Patent ID: 7222670

Claim:
A method for accessing a subterranean zone, comprising: forming an entry well from the surface, the entry well having a substantially vertical portion; forming a drainage well extending from the entry well to a subterranean zone, the drainage well comprising at least one slanted portion; forming an articulated well extending from the entry well to the subterranean zone, the articulated well extending from the entry well to intersect the drainage well at a junction proximate the subterranean zone; forming a drainage pattern through the articulated well, the drainage pattern coupled to the junction and operable to conduct fluid from the subterranean zone to the junction; and forming a second drainage well from the entry well to the subterranean zone, the second drainage well comprising at least one slanted portion; forming a second articulated well from the entry well to the subterranean zone, the second articulated well intersecting the second drainage well at a second junction proximate the subterranean zone.