Differential Sticking (Cause of Stuck Pipe)

In normal overbalanced drilling conditions, a pressure differential exists between the mud column and the formation pressure. In situations where the
formation pressure is significantly lower than that exerted by the mud column, the drillstring may be forced against the wellbore wall and, if the
pressure difference is large enough and acts over a significantly large area of the pipe, the pipe may become differentially stuck.
The force required (F) exerted against the pipe may be calculated through:
F= Dp x A x Cof.
Dp = differential pressure between the pressure exerted by the mud column and the formation fluid pressure
A = the area of pipe surface in contact with the filter cake
Cof = the coefficient of friction between the pipe and the filter cake.
Image not
found the pipe in a deviated hole.
This force acts in addition to the normal gravitational force acting
against
http://www.wipertrip.comimages/stories/articles/100/364_differential_sticking.jpg
364_differential_sticking

Indications of Differential Rather than Mechanical Sticking

The pipe was stationary before sticking
Full circulation is possible
Permeable formations are known to be open
There is a significantly overbalanced condition.