Patent ID: 6732792
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: E21B,E21F

Abstract:
A structure for accessing a region of a subterranean zone, comprising:a first substantially vertical well bore substantially defining an end of a first area in the region; a second substantially vertical well bore substantially defining an end of a second area in the region adjacent to the first area; a first articulated well bore intersecting the first substantially vertical well bore at a first junction; a second articulated well bore intersecting the second substantially vertical well bore at a second junction; a first substantially horizontal diagonal well bore extending from the first junction in line with the first articulated well bore to a distant end of the first area; a second substantially horizontal diagonal well bore extending from the second junction in line with the second articulated well bore to a distant end of the second area; and each diagonal well bore comprising a plurality of substantially horizontal lateral well bores extending from the diagonal well bore to a periphery of the area containing the diagonal well bore.