As the industry pursues optimum cost drilling techniques, more focus i
s being applied to multilateral (ML) technology. The presently availab
le literature invariably focuses on the cost and efficiency benefits o
f drilling ML wells. What is missing in the media, however, are the be
nefits associated with publication of the negative aspects or costly f
ailures of higher-technology, multiple-lateral projects that require a
mechanical tieback, cement, or a pressure seal at the junction of the
laterals (i.e., Class 3-, 4-, or 5-type wells, respectively). This pa
per presents a case study of a Class 4 ML well attempted by THUMS Long
Beach Co. in the East Wilmington field of California.