This paper details the design, development, testing, and installation of the first successful multilateral well installed from a floating rig offshore Norway. Well design constraints were evaluated with respect to their impact on a multilateral well. These constraints included rig heave affecting multilateral operations, horizontal junction placement, unconsolidated junction/reservoir rock, and requirements for a cemented junction. Potential problems were determined, and materials and processes were developed to provide resolutions for these problems. Testing was performed to verify that the solutions planned would be successful. New developments for the project included a rate-of-penetration controller tool and a new fluid-loss-control device. Other firsts included the use of a single hollow whipstock to mill the casing window as well as treatment of the junction area with a consolidating chemical to improve stability and reduce the tendency for sand production.
The multilateral well was constructed according to plan with no serious problems and is currently producing from both laterals.
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