Lateral entry guidance system (LEGS)

Vastly improve the efficiency of your stimulation or cleanout operations in multilateral wells with the Lateral Entry Guidance System™ (LEGS™) from Baker Hughes. The system reliably locates and enters all branches of your multilateral well to remove fill or stimulate the entire well in a single run.

Simpler design, efficient operability

While other multilateral entry devices require complex electrical controls or steering systems, LEGS uses a proprietary methodology based on hydraulic control. This methodology is proven more effective than simple bent subs run on indexing tools.

The hydraulic-based LEGS works simply and efficiently: the tool is run on coiled tubing to the targeted depth in your well and then pulled back to the target junction where it’s activated. A custom-engineered wand rotates in a 360° spiral search pattern to identify the precise location of the junction. The tool sends a signal to surface that denotes the loss in pressure at the junction point.

The coiled tubing string then moves the tool into the branch to complete the operation. For stimulation operations, LEGS is compatible with most stimulation fluids. For branch cleanouts, a high-flow jetting bypass tool at the end of the wand quickly and effectively cleans drill cuttings, filter cake, and mud residues.

LEGS incorporates a rear-facing Baker Hughes Vortex™ nozzle for increased flow rate and cleaning efficiency. The system is also fully compatible with the Baker Hughes Sand-Vac™ and Well-Vac™ cleanout systems for faster solids removal.

When the operation in a branch is complete, the tool is pulled back to the junction point, moved to the next junction target, and the cleanout/stimulation process is repeated. LEGS efficiently performs this operation on any number of branches and in any number of laterals in your well.

Achieve effective cleanout or stimulation in a variety of well conditions, including cased- and openhole multilateral completions or sour gas environments. An acid-resistant, hydrostatic sequence valve can be added to LEGS to assist operations in your low-pressure wells.

Contact us to learn how the Lateral Entry Guidance system can improve stimulation and cleanout operations in your multilateral wells.