The oil industry uses multilaterals for many reasons; lower cost, smaller footprint, environmental issues, and an increase in reservoir contact to an increase reservoir production. This paper presents a case study of a TAML Level 5 multilateral junction installed in one of China's largest oil fields. What is unique about this installation is the mechanism and completion used to lift the oil to surface. This is the first time a TAML Level 5 junction and a pumpjack have been paired for lifting production. In the past, it was believed that multilateral junctions in this type of environment were not cost effective.

The paper will discuss the TAML definitions, and in particular, the well conditions that led to the selection of the Level 5 junction. Installing a multilateral junction involves multiple processes that are addressed in the planning and implementation process, including reservoir selection, drilling, and completion of the well. These processes also led to the selection of the proper multilateral system to achieve the objectives for the well. This paper also covers some of the planned decisions that needed to be altered due to unpredicted well conditions. The successful installation and completion obtained from this well show that a Level 5 junction can be a successful option for a more diverse range of applications than previously thought; even on a well that uses a traditional rod pump for production.