The Use of Multilateral Technology in an Environmentally Sensitive Area: The Val d'Agri Field, Italy

Abstract

TX 75083-3836 U.S.A., fax 1.972.952.9435. AbstractCurrent trends in the oil and gas industry are focused more in operational efficiency, production optimization, value, and environmental effects than ever before. The industry actively pursues technologies and techniques that offer improvement in these areas, which explains the increased interest in multilateral well designs. In highly sensitive areas, such as national parks and areas of geographical sensitivity, it has become extremely difficult to obtain permits to prepare well sites if this preparation requires the removal of forestry, permanent scarring of the landscape, or disturbances to the wildlife or to the people who live and work in the area.The Val d'Agri field in southern Italy is located within the boundaries of the Basilicata National Park. Consequently, Eni and its partners were challenged with reaching production targets while minimizing land disturbances. Eni evaluated and implemented multilateral technology to help meet the objectives.The forward thinking of Eni led the company to pre-install orientation devices in the casing string during the original construction of the well. This action made it possibile to perform multilateral solutions if/when needed, such as the TAML Level 5 implemented on well Agri-1 or B.The first orientation devices to be used were installed in well Cerro Falcone 3X or A in 2000 to construct a TAML Level 2 junction with re-entry capabilities through the completion. In 2003, the same technology was used on Agri-1 or A, where the orientation devices were installed in the 7-in. and 9-5/8-in. casings. When well Agri-1 or A was put on production, the produced fluid was found to be much more corrosive than expected. The well had to be shut in because the metallurgy of the equipment in the well was not suitable for the corrosivity of the produced fluid.Eni and Halliburton formed a team to evaluate the situation and design a suitable solution: to exit from the 9 5/8-in. orientation device and drill a secondary lateral. This secondary lateral required a TAML Level 5 junction with an Incoloy 925 completion to isolate the junction and to provide throughtubing access to all bores, including the existing Agri-1 or A.This paper focuses on the methodology and value this technology brought in the achievement of planned production targets.