Cement Plug Sidetrack

Cement plug sidetrack: Complete procedures along with motor and bit selection:

If has been determined that the well must be plugged back, and if possible, try to have
the well plugged back to a depth that will be conducive to sidetracking and to allow the
original objectives to be achieved once the sidetrack is successfully completed. Factors
such as the location of doglegs, the lithology of a formation, possible anti-collision and/or
well proximity concerns, and the direction of the sidetrack to the well plan should be
considered.
Ensure the plug has set (generally 18-24 hours) before attempting to polish the plug, by
running in with a rotary assembly and tooth bit to tag the plug. With the pumps at a
reduced rate, to avoid the cement migrating into the drillstring, put 3-4,000 daN on the
plug, if the string weight remains unchanged, bring the pumps up to normal drilling rate,
and add more weight on the plug to a maximum of 8,000 daN, if the string weight
remains then the plug has set. The top 1-3meters of the plug may wash away due to
contamination of the cement, if more than this washes away stop and let the plug set for a
2-4 more hours before attempting the polish again. . If the plug won’t harden or is much
lower than were it was spotted, run another plug and retest after allowing it to set.
Polishing the plug is a procedure that takes time and patience. Maintain a medium rotary
speed of 40-60 rpm, and maintain a consistent 3-4,000 daN on the bit (do not use the
auto-digger), with the pumps at normal drilling rates. Time drill the plug at a rate of 1-1
½ m/hr, metering in to the desired depth. Samples should be caught every 0.5 meter as
the drilling is conducted to ensure the assembly is still on the plug, and to get a feel of
what is coming over the shaker which will be relevant to the sidetracking operation later
on. Once the desired depth has been achieved trip out of the hole strapping the pipe on
the way out.
Make up the sidetrack assembly, using a medium speed motor, and a fresh sharp long
toothed bit with gauge protection. Set the motor to 1.83 degrees, or use a fixed bend
motor with a 1.75 degree bend. Design the BHA so as to avoid running any Hevi-weight
drill pipe above 60 degrees inclination. Strap in, while tripping in the hole to ensure
accuracy of bit placement on the spot where sidetrack is to begin. Record the
stringweight.
Begin the sidetrack by orienting the tool face to the direction of the kick off. Drill with a
bit speed of about 40-60 rpm, and maintain 3-4,000 daN on the bit, pumping at a normal
drilling rate (or adjust the bit speed on the motor within the allowable flow range). The
time taken to achieve this will depend on the formation being drilled; generally about an
hour should suffice. Conduct a survey that will be used as a benchmark survey later on.
Spot the bit and orient the toolface in the direction of the kick off, that was previously
calculated, and by metering in, slowly time drill meter by meter. The first meter (pending
formation) should generally take 2 hrs, the second meter 1½ - 2 hrs, the third, fourth and
fifth meters roughly ¾ -1 hour each. After the first 4-5 meters (pending formation, if
softer; 5-6m, if harder; 3-4m) have been drilled, increase the rate to ½- ¾ hour per meter.
Catching samples regularly to see if the cuttings to cement ratio increases until only
cuttings should be caught in the samples thus indicating the sidetrack has been successful.
Watch the weight indicator closely and the pump pressure for signs of sidetracking, the
indications may be increased differential. While time drilling the drum brake should be
squeaked by hand, do not use the Auto-digger, do not rush the project or try to make up
any lost time, and pay attention for signs of differential sticking. It is important that
After the first single of pipe has been drilled down, the process may be sped up slightly
to a rate of ½ hr per meter. If a connection is required do not rotate the drillstring or work
the connection.
Depending on the length of the survey probe to bit, a survey could be shot and the results
compared with the benchmark survey taken earlier. If the probe to bit distance is too long
to determine any results, drill ahead 5 meters and do another checkshot survey, again
comparing the inclination and azimuth of the surveys.
Once it has been determined that the sidetrack has been completed, the assembly may be
tripped out to reset the motor or change bits if required. To run back in the hole, instruct
the driller to run in slowly when going through the sidetrack, with the motor oriented in
the direction of the sidetrack, avoid pumping at the time as well.
Depending on drilling conditions and/or formations, a trough 5 or so meters ahead of the
spot to sidetrack may be considered as an option. This is done by orienting the tool face
to the direction of the kick off. Drill with a bit speed of about 40-60 rpm, and maintain 3-
4,000 daN on the bit, pumping at a normal drilling rate (or adjust the bit speed on the
motor within the allowable flow range). The time taken to achieve this will depend on the
formation being drilled; generally about an hour should suffice (pending formation type).
Another option that may be considered, again depending on the area, drilling conditions
and formation types is to test the ledge. Test the ledge by first marking the single above
the table (or Kelly bar), kill the pumps, and set weight to see if it will hold. If the string
falls off with only 2-3,000 daN then repeat time drilling to build another ledge and test
again. If the ledge holds 4-5,000 daN, pull back to the mark on the single and bring the
pumps up, and resume drilling the sidetrack.
In conclusion the key to a successful sidetrack is patience and diligence. Take the time
required; double check the plan, the numbers, the tallies, the depths, the pressures, and
the samples.