Junction
Pressure Integrity
The RapidSeal system, developed in a joint Eni S.p.A. E&P Division and
Schlumberger research project, forms a high-strength symmetrical junction and
hydraulic seal between two adjacent laterals and the main wellbore.
[note 3]
This
one-piece system is prefabricated.
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outlets to a structural member, or stiffener. An adapter connects the outlets to a main junction bore and provides a smooth transition. A steel frame inside a fiberglass guide at the bottom protects the outlets, functions as a casing shoe and guides tools in and out during drilling and completion of each lateral.
A novel metal-forming process reduces the initial outside diameter by plastically compressing the lateral outlets in a special press. Only the ductile outlets sustain plastic deformation. Manufacturing processes ensure low, evenly distributed stresses, consistent geometry and accurate dimensions. Compressed RapidSeal junctions can pass through the preceding casing string, minimizing wellbore telescoping.
After this system is deployed, a wireline-conveyed expansion tool simultaneously reforms both outlets to original size and cylindrical shape, allowing standard tools to pass. Current RapidSeal systems combine two 7-in. outlets below 9 5⁄8-in. casing or two 9 5⁄8-in. outlets below 13 3⁄8-in. casing.
Pressure ratings for 9 5⁄8-in. and 13 3⁄8-in. RapidSeal junctions are 1200 psi [8 MPa] and 2100 psi [14.5 MPa], respectively. RapidSeal junctions allow production in some reservoir applications, facilitate conformance control and permit injection into one lateral while producing from the other.
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