BEST PRACTICES

Prevention of Stuck Pipe During Routine Operations

Preventing Drill String Failures

Secondary Freeing Procedures

Prevention of Stuck Pipe During Routine Operations

Reaming and Backreaming

A high risk operation that accounts for a large proportion of

stuck pipe incidents.
Solids can be introduced into the circulating system faster
than the hole is being cleaned.
Results in a pack-off or potential pack-off situation.

GENERAL GUIDELINES.

PLANNING
Have a contingency plan for possible problems.
Always pre-plan a trip.
Have singles ready in case a need arises to work pipe
after a connection.
Break-out stand and use singles to cock jars etc.

ORGANIZATION
Monitor shakers and record volume of solids removed
from wellbore.

When drilling or reaming problem areas have two people

at the console.
Ensure driller understands what actions to take in the
event of problems.
Mud loggers report all parameters and report any
significant trend changes.

PARAMETERS
Use consistent parameters for reaming operations.
Address any parameter changes immediately.
Circulate hole clean if indicators show the hole loading
up during reaming.

If indications of a pack-off occur, reduce pump speed. If

after several minutes the hole does not pack-off then
return to normal parameters and be prepared to circulate
the hole clean.
Adjust reaming speed and circulation time if cuttings
volume rate is excessive.
Stop reaming and circulate the hole clean if, torque
becomes erratic, rotary stalls out, cave-in rate increases or
torque and pressure readings increase.

PARAMETERS CONTINUED
Prior to heavy reaming, slow rotation <80 rpm should be
used to walk pipe past ledges.
Reaming operations should be conducted with the
same flow rate as drilling.
To reduce chances of sidetracking and damage to drill
string keep reaming weight and speed low.
Maximum reaming speed should not exceed (as a rule
of thumb) four stands an hour.
Due to large volume of settled cuttings or new
cavings introduced into the hole. It is critical that this
material be circulated out of the hole.

GENERAL OPERATION
Follow FIRST ACTIONS for solids induced pack-off.
When reaming problem formations, the hole may need to be
wiped at regular intervals.

Make sure pipe is free before setting slips.

After drilling or reaming down, circulate cuttings above BHA
prior to picking up.
Always try to work the string past a tight spot as a first
option.
Know and use overpull limits.
Work overpull limit up in stages and ensure free movement in
both directions.

GENERAL OPERATION CONTINUED

Limit overpulls to half the BHA weight.
If a stall out occurs during reaming release the torqued up
drill string slowly.
When back reaming, do not overpull the pipe into the slips
to connect the top drive.
When washing in with a motor in the BHA, rotate the
entire drill string at low rpm.

Tripping in Deviated Hole

PLANNING
Record depth of top of BHA while circulating prior to
tripping and take extreme care when the top stabilizer
reaches this point and for the following two stands. This is
the point the BHA could encounter a cuttings bed if one
exists.
Where the well inclination is 40o-65o take care as this is the
point that cuttings will settle after avalanching down steeper
sections of the well.

PARAMETERS
Initially do not pull more than half the BHA weight or
30,000 lbs..... when POOH.
Note: 30,000 lb overpull rule.

Used for initial overpulls while tripping out of the hole.

Initially do not pull more than half the BHA weight or 30,000
lbs..... when POOH
If overpulls exceed 30,000 lbs..... or half the BHA weight
then go back down one stand and circulate bottoms up at
full drilling flow rate while reciprocating and rotating the
string.

GENERAL/OPERATION
Before tripping circulate the hole using the recommended
number of fluid circulation's.
Reciprocate and rotate the drill string while circulating
bottoms up.
Be aware that the BHA can become stuck in a cuttings
bed inside the casing.
Use paper mud log model of the well and BHA to help identify
and forecast problem depths.

Connections
Sticking problems commonly occur when making
connections.
They can occur in all hole sizes.
It can result in expensive side tracking.
ALL DRILLERS SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH
THE FOLLOWING CONNECTION PROCEDURES.

CONNECTION PROCEDURES
Wipe the last joint/stand prior to making a connection.
If erratic or high torque is experienced prior to connection
take time to ensure cuttings are above BHA.
After connection break circulation slowly and check for
returns.
Avoid starting/stopping pumps suddenly as shock loads may
disturb wellbore.

Minimise time without circulation.

 If differential sticking is experienced.

(a) Maximise pipe motion.
(b) Consider rotating string with slips set.
Never make a connection with overpull onto the slips.
Set slips high enough to allow downward movement.
If extra stick up is required take care not to bend pipe.

Surveying
PLANNING

Be ready to take survey before stopping drilling.

Know survey times and try not to exceed. Average times are between
3-5 minutes.
Person in charge on the rig floor must determine if the pipe is to be
moved between surveys or if another survey is to be attempted.
Never allow the MWD operator to continue surveying without the
permission of the Driller, Directional Driller or Toolpusher.
The following should be recorded on the rig floor.
(1) Depth or position on kelly of next survey.

(2) Last survey results.

(3) The amount of circulating and reaming prior to and during
surveys.

GENERAL/OPERATION

Pipe should be worked, reamed or circulated before carrying out a survey.

The amount of presurvey working, reaming or circulating should be discussed
with the toolpusher and company rep prior to drilling the hole section.
Ask MWD operator for rotating options during
survey.
Company rep may recommend more circulating before surveying. He may
also want to drill a few extra feet then pick back up to survey depth. These are
the sort of things that should be discussed at presection meetings.
Do not take surveys with the kelly completely down or after a connection is
made as this may result in too little space to cock the jars and work the pipe.
Position pipe to compensate for stretch and compression of the string so that
jars can be properly operated.

 Ensure correct handling procedures are in place when using

drillpipe screens.

(a) Drilling.
(b) Tripping.

(c) Surveying.
If dropping a survey prior to tripping. Consider time intervals for
surveys if having to back ream through open hole section.
Be aware of mud additives like LCM and its possible effect on
survey tools.

Drilling Parameter Trends

Monitoring trends will give an indication of the hole condition and
provide information as to whether the hole condition is improving or
deteriorating.
On some rigs trends may be monitored when doing drilling and
reaming operations every fifteen minutes and if significant changes
occur then corrective action should be taken immediately.

Running Casing or Liners

Steps to reduce the chances of stuck casing

Perform Torque and Drag analysis to predict the limiting friction

factor that will still allow the casing or liner to get to bottom.
Friction factor can be measured on the last trip out of the well, but is
best determined from experience over the duration of the well.
If significant deviation is experienced from the predicted down
weights then remedial action can be taken before sticking occurs.
If overpulls are experienced on the last trip out of the well, consider
performing a wiper trip. This is even more critical if the casing being
run is too heavy to be removed from the hole.

Logging
Logging companies have their own procedures for attempting to
free a stuck logging tool. Procedures may involve opening and
closing calipers and other moving parts.
The most common mechanisms are.

(1) Differential sticking of the cable.

(2) Mechanical sticking of formation test tools and side wall core tools.
(3) Geometrical sticking of the tool because of its shape.
(4) Keyseating of the cable.
* A procedure with recommendations for stripping in over wireline
can be found in the stuck pipe handbook .

Coring
If the rig is fitted with a top drive it is recommended that the core is
broken every 90 ft where differential sticking is a risk.

Well Control
STUCK PIPE IS SECONDARY TO WELL CONTROL.
Solve the well control problem first.

Deal with the stuck pipe situation.

Lost Circulation
When intermediate to severe losses occur, cuttings can settle around
the BHA and mechanically stick the pipe. The cuttings act like a packer
and can make the losses worse.
Try to keep the pipe moving if possible.
Consider pulling into the shoe before pumping LCM.
As a rule have enough open hole volume below the bit to accommodate
the whole treatment.
KEEP IN MIND:
Reactive clays may become unstable if exposed to uninhibited fluids.

Pressure differential in loss zones may cause differential sticking.

Ensure any LCM is clear of pipe before pumping cement.
Carry out pilot tests for each treatment.

Air and Foam Drilling

Although there is little reliable material available on the subject of stuck
pipe while air drilling. Problems are similar to those encountered in
conventional drilling operations.
Differential Sticking. Unlikely to occur due to
underbalance in wellbore.

Pack-Off. Most likely because of inadequate hole

cleaning.

Mechanical or Geometric Sticking. May occur as in a

conventional well.

Air and Foam Drilling

Listen to what the hole is telling you: Always Monitor
Drag.

Torque.

Rate of return of cuttings and cavings.

Monitoring the following may indicate potential problems.

Change in air flow rate from the compressors to the well.
Condition of the foam.
Small fluctuations in standpipe pressure may indicate hole cleaning
problems or mud rings forming.

Air and Foam Drilling

When freeing the pipe always follow good drilling practices.
In the event of mechanical sticking ALWAYS jar in the opposite direction
to the direction the pipe was travelling when it became stuck.
In the event of a pack-off, torque made help break up the
packed material.

Air and Foam Drilling

Good drilling practices for mud still apply with Air or Foam
Always reciprocate, do not circulate in one place.
The same stuck pipe indicators apply for Air or Foam as with mud.
If problems are encountered prior to a connection, pick up a single to
work the string.
Try to use a low energy approach with connections. No reaming or
back reaming unless absolutely necessary

Keep drilling as low energy as possible (low rpm) to prevent pipe

lash degrading the formation integrity.
Move the string smoothly. Remember the hole is effectively dry.

Air and Foam Drilling

Drilling Parameters
Drilling indicators are different from those in mud.
Torque is the primary and most reliable indicator of downhole events.
Differential pressure gauge at the air manifold can be an excellent
indicator of what is going on downhole .
Trends may occur over a longer period. Two or four hourly printouts
on mud loggers monitors can often identify slow building trends.
Monitor trends in the blooey line
discharge.

Air and Foam Drilling

Check Valves
Drill to a maximum of 500 ft before pulling back to reposition upper
check valve.
Use only flapper type with springs removed to allow access for wireline
tools.
A bit float or check valve must always be run while air or foam
drilling.
Air Rates
High air rates do not usually cause erosion.

Experience indicates the need to keep foam as dry as possible at

maximum air rates.

Air and Foam Drilling

Casing Design
Design casing program as usual, but be aware of collapse
considerations.
Cement

Do not use bentonite in a foam water mix if you have drilled a

cement plug. Reaction with the cement and bentonite will cause mud
rings and possible pack-off.
Communications
Good communications between driller and air drilling contractor.
Traffic light system or radio headsets strongly advised.

Driller should be in a position to see blooey line. If not consider TV

camera.

Air and Foam Drilling

Freeing Techniques
Generally different from those used in mud operations and are area
specific.
Two cardinal rules apply if sloughing, caving, tight hole, packing-off or
mud rings occur.
(1) Remember you are working with a compressible fluid. If
returns are lost do not bypass the air.
(2) Do not overpull more than 30,000 lbs..... if returns are lost
, air or foam can behave unexpectedly under such
conditions.
Overpulling will increase the tightness of the pack-off and make it more
difficult for air to percolate into it and undermine its integrity.
BE PATIENT

Drilling with Coiled Tubing

Coiled tubing cannot be rotated so differential sticking is a risk.
Working the string under pressure is a risk. (Limited number of
cycles before failure)
Usual solution is to flow the well.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
High circulation
pressures.
Large annulus.

No rotation.

Preventing Drill String Failures

Handle all tubulars carefully.
Always fit thread protectors.
Prevent slip and tong damage by correct use.
Stab pipe with care to prevent shoulder damage.
Follow inspection routines and make additional inspections if pipe is
subjected to heavy use.
The two most frequent causes of drill string failures are.
BHA connection fatigue.
drillpipe tube fatigue.

Preventing Drill String Failures

BHA Connection Fatigue Prevention
(1) Put the WOB limits used to design the BHA in the drilling program.
(2) Check bending strength ratios (BSR) of the drill collars and try to match.
(3) Use correct inspection criteria.
(4) If pin failures then BSR too high if box failures then raise BSR.
(5) Specify bore back box and stress relieve grooves in all drilling
equipment contracts.
(6) Do not allow OD change of more than 2 inches at any
one connection.

Preventing Drill String Failures

drillpipe Fatigue Prevention
(1) Use heavy-walled drillpipe as transition pipe. Do not run HWDP
buckled.
(2) Check stiffness ratio. 5.5 or less for low and less than 3.5 for high
complex wells

(3) SR = (Z lower)
(Z upper)
(4) Use correct makeup torque.
(5) Check pipe for slip damage after any rotating of pipe in slips.
(6) In slip stick situations reduce torque limit by 50%.

(7) Cycle the bottom stand of drillpipe out of the string every trip.
(8) Check for shoulder damage before making up.
(9) Minimise dog legs at shallow well depths.
(10) Rotate breaks.

Secondary Freeing Procedures

Pipe Release Agents (PRA)
WELL CONTROL MUST BE ONE OF THE PRIMARY
CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING PILLS OF DIFFERENT
DENSITY.
Drilling Fluid and Acid suppliers must be involved in the early planning
stage.
Involves unique procedures with Technical and Environmental
considerations.
Unlike U tubing restrictions do not apply when using pipe release
agents.
Any PRA should be spotted within 4 hours of sticking for best results.

If after 16 hours the pill has not been spotted then consider another
method.

Pipe Release Agents (PRA)

Probability of pipe freeing vs Soaking time
90
80

70

As a rule of thumb soak for

a minimum of 20 hours and
a maximum of 40 hours.

60

50
40
30
20
10
0
0

10

20

30

SOAKING TIME (hours)

40

50

Pipe Release Agents (PRA)

SPOTTING A PIPE RELEASE PILL

Plan for how and where the pill will be mixed and start as
soon as possible.
Once ready displace at a continuous high flow rate.
Try and design the spacer so that turbulent flow is created across the
stuck zone.
To prevent channelling of the PRA into the drilling mud the viscosity value
of the spacer using the 100 rpm reading on a fann VG meter should be
higher.
Spacer should be between 50-100 bbls.
Include spacer and PRA formulation in the mud program
document for each well.

Pipe Release Agents (PRA)

PRA PROCEDURE
(1) Volume of PRA pill should be 1.5 times larger than the volume
of the area in which the pipe is stuck.
(2) Prepare low YP spacer and check compatibility with mud and
PRA pill.
(3) Spot spacer and pill at maximum flow rate.
(4) Allow pill to soak until the pipe is free or timed out on effectiveness
of pill working.
(5) Work the pipe while the pill is soaking.

Secondary Freeing Procedures

Acid Pills
HANDLING ACID CAN BE HAZARDOUS
IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER
(1) Get advice on formulation.
(2) Pump quickly with large spacers each side.

(3) Work pipe while pill is soaking.

(4) Pill should be circulated out after about 5 minutes.
(5) Separate at surface for neutralisation.

Secondary Freeing Procedures

(SALT)
Fresh Water Pills
IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER
WELL CONTROL MUST BE ONE OF THE PRIMARY
CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING PILLS OF DIFFERENT DENSITY.
(1) Pill should cover zone plus 20 bbls extra in pipe to displace into annulus
during soak.
(2) Use spacer ahead of pill if using OBM (Get mud company advice).
(3) Work pipe while pill and spacer are being mixed and maximise overpull
while soaking.
(4) If not free after 2 hrs circulate out and repeat.

Free Point Indicators

FREE-POINT DETERMINATION
IMPORTANT POINTS TO CONSIDER
If jars are still operating, minimise stretch and torque readings
above jars to necessary calibration runs only.
Attempt to establish free point using FPI stretch measurements
first.
Once preliminary free point is established verify torque can be
worked down to back-off point.

Free Point Indicators

FREE-POINT DETERMINATION

(1) If jars not firing then rough free-point estimated from stretch
calculations prior to wireline unit arriving on location.
(2) If jars are not stuck then fire up and uncock jars prior to RIH with
wireline tool. Do not go below weight required to recock jar during free
point determination and back off.
(3) Run FPI tool to maximum depth possible if jars are operational. If jars
are not operational 500 ft below estimated free point obtained from stretch
calculations. Run a CCL log to 500 ft above suspected stuck point.
Correlate BHA and formation depths using a paper BHA model.
(4) After CCL begin running FPI stretch tests. Initial stretch test should be
in a known free point in order to obtain baseline reading.
Procedure from stuck pipe handbook

Free Point Indicators

FREE-POINT DETERMINATION
(5) Once preliminary free point is determined from stretch test
commence torque test procedure.

Procedure from stuck pipe

handbook
(6) After completion of tests select best back-off depth.
(7) Utilise the FPI tool to accurately determine the neutral point.

Free Point Indicators

KEEP IN MIND THE FOLLOWING POINTS ABOUT
BACK-OFFS
(1) In a high proportion of wells, stuck point has always been joint of pipe
below jars.
(2) In tortuous wells torque takes time to apply and monitor.
(3) Be aware of line creep and stretch.
(4) Wireline pack-off systems allow immediate circulation after shooting.

Information Required Before Freeing

Operation Starts
RIG READINESS

Safety- especially potential for falling objects.

Ton miles on block line.
DRILL STRING
INFORMATION
drillpipe:
Yield of drillpipe tube.
Yield of drillpipe tool joint - combined torque and pull
calculations .
Make-up torque used.
BHA:
Weight of BHA below jars.
Position and formation adjacent. Paper BHA
model.

Information Required Before Freeing Operation

Starts
Jars:
Maximum pull while jarring with hydraulic jar.
Jar firing force envelope.
Time delay when firing hydraulic jars.
Jar pump open force.

WELLBORE INFORMATION
Formation types and characteristics.
Hole condition.
Up, down and free rotating weights.
Drag chart.