5 1/2-in. StarBurst™ System

This size of StarBurst^™ hollow whipstock creates Levels 3 and 4 multilateral junctions. It is used in 5 1/2-in., 20- to 23-lb/ft casing and is especially suited for thru-tubing applications where considerable cost can be saved by not having to pull the tubing string.

This very simple system uses a separate whipstock packer run, followed by the running of the whipstock on the anchor seal latch. The tri-bladed starter mill is run to create the upper part of the casing exit window. This mill begins to cut out above the whipstock, which results in a longer window for subsequent running of longer drilling assemblies. An MLS mill is then run to complete the window. Once the liner is run, it can be cemented or left uncemented. Perforation of the StarBurst hollow whipstock and the liner at the junction is accomplished by the special StarBurst perforating gun, which uses a controlled-depth perforating charge to maintain junction integrity.

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