Multilateral Well Completion (TAML)
Multilateral completion technologies (TAML) make it possible to build wells with several laterals to increase hydrocarbon production and optimize field development. The overall goal of TAML technologies is to improve field-development efficiency by increasing the coverage of productive formations, bringing additional zones into production and optimizing well operation.
TAML 1
The lateral is drilled from an open-hole section of the well using a hollow permanent whipstock. Both the main and the lateral bores are equipped with screen liners.
Key advantages
- Simplicity of implementation.
- Production continuity — the productivity of both bores is preserved, and access to the lateral is retained.
- Scalability — the technology allows building not only dual-lateral but also tri-lateral and more complex configurations.
TAML 3 Lite
The technology is designed for kicking off a lateral in producing wells. Production from the main (mother) bore is not interrupted. The whipstock is run to the required depth, oriented, and then the hydraulic anchor is activated by applying pressure.
Key advantages
- Production continuity — the main bore keeps operating normally.
- Versatility — suitable for cased directional injection wells.
TAML 3
The system is suitable for equipping the junction in both cased and open holes. The liners are run with rotation and secured with hydraulic anchors.
Key advantages
- Junction reliability — mechanical integrity of the junction is ensured.
- Selective access.
- Operational flexibility — compatible with multistage hydraulic fracturing (MSF) systems.
TAML 4
The lateral is kicked off from the casing. The junction is cased and cemented, which ensures its tightness and mechanical strength.
Key advantages
- Production continuity — operation of the main bore is not interrupted.
- Interval isolation — the window is reliably isolated from transit interlayers (e.g. water- or gas-bearing horizons).
- Ease of operation — full-bore diameter is retained in the main bore, and a permanent diverter can be used.
- Compatibility with additional equipment — suitable for MSF systems and sand-control devices.
- Wide application range — applicable to wells with casing from 146 to 245 mm.
The overall effect of adopting TAML technologies is more complete coverage of productive formations, bringing hard-to-reach or previously uneconomic zones into development, and improving the overall efficiency of well operation.