A dual multilateral completion as an alternative to un-wanted water control in horizontal wells

Worldwide water production (e.g. also called as un-wanted water) creates huge oil fields problems. An estimate shows that the average of three barrels of water is produced for each barrel of oil. The common practice in vertical wells is to block the water zone and perforate above. However, in horizontal zone if the oil-water contact (OWC) reaches the horizontal section, the well will be abandon. In literature, there are many methods used to delay water break though. Horizontal wells increase the potential of OWC movement due to the phenomena of high velocity of flow near heal compared to toe. Horizontal wells have been increased significantly for last twenty years and almost replaced the vertical wells. Moreover, horizontal drilling has become a common practice with recent technology and advanced tools. As a result, the technology starts moving towards multilateral wells and extended reach drilling. In addition, some geological and reservoir cases put horizontal well in a challenging position. But still no one can deny advantages of horizontal wells and its contribution to the oil production and increasing exploited reserves. This article addresses the most exhibited challenges faced in horizontal well completions. In addition, the paper proposes the dual multilateral drilling and completion strategy and compares the proposed method with the conventional solution by ICDs and ICVs. A case study is also presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. The problem with the existing practice is that the velocity of flow at heal is very high compared with the toe of a horizontal section. This situation causes many problems especially when there is permeability or pressure variations. It becomes even worst when the horizontal section is near the water-oil contact (OWC). The OWC below the horizontal section will be disturbed and this leads to early water break through. ICV is used to choke the heal area or some perforation design technique. All these techniques are based on reducing the production from that area. This article outlines how to tackle this issue using the proposed dual lateral completion while allowing the production to be increased within wider save margin. This method will be useful for enhancing the production and reducing the water break through for a reservoir.