Method and system for accessing subterranean deposit from the surface
First Claim
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1. A subterranean drainage pattern for accessing an area of a subterranean zone, comprising:
- a first well bore extending substantially horizontally from a first end of the area in the subterranean zone to a second end of the area;
a first plurality of three or more lateral well bores extending in spaced apart relation to each other from the first well bore to the periphery of the area on a first side of the first well bore;
a second plurality of three or more lateral well bores extending in spaced apart relation to each other from the first well bore to the periphery of the area on a second, opposite side of the first well bore; and
wherein the length of the lateral well bores progressively shorten on each side of the first well bore as a distance from the first end of the area increases.
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Abstract
Improved method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface that substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with previous systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides an articulated well with a drainage pattern that intersects a horizontal cavity well. The drainage patterns provide access to a large subterranean area from the surface while the vertical cavity well allows entrained water, hydrocarbons, and other deposits to be efficiently removed and/or produced.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A subterranean drainage pattern for accessing an area of a subterranean zone, comprising:
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a first well bore extending substantially horizontally from a first end of the area in the subterranean zone to a second end of the area;
a first plurality of three or more lateral well bores extending in spaced apart relation to each other from the first well bore to the periphery of the area on a first side of the first well bore;
a second plurality of three or more lateral well bores extending in spaced apart relation to each other from the first well bore to the periphery of the area on a second, opposite side of the first well bore; and
wherein the length of the lateral well bores progressively shorten on each side of the first well bore as a distance from the first end of the area increases. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
a radiused portion extending from the first well bore; and
an elongated portion extending from the radiused portion to the periphery of the area.
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10. The subterranean drainage pattern of claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of lateral well bores extend from the first well bore at a first angle, and wherein each of the second plurality of lateral well bores extend from the first well bore at a second angle, the first angle different than the second angle.
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11. The subterranean drainage pattern of claim 1, wherein the lateral well bores of the first plurality of lateral well bores are disposed substantially parallel to each other.
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12. The subterranean drainage pattern of claim 11, wherein the lateral well bores of second plurality of lateral well bores are disposed substantially parallel to each other.
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13. The subterranean drainage pattern of claim 1, wherein the first and second plurality of lateral well bores each comprise four or more lateral well bores.
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14. The subterranean drainage pattern of claim 1, wherein the first and second plurality of lateral well bores each comprise five or more lateral well bores.
Specification