Patent ID: 6279658
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A method of forming a plurality of wellbores for producing hydrocarbons from earth formations, comprising:(a) forming a main wellbore of relatively large cross-sectional area in the earth to a predetermined depth, said main wellbore terminating at a bottom;(b) forming a plurality of secondary wellbores of smaller cross-sectional area than the main wellbore and extending from the main wellbore bottom, at least one secondary wellbore intersecting a hydrocarbon-bearing formation for producing hydrocarbons;(c) installing a fluid processing unit and at least one casing with a fluid flow connection between the fluid processing unit and the at least one casing;(d) allowing the formation fluid to flow from the at least one casing to the fluid processing unit;(e) processing said received fluid to obtain a refined fluid; and(f) allowing the refined fluid to flow to a surface location.