Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing fluids from a production zone(s) by drilling and completing multiple laterals from primary wellbore. One or more pre-formed window units are provided in a casing string before it is cemented in the well. Each unit is comprised of a housing having an inlet and two outlets, one of which forms the pre-formed window. The axes of the two outlets forms a relatively small angle (e.g. from 1.degree. to about 10.degree., preferably 3.degree.) whereby a well string will follow a gently curved path as it exits through the window. A re-entry line from the surface can be attached to the housing so that a work-over string can be lowered into a selective lateral without having to shut-in production from the other laterals.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency of horizontal wellbore cleanout of a horizontal wellbore drilled from a vertical wellbore, having a perforated liner cemented across the horizontal wellbore. The method includes running a coiled tubing into the horizontal wellbore. A first cleanup fluid is injected down the coiled tubing and a second cleanup fluid is injected down an annulus formed by the coiled tubing and the wellbore. The injection rates of the cleanup fluids in the coiled tubing and the annulus are balanced. The coiled tubing is moved back and forth over the horizontal wellbore.

Abstract: In a hydrocarbon-producing well penetrating an unconsolidated hydrocarbon reservoir, the azimuthal direction of the maximum in-situ horizontal compressive stress within the reservoir having non-uniform horizontal tectonic stresses surrounding the well is determined. Perforations are formed in the reservoir, or in the casing if the well is cased, oriented in the azimuthal direction of the determined maximum in-situ horizontal compressive stress. Thereafter, hydrocarbon production is initiated from the well through the perforations whereby the potential for sand production along with produced hydrocarbons is minimized.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant connection for use with tubular members having externally threaded ends. The connection includes a stress-bearing sleeve member having an interior surface and an exterior surface; and a fiber-filled polymeric composite shell having at least one internally threaded portion therein, the composite shell molded to the sleeve so as to be coaxially aligned and in close conforming contact with at least a substantial portion of the interior surface of the sleeve member. The composite shell has a thickness of greater than about 0.04 inches.