Sidetracking Systems For Hard Formations Case Histories and Applications

Sidetracking systems, and more specifically whipstock technology, have evolved to the point where only one trip is required to accomplish the casing exit. However, most of these systems have been deployed in simple applications, where the formation outside the casing is relatively soft. More difficult applications, such as those where harder formations must be entered during the casing exit operation, have been bypassed, additional trips planned, or alternate cutting structures utilized to complete the operation. These contingent plans for sidetracking in harder and/or formations are often economically prohibitive in additional equipment and time. This paper will discuss the application, operation, and case histories of an alternate cutting structure used in window cutting where hard formations exist. It will also cover the economic benefit derived by using this special cutting structure opposed to past methods.