Integrated Whipstock and Stinger Sidetracking Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional whipstock systems require multiple trips downhole to set and anchor the whipstock and create a cement plug, increasing the time and cost of sidetracking operations for forming deviated wellbores.
Innovation Solution
A sidetracking system that integrates a whipstock assembly with a stinger assembly and an expandable anchor, allowing for the simultaneous setting of the whipstock and creation of a cement plug in a single trip, using a releasable latch mechanism and hydraulic actuation to anchor the system and pump cement, reducing the number of trips necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional whipstock systems are used to set and anchor the whipstock and create a cement plug, then the operations can be completed with traditional equipment, but multiple trips downhole are required, increasing time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the whipstock assembly and stinger assembly into a single integrated downhole tool that can simultaneously set the whipstock, anchor it, and create a cement plug in one trip. The stinger assembly includes a setting tool with a releasable latch mechanism that couples the stinger to the whipstock, allowing coordinated execution of multiple functions that traditionally required separate trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated whipstock-stinger assembly performs multiple functions in a single deployment: it sets the whipstock to guide the drill bit, anchors the assembly using expandable anchors, and creates a cement plug to isolate zones. This multi-functional tool eliminates the need for multiple separate operations and trips downhole.
2Reliability
If multiple trips downhole are made to set whipstock and create cement plug, then each function can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the operational cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate devices (whipstock, setting tool, stinger, anchors, cement plug creation mechanism) into a single integrated assembly. While this increases structural complexity, it eliminates multiple trips and reduces overall operational complexity by coordinating all functions in one deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The stinger assembly is nested within or coupled to the whipstock assembly, with the setting tool positioned to engage the whipstock. The releasable latch mechanism allows the stinger to be securely coupled during deployment and then released after anchoring and cementing are complete, enabling a compact nested configuration that reduces complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the stinger assembly is permanently coupled to the whipstock, then the structure is simpler, but the stinger cannot be released after cementing, preventing retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the stinger assembly and whipstock is made dynamic rather than static. The releasable latch mechanism allows the connection to be secure during deployment and anchoring operations, then release after the cement plug is set. This dynamic coupling enables both secure operation and subsequent retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasable latch mechanism is designed to automatically or manually release after the cement plug is set, allowing the stinger assembly to be pulled free from the whipstock. This preliminary arrangement for release ensures that retrieval is possible without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the time and cost associated with drilling deviated wellbores by enabling the whipstock and cement plug to be set in a single trip, allowing for more efficient sidetracking operations and improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A ball seat carrier has an extended portion releasably coupled within an interior of the latch mechanism
Implementation Method 2
The pumping of fluid into the central bore is continued to sufficiently increase fluid pressure therein to cause the ball seat carrier to be released from the latch mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method facilitate sidetracking by eliminating one or more trips downhole. A sidetracking system includes a whipstock assembly and a stinger assembly. The stinger assembly has a stinger which extends at least partially through the whipstock assembly. The stinger is coupled to a sub of the sidetracking system by a releasable latch mechanism, such as a shear pin or collet.