Procedure for CASED HOLE Sidetrack

Whipstocking

Operations procedure for the A-Z Packstock, Anchor-Stock and retrievable Anchor-Stock.

Abstract

The A-Z pack-Stock is a combination whipstock and packer. The A-Z Anchor-Stock and A-Z
retrievable Anchor-Stock are a combination whipstock and anchor. The primary application is to
provide a means of sidetracking in a cased hole. It may be set at any depth immediately above a casing
collar to provide a smooth I.D. in which to set the packer or anchor and mill the window. The
Pack-Stock, Anchor-Stock, or retrievable Anchor-Stock must be run in the hole on an A-Z starter mill.
If there is a preferred angle and direction for the sidetrack, a mule shoe sub may be run and surveyed
with a bottom hole orienting device (UBHO). If orientation in a specific direction is not required but a
drift angle of 2 degrees or more exists at the setting depth, it is recommended that the Pack-Stock,
Anchor-Stock, or retrievable Anchor-Stock be set 0 to 90 degrees to the right of the high side of the
hole. It should not be set at an angle greater than 105 degrees. When orientation is achieved, hydraulic
pressure may be applied through the drill pipe to set the packer or anchor. After setting pressure has
been reached, apply a pull load to the drill string to shear the shear bolt and hydraulic connection
between the starter mill and the whip. At this point, string rotation may commence. After milling the
recommended distance, the starter mill is tripped out of the hole and replaced with an A-Z window mill.
After milling sufficient window length with the window mill, another trip with an A-Z window mill and
watermelon mill must be made to clean out the newly opened sidetracked hole. After the sidetrack hole
is drilled and completed, the retrievable Anchor-Stock is retrieved, if desired, using a special retrieving
tool.

Note: the required information on the job checklist should be discussed with the customer before the
start of a job. This will provide manufacturing and operations with the information needed to properly
complete the job.

Running in

This procedure provides setting and milling instructions for the A-Z casing sidetrack system. There
should not be any deviation from the running and setting procedure. General guidelines are given for the
milling operation. Because each job is different, the optimum weight and rotary speeds are best
determined on the job.

1) Check hydraulic hose on Pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock for punctures.

2) Inspect the shear bolt block and the shear bolt for damage during shipment. The shear bolt threads
should be free of dings and burrs that would prevent the nut from torquing up properly. Should the
Pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock assembly be shipped without the shear block welded to the
whipstock, see the (following) drawings for block location.
 3) Condition drilling fluid to conform to good milling practices and weight required to drill the original
hole section.
4) Make gauge ring/Taper Mill and casing scraper run.
5) Make collar locator run.
6) Note: the bottom of the Pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock must be set 2 to 6 feet above a collar. (note
this depth on job report.)
7) Pick up a single joint of high grade drill pipe with elevator.
8) Suspend drill pipe in the mouse hole and make up the running assembly onto the drill pipe in the
following order:
9) Using air tugger or hoist line, pick up Pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock by catline hook and hang
through the rotary. Set drill collar slips and safety clamp.
10) Make up starter mill to Pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock. Tighten shear bolt to 100 ft-lbs. Connect
hydraulic hose.
11) Pick up pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock assembly and remove catline hook, drill collar slips, and
safety clamp. Handling 13 3/8 pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock assembly (see page xxx)
12) Hang running assembly (starter mill, running tool, by-pass valve, crossover sub, and orientation
sub-optional) from draw works.
13) Install handling shackle and sling on starter mill and upper lifting hole on pack-Stock or Anchor
Stock handling device.
14) Pick up Pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock with running assembly to vertical position and remove rig
crane slings. Hang pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock assembly a few inches above floor and loosen
three hex bolts on protective cover.
15) Pick up Packstock or Anchor-Stock assembly leaving protective cover on rig floor and hang
through rotary. Set pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock assembly down on handling tool bottom
flange.
16) Remove handling shackle and sling. Make up starter mill to pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock.
Tighten shear bolt to 100 ft-lbs. Connect hydraulic hose.
17) Pick up pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock assembly and remove handling tool.
18) Set drill collar slips and safety clamp on running tool body just below running tool crossover.
19) Break crossover/body connection on running tool. Fill with clean hydraulic fluid to a depth of
25" from the box shoulder. Allow five minutes for entrapped air to be released.
20) Break the pipe cap off the nipple end of the running tool piston. Cover open end of nipple with
a cloth and install the piston into the running tool until the top of the piston is dimension (xxx)
inches from the box shoulder, as shown in fig.(xxx) of page xxx.
21) Replace pipe cap. Note: when using heavy weight drilling mud, such as hematite, that has the
potential of gelling over or bridging drill pipe, pack top of running tool, from piston to top of
crossover, with grease.
22) Make up the running tool connection.

Steps 23 and 24 are required only if the pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock is to be oriented. If orientation is not
required, go directly to step 25.
23) Pick the assembly up and scribe a line, which aligns with the face of the Whipstock, along the
assembly up to the orientation sub.
24) Set the slips on the orientation sub. Break out the single joint of drill pipe and orient the key with the
scribed line.
25) Make up single joint of drill pipe to the orientation sub.
26) Make up drill collars equivalent to recommended milling weight plus 25%. See table (xxx) for
recommended milling weights and rpm for starter mill.
27) Trip in the hole slowly to setting depth with the hook on the block in the unlocked position. Monitor
hole drag.
28) When the setting depth is reached, work the string up and down to determine hole drag.
29) If desired, break out kelly and orient Pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock to the direction desired using a
gyro or a single shot survey.
30) Make up kelly and lower to setting depth. Mark kelly for starter mill distance per table (xxx).
31) Gradually apply 3000/3500 psi mud pressure through the drill string and hold one minute. Watch
the pressure gage. Between 1800 and 2200 psi a bobble of the needle can be observed. This
indicates the packer has begun to set. A minimum of 3000 psi is required to insure complete setting
of the packer.
32) On all sizes, except 5-1/2" pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock, pull and slack off 25,000-40,000 pounds
three to five times over drag weight while maintaining 3000/ 3500 psi. On 5-1/2" pack-Stock or
Anchor-Stock, pull and slack off 15,000 18,000 pounds three to five times over drag weight while
maintaining 3000/3500 psi. Hold each strain for one minute. Finally, pull until starter mill/whip
connection shears. Approximate shear values are listed below:

Size Approximate shear value

5 1/2"-7 5/8” 45,000 lbs.

9 5/8" 55,000 lbs..
13 3/ 8" 75,000 lbs

Pack-Stock or Anchor-Stock milling procedures and mill diameters have been designed for each
weight, and grade of casing. Many parameters are included in this design.
Standard mill diameter for each size and weight of casing is as table (xxx)

Recommended Milling Procedure

The standard milling procedure for any grade of casing is as follows:

• Run starter mill with joint of drill pipe below drill collars. Run window mill with joint of drill pipe
below drill collars. Run window mill and watermelon mill on drill collars. For 9 5/8" & 13-3/8"
casing, run window mill and two (2) watermelon mills on drill collars.
• If a customer requires a larger than standard diameter window, the milling procedure for all grades
of casing should be modified as follows:
• Run standard diameter starter mill run standard diameter window mill run standard diameter window
mill and one oversized watermelon mill on drill collars. For 9 5/8" & 13 3/8" casing, run window mill
and two (2) oversized watermelon mills on drill collars.

Starter Milling operation:

1) Position starter mill 2 to 3 feet above the whip. Begin rotation. Record rotary speed, torque,
circulation rate and pressure.
2) Slowly lower the starter mill and mill per table(xxx) page (xxx) recommendations.
Note: table i contains two mill travel columns. One column for mill travel is measured from original
location of starter mill before shearing the bolt. The other column is measured from the point where
the starter mill begins taking torque. Both of these dimensions are for reference only. If milling
weight or torque increase before traveling this distance, pull out of hole. An increase in weight or
torque or decrease in milling rate may indicate the start of milling of the whipstock.
If starter mill has a tattletale, a pressure drop of about 200 300 psi should be observed when the
bottom of the blade is approximately 7” above the block. Mark the kelly and mill 11" for 5-1/2", 7”,
7-5/8", and 8 5/8" casing and 12" for 9 5/8” and 13 3/8" casing.
3) Pull out of hole with starter mill.
4) When out of hole, remove starter mill, by-pass valve, running tool and orientation sub.

Window Milling operation:

1) Make up window mill, crossover sub, single joint of high grade drill pipe, collars, drilling jar
(optional), drill pipe and kelly per figure (xx), page (xx).
2) Lower window mill in position 2 to 3 feet above the whip. Start rotation and circulation. Record
rotary speed, torque, circulation rate and pressure.
3) Lower the window mill until it contacts the whip. Mill per table(xx), page (xx), recommendations.
Note: when the center point is reached, a decrease in torque and/or penetration may be
experienced. Should this occur, increase the weight on the mill and decrease rpm. This will cause
the window mill to flex away from the face of the whip and off the center point. When the center is
passed, an increase in penetration and torque will be recognizable. After one foot of penetration at
the increased weight, bring the drilling weight and rpm back to that previously used and continue
milling the window.
4) If penetration rate falls to zero for more than one hour, pull out of hole and replace window mill.
Continue milling.
5) After milling the length of the whip face, mill 10 feet of formation. This provides length for the next
assembly to travel the full length of the window on the successive run.
6) Pull out of hole.
7) If milling an oversized diameter window, go to step 11. Make up
window mill, watermelon mill, crossover sub, collars, drilling jar (optional), drill pipe and kelly per
figure(xx), page (xx).
8) Lower window mill in position 2 to 3 feet above the whip. Start rotation and circulation. Record
rotary speed, torque, circulation rate and pressure.
9) Lower the window mill unto it contacts the whip. Mill per table (xx), page (xx), recommendations.
10) Make several passes through the window to clean up any burrs and check against possible fill. Go
to step 14 if milling standard diameter window
11) If milling an oversized diameter window, make up standard diameter window mill, oversized
watermelon mill, crossover sub, collars, drilling jar (optional), drill pipe, and kelly.
12) Lower mill in position 2 to 3 feet above the whip. Start rotation and circulation. Record rotary
speed, torque, circulation ram and pressure.
13) Lower mill and ream the window very slowly to facilitate running any BHA through the window
during future operations. Make several passes.
14) After reaming, stop rotary and slack off through window. If unusual drag is encountered, ream until
smooth.
15) Pull out of the hole. Do not attempt to drill ahead with the mill.
16) For 9 5/8" & 13-3/8" casing sizes, make up window mill, two (2) watermelon mills, crossover sub,
collars, drilling jar (optional), drill pipe and kelly per figure (xx), page (xx). For an oversized
window, the window mill is standard diameter and the two watermelon mills are oversized.
17) Repeat steps 12 through 15.

Drilling Procedure

• Drilling notes
a) Do not rotate a bit or stabilizer down the face of the whip. Rotation of a bit or Stabilizer down
the face may damage the edge or catch on the whip.
b) If the window and the open hole have to be squeezed, the window must be reopened with a
window mill, not a roller bit.
c) Leave the hook unlocked on all trips out of the hole.
d) Pass through the window very slowly on all trips.
• Drilling BHA
e) Run in hole with bit, near bit stabilizer and drill collars. Drill enough hole depth to pass a string
stabilizer through the window.
f) Pick up the desired drilling assembly and continue normal drilling operations.

Retrieving Anchor-Stock (applies only to retrievable Anchor-Stock)

A special retrieving tool has been designed to retrieve the Anchor-Stock. It has a box tap section
designed to pull the whip and a special cut lip guide to lift the whip off of the casing I.D.

Procedure to Retrieve the Whip

Verify that the cut lip section of the retrieving tool is the same as the mill O.D. For that weight casing of
Anchor-Stock run.
Typical BHA for retrieval is:
retrieval tool, full gage stab, oil jar, full gage stab, cross over, drill pipe, etc.

1) Lower the retrieving tool to the whip. Start slow right hand rotation of the drill string above the whip
and continue slacking off drill string until torque and weight indications show whip engagement.
Apply only minimal weight onto whip.
2) Work torque down drill string to fully engage whip. (work maximum amount of torque allowed by
drill string in use)
3) Apply overpull to Anchor-Stock to release it. (bleed down jars prior to pulling.)
* If Anchor Stock fails to release, the hinge pin between the whip and Anchor is designed to
shear. With the whip removed, a fishing neck is now looking up which can be engaged by a
standard overshot and jarring BHA.
 Procedure for CASED HOLE Sidetrack

Section Milling and Underreaming

This procedure provides the general guidelines for the Servco section milling system. However, because
each job is different, the optimum weight and rotary speeds are best determined on the job.

Section Mill

Jet Nozzles Tungsten Carbide Blades open Stabilizer/Taper Mill

with hydraulic pressure

Pre-Job Planning

The casing in the section area must have an adequate cement bond. Run a casing bond log to determine
percentage bond. If cement bond is less than 70%, perforate 10ft above and below the section area and
block squeeze. After the block squeeze, run a bit with casing scraper to a depth of 100 to 120ft below
the end of the planned section. This will insure open casing below the section to receive heavy steel
cuttings which cannot be circulated out of the hole.

If formation logs are available, locate the section in a soft formation if possible. This will provide for a
smoother departure during the sidetrack.

The actual section length required is determined by the anticipated build rate while sidetracking.

The following formula provides a minimum section length required utilizing a bent-housing motor
sidetrack assembly:

Minimum Section Length (ft) = [100[(Dc - Di + Db) / (21 x Ba)]] + 10

Dc = Coupling diameter of casing (inches)
Di = Nominal inside diameter of casing (inches)
Db = Bit diameter (inches)
Ba = Bent housing motor angle (degrees)

With the above formula, plan for a section length for a sidetrack in 8 1/2” hole out of 9 5/8” casing
given:
10 1/2” OD coupling
9.6” casing ID
8 1/2” Bit
2° Bent Housing

Minimum Section Length for the above example is 35ft.

Milling Flow Rate Requirements

Flow rate is a critical factor to remove steel cuttings generated while milling a section.

The following formula determines the minimum flow rate requirements:

Milling Flow Rate (gpm) = 600 .[ (Dh - Dp )/( Dh . Md) ]

2 2

Dh = Casing inside diameter (in)

Dp= Pipe or collar diameter (in)
Md = Mud density (lb/gal)

With the above formula, plan for the flow rate a sidetrack in 8 1/2” hole out of 9 5/8” casing

Mud Conditioning Recommendations for Milling

Water-based clay muds are effective for steel cuttings removal provided the minimum flow previously
discussed is obtained. A minimum plastic viscosity of 30 centipoise and an elevated yield point of 30
lbs/100 ft. is recommended.
Periodic gel sweeps will be required periodically and are discussed in the operational procedure.

Required Equipment for Section

2 - Servco Millmaster section mills.

2 - Stabilizer sleeves for section mill
2 - Guide mills
2 - Float subs bored for Baker float
2 - Baker Floats
1 - Milling stabilizer
2 - Bowen Ditch Magnets

Section Mill Design

The Servco section mill expands milling knives hydraulically using a cam/ramp interface. The shorter
lead arms open slightly ahead of the longer follow arms providing maximum force for the initial cut-out.
Once all the knives are fully expanded, the cam reaches a flat interface which essentially locks the knives
open as long as a minimum pressure drop is maintained. A return spring retracts the piston after
circulation is stopped and allows the arms to collapse into the body.

Cutter knives are dressed with Millmaster carbide inserts. Millmaster carbide is unique in that it cuts
steel effectively yet is "softer" than standard carbides. This "softness" prevents fracturing and breakage
of the cutting surface during the rough milling operation downhole. Each Millmaster insert is individually
positioned and brazed with a negative rake for optimum cutting generation. In addition, multiple chip
breaking rows are incorporated on each insert. These chip breakers generate a cutting size and shape
the will not "bird nest". The steel cuttings can then be easily circulated out of the hole with proper mud
properties and flow rates.

The section mill features a Flo-Tel indicator which gives a surface indication when the piston has
completely opened the knives. A stationary stinger restricts the piston ID prior to expanding the knives,
causing a higher opening pressure at a low circulating volume. This restriction creates the cutout flow
area of .135 in2 . As the cutter knives open, the piston is moving downward away from the stinger.
When the piston is fully depressed, the ID is no longer restricted and creates the milling flow area of
.441 in2. As the piston clears the stinger restriction, a pressure loss or increase in pump strokes will give
a surface indication of cut-out.

Bottom Hole Assembly for Section Milling

After the bridge plug has been run, begin the following procedure:

Trip in hole with bit and casing scraper to insure that the casing is clean to a depth of 100-120ft below
the anticipated end of the section. While in the hole, circulate and condition mud to the recommended
milling properties (see mud recommendations).

Running in Hole

After the mud has been conditioned trip out of the hole and pick up section mill assembly as follows:
- Pick up section mill.
- Check torque on all screws in section mill.
- Make up stabilizer sleeve to section mill body.
- Make up guide mill to body.
- Make up top sub to top connection of the section mill body.
- Install Baker Float in top sub. Test float plunger movement.
- Make-up X-over sub (bit sub).
- Pick-up 3 joints of Hevi-Wate drill.
- Make-up milling stabilizer.
- Pick-up additional Hevi-Wate drill pipe for anticipated milling weight requirements.
- Run in hole.

Break circulation every 1,500 ft while tripping in the hole. Do not exceed 100 gpm flow rate and do not
rotate drill string while circulating. Place ditch magnets in "possum belly" to collect fine steel cuttings
which by-pass shaker screens. Clean ditch magnets hourly or as needed.

Section Mill Cut-out Procedure

Start cut-out at least 10ft below casing coupling with at least 2/3 kelly above rotary table. If less than
2/3 kelly, pick up appropriate length pup joint.

Start rotation at 60 rpm. Slowly start circulation until torque is evident at approximately 80 gpm.
Observe standpipe pressure and watch for an evident pressure loss of 200 to 250 psi indicating the
Flo-Tel signal of cut-out.
If no loss is observed after 5-10 minutes, increase to 80 rpm. Increase flow rate to 125 gpm Observe
standpipe pressure for pressure loss for up to 15 minutes. If no pressure loss is observed, but torque
diminishes and standpipe pressure is noticeably reduced, then the cut-out has been completed.
Mark kelly and gradually increase flow rate to 300 gpm. Gradually increase weight up to 3,000 lbs and
begin milling. Insure that a constant weight is maintained while milling. Do not allow to drill-off or mill
with light weights, as this generate long steel cuttings which tend to ìbird nest".
After milling 3ft, mark kelly, stop rotation, reduce circulation to 80 gpm and pick-up to original kelly
mark in order to check cut-out.

Check Cut-Out

At the original kelly mark, pull against upper casing with 10,000 lbs. overpull. An increase in standpipe
pressure should be observed as the section mill pulls into the upper casing. Lower the drill string slightly
below the original kelly mark and start rotation at 60 rpm with flow rate at 80 gpm. Increase to 80 rpm
and 200 gpm. If torque is observed, repeat cut-out procedure. If no torque is observed, the cutout has
been accomplished. Increase rotary to 100 rpm and increase flow rate to 300 gpm. Lower the drill
string gradually, if weight or torque occurs prior to the second kelly mark, repeat cut-out procedure.
Milling Procedure

After reaching the second kelly mark, commence milling with 3 to 5,000 lbs. weight and 100 to 120
rpm. Milling torque should be evenly maintained at a maximum of 3,000 ft/lb above free rotating torque
or limit the maximum milling rate to 4-6 ft/hour.
If section mill torques severely or stalls the rotary, stop rotary and pick up 3 ft. Circulate and slowly
work drill string in the open section for 10 minutes. Begin slow rotation of 60 rpm and slowly lower the
drill string until torque is evident. Increase weight and rotary speed until an acceptable torque and milling
rate can be established.

Monitor Returns

It very important to constantly monitor the cuttings return while milling for size, shape, and amount.
Although typical returns will have a mix of steel cutting sizes and shapes, the majority should be
evaluated.
Good steel cuttings will be slightly curved and approximately 1/4 in wide, 1 1/2 in long and up to 1/16 in
thick. Long, stringy cuttings indicate that insufficient milling weight is being run. Whereas long, curly and
thick cuttings indicate that too much milling weight is being run. Cement returns and possibly some
formation should also be evident in the returns.
Weighing the cuttings that circulate out only gives a relative measurement of performance. This method
varies greatly with mud properties, hole angle, and the magnetic attraction of the casing. Typically about
70% of the steel cuttings can be expected to circulate out within the direct time correlation.

Gel Sweeps

After 15 ft of section has been milled, stop milling and circulate a 150 gal gel pill of approximately 70 to
80 centipoise Viscosity at maximum obtainable flow rate. Slowly work the drill string with section mill
remaining in the open section. Do not rotate drill string. After gel sweep has been completed, start
rotation and continue milling with the previous operating parameters. If minimal steel cuttings are
returned with the gel sweep, this indicates the hole is cleaning properly. If a large quantity of steel
cuttings are observed, repeat gel sweep procedure after each 15 ft of section, or when annular packing
of cuttings is observed, and/ or when circulation is stopped for connection. Always circulate a final gel
sweep at the conclusion of the section.

Making connections

Prior to making a connection, stop the rotary and pick up 10 ft while maintaining circulation. Pump a gel
sweep as described previously and slowly work the drill string in the open section. After the gel sweep
circulates, stop circulation and rotate slowly allowing the pressure to equalize. Once the pressure has
equalized, stop rotary and slowly pick up for connection. Observe overpull if pulling into the casing to
ensure knives are retracted.
Underreaming the Section

The Servco Rock Type Underreamer (RTU) is a tri-cone underreamer which expands the arms by
hydraulic pressure created be a jet nozzle located in the piston assembly. The piston is designed to
provide the largest area possible to generate maximum opening force. This opening force is transferred
directly to the arms by a cam attached to the piston. Once the piston is fully depressed, the cam reaches
a flat interface which creates a positive locking action. A return spring retracts the piston after circulation
is stopped and allows the arms to collapse into the body.
The RTU has a bullnose guide as an integral part of the body. This suite eliminates the need for a lower
connection, allowing the largest cone size available to be utilized. Bit cone segments or PDC cutter
heads are welded to the arms which are specific to an opening diameter. The RTU will underream
nearly twice the diameter of the body size and still collapse flush.

If steel cuttings caused problems during the trip out of the hole with the section mill, then a bit run may
be needed to clean the hole prior to underreaming.
-Pick up 4500 Rock Type Underreamer
-Check torque on all screws in underreamer
-Make up top sub to top connection of the underreamer body and torque.
-Install Baker Float in top sub. Test float plunger movement.
-Pick-up drill collars and Hevi-Wate drill pipe as required.
Break circulation every 1,500 ft while tripping in the hole. Do not exceed 250 gpm flow rate and do not
rotate drill string while circulating. Keep ditch magnets in mud system, as steel cuttings will continue
circulate out of the hole.

Underreamer Cut-out Procedure

Position underreamer in open section with the cones at least 2 ft below the cut-out depth. If necessary
use an appropriate length pup joint to start with at 2/3 kelly above the rotary. Start rotation at 50 rpm.
Slowly start circulation until torque is evident at approximately 150 gpm. If torque is too erratic, check
drill string measurements to insure that the underreamer is in open section. Mark kelly and gradually
increase rotary to 90 rpm and flow rate to 200 gpm. Continue to cut-out for 15 minutes or until the
torque subsides. Gradually increase weight up to 3,000 lbs and begin underreaming.

Checking the Cut

Mark kelly, stop rotation, reduce circulation to 300 gpm and pick-up to original kelly mark in order to
check cut-out.