Kick-Off Techniques

C.Rosier
Technical Training 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 C.R.
03/03/2023
 What is a Kick-off

A kick-off is the deflection of wellbore

while maintaining control of Azimuth,
Inclination and DLS.

3 C.R.
03/03/2023
 Kick-off Methods

The following are methods of Kick-off:

• Jetting deflection
• Whipstock deflection
• Motor deflection
• Rotary Steerable deflection

4 C.R.
03/03/2023
 Kick-off Methods
Lithology is the key to selecting the most appropriate method:
Igneous &
Sedimentary
Metamorphic
1 4 5 6 7 8

5 C.R.
03/03/2023
 Kick-off Methods

Igneous &
Sedimentary
Metamorphic
1 4 5 6 7 8

Motor
Jetting Whipstock

6 C.R.
03/03/2023
 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 C.R.
03/03/2023
 Jetting Bits
Two cone jetting bits like this
one from RBI® are available
but rarely seen in the field:

8 C.R.
03/03/2023
 Jetting Bits
Conventional roller cone bits
are commonly used for
jetting and are adequate for
the task :

9 C.R.
03/03/2023
 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 C.R.
03/03/2023
 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 C.R.
03/03/2023
 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 C.R.
03/03/2023
 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 C.R.
03/03/2023
 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 C.R.
03/03/2023
 Open / Cased Hole Cemented Whipstock

15 C.R.
03/03/2023
 Open Hole Packer Whipstock

Features:
2 run system
• Cement inflated Packer
• Costly
• Complex but Reliable (hole conditions)

16 C.R.
03/03/2023
 Open Hole Packer Whipstock

17 C.R.
03/03/2023
 Open Hole Packer Whipstock

18 C.R.
03/03/2023
 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 C.R.
03/03/2023
 Cased Hole Mechanical Set Whipstock

20 C.R.
03/03/2023
 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 C.R.
03/03/2023
 Cased Hole Hydraulic Set Whipstock

22 C.R.
03/03/2023