Multilateral completions involve the drilling and completion of multiple lateral boreholes branching from a single main wellbore.

Overview of Multilateral Completions

Multilateral completions involve the drilling and completion of multiple lateral boreholes branching from a single main wellbore. This technique is widely used in the oil and gas industry to maximize reservoir contact, enhance hydrocarbon recovery, and reduce the number of wells required for field development.

Key Features and Benefits

• Increased Reservoir Exposure: By drilling several laterals from a single mainbore, operators can access multiple production zones or increase the contact area with the reservoir, leading to improved drainage and higher recovery rates.

• Cost and Environmental Advantages: Multilateral completions reduce the need for additional surface and subsea infrastructure, resulting in lower capital expenditure (CAPEX), minimized environmental footprint, and reduced operational complexity.

• Field Development Flexibility: Particularly valuable in offshore or slot-limited environments, multilateral wells allow for greater flexibility in field development without the need for new well slots or platforms.

• Operational Efficiency: Advanced multilateral systems enable re-entry into laterals for maintenance, stimulation, or zonal isolation without removing the upper completion, reducing downtime and intervention costs.

Types and Classification: TAML Levels

The complexity and capability of multilateral junctions are classified using the Technology Advancement of Multilaterals (TAML) system, which ranges from Level 1 to Level 6. Each level reflects increasing mechanical and pressure integrity at the junction, as well as re-entry and isolation capabilities:

TAML Level	Description	Junction Integrity	Re-entry Capability	Typical Use Case
Level 1	Simple openhole lateral	None	No	Low-cost, low-risk applications
Level 2	Cased and cemented mainbore, openhole lateral	Mainbore only	No	Improved mainbore stability
Level 3	Mechanical support at junction	Partial	Limited	Moderate isolation, some re-entry
Level 4	Pressure-isolated junction	Full (mainbore/lateral)	Yes	High-value, selective operations
Level 5	Fully pressure-isolated, re-enterable	Full (mainbore/lateral)	Yes	Complex, high-pressure environments
Level 6	Intelligent completions, full monitoring	Full + sensors/controls	Yes	Maximum control, deepwater, subsea

Applications

• Complex Geology: Multilaterals are ideal for reservoirs with compartmentalization, faults, or multiple layers, where single wells would be inefficient or uneconomical.

• Brownfield Optimization: Retrofitting existing wells with laterals can extend field life and recover additional reserves without new surface infrastructure.

• Unconventional and Extended-Reach Reservoirs: Multilateral systems can be combined with multistage fracturing for enhanced production in unconventional plays.

Leading Technologies and Providers

Major oilfield service companies offer a range of multilateral completion systems:

• Halliburton: FloRite®, IsoRite®, and MillRite® systems for various TAML levels and operational requirements, including selective inflow control and re-entry capabilities.

• SLB (Schlumberger): RapidX and RapidXtreme junctions focus on sustainability, reducing carbon impact, and maximizing existing infrastructure value.

• Baker Hughes: Offers a diverse portfolio of multilateral junctions and completion tools compatible with all TAML levels, designed for both conventional and unconventional reservoirs.

• Weatherford: Provides specialized tools and crews for precise casing exits and multilateral re-entry services.

Conclusion

Multilateral completions represent a significant advancement in well architecture, offering operators a strategic tool to enhance reservoir access, optimize field development, and reduce both costs and environmental impact. The choice of system and TAML level depends on reservoir complexity, production goals, and economic considerations.

20 alternative companies that provide multilateral completion systems, expanding beyond the major industry leaders:

1. National Oilwell Varco (NOV) – Offers a wide range of multilateral junctions and completion tools for various reservoir conditions.

2. GWDC (Global Well Drilling Company) – Provides multilateral systems and well intervention services.

3. SPT Energy Group – Specializes in well completion and multilateral junctions, especially in challenging environments.

4. Zamam Offshore Services Limited (Nigeria) – Offers multilateral completion solutions tailored for offshore and deepwater applications.

5. Nabors Industries – Provides well construction and multilateral systems, especially in onshore and unconventional reservoirs.

6. Patterson-UTI Energy – Offers well drilling and multilateral completion services.

7. Odfjell Drilling – Provides specialized multilateral well systems for offshore fields.

8. Saipem – Offers integrated multilateral well completion and drilling solutions, particularly in complex fields.

9. Petrofac – Provides multilateral well construction and completion services globally.

10. Vallourec – Supplies casing and tubing solutions for multilateral wells.

11. Baker Hughes (additional systems) – Offers advanced multilateral junctions like HydraSplit and other tailored systems.

12. Weatherford International (additional systems) – Provides a broad portfolio of multilateral tools and re-entry systems.

13. Nabors Well Servicing – Focuses on multilateral well construction and intervention.

14. Hunting PLC – Offers wellbore completion tools, including multilateral junctions.

15. KCA Deutag – Provides well construction and multilateral systems with a focus on complex reservoirs.

16. Jindal Drilling & Industries Ltd – Offers multilateral well systems in India and Asia.

17. Sapura Energy – Provides multilateral well services and completions in Southeast Asia.

18. FMC Technologies (now part of TechnipFMC) – Supplies multilateral completion equipment and systems.

19. LLOG Exploration – Focuses on innovative multilateral well solutions in deepwater fields.

20. Cameron (a Schlumberger company) – Offers multilateral junctions and completion tools for complex reservoirs.

These companies provide a diverse array of multilateral completion solutions suitable for different reservoir types, depths, and operational environments, complementing the offerings of the major players.