section 10b

stuck pipe
section 10b Scomi Oiltools

mechanisms of pipe sticking problems 2

differential sticking 2
mechanical sticking 2
formation related sticki 3
prevention of stuck pipe 3
differential sticking 3
mechanical sticking 4
formation related sticking 5
methods of freeing pipe 5
differential sticking 5
reducing the mud weight 6
mechanical sticking 8
formation related causes 9
NAF 11
stuck pipe decision tree 12
 Section

10b hole problems - stuck pipe

hole problems - stuck pipe

mechanisms of pipe sticking problems
The occurrence of stuck pipe can usually be attributed to one of three major mechanisms: -
ƒ Differential Sticking
ƒ Mechanical Sticking
ƒ Formation Related Sticking

differential sticking
Differential sticking is caused by, a positive differential pressure and a permeable formation. The
chances of becoming differentially stuck under these circumstances are increased by poor filtration
control, thick filter cake and poor drilling practices.

Differential sticking can occur when, in a permeable Example of Differential Sticking

formation, the hydrostatic pressure exceeds formation
pressure. This results in the drill string, particularly the
BHA, becoming embedded in the filter cake and the force
to free the pipe becomes excessive. It is characterised
by the ability to circulate but the inability to rotate or move
the pipe either upwards or downwards.

Conditions contributing to the likelihood of differential

sticking are:

ƒ High formation permeability.

ƒ High positive differential pressure.
ƒ Hole angle.
ƒ Undergauge hole.
ƒ Poor mud filtration properties.
ƒ The relative geometry of the pipe and the wellbore.
ƒ Period of time the drill string remains immobile.
ƒ The degree of drill collar stabilization. Configuration of drill collars may also be important.
ƒ Poor particle size distribution in the mud leading to formation of a thick high permeability filter cake.

mechanical sticking
Mechanical sticking occurs for a variety of reasons including inefficient hole cleaning, key seating,
under gauge hole, junk, collapsed casing and well bore geometry. The actual cause is often difficult to
ascertain as it may be possible to move the pipe either up or down, it may be possible to rotate and it
may be possible to circulate.

A key seat is caused by the drill pipe cutting or wearing a slot into the side of the borehole. The drill
collars, being larger than the drill pipe, can become wedged into this slot and stuck. The drill string is
usually stuck while pulling out of the hole. The drill collars are pulled into the key seat and stuck.


Example of Key Seating

Mechanics of key seat sticking are:

ƒ The number and severity of dog-legs.

ƒ Length of time that the uncased section of the wellbore is left exposed, especially in terms of
rotating hours and number of trips.
ƒ The drillability of the formation.
ƒ The relative size between the drill pipe tool joints and the drill collars. Very large collars are less
likely to pull into a key-seat and become stuck than are collars that are just slightly larger than the
tool joint outside diameter.
ƒ Rapid transition from a formation that is prone to wash out to one that remains close to gauge,
or the reverse. The washed out section no longer provides support for the adjacent formation
and thereby concentrates the wall stress exerted by the drill pipe.

The drill string can become stuck when drill cuttings are not adequately removed from the hole.
This type of sticking is usually accompanied by loss or partial loss of circulation caused by “packing off”.

formation related sticking

Formation related sticking occurs as a direct result of the nature of the formation. Unconsolidated
formations may collapse, fractured formations may give rise to ledges, geopressured formations may
expand into the well bore and reactive formations may swell to restrict the annulus. Again determination
of the cause may not be immediately, or ever, possible.

prevention of stuck pipe

differential sticking
Differential sticking is probably the most preventable cause of stuckpipe as contact area, mud density
and filter cake thickness are all controllable. The use of spiral collars will minimise the contact area and,
in the event of sticking occurring, a micro annulus is present to facilitate spotting of the pipe freeing
agent across the stuck point. The differential pressure into the formation can be minimised by
running mud weights at or just above formation pressure providing other open formations permit.
The filter cake thickness and cake permeability can be controlled by minimising fluid loss and
ensuring good particle size distribution to provide a compressible filter cake with good lubricity
characteristics. Graded Calcium Carbonate exhibits a good particle size distribution and can be used
in formations where offset data indicates the possibility of differential sticking.


 Section

10b hole problems - stuck pipe

Differential sticking generally occurs when the drill-string remains stationary opposite a permeable
zone.

To minimise differential sticking:

ƒ Drill with mud density as low as practical.

ƒ Keep hole as straight as possible.
ƒ Keep solids content of mud as low as possible.
ƒ Use bridging particles, e.g. CaCO3
ƒ Keep static drill string time to a minimum.
ƒ Use extreme pressure (EP) lubricants.
ƒ Avoid long strings of drill collars where the diameter is larger than 65% of the hole diameter and/or
ƒ Use stabilisers or spiral drill collars.
ƒ Use an non aqueous fluid (NAF).

mechanical sticking
Mechanical sticking can be prevented by a combination of mud parameter control, especially
rheology relating to hole cleaning, and good drilling practices. Inefficient hole cleaning is a major cause
of mechanical sticking especially in the larger diameter holes where annular velocities are governed
by available pump output. Sufficient yield point and low shear rheology values will minimise the
build-up of cuttings in the annulus which may not be apparent until the pipe is tripped, when the
hole may pack off. It is imperative for this reason to ensure the hole is clean prior to tripping and that
rates of penetration are controlled to avoid the annular cuttings concentration exceeding 4%.

To minimise key seating:

ƒ Drill with a stiff bottom hole assembly which tends to minimize the chance of severe dog legs.
ƒ Use key-seat wipers properly positioned in the string.

To prevent pipe sticking due to debris or cuttings accumulation and swelling or plastic movement:

ƒ Maintain drilling fluid properties capable of good hole cleaning and general wellbore stability.
ƒ For high-angle holes (>35°), rigs should have top drives, three mud pumps, advanced solids
control systems and well-trained crews.
ƒ Maximize rotary drilling especially for high-angle holes (>35°).
ƒ A rough guideline for flow rate is that it should be 60 times the hole diameter in inches for high-
angle holes and about 1/2 as much for low-angle holes (<35°). Typical annular velocities range
from 120 ft/minute for low-angle wells to greater than 200 ft/minute high-angle wells.
ƒ Both low and high viscosity fluids have provided good hole cleaning indrilling operations. The
suitability of a particular rheology mud can be checked using a hole cleaning design program.
This provides minimum operating flow rates and corresponding maximum ROP with ECD
predictions.
ƒ Use routine hole-cleaning prevention methods such as back reaming, drillpipe rotation and
reciprocation, and circulation with bit off bottom. This is especially important in wells with hole
angles between 45° and 75° where bed slumping is likely and before tripping out of hole.

formation related sticking

Formation related sticking because of the variety of causes is more difficult to predict and prevent
without offset data. Unconsolidated formations may require adjustment to rheology profiles and/or
mud weights to stabilise the hole. Formations prone to ledging may require rheology adjustments
to prevent washout of the less competent interbedded strata and perhaps more care on trips to
prevent breaking off of the ledges.


Geopressured formations may require increased mud Example of Formation Related Sticking
weights to stabilise the hole provided other exposed
formations are not prone to lost circulation. Reactive
formations may require increased levels of inhibition
or increased mud weights to overcome hydrational
forces.

To minimise formation related sticking:

ƒ Use the lowest mud weight consistent with wellbore

stability considerations, lost circulation.
ƒ Ensure proper selection of casing points to minimise
exposure time of formations to drilling fluids.
ƒ Maintain sufficient mud density in pressured zones.

methods of freeing pipe

differential sticking
There are two mud related techniques used to attempt to free the pipe. The first is to reduce
the hydrostatic pressure of the mud column. This can be achieved by lowering the mud
weight of the entire active mud system during conventional circulation or by introducing
lower density fluids into the annulus. The second method can incorporate the use of
stuck pipe spotting fluids (conventional oil based or environmentally safe types for WBM; surfactant
types for NAF).

This type of sticking requires an immediate action as, under static conditions, the filter cake thickness
will increase with time. Preparations for either of the mud related freeing options must begin
immediately.


 Section

10b hole problems - stuck pipe

reducing the mud weight

a) Reduction of the mud weight in the entire active water based system is best achieved with measured
even additions of water. Chemical additions should be made to maintain other properties,
particularly fluid loss. Use can also be made of centrifuges to discard solids and reduce weight.
b) Introduction of lower density fluids into the annulus is a fast way to reduce the hydrostatic pressures
responsible for the differential sticking, i.e. ‘U’ tubing.
c) If well condition permit use of an unweighted spotting pill spotted across the stuck zone will also
reduce the hydrostatic pressure

Well control considerations and assessment of the effect of reduced hydrostatic head on formation
instability elsewhere in the wellbore is a prerequisite to either of the above actions.

Other non mud related methods of freeing differentially stuck pipe include:

ƒ Working or jarring loose, washing over, using a taper tap or overshot, fishing tools, etc.
ƒ Application of a drill stem test (DST) tool. The pipe is backed off and a DST tool with open-ended drill
pipe below is screwed into the fish. When the DST tool is opened, differential pressure is relieved,
freeing the pipe. This method depends largely on having a section of hole above the fish where the
DST packer will seal properly.

stuck pipe spotting fluids

1) Conventional Base Fluid Pills - WBM application
In the event of differentially stuck pipe where a mud weight decrease proves ineffective or impractical,
a conventional stuck pipe spotting fluid will be used. This should be formulated with base fluid
and seawater then weighted 0.2 lb/gal (0.02 SG) above the active system mud weight with barite. The
exact process involved in freeing of stuck pipe by base fluid/surfactant pills is not fully understood
but is believed to be related to capillary pressure of the base fluid, compression of the filter cake
and reduction of surface tension between pipe and the filter cake. None of these processes are
instantaneous and consequently patience must be exercised when using spotting fluids.

Important: Up to 12 hours may be required for the pipe freeing processes to reach equilibrium.

Placement Procedures
ƒ Determine position of stuck pipe by pipe stretch coefficients or free point logging tool.
ƒ Calculate volume requirement. In the vast majority of cases it is the BHA that is stuck. Sufficient
volume should be pumped to cover the BHA with a 50% excess.
ƒ Spot the fluid around the pipe leaving sufficient volume in the drill string to allow small periodic
displacements (1 or 2 bbl (0.16 or 0.32 m3)) every hour for up to 12 hours.

Scomi Oiltools Environmentally Friendly Stuck Pipe Solutions

D-FUSE
Unique blend of surfactants and food grade paraffins for unweighted spotting fluid.

Can be mixed in all types of non aqueous base fluids and glycols.

Add 3 - 4 gals (11.4 – 15.4 liters) of D-FUSE per bbl (m3) of base fluid.


BREAK-FREE
Blend of surfactants, emulsifiers and an oil soluble water emulsifiable polymer.

Used where a weighted pill is required.

Normal treatment level is 5 gal (18.9 liters) of BREAK-FREE per bbl (0.16 m3) of finished spotting fluid.

Recommended Formulation - 100 bbl (16 m3)

Density BREAK-FREE Base Fluid Water Barite
SG (lb/gal) (55 US gallon drums) (m3) (bbl) (m3) (bbl) 25 kg (55.1 lbs) sacks
0.96 8 9 10.18 64 4.29 27 69
1.20 10 9 9.22 58 4.13 26 254
1.44 12 9 8.59 54 3.50 22 456
1.68 14 9 8.11 51 3.34 21 636
1.92 16 9 7.79 49 1.75 11 846
2.16 18 9 7.00 44 1.59 10 1036

Mixing instructions:

1. Clean slug pit and mixing lines

2. Add base fluid
3. Add required volume of BREAK-FREE
4. Add required volume of water
5. Add DRILL-BAR as required

2) Surfactant Type – NAF application

Despite the inherent low sticking risk characteristics of NAF, differentially stuck pipe remains a
potential problem when using this type of fluid. In the event that mud weight decrease proves
ineffectual or impractical in freeing differentially stuck pipe with NAF in use, then the spotting of
a surfactant type pill should be considered. As with the conventional base fluid type pill in WBM
applications patience must be exercised to permit the pipe freeing process to reach equilibrium.

It should be noted that unlike spotting an base fluid / surfactant pill in water based muds this
approach does not present a new fluid type to the filter cake, merely an increase in the surfactant
concentration. The envisaged mechanism is that the increased oil wetting capability of the fluid may
produce penetration between pipe and filter cake thus reducing contact area. This approach cannot
be expected to produce as high a success rate as an base fluid / surfactant pill in WBM where physical
shrinking and cracking of the filter cake occurs.

Placement procedures are essentially the same as described for the conventional WBM type pills and
consideration must be given to weighting the fluid spotted to keep it in place and prevent upward
migration away from the area of sticking.


 Section

10b hole problems - stuck pipe

The surfactant type spotting fluid for NAF applications should be formulated as follows :

Formulation for 50 bbl 8 m3 (unweighted) Surfactant Type Spotting Fluid

Base Fluid : 45 bbl (7.16 m3)
Secondary Emulsifier : 3 drum, 55 US gallon, approx. 25 lb/bbl (71.3 kg/m3)
Oil Wetting Agent : 1 drum, 55 US gallon, approx. 8 lb/bbl (22.8 kg/m3)

If the fluid is to be weighted then a conventional free pipe spotting agent - capable of suspension
of barite - may need to be used instead of the secondary emulsifier shown above. Formulations
for this type of pill will be essentially the same as those detailed in WBM applications with increased
levels of oil wetting agent being added.

N.B., Formulation may change according to mud weight, emulsifier and oil wetting agent brands on
the rig.

mechanical sticking

inefficient hole cleaning

Preventing Stuck Pipe
It is possible to become stuck due to hole pack off both while drilling and tripping. It is critical to
ensure that the hole is circulated clean before tripping. This should not just be a calculated “bottoms
up”. The high slip velocity of cuttings often results in cuttings “bottoms up” being considerably
longer than that calculated for the mud. While drilling, pump around selected sweeps to check if the
hole is being cleaned. Refer to good hole cleaning practices in Section 6a, Deviated Drilling, Hole
Cleaning, for recommendations.

Additionally, wiper trips can help to clean the hole by disturbing the cuttings beds and removing any
bridges which may have formed.

Freeing Pipe
Packing off and hole bridging normally permit only limited rotation with no pipe reciprocation
or circulation. It is necessary to break down the pack off by applying limited pump pressure and
rotation, then waiting for pressure bleed off. Once circulation is established, the pack off can be
cleared using normal pump rates. At this point the hole ought to be circulated clean, using an optimised
viscosity pill as required.

key seating, undergauge hole, junk, collapsed casing, cement related

There are no mud property controls for prevention of these causes of stuck pipe.

wellbore geometry
This type of stuck pipe can be caused by several factors unrelated to mud, but the mud needs to be
tailored to overcome any problems of hole instability and insufficient hole cleaning, and to produce
efficient hydraulics.

Preventing Stuck Pipe

There are no hard and fast rules for mud property control to prevent this type of stuck pipe. In deviated
well bores it is usually necessary to have a higher mud weight to maintain borehole stability than for
a vertical hole. The addition of lubricants to reduce drag and torque should also be considered.


When an undergauge bit/stabilizer is pulled out of the hole great care must be taken when running
a new full gauge bit into the undergauge hole.

Freeing Pipe
The main reasons for sticking due to wellbore geometry are profile and ledges. Any changes in the
mud will be dependent upon the reason for the stuck pipe. Additions of lubricants or an increase in mud
weight can in many cases, reduce torque and drag and also stabilise the wellbore.

formation related causes

unconsolidated formations
The most common effect of unconsolidated formations is bridging or packing off.

Preventing Stuck Pipe

In vertical holes use high viscosity sweeps as a matter of course while drilling unconsolidated
formations. Often there will be surges of solids and cuttings at the shakers which will cause screen
blinding, which must be prepared for. While drilling these formations it is advisable to clean the hole
after a trip before drilling ahead, as fill is often found on bottom.

Freeing Pipe
Circulation will normally be lost if the pipe becomes stuck due to the collapse of unconsolidated
formations. Circulation must be regained, while working the pipe downwards to disturb the bridge.
The pipe will come free once circulation is regained, but the hole must be cleaned prior to drilling ahead.
At this point consideration should be given to raising the mud weight which may stabilise the hole.

fractured/faulted formations
Some unconsolidated formations respond to stabilising agents such as asphalts and gilsonite.
Ultimately it may be necessary to cement the zone and redrill it.

This type of formation when drilled will often produce ledges at the fault or washouts across the
fractured zone.

Preventing Stuck Pipe

Hole cleaning will be a problem where washouts and ledges have formed as cuttings will
accumulate in the washed out sections. Prior to tripping it may be necessary to circulate well
beyond calculated bottoms up because of the reduced annular velocities. Furthermore, faulting
gives rise to the risk of lost circulation, so an increase in the mud weight to stabilise the wellbore may
not be possible. This will often make it necessary to ream the hole on the way in. Checking hole
condition during wiper trips at programmed depths is advisable.

Freeing Pipe
The cause of sticking in fractured/faulted formations will usually be due to an obstruction falling
into the wellbore causing pack-off. Working the pipe to break up the obstruction or the pack-off will
be necessary.

Where fractured limestone has caused stuck pipe consideration may be given to the use of an
inhibited hydrochloric acid pill which can dissolve the obstruction.


 Section

10b hole problems - stuck pipe

geopressured formations
These are formations which are pressured due to loading pressures from the rock above and below.
The rock and its associated fluids will require higher mud weights for stabilisation. The signs of the
geopressured formations are usually pressure cavings and tight hole.

Preventing Stuck Pipe

Action must be taken to stabilise the wellbore at the earliest opportunity, since the situation will
usually deteriorate with time. There may be problems with annulus overloading and cavings at
the shakers. A rise in the mud weight will be necessary, but can only be carried out if other exposed
formations can tolerate the increased hydrostatic. The mud must have been within specifications
throughout the section in order for proper interpretation of the problem.

Freeing Pipe
The mechanism for stuck pipe to occur will be hole pack-off due to geopressured shale splintering
into the annulus. With circulation established, a rise in the mud weight must be considered and
rheological parameters must be adjusted to facilitate removal of larger than normal rock particles.

reactive formations
In some instances reactive formations may “swell” and reduce the annulus sufficiently to grip the
pipe. Historically this has often been nominated as the cause of stuck pipe. Recent studies suggest
that in many of these cases stuck pipe may in fact have been due to inefficient hole cleaning in the
reactive clay sections where rapid ROP occurs.

Preventing Stuck Pipe

Select a suitably inhibitive drilling fluid and mud weight. Reactive formations tend to deteriorate
with time, consequently casing schemes should be designed to set casing as soon as possible to ‘case off’
the clays.

Freeing Pipe
This will usually be achieved by mechanical methods i.e., jarring. Once “free, increase inhibition levels
and consider mud weight increases.

mobile formations
Two types of rocks which are known to readily deform under pressure are plastic shales and salts.
In the stuck pipe situation rotation may often be possible but up and down movement is usually very
limited.

Example of Deformation under Pressure

10
Preventing Stuck Pipe
If these formations are known to be present a rise in the mud weight will almost always be necessary
prior to penetrating the formation.

Because the formations are mobile, wiper trips will be advantageous to establish the condition
of the hole. In some situations however, e.g., mobile salts such as the European Zechstein Salt,
prevention of salt movement is not possible by increasing the mud weight since the required
density would greatly exceed the fracture gradient/shoe strength. In these instances wiper trips
and the use of freshwater pills to dissolve the salt, and other mechanical aids such as eccentric bits
are the usual techniques applied to minimize stuck pipe problems.

Freeing Pipe Stuck in Salt – Water Based Mud

1) Pump 50 bbl (8 m3) freshwater. Displace with mud until the drill collars/open hole annulus is displaced
to freshwater.
2) Stage the remaining volume of freshwater around the BHA in 5 bbl (0.8 m3) increments allowing 15
- 30 min between stages, while continually jarring on the pipe.
3) If the pipe is not free after displacing all the water into the annulus, circulate out the water at
maximum pump rates continuing to jar.
4) Repeat 1 - 3 above until pipe becomes free.

NAF
The advantage of using NAF muds is that they are more inhibitive which, in itself gives rise to more
stable hole conditions, lowering the risk of many well problems including stuck pipe. Stuck pipe
is less likely to occur when using NAF because they exhibit:

ƒ Extremely high levels of inhibition.

ƒ Good lubricating properties.
ƒ Low fluid loss.
ƒ Thin filter cakes.
ƒ Ability to drill with lower mud weights for wellbore stability compared with WBM.

The fact that all surfaces are oil wet and that NAF muds generally produce thin filter cakes reduces
the possibility of differential sticking. It is, however, still possible to become differentially stuck if
excessive overbalance is used. In such cases spotting a surfactant type pill may prove beneficial if
mud weight reductions are ineffectual or impractical.

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 Section

10b hole problems - stuck pipe

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