Please join us in the finale of our 2022-23 Speaker Season as DL Tom Emelander presents "Sidetracking with Whipstocks: An Efficient Method for Increasing Your Operational & Assest Value." This presentation will focus on identification of applications and methods to increase operational efficiency in the process of drilling and completing wells along with recovering stranded production in existing fields.

Abstract:
As the demand increases to lower overall cost of accessing reserves, more reliable operations during the well construction process are required and refined methods for maximizing the value of existing assets must be considered.  In drilling operations, there are numerous reasons why sidetracking may be a planned or contingency event.  Additionally, many if not all, fields have existing assets that can potentially be utilized to reestablish or increase production while reducing cost and footprint associated with a new drill.  One option of sidetracking a well involves a ramp directionally anchored in the casing or open hole to create a window for future drilling and completion assemblies. Whipstock sidetracking has evolved as a viable solution to add operational value in both new and mature wells.

Through technological advances, whipstock operations have become more efficient and can cover most applications for new drills and re-entries.  With additional evolutions in drilling capabilities and more complex wellbore design, sidetracking in casing or open hole can provide an economical advantage over traditional contingency solutions.  From an overall cost per foot perspective, multilateral and re-entry projects can reduce the operational spend to access additional reserves while reducing the environmental footprint.

With extensive run history and ever-increasing developments in equipment, competency, and data driven analytics, the scope and success for whipstock sidetracking operations provides operators with lower risk options to further industry optimization.  

BIO:
Tom Emelander is the Product Line Manager for Weatherford’s Whipstock Systems. His early career focused on support and implementation of Casing Exit Technologies.  After gaining operational experience, he was elevated to Technical Specialist where he guided his team to significant improvements in service quality.  His recent role is focused on increasing efficiencies, developing new technologies, and working with operators on highly innovative re-entry projects including multiple industry first installations.

Regarded as a subject matter expert, he has authored multiple technical papers and industry articles.  Tom has a Mechanical Engineering degree from Western Michigan University.