Tubing Stretch

There are two basic ways to determine Stretch of pipe. One way is to use stretch charts and the
other way is calculations using stretch constants. For this study we will use stretch constants.
The stretch charts available were derived by graphing the results of stretch equation over
different lengths.

Common Stretch Constants

Pipe Size Constant

2 3/8 4.7# Tubing 0.3100

2 7/8" 6.5# Tubing 0.2200

3 1/2" 9.3# Tubing 0.1544

2 7/8" 10.4# Drill Pipe 0.1400

3 1/2" 13.3# Drill Pipe 0.1100

4 1/2" 16.60 Drill Pipe 0.0900

5 1/2" 17# Casing 0.0804

7" 23# Casing 0.0602

Stretch in inches Formula

Stretch= Length of Pipe(ft) x Pull on the pipe(1000lb) x Constant for the pipe
1000 x 1000

Example:
You need to pull 20,000 tension on a packer run on 2 7/8" Tubing set at 6600 feet.

Stretch= 6600 x 20,000 x 0.22

1000 x 1000

Stretch= 29.04 inches

As you might have noticed you can do some of the math in your head. The short version is

Stretch= 6.6 x 20 x 0.22= 29.04 inches

By manipulating the Stretch equation there are a couple of possibly helpful equations
result.
If you are in a position where you need to pull on an anchored tool to set slips or put on the
well head etc. and if you know the total length needed to get from neutral to where you need to
pull in inches you can use this equation to know the total force required before you attempt
to pull up.

Pull= 1000 x 1000 x Stretch(inches)

Length of Pipe(ft) x Constant

If you have stuck pipe this equation will help estimate the depth of stuck pipe. To utilize this
equation you must slack pipe off to neutral weight making a reference mark on the tubing.
Then you must pull a known amount of tension using the weight indicator. When the tension is
pulled make another reference mark on the pipe using the same location where you measured
the neutral point. Measure the length between the marks in inches.

Length of free pipe= Stretch(in) x 1000 x 1000

Pull(1000ibs) x constant

Example:
Your pipe is stuck. You pull 20,000 pounds force and the length between your marks is 8 inches.
Your tubing is 3.5 9.3# Tubing

Length of free pipe= 8 inches x 1000 x 1000

20,000 lbs x 0.1544

Lenth of free pipe= 2,590.67 feet

Note of caution: For this calculation to estimate closely the weight indicator needs to
be close to correct. Also do not include the weight of the blocks in this calculation.