Whipstock Assembly Support Cradle for Rotary-Table Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly and deployment of a bottom hole assembly with a whipstock at a rig require multiple manual steps, involving crew members and increasing the complexity and time required for the process.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allows for the lifting, supporting, and running of a whipstock assembly through a rotary table using a support member and base member, which can be removably connected to facilitate the assembly and deployment of a bottom hole assembly, reducing the need for manual steps and crew members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual assembly steps are used at the rig, then the whipstock can be assembled and deployed, but the number of crew members and assembly steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidnumber of crew members and steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: a whipstock assembly module that can be assembled independently, a transport module for moving the assembly through the rotary table, and a deployment module. This segmentation allows pre-assembly and testing to occur separately from the rig operations, reducing on-site complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A transport apparatus acts as an intermediary device between the whipstock assembly and the rotary table. This intermediary handles the complex maneuvering and positioning tasks, reducing the need for multiple crew members to manually guide and assemble components at the rig

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple manual steps are performed on the rig floor, then the whipstock assembly can be completed, but the time required for the process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly completionVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The whipstock assembly is prepared, tested, and partially assembled in advance using the separate assembly module before being transported to the rig. This preliminary action ensures that critical assembly steps are completed beforehand, reducing on-site assembly time while maintaining reliability through pre-performed integrity tests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The transport apparatus enables continuous movement of the whipstock assembly through the rotary table without requiring stopping for repositioning or manual adjustments. The hydraulic connection allows continuous operation during deployment, eliminating time losses associated with interrupting the assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12460483B2Apparatus and method for assembling and deploying whipstock assembly

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 WEATHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

An apparatus or cradle having top and bottom supports is used to assemble, transport, and deploy a bottom hole assembly. The cradle supports at least a whipstock and mill of the assembly during assembly and transport. At the rig, the assembly and at least the mill support are lifted, and a portion of the assembly is through a rotary table of the rig. The assembly is then supported on the rig by engaging a base of the cradle on the rotary table. A milling tool is connected to the mill of the assembly, and the assembly is disconnected from the at least one support of the cradle. The assembly and the milling tool can then be run through the rotary table for deployment downhole.