Whipstock Integrated Completion String for Coiled Tubing Sidetracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in performing sidetrack operations on wells with completion strings, as there are limited whipstock technologies capable of concurrent sidetracking and completion string installation.

Innovation Solution

The system comprises coiled tubing connected to a bottom hole assembly, a latching tool removably connected to the completion string, a milling section, and a whipstock. The latching tool transitions between movable and immovable positions to enable the transfer of weight and rotational movement, allowing the milling section to sidetrack the well when the latching tool is in the second position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a completion string is installed in the well, then the well can produce hydrocarbons, but the ability to perform sidetrack operations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to perform sidetrack operationsVSAvoidcompletion string installation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The whipstock system is nested inside the completion string, with the whipstock able to be deployed from within the completion string's internal diameter. The anchor slips are stored within the whipstock body and deploy outward to engage the wellbore wall, creating a nested configuration that allows sidetracking capability within the constrained space of the completion string.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The whipstock transitions from a retracted state (traveling inside the completion string) to an extended state (deployed for sidetracking). The anchor slips dynamically change from a stored position to an engaged position against the wellbore wall, and the whipstock body extends radially to provide the necessary leverage for kicking off the milling section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If traditional whipstock technology is used, then sidetracking can be performed, but it cannot be done concurrently with completion string installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two separate operations (completion string installation and whipstock sidetracking) into a single integrated system. The completion string and whipstock are combined such that the whipstock can be deployed from the completion string, allowing both functions to be performed in sequence without removing the completion string, thereby eliminating the need for separate operational trips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The whipstock system is pre-installed within the completion string before the completion string is deployed into the wellbore. This preliminary positioning allows the whipstock to be immediately available for sidetracking operations once the completion string is in place, eliminating the need for subsequent retrieval and reinstallation operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the latching tool remains in the first position, then the completion string can be installed, but weight and rotation cannot be transferred to the milling section

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompletion string installationVSAvoidweight and rotational transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The latching tool provides dynamic connectivity, transitioning from a movable state (allowing independent rotation of the completion string) to a locked state (transferring weight and rotation to the milling section). The rotational portion can move freely during installation but can be positioned to engage with the stationary portion, creating a rigid connection for power transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The latching tool acts as an intermediary mechanism between the completion string and the milling section. It provides a controlled connection that can engage or disengage based on operational requirements, mediating the transfer of mechanical energy and allowing the system to switch between different operational modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12312890B2Whipstock integrated to completion string for coiled tubing operations

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A system includes coiled tubing connected to a bottom hole assembly, a latching tool removably connected to the completion string using a completion shear pin, configured to connect to the bottom hole assembly, having a stationary portion and a rotational portion overlayed on top of the stationary portion, wherein a first position of the latching tool comprises the rotational portion movably disposed around an outer circumferential surface of the stationary portion and a second position of the latching tool comprises the rotational portion immovably disposed around the outer circumferential surface of the stationary portion, a milling section connected to the latching tool and configured to receive weight and rotational movement from the coiled tubing to sidetrack the well when the latching tool is in the second position, and a whipstock removably connected to the milling section via a mill shear pin and having anchor slips configured to jut out into and engage with an inner circumferential surface of the well when an anchor shear pin is broken.