SIDETRACKING OFF A CEMENT PLUG
General
This procedure is generated as a guideline to assist the Directional Driller in effectively sidetracking off a
cement plug. It is important to remember that these are only guidelines, and that specific circumstances
will require alternative methods. In the event that one feels the procedure is inadequate for a specific case
the DPL coordinator should be consulted.
Testing and Polishing the Plug
Once the plug has been run, a minimum of 18 to 24 hours should elapse before any attempt to polish the
plug is made. A conventional rotary assembly with a tooth bit should be utilized to polish the sidetrack
plug. Establish the plug top and pick up the Kelly. Start the mud pump and slowly add weight to the bit.
If string weight is lost then the plug is washing away. This may not be of any concern as the first 3-5
meters of a cement plug may be contaminated. If washing is indicated for anymore than 5 meters then
additional waiting time is need to cure the plug.
If there are no indications that the cement plug is washing away then the plug polishing procedure can
begin.
The following parameters should be used to determine the plug condition.
RPM 50-60
Weight 3000-4000 Dn
Pump Pressure Normal Drilling Rates
Samples 1 Meter Intervals
Time Drilling 1-2 Hrs per Meter
Once these parameters have been established, it is necessary to time drill each meter. As the plug is
polished down the time it takes to drill each meter should increase. If a minimum of 3 ½ to 4 minutes per
meter is reached, then the plug has sufficient compressive strength to begin the sidetrack.
Layered Plugs
Sometimes a plug is layered and this is indicated by the difference of times of the meters drilled. If 1
meter drills at 3 min a meter and then drills at 1 min for the next meter, this is called a layered plug. This
type of plug is difficult to get off of, but can be accomplished. The difficulty when sidetracking this type
of plug is it is difficult to maintain a ledge when the soft cement does not give the support and prying
action for the drill string. It is recommended that the auto digger be used to ensure consistent weight on
bit, and that ROP’s be recorded on the geolograph. If the sidetrack is successful then there is always the
chance that the bit will chip away at the cement when tripping through the sidetracked hole. After a few
trips through the kick off section of the well with the bit damaging the softer cement this can cause
problems in entering the sidetracked well.
Initiating the Sidetrack
Once the assembly is at kick off point, orient the motor in the direction of the kick off. With the
orientation completed, the drill string should be run down to the top of the cement plug and the brake
handle tied down for 30 minutes. This will allow the bit to work itself into the formation and to start a
ledge for sidetracking. Once this procedure is accomplished then the time drilling will begin. This is a
critical part of the sidetracking operation. When time drilling PATIENCE is the key to getting off of a
cement plug.
It is imperative that time drilling be utilized at 1 to 2 hours per meter depending on the formation. This
will allow the bit to begin cutting a ledge into the formation. If too much weight is applied then the bit
will skid down the side of the hole instead of sidetracking. If too much bit weight is applied once a ledge
is started, it could break off, causing the bit to skid down the side of the hole.
Samples
While time drilling, samples should be taken every meter and the percentage of formation versus cement
should be recorded. As the percentage of formation increases, more weight can be added but only if it
looks positive towards the well being sidetracked and at the discretion of the Directional Driller and
Company representative on site. When the samples show 75% formation this is a good indication that the
sidetrack is a success. If possible all samples should be kept, and identified so that they may be visually
compared to each other as the sidetrack progresses.
Assembly and Bit Selection
Once the sidetrack has been accomplished, a trip for a bit may be necessary to improve the rate of
penetration. A bent housing change may also be required to cut down on the dogleg severity required to
sidetrack the well. This would also be based on the profile of the well.
NOTE:
Driller needs to slow down when running in hole and going through sidetracked hole
Motor needs to be oriented towards direction of sidetracked well.
No reaming should be attempted through sidetracked section of well.
