Sidetracking System Integrates Whipstock and Cement Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sidetracking operations require multiple trips downhole, increasing time and costs associated with drilling deviated wellbores, as they necessitate separate procedures for setting whipstocks and cement plugs.
Innovation Solution
A sidetracking system comprising a whipstock assembly with an expandable anchor and a removable flow blocking member, allowing for simultaneous setting of the whipstock and creation of a cement plug in a single trip by hydraulically actuating the anchor and using a burst disc to control pressure and actuate the anchor assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate procedures are used for setting whipstocks and cement plugs, then proper isolation and sidetracking are achieved, but the number of trips downhole increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the whipstock setting function and cement plug placement function into a single integrated device. The whipstock assembly includes a ramp for guiding the drill string and a central bore for cement flow, while the cement plug is placed in the annulus between the whipstock assembly and wellbore wall during the same operation, eliminating the need for separate trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The whipstock assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a ramp surface for drill string engagement and sidetracking, maintains a central bore for fluid circulation, and creates an annular space for cement plug placement. This multi-functional design allows both sidetracking and isolation operations to be completed in one trip.
2Reliability
If multiple trips downhole are required, then proper wellbore preparation and isolation are achieved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operations (whipstock setting, cement plug placement, and wellbore isolation) into a single trip downhole. The integrated assembly allows the drill string to engage the whipstock ramp for sidetracking while cement is placed in the annulus simultaneously, eliminating repeated tripping operations and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cement plug is pre-positioned in the annulus between the whipstock assembly and wellbore wall before the drill string engages the whipstock ramp. This preliminary placement ensures proper isolation is achieved before sidetracking begins, maintaining wellbore preparation quality while reducing operational steps.
3Ease of operation
If separate operations are used for whipstock setting and cementing, then proper procedural control is maintained, but the complexity of operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates whipstock setting and cementing operations into a single device and single trip. The whipstock assembly with its ramp and central bore, combined with annular cement placement, allows both functions to be controlled through one coordinated operation rather than separate procedures, reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly performs multiple functions (sidetracking guidance, fluid circulation, and isolation) through a unified design. The drill string engages the ramp for sidetracking while cement flows through the central bore and annulus simultaneously, simplifying operational procedures while maintaining proper control.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates sidetracking by eliminating one or more trips downhole. The technique comprises delivering a sidetracking system downhole into a wellbore, and utilizing a component of the sidetracking system to grip a wall of the wellbore. The sidetracking system may comprise a whipstock assembly and a running/stinger assembly in which the stinger assembly is designed for disconnection from the whipstock assembly after delivery downhole. After disconnecting the stinger assembly, the sidetracking system enables delivery of cement slurry down through the stinger assembly to form a cement plug at a desired location.