Kick-Off Techniques: Hassan Alemi

Kick-Off Techniques
Hassan Alemi
Drilling & Measurement Instructor
UTC
Objectives
On completion of this module you will be able to:
• Describe the four primary kick-off methods
• Explain where and why each method is preferred
• Design a BHA for each type of method
• Select appropriate Bits for the chosen technique
• Work as a second hand on a kick-off operation
2 HA
12/02/20
What is a Kick-off
A kick-off is the deflection of well bore

while maintaining control of Azimuth,
Inclination and DLS.
3 HA
12/02/20
Kick-off Methods
The following are methods of Kick-off:

• Jetting deflection
• Whipstock deflection
• Motor deflection
• Rotary Steerable deflection
4 HA
12/02/20
Kick-off Methods
Lithology is the key to selecting the most appropriate method:
Igneous &
Sedimentary
Metamorphic
1 4 5 6 7 8
5 HA
12/02/20
Kick-off Methods
Igneous &
Sedimentary
Metamorphic
1 4 5 6 7 8
Motor
Jetting Whipstock
6 HA
12/02/20
Jetting
Jetting is the utilization of hydraulics to wash a pocket
beneath and to the side of the bit to cause deflection.
Jetting was, until recently considered redundant. However

with the increased requirement to exit mature platforms
where clearances between wells are too tight to utilize anti-
collision practices with steerable motor systems, jetting has
become the only economic alternative.
7 HA
12/02/20
Jetting Bits
Two cone jetting bits like this one from RBI ® are available but
rarely seen in the field:
-500’/SEC Nozzle Velocity

-Strong right hand walk 2 cone
8 HA
12/02/20
Jetting Bits
Conventional roller cone bits
are commonly used for
jetting and are adequate for
the task :
9 HA
12/02/20
Jetting BHA
BHAs for jetting need to be designed on the principles of
conventional “Rotary Build BHAs”:
• Jetting Bit (oriented)
• Near Bit Full Gauge Stabilizer
• Orientation Sub (UBHO) (dependent on measurement tool)
• Up to 3 Drill Collars ( 12” to 26” hole) or (MWD + 2 DCs)
• String Stabilizer (optional, as is gauge if present)
• Transition string, jars etc. as required
10 HA
12/02/20
Jetting Procedure
The steps to follow are:
1. Orient BHA prior to commencing (Scribe or survey)
2. Come on bottom using maximum flow rate
(>500’/sec)
3. Spud for +/- 6’ (2m)
4. Rotate remainder of double at reduced flow rate.
5. Survey (if retrievable tool or use cont. D&I if MWD)
6. Adjust orientation and distance spudded as required
7. Repeat from 2.
11 HA
12/02/20
Whipstocks
Whipstocks are highly effective tools designed to provide

lateral displacement from the well-bore.
They do not give very large changes in dogleg but due to the
fact that what is provided is done in a very small change
in MD. They generate high DLS values.
Though whipstocks are a niche market tool their range and
diversity is on the increase.
12 HA
12/02/20
Whipstocks
Whipstocks come in five primary types:
• Open Hole Retrievable Whipstocks

• Open / Cased Hole Cemented Whipstocks
• Open Hole Packer Whipstocks
• Cased Hole Mechanical Set Whipstocks
• Cased Hole Hydraulic Set Whipstocks
13 HA
12/02/20
Open / Cased Hole Cemented Whipstock
Features:
• 2 run (minimum) system
• Hollow, Bladed & Ported tail
• Inexpensive
• Simple & Reliable
• Problems in field when making “Low
side” kick-offs
14 HA
12/02/20
Open / Cased Hole Cemented Whipstock
15 HA
12/02/20
Open Hole Packer Whipstock
Features:
2 run system
• Cement inflated Packer
• Costly
• Complex but Reliable (hole conditions)
16 HA
12/02/20
17 HA
12/02/20
18 HA
12/02/20
Cased Hole Mechanical Set Whipstock
Features:
1, 2 or 3 run system
• Mechanically Set Packer
• Inexpensive
• Simple
• Requires Cement Plug or Bridge Plug to set
19 HA
12/02/20
Cased Hole Mechanical Set Whipstock
20 HA
12/02/20
Cased Hole Hydraulic Set Whipstock
Features:
1, 2 or 3 run system
• Hydraulically Set Packer
• Costly
• Simple
• Set at any depth or orientation required
21 HA
12/02/20
Cased Hole Hydraulic Set Whipstock
22 HA
12/02/20
Motors
Motors are the predominate method of kicking off a
well for the following reasons:
• Plentiful Supply, usually already on location
• Cost effective for most applications
• Tenacious
• Able to meet objectives after the Kick-off is completed
• Highly flexible in controlling DLS
23 HA
12/02/20
Motors
For the vast majority of side-tracks there is little or no issue. A

history of successful sidetracks are documented in many of the
formations that we encounter.
The focus of this presentation is on the exceptions to this rule,

where side-tracks are problematic or where this is the second
or subsequent attempt to side-track the well.
24 HA
12/02/20
Motors
When there is doubt attached to the probability of the side-

track a different approach is required. Issues need to be
addressed in the following areas:
• Clients attitude
• Bit selection
• Available Data
• Bend setting & Orientation
• Time Drilling
25 HA
12/02/20
Client Attitude
When the success of a side-track is not a foregone conclusion

the client needs to be made aware of:
• The Side-track is the objective of the current operation

• Our commitment to success
– The Time drilling program
– The likely outcome of our actions
– The factors that have limited our success previously
• The contingency plan
26 HA
12/02/20
Bit Selection
Bit selection should be based on the short term requirement:

Is durability a requirement?
NO
What are our requirements?
Ability to side-cut into this formation
What kind of bit will do this?
27 HA
12/02/20
Bit Selection
There are specialized PDC side-tracking bits:
28 HA
12/02/20
Bit Selection
And specialized Natural Diamond side-tracking bits:
29 HA
12/02/20
Bit Selection
There are certain characteristics common to fixed cutter bits

designed for side-tracking:
• The bit must not be inherently stable

– Shallow Cone
– Negligible Taper
– Minimal Gauge Protection
– Short Shank
• High cutter density on the edge
30 HA
12/02/20
Bit Selection
When a dedicated fixed cutter bit is not available we need to

select the most appropriate roller cone bit. The qualities that
we are looking are those that will give us the best side-cutting
action.
Which bit will be most effective in side-tracking?

a) An insert bit
b) A milled tooth bit
c) It depends on the formation
31 HA
12/02/20
Bit Selection
To decide we need to consider the method used to protect the

gauge in the two different roller cone bit types.
• Insert bits are fitted with gauge inserts
• Milled Bits have no such apparent protection
32 HA
12/02/20
Bit Selection
Another feature to consider is Skew:
• Insert bits mostly have a Low Skew
• Milled tooth bits for soft formation

have a High Skew
33 HA
12/02/20
Bit Selection
Recap
When a problematic side-track is expected:
• Dedicated Side-track bits are most effective

• Milled tooth bits are preferred to Insert bits
• 1-1-X bits are not suitable except in soft formations
• Hydraulics must be considered
34 HA
12/02/20
Available Data
When Preparing a Side-track it is advisable to use all the

information available to you to ensure success.
Sources of relevant data include:

• Mud Log
– Lithology
– ROP
– Problems and Observations i.e. losses, torque
35 HA
12/02/20
Available Data
• Geolograph / Martin Decker Sheet
– ROP
– Comments & Observations
• Wireline logs
– Caliper
– Porosity
– Resistivity
– Passive Gamma
36 HA
12/02/20
Available Data
• D&M data
– Surveys
– Observations
• IADC Report
Some of this data will need to be interpreted as few people

like to report actions or events that reflect badly on
themselves, preferring to cloud the issue.
37 HA
12/02/20
Bend Setting & Orientation
• Bend Setting function of DLS requirement

– Increasing the bend provides a greater offset and thus a
higher side-force.
– The exception is when coming off a plug that has stringers
in it.
38 HA
12/02/20
Bend Setting & Orientation
Orientation is a function of Objective:
We need to decide what is most important

• To never reenter the old hole
• To correct the direction of the well toward a target
• To facilitate to the maximum the side-track
Each of these will require a different approach
39 HA
12/02/20
Time Drilling
To time drill we need to plan our strategy based on:
• ROP when drilled

• Type & Behavior of Formation
• Well Path close to the Side-track
• Logs of this well or similar offset well
• Use all available sources of information
40 HA
12/02/20
Time Drilling
Decide your game plan:
• Time drilling Rate & Distance for each step

– Inform Client Rep & Driller / Toolpusher
• Maximize Block height
• Be aware of Lag time
– Watch cutting ratios
– Sample catch quality
– Switch to WOB drilling
41 HA
12/02/20
Time Drilling Rules
In a tough sidetrack:
• Don’t let the client fluster you

• Yes you can slow down again
• It is never as bad as it seems
• Patience wins through
• The cost of setting a new plug is higher than drilling
slower
42 HA
12/02/20
Rotary Steerable
That can be in three following part:
• PD & whipstock kickoffs

• Kick off from vertical
• Open hole side tracks
43 HA
12/02/20
PD & whipstock kickoffs
• Not recommended to drill Directly of Whipstock
• Min 3 to 5m drill with Mill BHA before P/U PD
• Make sure Mills are in gauge before P/U PD
• No rotation through window
• Wash through window, reduce GPM to prevent pad
damage
• Start drilling with reduce WOB & RPM to minimize
potential risk of shock across CU to damage CU
44 HA
12/02/20
Kick off from vertical
• Close to full gauge stabilizer (1/8” UG)
– Allows maximum 3D steerability
• Select bit type with aggressive side cutting action
– Fully active gauge
• Program the SCB for 4 pulse telemetry (GTF / MTF)
• Start with maximum bias on the required magnetic TF
– Establish kick off before reducing bias %
• Downlink to gravity TF once above +/- 5 degrees inc.
45 HA
12/02/20
Open hole side tracks
• Not designed for open hole side tracks, however Low Side
Sidetracks has been done with some care
46 HA
12/02/20
Question????????????????????
47 HA
12/02/20

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Kick-Off Techniques

A kick-off is the deflection of well bore

The following are methods of Kick-off:

Jetting was, until recently considered redundant. However

-500’/SEC Nozzle Velocity

Whipstocks are highly effective tools designed to provide

• Open Hole Retrievable Whipstocks

For the vast majority of side-tracks there is little or no issue. A

The focus of this presentation is on the exceptions to this rule,

When there is doubt attached to the probability of the side-

When the success of a side-track is not a foregone conclusion

• The Side-track is the objective of the current operation

Bit selection should be based on the short term requirement:

There are specialized PDC side-tracking bits:

And specialized Natural Diamond side-tracking bits:

There are certain characteristics common to fixed cutter bits

• The bit must not be inherently stable

When a dedicated fixed cutter bit is not available we need to

Which bit will be most effective in side-tracking?

To decide we need to consider the method used to protect the

• Insert bits are fitted with gauge inserts

• Milled Bits have no such apparent protection

• Insert bits mostly have a Low Skew

• Milled tooth bits for soft formation

When a problematic side-track is expected:

• Dedicated Side-track bits are most effective

When Preparing a Side-track it is advisable to use all the

Sources of relevant data include:

Some of this data will need to be interpreted as few people

• Bend Setting function of DLS requirement

We need to decide what is most important

Each of these will require a different approach

• ROP when drilled

• Time drilling Rate & Distance for each step

• Don’t let the client fluster you

• PD & whipstock kickoffs

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