9 5/8-in. StarBurst™ System

This size of StarBurst^™ hollow whipstock creates Levels 3 and 4 multilateral junctions. It is used in 9 5/8-in., 40- to 53.5-lb/ft casing.

This very simple system uses a whipstock and packer system that is run and oriented on the running tool. The tri-bladed starter mill is then run to create the upper part of the casing exit window. The 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 charge to maintain junction integrity.

The 9 5/8-in. StarBurst system has been used to create casing exits in ERD wells at ultra depths of 19,000 and 20,000+ ft. This system was used because the running-tool-to-whipstock attachment provides for pushing the assembly to depth without loading the shear bolt, an upward shear of the bolt due to the packer, and lower required weight on mill due to the unique mill design.

A higher pressure and temperature model has been used successfully.

This system is well suited for intelligent completions.

Back to StarBurst Systems page.