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Directional Drilling - Manual D - Schlumberger
Directional Drilling - Manual D - Schlumberger
Introduction to Wellbore
Departure
September 2011
COURSE
INTRODUCTION TO WELLBORE
DEPARTURE
Course Objectives At the end of this course, you should be able to:
Suggested
Pre-requisites Not Applicable
Course Topics
Basic Knowledge
Whipstock Systems
Meeting Customer Requests
Appendix
Following Along in the Manual
ID Inside Diameter
OD Outside Diameter
TD Target Depth
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Wellbore Construction ............................................................................................................................................................. 5
What is a Sidetrack? ............................................................................................................................................................... 5
What are the Reasons for a Sidetrack?................................................................................................................................... 5
Orientation of the Whipstock ................................................................................................................................................... 7
Evolution of Wellbore Departure.............................................................................................................................................. 8
Two-Trip Sidetracking System................................................................................................................................................. 9
One-Trip Sidetracking System................................................................................................................................................. 9
Assembly Components ........................................................................................................................................................... 10
Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Cased Hole and Open Hole................................................................................................................................................... 10
Anchors..................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Mechanically Set Anchor ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Hydraulically Set Anchor ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Expandable Anchors ............................................................................................................................................................. 13
Permanent Packer (Anchor) .................................................................................................................................................. 13
Canfish Anchor ...................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Bridge Plug ............................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Whipstocks ............................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Trackmaster Plus Whips........................................................................................................................................................ 15
Mid-Ramp .............................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Mill/Whip Hook-Up ................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Whip Selection Criteria .......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Mills ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Cutter Technology ................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Roller Cone Bit (Open Hole) .................................................................................................................................................. 19
The Tri-Milling Assembly (Cased Hole) ................................................................................................................................. 20
Trackmaster Plus FasTrack Bi- and Tri-Mill .......................................................................................................................... 21
Trackmaster Plus Hard Formation Bi-Mill .............................................................................................................................. 22
Trackmaster Plus GeoTrack Mill ........................................................................................................................................... 22
Trackmaster Plus CRA Milling System .................................................................................................................................. 23
Center Point .......................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Wellbore Wellbore generally begin the same way. The land is cleared of any obstructions
Construction and leveled. The drill site is prepared and the main borehole is drilled. As each
part of the hole is drilled, casing is put into the hole and cemented into place. The
cement prevents the casing from moving as well as protects the formation from
hydrocarbons that will be produced from the
wellbore.
What is a Sidetracking is the practice of milling an exit window from an existing wellbore
Sidetrack? or casing, creating an alternate path around a wellbore obstruction or to help
enhance well production.
Historically, sidetracking required multiple trips to mill a useable window for the
next directional drilling assembly. The number of trips needed depended on the
sidetracking tool’s capability and performance, the downhole environment and
the comfort level of the drilling engineer.
What are the Performing a wellbore sidetrack is either due to a planned or unplanned event. An
Reasons for a unplanned event could be collapsed casing or an irretrievable fish. A planned
Sidetrack? event could include increasing production or drilling a multi-lateral. In an open
hole, a planned event would be to sidetrack as an alternative to using a cement
plug.
Some factors affecting an unplanned sidetrack include the risk involved, time and
money. These factors will determine the best course for remediation of the well.
A sidetrack is not always the best option. The customer will need to determine
how to proceed once all the options have been presented.
Planned Sidetrack
A planned sidetrack is prepared and
known well in advance of being
performed. Sidetracking can be done
any time during or after the well is
drilled.
The expense of drilling a well makes multi-lateral drilling profitable for oil
companies. A multi-lateral well is one where there are horizontal wells
constructed off a main wellbore. Multi-laterals make it possible to produce
multiple formations through a single main bore. In cases where there are
restrictions on where locations can be built either due to environmental or legal
concerns, multiple wells can be drilled from a single location, thus reducing the
thumbprint of the drilling process.
Orientation Devices
Orientation of any type of BHA is typically done with a measurement-while-
drilling (MWD) or gyroscope device.
The MWD can be utilized to orient whipstocks in either open hole or cased hole
applications. One of the benefits using an MWD is that it does not have to be
pulled out of hole (POOH) to complete the job. The MWD is attached above the
whipstock and is aligned to the whipstock’s face. Once the bottom hole assembly
(BHA) is run to the required depth, the MWD will provide toolface data so the
operator can correctly orient the whipstock.
A gyro uses the gyroscopic principle where a spinning wheel attempts to hold its
direction. Prior to running in the hole, the gyro is pointed in a known direction.
When the gyro is lowered into a universal borehole orientation (UBHO) sub it
continues to maintain its set direction. The toolface of the BHA can then be
determined with respect to the gyro’s direction.
Identifying Direction
An MWD works by using accelerometers (to measure
earth’s gravity) and magnetometers (to measure earth’s
magnetic field) to determine the tool’s orientation and
directional data while in the wellbore at a set location. The
information is transmitted to the surface by mud pulse
telemetry and displayed on the rig floor display (RFD). Azimuth
Inclination
Evolution of Over time, the technology surrounding wellbore departure has advanced from an
Wellbore expensive time consuming process to a possible one-trip, money saving
Departure operation.
1950s-1960s—Section Milling
A complete length of casing is removed
1970s-1980s—Multi-Trip Window Milling
Initial mill run followed by one or more lengthening runs
1997—Trackmaster
Reliable one-trip casing exit system
2004—Trackmaster Plus
Advanced technology servicing both simple and complex
applications
Run 1 Run 2
One-Trip The Trackmaster Plus system was designed to complete a job
Sidetracking with just one run. It can do everything from cutting out to
System drilling the rathole. The type of formation may affect the
Trackmaster Plus’s ability to accomplish this feat; very rarely
are two trips required to perform a job.
Introduction A wellbore departure job can be performed in both cased and open holes. The
Trackmaster Plus system is designed as a cased hole sidetracking system, but is
successful when used in conjunction with the Hydraulic Set Expandable Anchor.
Open hole sizes where completions can be performed range from 6-1/8” to
12-¼”.
Cased Hole and There are many possible variations for sidetracking assemblies. For the purposes
Open Hole of this course, the two main assemblies are open hole and cased hole. This section
covers all of the tools to be found in either system.
Cased Hole
There are six major
components included in every
assembly. These tools also
happen to be the major
components in a cased hole.
Bypass Valve
Running Tool
Drill Pipe
Tri-Mill
Whipstock
Mechanical Anchor
Expandable Anchor
Open Hole Whipstock
Roller Cone Bit
Positive Displacement
Motor
Running Tool
Hevi-Wate Drill Pipe
Non Advancing Multi-
cycle Bypass Valve
Introduction The next few sections will discuss the basic components that are in a whipstock.
The components are discussed in order from bottom (anchor) to the top (drill
pipe).
The anchor is the component that creates a solid base for the whipstock to sit on
during orientation and milling. The following anchors are those that are most
commonly used.
Mechanically The mechanically set anchor should be used only in a cased wellbore.
Set Anchor It is initially set with 3,000-3,500 lbf, which triggers the slips to move
to the setting position. A second weight load will set the anchor.
Hydraulically The hydraulically set anchor should be used only in a cased wellbore. It
Set Anchor is locked into postion when hydraulic pressure between 3,000-3,500 psi
is applied. The anchor serves to absorb the load variations that occur
during the milling operation.
The expandable anchor covers several sizes. For example, one size can
cover four different jobs; using a regular (or older) version would
require a different anchor for each job. This is also a good anchor to
choose if there are formation or casing ID inconsistencies.
MDF Packer
Fully retrievable
Easy set and retrieve
Stiff design eliminates any chance of whipstock falling across
the hole.
Tri-directional slip eliminates any chance of rotation.
GeoTrack Whipstock
The GeoTrack Whipstock has mid-ramp geometry. It delivers a
full gauge window and provides low dogleg severity across the
window.
Trackmaster
Plus Whip
Whip Selection Selecting a whip requires knowledge about the well as well as the plans for the
Criteria future of the sidetracking operation and well. The following items are areas of
focus for making a selection:
Directional objectives
Multi-lateral concerns
Rathole length
Window requirements
Unconfined compressive strength of the formation at the kick-off point
(KOP)
Cement quality behind the casing
Casing integrity
Return on investment (ROI)—will the reduction in the wellbore diameter
be enough to justify the cost based on potential production increases?
Introduction The mill is one of the most important components in the whipstock system.
Schlumberger mills used in sidetracking applications are among the best in the
industry. The customized mills ensure consistent, efficient window cutting and
productive rathole drilling.
Cutter Trackmaster mills currently use four types of cutters, crushed sintered carbide,
Technology tungsten carbide inserts (TCI), millmaster inserts, and various polycrystalline
diamond composite (PDC) cutters. Each of these cutter types is ideal for various
downhole conditions. Factors such as temperature and formation will affect the
type of cutter best suited for a job.
Millmaster Inserts
Millmaster inserts are used on the leading
edge of the follow and dress mills. The flat
square inserts are designed to control or
lessen the wear on the mills and to aid in
the milling and cleaning of the window.
The application of the inserts varies
depending on location.
Tri-Mill
The Trackmaster Plus FasTrack Tri-Mill utilizes tungsten carbide
cylindrical cutters and crushed tungsten carbide rather than
conventional carbide inserts. The inserts are strategically placed; they
will effectively exit the casing and cut through the formation to drill the
required rathole. These cutters are ideal for both conventional and
extended ratholes.
PDC cutters are also available for this mill. The FasTrack Tri-Mill not
only reduces overall casing exit time, it ensures a level of performance
that can be duplicated consistently. The mill provides a hydraulic path
from the milling BHA to the whip and anchor via a hydraulic hose.
Generally, for the FasTrack Mill:
These statistics may vary depending on casing data and well conditions.
Tri-Mill
Mill Selection Selecting the proper mill for a job can be a difficult task. Time and experience
Criteria will help with making this decision. There are many factors that go into choosing
the right mill:
Formation type/characteristics
Hard spots or stringers?
Compressive strength of formation
Greater than 20,000 psi compressive strength?
Rathole length
10 ft., 100 ft., 1,000 ft.?
Directional concerns
How long does the window need to be?
What does the radius and the build need to be?
The operator fills the running tool with hydraulic fluid on the rig
floor.
Introduction There are two types of orientation devices typically used in a whipstock
operation—gyroscope and measurement while drilling (MWD). Each type
requires a specific value to aid in operation and orientation. The two types of
valves that are available from Schlumberger: the non-advancing multi-cycle
bypass valve (NAMCBV) and the high flow valve. The selection of valves can be
dependent on how the customer plans to orientate the mill. The multi-cycle
bypass valve can be used for both MWD and gyro orientation measures, while the
high flow by-pass valve should only be used if the customer plans to orient with a
gyroscope where it is not necessary to pump on the string to orient the whipstock.
NAMCBV
Pathfinder
Gyrodata
UBHO
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Drill Collars Drill collars are stiff, very thick walled BHA components.
These can be used to provide weight-on-bit (WOB) or weight
on mill for sidetracking operations. Typically used in cased
holes, drill collars help supply the weight necessary to set the
mechanical anchor, although HWDP may also be substituted.
Drill Spiral
Collar Drill
Collar
Drill Pipe or Standard weight drill pipe is a thick walled (compared to tubing and casing)
Hevi-Wate Drill hollow pipe with a bore through its center to allow the flow of drilling fluid
Pipe during the drilling process. Drill pipe performs the same job in a sidetracking
operation as in a drilling operation; it makes up the difference between the top of
the bottom hole assembly (BHA) and the surface. In sidetracking operations
involving measurement while drilling (MWD), the drill pipe ID is especially
important for fluid flow.
Answer the following questions based on the information covered up to this point of the chapter.
1. What are the ideal applications for a Trackmaster Plus FasTrack Tri- and Bi-Mill?
2. What applications are ideal for the Trackmaster Plus Hard Formation Bi-Mill?
7. What affects the selection of the valves? Why use an NAMCBV instead of a high flow
bypass valve?
Debris Barrier A debris barrier is designed to catch debris that would otherwise
fall to the top of the anchor and interfere with retrieval.
Available for every anchor, this device is most necessary when
anchor retrieval is planned.
Which do you think is a better option to use, the hook retrieval tool or a die collar
Hydraulic Anchor
Gradually apply 3,000-3,500 psi
hydraulic pressure to set the
anchor. The more pressure
applied, the deeper the anchor
bites into the casing. This method
is also for the expandable anchor
or a permanent packer. The
anchor can be set at any depth
necessary. In a cased hole, it
needs to be set immediately
above the casing collar. It should
be set at 0º-90º right or left of the
high side of the hole.
Mechanical Anchor
The amount of weight needed to set a mechanical anchor varies according to the
size. The Trackmaster Plus operation manual has a chart that lists the appropriate
weight needed to set each size anchor.
The anchor can be set at any depth necessary, but a solid base is needed to active
the anchor. In a cased hole, it needs to be set immediately above the casing collar.
It should be set at 0º-90º right or left of the high side of the hole.
Free the Mill Apply the necessary
downward weight for a
mechanical anchor and
upward weight for the
hydraulic anchor. This will
break the shear bolt and free
the mill. This weight varies
depending on the size whip
used.
Mills like to go in the direction of least resistance. During a cut out there are
times the whipstock can be milled instead of the casing or formation. This usually
happens if the mill is not strong enough to cut the casing or formation. This is
why it is important to select the correct mill and assembly and to use the correct
milling parameters outlined in the Trackmaster Plus operation’s manual.
What are other factors that will determine the type of window needed in a
sidetracking job?
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Criteria for Over the life of a well there may come a time at which the bore path needs to be
Successful changed. It is sometimes the result of a blockage in the bore and sometimes a
Casing Exit procedure to improve production. A variety of factors will affect how quickly a
sidetracking operation can be performed. The following is a list of criteria for a
successful sidetracking operation:
The new window must be smooth with no hang ups going either in or out.
The rathole must be to the specifications of the customer.
The operation must have been completed in the least number of trips
possible (hopefully one trip).
Standard drilling operations must be accomodated by the new window
and rathole.
Purpose and The Trackmaster Plus technology was developed to be a one-trip sidetracking
Design system. The system can easily manage standard casing exits as well as advanced
applications where engineering aids in the design process.
Extended ratholes
Directionally drilled extended ratholes
Hard formation exits
Thru-tubing sidetracks
Wells with multiple production zones
Open hole departures
Component The components in any given assembly exist to perform a function. The reason
Selection for the components chosen for a particular assembly will depend on a variety of
Standards factors, including the following:
Exercise Are there any other factors you believe might affect assembly selection?
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3. What application(s) is this system best suited for? Why is this system the best for the
application?
3. What application(s) is this system best suited? Why is this system the best for the
application?
3. What application(s) is this system best suited? Why is this system the best for the
application?
3. What application(s) is this system best suited? Why is this system the best for the
application?
3. What application(s) is this system best suited? Why is this system the best for the
application?
Use the laminated system components to build a system as described by the instructor. Use to space
below to take notes.
A. Study the following Pre-Job Information Sheet and read pages 5-7. Define and explain the
importance of the fields your group is assigned.
1. If there is 9-5/8”, 47# P-110 LT&C connection, what size bit can the customer run?
2. Due to a casing restriction a 8-3/8” bit is being used. The casing is 9-5/8”, 47#, what size
Trackmaster Plus should be used?
3. For a 7” hydraulic anchor, what weight needs to be applied to the anchor during the setting
process and why?
If retrievable, how much and what kind of force is needed to release the anchor?
Introduction Talking to the customer is the only way to collect the proper information to build
the whipstock system that will be most effective for the customer. There is a lot
of information to collect which is why the Pre-Job Information Sheet was created;
it will guide you along in your conversation with the customer. In this section the
key points are elaborated upon and ambiguous questions are clarified. Remember,
this is just a starting point and there will always be some additional information
you will need.
Sizes Once of the most basic pieces of information that is collected from the customer
is the size of the equipment needed. The following is a list of questions
concerning size:
Review the Trackmaster Plus Anchor Sizes and Details chart in the Appendix for
information.
Kickoff Point The KOP is important because it identifies the formation’s depth the operator will
be working with. It is important to know if the cement job and casing are in good
condition; a poor or non-existent cement job can lead to casing instability while
milling. This could cause the window to be undergauge or out of proportion.
Deviation and The degree of deviation will affect the initial radius of the hole (dogleg severity).
Drift Casing drift along with the actual casing ID determines what bits can be run after
the window is set; this also affects the size of the lead and follow mill. This
makes it very important to run the correct size tools when a casing gauge run is
made.
Rathole Depth The depth of the rathole will affect selection making due to the type of formation.
It is important for operator to follow through with making the rathole as
promised. Even if the sidetrack is a complete success, if the rathole is not made
the job can be considered a failure by the customer.
The operator needs to know the size of the rig, maximum pull of the rig and the
rig’s pump pressure capacity. It will help in determining if the rig is equipped to
handle the amount of force needed to set the anchor; if it is not, a pump truck is
needed on location to assist.
BHA Type The type of BHA that will be used to drill the well affects the size of the window
that needs to be milled. More complex BHA components need a longer window
to pass through.
Mill Selection The type of casing affects mill selection. American Petroleum Institute (API)
grade casing ranges from J-55 to Q-125. As the letter and number increase, the
harder the casing is rated. Casing rated at Q-125 or that is chrome or stainless will
most likely require a change in the cutters.
It is necessary to clarify with the customer if there are dual strings of casing that
need to be milled though, as this will also affect mill selection and the ability to
complete the job in one-trip.
Casing Collar The casing collar log will let the operator know exactly where the casing collars
Log are located. Milling should be done 6-feet above or below the casing collars since
it is very difficult to mill through the casing collar. Milling through a casing
collar can affect the integrity of the casing and damage the well.
Squeeze or The customer should let us know if they plan to do a squeeze or shoe test at the
Shoe Test KOP after the window has been cut. This is important because we need to make
sure the formation is good enough to hold the pressures needed to complete the
job.
A shoe test or squeeze is done after a liner has been run or casing float shoe is
drilled out. This is done after the cement job and has no effect on the whipstock
or rathole. Performing these tests will identify lost circulation and pore pressure
(which affects the drilling mud to use). Once the shoe is drilled out, pressure is
applied so that the hydrostatic pressure of the mud system is supported while
testing pore pressure. If the shoe test is a failure, a squeeze is done. This will alert
the customer to a problem with lost circulation in the formation.
Underreaming It is wise to ask the customer if they plan on underreaming outside the window
after the job is complete. The main reason for this is to provide the sales person
with an opportunity to sell another product.
Flow Rates It is important for the operator to verify flow rates with the customer. A good
flow is needed to circulate the cuttings out of the hole. The flow rates required to
close the multi-cycle bypass valve are shown in the Appendix.
Depth to Set the The customer establishes the depth of the whipstock or KOP based on
Whipstock information concerning the formation, casing or a fish. Sometimes it may be
necessary to work with the customer to determine the best KOP and informing
them of complications that could arise from exiting in an unfavorable area.
Casing Casing and cement condition play an important factor in mill selection. Older
Condition wells may have worn or deteriorated casing, which is easily torn or split. Casing
that has been exposed to high temperatures tends to become carbonized, making
it very hard. Casing in good condition, but with a bad cement job also poses
problems; the lack of cement will cause the casing to move as the window is
milled.
Whipstock It is important to know how the customer will be orientating the mill, whether by
Orientation Plan gyro or MWD. This will affect the type of valve used in the operation. These
were discussed in detail in the first chapter.
Type of Make sure to ask the customer what type of completion they are doing. We need
Completion to know if it is first time production, re-completion, flow-by completion, etc. This
will help in determining the proper equipment needed for the system.
Verify Special Make sure to double-check and verify all information from the customer.
Requests Customer service is an important indicator in repeat business for Schlumberger.
Introduction The work scope and job requisition form is filled out at the start of a job just like
the Pre-Job Information Sheet. A sales person will cover this information with a
contact in the district once the job has been assigned.
The main page appears and lets you know what program you are entering. Click
anywhere on the main page to enter the program.
Output The Configurator will generate a suggestion once all of the questions have been
answered. This information can be printed off and included in the proposal.
Commercial The commercial section of the proposal is essentially about cost. The customer
can see the fees for each component and service. The terms and conditions of the
components and service are also covered. This lets the customer know what the
expectations are and where liability falls in specific situations. Finally, this sub-
section includes Schlumberger’s Quality, Health, Safety and Environment
(QHSE) standards.
Attachments At the very end of the proposal, all of the “other stuff” is included. This is
essentially buyer’s reassurance. Information about the performance and success
of our systems is included. Professional papers about jobs Schlumberger has
performed are included as well as specific statistics, with job parameters similar
to the customer’s, about the success of the jobs performed. Anything the
customer should or needs to know should be included with the proposal.
Use the following information to enter criteria into the Configurator. Prepare a presentation to give to the
class. Make sure to answer the questions in your presentation.
Well Name: WBD #1 Completed March 2005
Casing: 7” 29# J-55 ST&C
KOP—8329 ft w/ 4º deviation
The well has no casing damage or restrictions and a casing scraper with a full gauge
stabilizer has been run to depth. The latest CBL indicates that there is good cement behind
the casing and the formation at this depth has a compressive strength of 12,000 psi. The
customer will be running a stiff directional assembly. It may be necessary to have a low
DLS at the window. You will be using a 6” OD bit to drill the lateral.
The customer would like you to prepare two systems. One will have a mechanical anchor
and will be oriented using a wireline gyro and the other using a hydraulic anchor that will
be oriented using an MWD.
Use the Configurator to find the correct types of whipstocks needed and then go to the
operations manual and find the correct type and size for each BHA.
Body
Length Connection Size & Weight
TYPE O.D. Part Number
Inches Type Approx .
Inches