SPE 148904

New Tools and Procedures Increase Reliability of Openhole Sidetrack

Operations
John Campbell, Philip Gregurek, Shantanu Swadi, Charles Dewey, Praful Desai, Smith Services, A Schlumberger
Company

Copyright 2011, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Eastern Regional Meeting held in Columbus, Ohio, USA, 17–19 August 2011.

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have not been
reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its
officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to
reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright.

Abstract
Openhole sidetracking is most commonly applied in three drilling scenarios: 1) to drill a horizontal lateral from the main
wellbore in unconventional reservoir exploration 2) to drill lateral in a multilateral well 3) to detour around a stuck fish. In
most drilling operations, the risk and the economics associated with openhole sidetracking dictates that all commercially
available methods and technologies be evaluated thoroughly to achieve the objective and re-establish normal drilling
operations. The evaluation is more challenging in medium to hard formations or in highly deviated wells or a combination of
both.

Recently, the most requested application for the system has been for exploratory wells drilled in unconventional reservoir
plays that are recent developments where little or no offset well data exists. In such fields there is significant risk in drilling a
horizontal lateral because reservoir characteristics are not well known. The logical step therefore is to rely on the conventional
methodology or on the historical experience of field engineers working the region.

Traditionally, the predominant openhole sidetracking methodology started with setting a cement plug followed by a directional
BHA once the cement hardens. The success of the plug setting operation depends on formation compressive strength, degree
of downhole temperature/pressure, wellbore deviation, cement plug depth, quality of cement and cure time. The consequences
of plug failure are extra trip time, a new cement plug, loss of drilling days and reconfiguration of drilling trajectory.

A recent R&D effort has identified a new method and associated tools that can be effectively utilized to increase operational
reliability in openhole sidetracking and to save costs in terms of time and materials.

1. Single trip retrievable openhole sidetrack system:

The system is designed for multilateral wells where access to the main bore is a requirement. The system is equally applicable
in situations where cement plugs are ineffective such as in medium to hard formation or in highly deviated holes. No
cementing operation is required.
2. Cementing openhole system with anchor:
The system is designed for unconventional reservoir exploration where the bottom hole is required to be plugged with cement
once the pay zone has been identified and kick-off point for a lateral is confirmed. With the anchor firmly holding the system
in place, the operator does not have to wait until the cement is fully cured. The solid ramp encased in the cement is used for
sidetracking.
3. Cementing openhole system without anchor.
This system is designed for wells where there is a hard bottom available. The cement holds the system firmly at the bottom
while a solid ramp encased in the cement is used for sidetracking purpose.

The paper discusses mechanical and operational features of above system along with their respective field performances. The
paper will also describe challenges faced in field runs, how those were overcome, the lesson learned and potential system
modifications.
2 SPE 148904

Introduction
The sidetracking operation in an open hole is carried out (a) to drill a lateral in an exploratory well (b) to drill a lateral in a
multi lateral well and (c) to detour around a stuck fish in the hole. The risk and the economics associated in all of these
scenarios have to be evaluated thoroughly so that a best solution can be selected and a normal drilling operation can be re-
established.
The most prevalent sidetracking technique for the open hole has been to set a cement plug and time drill with controlled ROP
with a directional drilling assembly. However advances in the cased hole sidetracking tools and peripheral equipment have had
a significant and positive impact on the openhole sidetracking applications. With these new tools and procedures the risk is
minimal and installation less complex resulting in more economical and faster operations compared to setting a conventional
cement plug.

Cement Plug Limitations

The conventional method of setting a cement plug is generally time consuming,
economically prohibitive and often unsuccessful. Instances in which cement plug
may not be good alternatives include (a) highly deviated well bores (b) smaller
diameter openhole sections (c) deep openhole sections and (d) high pressure Casing
intervals. At greater depths, with elevated temperatures and pressures, cement
plugs rarely have strength greater than the surrounding formation, making them
difficult to use as a kickoff point. In highly deviated holes, cement plugs often get
strung out along the wellbore. Without the strength of a good cement plug, Openhole
sidetracking is very difficult. Often numerous cement plugs have to be set to
obtain acceptable results. This is both cost intensive and time consuming. Fig. 1
shows a typical sidetracking operation using a cement plug.

Technical Solution Sidetrack

An innovative technical solution was required to remove the uncertainties
associated with the conventional cement plug approach. The need was heightened
by new drilling challenges in deep water exploration were highly deviated
boreholes, hard/abrasive formations and unconventional reservoir exploration are
becoming more common.
Cement Plug
A recent R & D project was instigated with a goal to identify new tools and
procedures that can be effectively utilized to increase the operational reliability in
openhole sidetracking operation that can utilize recent advances in the cased hole
sidetracking tools and peripheral equipment. Fig. 1 Cement Plug Sidetrack
In response to this challenge, an initiative was launched and a comprehensive
technical solution which included innovative tools/technologies and detail procedures designed specifically for the openhole
sidetracking operations for a variety of drilling situations. The comprehensive solution included two major categories of
applications with each category containing two systems options suitable for the desired objective.

Openhole Sidetracking Systems

The engineering team reviewed a variety of openhole sidetracking applications and identified two major applications.
(1) Mother bore or main bore where isolation is required by cement plug barrier.
- Accordingly “Cementing Systems” were designed and launched.
(2) Mother bore or main bore where access is required for future operations.
- Accordingly “Non-Cementing Systems” were designed and launched.

Cementing Systems
Cementing systems are recommended in situations where a mother bore or main bore is required to be plugged either by local
regulatory agency or by a preference of an operator for safety reasons. In either case, there are two options available
depending on the available bottom location and the intended kick-off point.

(1) Cementing System with an Anchor

Typical Application
In exploratory wells drilled for unconventional reservoir exploration, particularly in recent field developments where there is
little or no offset-well data. In such fields there are significant challenges in determining which zones are productive,
identifying where the remaining recoverable reserves exist, and in deciding where to drill a horizontal lateral. The kick-off
point to reach the optimum producing zone may be several hundred feet above the bottom of the hole. Additionally, the local
regulatory agency or an operator may require that zones below the intended lateral location be isolated by a barrier preferably
a cement plug.
SPE 148904 3

System Description
Fig. 2 shows the system as run in the hole with individual components
identified. The system includes (1) a whipstock for maximum support to the
directional drilling BHA (2) an expandable hydraulically set anchor which
provides three point firm grip with the hole wall to counteract rotational
tendency (3) ability to orient the ramp to the desired azimuth (4) retrievable
cementing stinger with generous ID to supply cement below the system to
isolate the zones below (5) long tail pipe below the system for cement
transport to the bottom of the hole and (6) an ability to accomplish running,
orienting, anchor setting, cementing and stinger recovery operations all in
one trip.

System benefits
The systems’ key benefits include (1) allows openhole sidetracking at any
depth regardless of the location of the hole bottom (2) removes uncertainty of
conventional cement plug by having a steel ramp for sidetracking and (3) it
results in cost saving by (a) eliminating a separate trip for setting cement plug
(b) by not having to wait for cement to cure and (c) by not having additional
expenditures for lost time and material to replace a failed cement plug.

Field runs
The Cementing System with an anchor has been used in over 65 field
applications. These field applications have been primarily in the different
unconventional USA shale plays. The typical approach in the shale play has
been to drill a pilot hole to TD and map the properties of potential reservoirs
along the way. The collected data is then used to determine which zone to
target for lateral completion and where to drill a horizontal well. Once the
kick-off point is determined, the operator decides the main bore isolation
criteria for hole below the lateral to satisfy local regulatory requirements. The
pilot hole isolation is achieved by pumping cement below the lateral. The
cementing stinger is then retrieved leaving the whipstock and anchor in place
to receive the next directional assembly. In some cases, the customer
preferred to have the top of the cement plug rise above the top of the
whipstock for additional stability. Most of the applications for this system
have been in 8-1/2” to 9-7/8” openhole sizes.

Field Run Highlights

Field Run Highlights

1 Number of runs 66
2 Number of customers 16
3 Deepest hole 14,434 Ft
4 Deepest whipstock setting 13,425 Ft
5 Longest tail pipe 1,379 Ft
6 Hardest formation 18,000 PSI
7 Orientation method Gyro
8 Longest Cement Plug 1,802 Ft
9 Lateral Sizes 8-1/2”to 9-7/8”

Fig. 2 Cementing System with an Anchor

4 SPE 148904

(2) Cementing System without an Anchor

Typical Application
This system is applicable in situations where a hard bottom is available either
in the form of a stuck fish or a bottom of the pilot hole. Also the system is
ideal where an operator wants to limit the length of the cement plug below
the lateral by creating a hard bottom with an inflatable packer. In either case,
a short tail pipe or a spacer sub may be employed to extend the kick-off point
to the desired depth.

System Description
Fig. 3 shows the system as run with individual components identified. The
system includes (1) a whipstock for maximum support to the directional
drilling BHA (2) ability to orient the ramp to the desired azimuth (3)
retrievable cementing stinger with generous ID to supply cement below the
system to isolate the zones below (4) an optional spacer sub below the system
and (5) an ability to accomplish running, orienting, setting anchor, cementing
and stinger recovery operations all in one trip.

System benefits
The key benefits of the system are (1) allows openhole sidetracking at a
desired depth with a controlled length of the cement plug below the lateral
(2) removes uncertainty of conventional cement plug by having a steel ramp
for sidetracking and (3) results in significant cost savings.

Field Runs
The cementing system without an anchor is available for field run and has
been waiting for a suitable well candidate.

Fig. 3 Cementing System Without Anchor

Non-Cementing Systems
Non-cementing systems are recommended in situations where access to the mother bore or main bore is required for future
operations. In such cases, the system may be retrieved once the lateral is completed. Again, there are two options available
depending on the hole profile and the customer preference.

(1) Single Trip Bit/Whip Combination

Typical Application
This system includes a drill bit attached to the top of the whipstock for running in
to the hole. The drill bit can be disengaged and drilling commences once the
anchor is hydraulically set at the desired depth. The single trip bit/whip
combination system can be used in any openhole sidetracking applications where
cementing below the lateral is not planned. The system allows attachment of a
roller cone, PDC or impregnated bit to the whipstock depending upon the
properties of the formation at the kick-off point.

System Description
Fig. 4 shows the top part of the system in the rotary table. The system includes (1)
a drill bit with appropriate attachment mechanism to the whipstock (2) a whipstock
for maximum support to the directional drilling BHA (3) an expandable
hydraulically set anchor which provides three point firm grip with the hole wall to
counteract rotational tendency (4) ability to orient the ramp to the desired azimuth
(5) steerable motor with a lock-up feature and (6) an ability to accomplish running,
orienting, setting anchor and drilling ahead with the bit, all in one trip.

Fig. 4 Roller Cone Bit to Whip

SPE 148904 5

System benefits
The key benefits of the system are (1) allows openhole sidetracking at any depth regardless of the location of the bottom of the
hole (2) allows access to mother bore once the system is retrieved (3) Different types of bits (Fig. 5) can be attached to the
whipstock (4) allows steerable BHA and (5) removes the uncertainty of conventional cement plug.

PDC Bit Roller Cone Bit Impreg Bit

Fig. 5 Different Types Of Bit to Whip Attachment

Field Runs
The Single Trip Bit/Whip System was launched earlier this
year (2011) and was designed to replace the Two Trip Shear
Sub/Whip System which is described on the following page.
To date, it has been run twice in Oklahoma, USA with a TCI
type roller cone bit in a hard/medium formation (Fig. 6).
On the first field run the BHA included a 6-3/4” mud motor
with 1.83 degree bend, 8-3/4” TCI roller cone bit attached to
the top of the whipstock and hydraulic set anchor below the
whipstock. The bit was sheared off successfully once the
whipstock was oriented and the anchor was hydraulically set
at 11,300 Ft. The drilling resumed with the BHA both in the
rotating and sliding mode into the formation.
The second field run included a 6-3/4” mud motor with a
bend, 8-3/4” TCI roller cone bit and a hydraulic anchor.
The top of the whipstock was set at 12,422 ft. The bit was
sheared off successfully once the whipstock was oriented
and the anchor was hydraulically set. The bit made 80 ft
before the drilling was stopped due to a problem discovered
with the measurement tool in the BHA. Anchor Bit/Whip Attachment
Additional field runs are taking place at the writing of this
paper. The details of all runs will be included in the presentation.
Fig. 6 Field Run Components
6 SPE 148904

(2) Two Trip Shear Sub/Whip Combination

Typical Application
This system includes a shear sub attached to the top of the whipstock.
The shear sub can be disengaged once the hydraulic anchor is set at
the desired depth. The two trip shear sub/whip combination system
can be used in any openhole sidetracking applications where
cementing below the lateral is not planned. Additionally, this system
can be run in situations where the hole profile indicates there are
frequent and acute doglegs before reaching the intended kick-off
point that may prevent the sidetracking BHA from negotiating the
hole curvature. The directional drilling assembly can be run in a
second trip once the hydraulic anchor set and the shear sub assembly
is retrieved from the hole.

System Description
The Fig. 7 shows the system as run in the hole with individual
components identified. The system includes (1) a shear sub attached
to the top of the whipstock (2) a whipstock for maximum support to
the directional drilling BHA (3) an expandable hydraulically set
anchor which provides three point firm grip with the hole wall to
counteract rotational tendency and (4) ability to orient the whipstock
to the desired azimuth.
Once set, the sidetracking assembly is firmly in place ready to receive
the directional assembly.

System benefits
The key benefits of the system are (1) Allows openhole sidetracking Anchor
at any depth regardless of the location of the bottom of the hole (2) Hydraulic
The mother bore is accessible if the system is retrieved (3) Allows for Anchor
optional second trip in order to mitigate risks associated with high
dogleg severity in the hole and (4) Removes uncertainty of
conventional cement plug.

Fig. 7 Two Trip Shear Sub/Whip System

Field Runs
The system was launched in 2009 with a goal of providing tools and procedures to allow openhole sidetrack in areas where the
formation is hard and the cement plug rarely worked. The system continues to perform as expected particularly in
unconventional reservoir exploration. The following table shows field run highlights.

Field Run Highlights

1 Number of runs 89
2 Number of customers 11
3 Openhole Sizes 8-1/2” to 9-7/8”
4 Deepest Hole 20,600 Ft
5 Deepest Whipstock Setting 20,325 Ft
6 Hardest formation 29,000 PSI
7 Orientation method Gyro /MWD
8 Next Directional Assembly Mud Motor W/Bend.
9 Max. negotiated dog leg in hole 15 deg/100 Ft
10 Max. hole inclination 89 degrees
SPE 148904 7

Openhole Sidetrack Landscape

All of the above described systems can be organized in a logical chart (Fig. 8). The four systems with their respective
procedures can be beneficially applied to the majority of the openhole sidetrack challenges. The systems can also be easily
modified in case different problems or issues arise.

Fig. 8 Openhole Sidetrack Landscape

Conclusions
1. The four systems, as described above, provide a clear cut approach and solution to the challenges facing the openhole
sidetracking operations.
2. The systems remove uncertainties associated with openhole sidetrack operations using a cement plug.
3. The field performance of the systems validated the functionality and the dependability of the tools and procedures.
4. The field performance also reinforced cost savings and operational safety over conventional cement plug approach.

Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank employees and customers who contributed to the success and development of the systems and
tool technologies. Also thanks goes to the management at Smith Services, A Schlumberger Company for their patience,
support and funding of these projects. Special thanks to Craig Fleming, Smith Services, for his editorial contributions.
8 SPE 148904

References
1. A.R. Eubank BP-Amoco, Houston, Ken Brock and Rocky Seale, Smith Services, Houston, “Whipstocks: An
alternative to openhole fishing”. World Oil, August 1999.
2. Dewey, C., Miller, G., Saylor, J.: “Sidetracking in a Single Trip” paper SPE/IADC 37665 presented at the 1997
SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, March 4-6, 1997
3. Childers, R., Miller, G.: “PCD Technology Advances Sidetracking Capabilities” paper IADC/SPE 59185 presented in
New Orleans February 2000.
4. Seale, R., Nairn, G.: “The One Trip Sidetracking System: Applications and Case Histories” paper presented at
Southwestern Petroleum Short Course, April 12-13, 2000.
5. Nairn, G., Seale, R.: “Level 2 Multilateral Options and Case Histories” paper SPE 55620 presented at The SPE Rocky
Mountain Regional Meeting, Gillette, Wyoming, 15-18 May 1999.
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International, May 1999.