Patent ID: 6729394
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A method of producing fluids from a subterranean formation containing such fluids, comprising a network of conduits formed and operated according to the following steps:(a) forming a well-bore having a horizontal section that is located within the formation; (b) completing and equipping the well-bore so that fluids contained in the formation can be produced from the formation through the well-bore; (c) producing fluids from the formation through the well-bore characterized by: (d) forming at least one additional well-bore having a horizontal section that is located within the formation, such that the horizontal section of said at least one additional well-bore is oriented in the direction of the horizontal section of the well-bore formed pursuant to step (a), and is in fluid communication with the well-bore formed pursuant to step (a), without intersecting with such well-bore; and (e) at least completing the at least one additional well-bore, to form a conduit within the formation to allow and cause fluids contained in the formation which drain or flow into such at least one additional well-bore to flow to and be produced from the well-bore formed pursuant to step (a) above; wherein performing step (d) fluid communication between the well-bore Pursuant to step (a) occurs during the forming of said at least one additional well-bore.