A washover assembly (burn
shoe – wash pipe) is run to cut the transition and retrieving the whipstock at the same
time. The washover assembly is run through the outside of the whipstock (in between
the mother casing wall and the outside of the whipstock body) down to a point where a
ring releases a set of slips that will catch the inside of the washover pipe. Pull to release
the latch coupling from the profiles and retrieve the whipstock.
A level 4 cemented full-bore junction is the result.
6.2.3.6. What can go Wrong
Could not orient the window joints: Rotation of the whole main casing string is
necessary to obtain the desired orientation. Stroke the string to release the torque. It is
recommended as well to torque the main casing joints as much as possible (standards)
and eliminate the possibility of not getting the rotation at the window joint.
Could not set the whipstock in place. Cleaning of the latch profiles might be required.
Inadvertently shear the bolt while running in the hole with the whipstock.
ACP fails to open.
Stage tool fails to Open
When performing the clean out trip, top of cement is not found above transition joint.
During washover of the whipstock: Slicing of the whipstock body if the adequate
procedure is not followed. Operations are done as per specified optimum rpm and WOB
guidelines with low torque and with no attempts to reduce operating times or cut corners.
The washover operation must be done with one straight smooth motion, no connection
should be made during the burning operation.
The whipstock can not be retrieved: If for any reason, the whipstock can not be released
with the washover assembly, different options exist depending on whether the Transition
Joint remnant has been left in the hole or not. Options are fishing with overshot,
retrieving with a hook (the whipstock has a slot at the top) or emergency shear release
and fish the latch coupling in one additional trip.
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6.2.4. Time Comparison of the three Systems
The following table shows a time comparison among the three most run systems based
on operational sequence actual times in an specific project.
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System RapidTieback (hrs) RMLS (hrs) HOOK Hanger

(hrs)
M/U Window Joints 1 1 1 1.00 1 1 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Orient Windows 4 3.75 4 3.92 3 3.5 3.25 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Drill Out Inner Sleeve Trip 12.75 10.2 12 11.67 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
5
RIH and set Whipstock 4.5 5.25 8.5 6.08 7 5.5 6.25 7 6 6 6.33
Mill Window - POOH milling assembly N/A N/A N/A N/A 9.75 9 9.375 8 8 5.25 7.08
Drill Out Window Trip (average) 8 8 8 8.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
M/U BHA and drill lateral - POOH **
Set liner Tieback 3.75 3.25 2 3.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Set Hook hanger (Includes Inflate ECP) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.75 3.75 4 3.83
Set Transition Joint N/A N/A N/A N/A 0 0 0 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Cement Junction -POOH running Tool ( N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.75 3.5 4.125 N/A N/A N/A N/A
WOC )
POOH Liner Running Tool 2.5 2 3 2.50 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2 2.25 2.25
Inflate ECP Trip 5 3.5 7.5 5.33 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Clean out trip of Lateral (Stage Tool & N/A N/A N/A N/A 13 15 14 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Inverted Float)
Clean out trip of lower lateral (St age Tool N/A N/A N/A N/A 10.75 13 11.87 N/A N/A N/A N/A
and & Inverted Float) 5
Retrieve Whipstock 5 4.5 7 5.50 7.25 6.5 6.875 9.75 8.5 4.5 7.58
Washover whipstock N/A N/A N/A N/A 4 3 3.5 N/A N/A N/A N/A
TOTAL TIME 46.5 41.5 53 47.00 63 62.5 62.75 31 28.25 22 27.08
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Multilateral
Date: Revision:
Operations
1-Dec-01 1.0
AVERAGE THREE WELLS 47.00 62.75 27.08
* Times just including multilateral operations

- No NPT
** Same time for all ML system
Average Cost per hr $2,000 Cost Coef.
Rig Cost
Baker Hook hanger Technology Total Cost $54,167 1.00
SLB Rapid Tieback $94,000 1.74
Sperry Sun RMLS $125,500 2.32
Material Cost
Baker Hook hanger Technology Total Cost $124,000 1.0
SLB Rapid Tieback $132,000 1.1
Sperry Sun RMLS $178,000 1.4
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Date: Revision:
Operations
1-Dec-01 1.0
7. Well Control Considerations
7.1. Isolation Between Laterals
Drilling multilateral wells will ad a new variable to the well control considerations: from
which of the laterals is the well kicking from. Keeping the already drilled legs isolated
while drilling, the active wellbore will then be the main concern.
Different methods of isolating laterals can be applied, that will depend on different
factors, for example: which multilateral system is being deployed, whether or not a
different mud system or density was used when drilling the previous laterals, or how long
are the laterals going to be exposed before completion.
Some of the multilateral systems will use an excluder sub as integral part of the
whipstock assembly, that although mainly acts as a debris seal to prevent cuttings and
debris of the milling and drilling operations from falling on top of and around the
whipstock anchoring system, also serve as an isolation method between the lower
section of the well bore and the active lateral.
Other methods for isolating laterals can be implemented upon the time required to run
the completion and the steps to create the junction itself. The use of retrievable or
drillable plugs
7.2. Killing Procedure
If isolation between laterals is present at the junction. the well standard well control
procedures can be applied for each lateral separately; Otherwise, the calculations have
to take into account:
1. The possibility of an influx in more than one of the laterals
2. The weakest formation in either of the laterals
All the general warning signs of a well control situation will be seen, talking about
increase in flow over the shakers, mud weight cut, increase in gas units, drilling break,
etc.. However, the question in case of an event would be from which of the laterals is the
well kicking from.
What would be the main indications of a kick in the active lateral (the one being drilled at
the moment of the influx)? A drilling Break would most likely be the answer.
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Date: Revision:
Operations
1-Dec-01 1.0
When there is uncertainty of which of the laterals the influx is coming from, the MASP
should be calculated based upon the weakest point in all the laterals. In this case, for
the active lateral, the MASP will consider the TVD of the weakest formation point while
for the static lateral, the MASP will consider the TVD at the junction. Calculate both
surface pressures and take the lowest one for killing purposes.
7.3. Failure To Fill The Hole Properly While Tripping
Multilateral Operations as seen along the guide, require different number of trips (RIH
with whipstocks, run milling assemblies, Run Liner, Inflate Packers, cement junctions,
POOH running tools of all types, etc….). So one of the key considerations is keeping
the hole full while tripping. As the drillstring is pulled from the hole, there will be a drop in
the mud level due to the volume of pipe being removed, causing the hydrostatic
pressure to be reduced enough to lose primary well control allowing formation fluids to
enter the wellbore.
After retrieving a whipstock, special care while tripping is to be taken in order to avoid
swabbing the hole.
7.4. Fluid Losses After Retrieving Whipstocks
In most of the cases, the whipstock will limit communication between the lateral being
drilled and the lower section of the well (other laterals or main bore). During the drilling
of the lateral, the formation below the whipstock will be taking fluid. The level will not
drop because of the presence of the whipstock, but when the whipstock is retrieved, the
level will drop immediately (is a good indication of a successful whipstock retrieval) due
to the suction effect. Before beginning to POOH the whipstock assembly, it’s necessary
to gain circulation back and analyze the rate at which the well is taking. Then the
decision to cure losses before POOH will be taken.
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Date: Revision:
Operations
1-Dec-01 1.0
8. Appendixes
8.1. Multilateral Terminology
Sperry Sun
SSDS Sperry Sun Drilling Services
LTBS Lateral Tieback System
RMLS Retrievable Multi Lateral System
ITBS Isolated Tieback System
PACE6 Pressure Actuated Casing Exit System
Low side perforation system
Metal mill through System
MERLIN Milled Exit Retrievable System
RDS Re entry Drilling System
DBD Dual Bore Deflector
MSCS Multi String Completion System
LRS Lateral Re entry System
LRS-SL Lateral Reentry system – self locating
TPI Through tubing Pressure Isolation Sleeve
LRW Lateral Reentry Whipstock
LRW-SL Self locating lateral reentry whipstock
TEW Tubing Exit whipstock
WREAL Wireline Re-entry Alignment System
DSML “RHD” Dual String Packer System
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Date: Revision:
Operations
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NAML Non Access Multi Lateral System
Secure Oil Tools (now Schlumberger)
MLPS Multi Lateral Production System
LSS Lateral Seal Sleeve
Schlumberger
RTB RapidTieback (formerly MLPS)
ICC Indexing Casing Coupling
SLT Selective Landing Tool
USI Ultrasonic Imaging
Baker
BOT Baker Oil Tools
LEN Lateral Entry Nipple
SRT Selective Reentry Tool
TIW
MLAS Multi Lateral Access System
RTA Retrievable Tool Assembly
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Date: Revision:
Operations
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8.2. Well description

The well description is broken down into four major categories
1. New/Existing Well. Two distinct applications where issues such as the method of
casing exit and the ability of achieving pressure integrity at the junction require different
approaches
2. Number of Junctions. Important to a well’s complexity. Currently the majority of wells

are drilled dual lateral however as the technology advances and experience with the
technology is gained the average number of laterals drilled will increase.
3. Well Type (Producer – with= PA or without=PN artificial lift, Injector=IN or

Multipurpose=MP). The functionality requirements of a producer are different from that
of an injector, particularly the levels of pressure integrity required at the junction and
pressure exerted during well shut-in.
4. Completion Type (Single=S, Dual=D or Concentric Bore=C). Describes the

completion above the production packer, which will in turn have an impact on the type of
equipment required at the junction.
8.3. Junction Description

The second area is the junction description, which focuses on the following
1. Connectivity. For a dual lateral, this indicator would be the same as that included in
the Tier 1 ranking. Wells with more than one junction would have a unique level indicator
for each junction, which may or may not be similar. The most complex junction would
determine the overall well complexity ranking. In addition to level, a pressure rating
would also be included where applicable (e.g. Level 5 – 5000 psi)
2. Accessibility (No Selective Re-entry=NR, Re-entry by Pulling Completion=PR or

Through Tubing Re-entry=TR). Describes the level of re-entry, which is catered for
during the life cycle of the well. Although window apertures can be re-entered on a trial
and error basis by utilising bent joints, if there is no fixed datum from which the aperture
can be easily located the lateral is deemed to have no re-entry capability.
3. Flow Control (None=NON, Selective=SEL, Separate=SEP, Remote

Monitoring=REM or Remote Monitoring and Control=RMC). Describes the degree of
control over the production or injection fluid flow across the junction. Monitoring includes
any of the following: pressure, temperature, flow, sand production, scale deposition,
saturation profile, seismic, SCSSSV status, well integrity, corrosion…
An example of a full classification would then be:
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Date: Revision:
Operations
1-Dec-01 1.0
N-2-PA-S-4-PR-NON.
This well is a new multilateral well with two junctions, ie a triple lateral. It is a producer
with artificial lift and with a single bore completion. The highest ranking for one of the
junction is a level 4 complexity. Selective re-entry is only by pulling completion. The well
has no selective flow control capabilities.
Another aspect not covered by the above classification is whether the junction is full-
bore access or if a casing size is lost in the process.
8.4. Useful Web pages related to Multilateral Technology
Schlumberger
Multilateral Products and Services
http://www.hub.slb.com/index.cfm?id=id28748
Multilateral PDF Files
http://www.hub.slb.com/index.cfm?id=id5451
Baker Oil Tools:
http://www.bakerhughes.com/bot/Multilateral/index.htm
Sperry Sun:
http://www.halliburton.com/sperry-sun/products/mult/pr_mult_hm.asp
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Date: Revision:
Operations
1-Dec-01 1.0
Weatherford:
http://www.weatherford.com/weatherford/groups/public/documents/drilling/drl_multilatera
lsystems.hcsp
TAML:
http://taml.wst.no/
Smith Services:
http://www.smithdrilling.com/B_products/index.html
Contact Information
John Redrup: redrup@caracas.oilfield.slb.com
Francisco Alvarez: alvarez@las-morochas.oilfield.slb.com
Francis Besnard: besnard@montrouge.oilfield.slb.com
Gokhan Yarim: yarim@pau.oilfield.slb.com
Confidential

Guide To Multilateral Operations

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Guide To Multilateral Operations

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1. Basic facts on Multilateral Wells 1

1.1. What is a Multilateral Well? 1

1.2. Historic data about multilateral wells 1

1.3. Why multilateral systems are needed? 3

1.4. Classification Systems 5

1.5. Usage to date of Multilateral Wells 12

2. How to Choose the Correct Multilateral Well System 13

2.2. Multilateral Completion Selection Criteria 13

2.3. Risk vs. Benefits 15

2.4. Cost vs. Benefits 16

3. Well Design and Placement of the Multilateral System 17

3.1. Directional Well Design 17

3.2. Mechanical Requirements 17

3.3. Lithological Requirements 19

3.4. Torque and Drag 20

4.1. Quick Description of Available Technology 21

4.2. Multilateral System Descriptions and Installment Procedures 26

4.2.2.4. Level 4 ML System 47

5. Multilateral Well Completions 59

5.1. Completion Issues 59

5.2. Sperry Sun BranchMaster™ Lateral Access Completion Systems 60

5.3. Sperry Sun WorkMaster™ Workover Systems 61

6. Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis 63

6.1. Pre-Milled vs. Milled Systems 63

6.2. Operational Comparison of the 3 most run Systems 65

7. Well Control Considerations 77

7.1. Isolation Between Laterals 77

7.2. Killing Procedure 77

7.3. Failure To Fill The Hole Properly While Tripping 78

7.4. Fluid Losses After Retrieving Whipstocks 78

8.1. Multilateral Terminology 79

8.2. Well description 81

8.3. Junction Description 81

8.4. Useful Web pages related to Multilateral Technology 82

1. Basic facts on Multilateral Wells

1.1. What is a Multilateral Well?

New technologies such as multilaterals offer considerable benefits in certain applications

1.2. Historic data about multilateral wells

Figure 1: An early example of a Multilateral well

In 1998, 5% of multilateral wells were of level 5.

1.3. Why multilateral systems are needed?

1.3.1. Well construction issues

Reduce number of wells:

Reduce number of slots on offshore platform

Reduce number of pads

Reduce surface facilities

Utilize existing wellbore instead of drilling new well

Reduce Wellhead and completion equipment

Reduce number of intermediate casing strings

Intermediate sections drilling costs disappear

1.3.2. Reservoir development issues

Reservoir exposure can be increased for production or injection strategies, especially

More efficient exploitation of complex geological features

Access multiple reservoirs from a single vertical take point

Access stacked reservoirs with multiple horizontal laterals

Exploration and evaluation of multiple targets

Added value in terms of additional production

Added value in terms of accelerated production

Improve enhanced recovery operations

1.3.3. Technical disadvantages:

Well intervention takes special equipment to re-access the laterals

Reservoir monitoring and management is more complicated