Sidetracking and whipstocks: A practical way to extend well life

At Enedril, we supply equipment for sidetracking operations — especially whipstocks. These tools are used to kick off new well paths from existing boreholes, whether in oil and gas, or even in geothermal projects. Sidetracking helps operators make the most out of existing wells, without the need to drill a new one from scratch.

What is sidetracking ?

Sidetracking is when you drill a new path — usually at an angle — from an existing well. This is often done to:

• bypass a collapsed or blocked section,

• reach a new target zone in the reservoir,

• improve overall drainage,

• or correct a poorly placed wellbore.

It’s a practical way to get more out of the same well, often with lower cost and less surface impact. In geothermal, sidetracking can help create production/injection pairs or reach deeper heat zones if the original well didn’t deliver enough flow.

How whipstocks help redirect the well

A whipstock is a slanted tool set inside the well — either in the casing or in open hole. It guides the milling tool to cut a “window” in the casing, and from there, the drill string follows a new path.

Different types of whipstocks:

• Permanent models that stay in the well after use,

• Retrievable versions that can be pulled out,

• Hydraulic or mechanical anchoring systems,

• Compatible with standard casing sizes (like 5-1/2", 7", 9-5/8", etc.).

Oil, gas… and geothermal too

Sidetracking has long been used in oil and gas — but it’s increasingly relevant in geothermal drilling too. In semi-deep or urban geothermal wells, a whipstock can be used to sidetrack from a vertical well and reach productive heat zones more effectively.

Operators working in geothermal appreciate our gear for its mechanical reliability, precision in deviation angles (usually between 1.5° and 3° over 30 meters), and compatibility with geothermal BHA setups that may be heavier or more specific.

Bottom line

Sidetracking is a solid field-proven technique, used in lots of drilling scenarios. Enedril provides the right tools for the job — especially whipstocks that are reliable, flexible, and designed to fit seamlessly into your drilling workflow.

Got questions or need specs ? Our team’s here to help.