Effective Pull On Stuck Pipe

The first actions taken when the drillstring becomes stuck have a great influence on the chance of success.

The information detailed below give guidance to the correct early response when the pipe becomes stuck.

Effective Pull on Stuck Pipe

When determining the pull on differentially or mechanically stuck drillpipe, the actual weight of the string in air is

to be used and not the indicated weight as recorded by the weight indicator.

For example:

Depth 10,000 ft
Weight of drill collars in air 743 ft of 6-1/2” OD x 3” ID @ 89 lb/ft 66,127 lb
Weight of DP in air 9,257 ft x 19.50 lb/ft 180,512 lb
Total weight of string in air 246,639 lb

Weight indicator reading 220,000 lb

Weight of top drive, hook, blocks, swivel, etc. 50,000 lb
Pull reported at 100,000 lbs. over indicator reading 320,000 lb
Less hook, block, swivel, etc. - 50,000 lb
Effective pull on string 270,000 lb

Assuming that pipe is stuck on bottom, then the effective pull at the 23,361 lb
stuck point = 270,000 - 246,639 (no buoyancy of pipe)
In order to apply a pull of 100,000 lbs. at the bit, the Indicator 396,639 lb
reading would have to be 246,639 + 50,000 + 100,000 lb

This would mean that the pull on the pipe amounts to 346,639 lb
(396,639 lb - 50,000 lb)