Oilfield Review - Lateral Isolation and Access

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The RapidAccess ICC provides a permanent depth and directional orientation reference for future selective access to individual well branches. A selective through-tubing access (STTA) device with a locking profile and a deflector set in a production selective landing tool (PSLT) allows wireline and coiled tubing tools to reenter a specific lateral for well-intervention operations. An internal sleeve installed in the PSLT isolates a lateral from the main wellbore.

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The Intervention Discriminator component of a DualAccess packer system provides selective through-tubing access to each branch of a RapidSeal dual-lateral well after production equipment is installed. Removing completion equipment and setting an oriented deflector in the upper profile of a RapidSeal junction allow reentry of a specific lateral for fullbore operations.

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The Discovery MLT multilateral tool provides controlled, selective access to all types of multilateral junctions using standard coiled-tubing equipment. A flow-activated bent-sub controls tool orientation while pressure feedback provides real-time confirmation at surface that the correct lateral has been accessed. This acid-resistant tool allows well-logging, cleanout or stimulation operations in a single run for multilateral wells with open drainholes or dropoff liners and completions without specialized diverter equipment.

Lateral Isolation and Access
In addition to stability, sand exclusion and pressure integrity, the RapidConnect, RapidExclude and RapidSeal systems facilitate selective isolation and reentry of a specific lateral. Reliable lateral access simplifies future well interventions. Isolation of individual laterals helps operators control flow from each well branch, produce from separate reservoirs and inject in one lateral while producing from another.

These two capabilities are essential to optimize production and improve reservoir management, especially in deepwater and subsea projects. There is also an increasing trend toward minimizing remedial operations using conventional drilling and workover rigs. The Discovery MLT multilateral tool system provides controlled, selective access to all levels of lateral junctions with standard coiled tubing equipment.