Stuck Pipe

Mechanisms & Prevention

 STUCK PIPE
Planned operations are suspended when down hole
force(s) prevent pulling string out the hole.

TIGHT HOLE
Down hole force(s) restrict string movement above
normal opera-ting conditions (a usual warning
indicator of a stuck pipe event)
 Stuck Pipe Mechanisms

1.HOLE PACK-OFF / BRIDGE

Settled Cuttings Shale Instability
Unconsolidated Formations Fractured Formations
Cement Related Junk

2.DIFERENTIAL STICKING

3.WELLBORE GEOMETRY
Stiff Assembly Key Seat
Micro Doglegs Ledges
Mobile Formations Under gauge Hole
 1. Hole Pack Off, Bridge.

Hole Pack Off: Formation solids (cuttings,

cavings)settle around the drill string and pack
off the annulus resulting in stuck pipe.

Hole Bridge: Medium or large pieces of large

formation, cement or junk falls into the well
bore and jams the drill string resulting in stuck
pipe.
 HOLE PACK OFF HOLE BRIDGE
CAUSES CAUSES
A. SETTLED CUTTINGS
B. SHALE INSTABILITY B. SHALE INSTABILITY
Reactive shale
Geo-pressured shale
Hydro-pressure shale
Overburden stress Overburden stress
Tectonic stress Tectonic stress
C. UNCONSOLIDATED C. UNCONSOLIDATED
FORMATIONS FORMATIONS
D. FRACTURED D. FRACTURED
FORMATIONS FORMATIONS
E. SOFT CEMENT E. CEMENT BLOCKS
F. JUNK
A. Settled Cuttings
 CAUSES OF SETTLED CUTTINGS
Hole cleaning is affected by 6 basic factors

FACTOR AFFECT
1.RATE OF …PENETRATION Determines the cuttings volume in
returning mud
2.HOLE STABILITY Cavings load added to the returning
mud
3.ANNULAR ...VELOCITY Lift the cuttings

4.MUD RHEOLOGY Suspend and carry the cuttings

5.CIRCULATING TIME Transport the cuttings to surface

6.HOLE ANGLE Reduce the ability to clean the hole

 SETTLED CUTTINGS,NEAR VERTICAL <35˚
CAUSE: Drilled cuttings are not transported out of the hole due to low
annular velocity and/or poor mud properties.
When circulation is stopped , the cuttings fall back down the hole and
pack off the drill string
WARNING: High ROP, low pump rate, little to no circulating time at
connections. Torque, drag and pump pressure increase.
Over pull off slips, pump surge to break circulation.
Fill on bottom.
INDICATIONS:Likely to occur on connections, possible during trip.
Circulation restricted or impossible.
FIRST ACTION:Apply low pump pressure (200-400 psi).
Apply torque and jar down with maximum trip load.
Circulate clean to avoid recurrence.
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Control ROP, maximize annular velocity.
Maintain sufficient gel strength and yield point.

PACK OFF Circulate 5 to 10 minutes before connections.

Circulate hole clean before POOH.
 d SETTLED CUTTINGS,HIGH ANGLE >35˚
d
d CAUSE: Drilled cuttings settle on the low side of the hole a forms a
d cuttings bed. The cuttings bed builds and slides down hole packing off
d the drill string. While POOH, the cuttings bed is dragged upward by
d the BHA and packs off the drill string.
c
c WARNING: Hole angle greater than 35˚.
c Drilling with a down hole motor
c
CUTTINGS d High ROP, low pump rate, increase torque & drag, increase pump
BED FORM pressure.
WHILE
DRILLING Increase over pull on trips.
INDICATIONS:Likely to occur while POOH, possible while drilling
Circulate pressure restricted or impossible
FIRST ACTION:Apply low pump pressure (100-400 psi).
Jar down with maximum trip load, apply torque with caution
Clean hole to avoid recurrence
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Record trend indicators for inadequate hole
cleaning. Control ROP, maintain mud properties, circulate at maxi-
mum rate, maximize string rotation. Circulate hole clean before
POOH , establish and over pull limit. Use low viscosity / high density
pills.
PACK OFF
 Indications Of
Settled Cuttings
 DRILLER DRAG TORQUE PRESSURE OTHER
TRENDS
DRILLING Increasing Erratic Increasing Increasing Pressure surges. Gradual
Erratic decrease in ROP

CONNECTION Over pull off slips Surge to start Back pressure before
circulation breaking connection
Back flow
TRIPPING Increasing Erratic Swabbing
OUT Over pull off slips

TRIPPING IN Increasing set Begins with BHA below

down weight depths of 35˚ hole angle
Over pull off slips
BACK Over pull off slips Increasing Increasing Surge to start circulation.
REAMING Erratic over pull Erratic String pistoning. Loss of
fluid is possible
PUMPING OUT Over pull off slips Increasing Surge to start circulation.
Increasing Erratic String pistoning. Loss of
fluid is possible
Rig Team Indicatios Of
Settled Cuttings
 Low cuttings return for penetration
rate.
SHAKER Erratic cuttings returns.
TRENDS No cuttings return.
High cuttings return on fine shaker
screen and desilter / mud cleaner.
LOGGER Rounded, reground cuttings.
TRENDS
MUD Increasing plastic viscosity and yield
TRENDS point, increase in low gravity solids.
Possible mud weight increase.
Preventive Action Of
Settled Cuttings
1. Maintain the required mud properties.Circulated at maximum recommend GPM for
hole size
2. Place more emphasis on annular velocity when designing the hydraulics for 12”
and larges hole sizes. Consider using a riser booster line when drilling 8” and
smaller hole sizes.
3. Do not allow the penetration rate to exceed the ability to clean the hole.Record
torque and drag trends for symptoms of inadequate hole cleaning.
4. Consider a wiper trip after drilling a long section with a down hole motor.
5. Wipe the hole at full circulating rate as long as possible (5-10 min) before
connections. Rotate at maximum RPM when possible.
6. Maximize string motion when circulating the hole cleaning. Use maximum practical
RPM. Raise the drill string slowly (5 min/stand) and slack-off at a safe but fast rate (1
min/stand).
7. Consider pumping high viscosity sweeps in low angles wells (<35˚). Consider low-vis
/ high-vis sweeps in higher angles wells (>35˚). Do not stop circulating until all sweeps
return.
8. Circulate until the hole is clean, if the last sweep brings up excessive amount of
cuttings, continue with hole cleaning operations. Several circulations may be necessary.
 MINIMUM GPM VERSUS HOLE SIZE AND HOLE ANGLE
HOLE SIZE 26” 17” – 16” 12” 8”
ANGLE
INTERVAL
0˚ - 35˚ 700 gpm 500 gpm 400 gpm 300 gpm
35˚ - 55˚ 1250 gpm 950 gpm 650 gpm 450 gpm
55˚ + 1100 gpm 750 gpm 500 gpm

Minimum flow rate (GPM) for any given hole size and angle is greatly
depend on mud weight, mud rheology and annulus geometry .

Maximum recommended flow rate is 60 GPM per inch of bit diameter.

MAXIMUM ROP VERSUS HOLE SIZE AND HOLE ANGLE
HOLE SIZE 26” 17” – 16” 12” 8”
ANGLE
INTERVAL
0˚ - 35˚ 60 ft/hr 110 ft/hr 155 ft/hr 240 ft/hr

35˚ - 55˚ 40 ft/hr 75 ft/hr 85 ft/hr 125 ft/hr

55˚ + 60 ft/hr 75 ft/hr 100 ft/hr

Penetration rate guidelines are based on adequate mud properties.

 MINIMUM CIRCULATING STROKES FACTOR (CSF) TO
CLEAN HOLE
HOLE SIZE 26” 17” – 16” 12” 8”
ANGLE INTERVAL
0˚ - 35˚ 2 1.7 1.4 1.4
35˚ - 55˚ 2.5 2.5 1.8 1.6
55˚ + 3 2 1.7
PROCEDURE
1.Separate the well bore into sections by hole angle from intervals above
2.Multiply each section length (Sect Lth) by CSF and total the adjusted
measured depth (MD)
Adjusted MD = (Sect1 Lth x CSF) + (Sect2 Lth x CSF) + (Sect3 Lth x CSF) +..
3.Calculate the minimum circulating strokes to clean the hole.
Minimum Circ Stks = Total Adjusted MD x Bottoms Up Stks
Measured Depth
MINIMUM CIRCULATING STROKES CALCULATION (12” HOLE)
4500 ft x 1.4 = 6300
2000 ft x 1.8 = 3600
6500 ft x 2.0 = 13000
Total adjusted measured depth = 22900 ft.
Current bottoms up = 15000 stks.
Min cir stks = (22900x15000)/13000
Min cir stks = 26423 stks.
High Angle Hole
Guidelines (>35˚).
Drilling
1. Maintain sufficient mud weight to stabilize the well bore as hole angle and/or
formation pressure increase.
2. Use proper Low-End –Rheology for hole size and angle to maximize hole cleaning
3. Circulate at maximum rate for hole size and hole angle.
4. Limit the ROP to the maximum recommended for hole size and hole angle
5. Back ream each stand (or  stand) drilled with a down-hole motor.
6. Rotate at high RPM (160+). Raise the drill string slowly (i.e.,5min/stand).Lower the
drill string at a safe but fast rate (i.e.,1min/stand)
7. Continue back reaming if hole conditions dictate.
8. Consider a wiper trip after drilling a long section with a down hole motor to
mechanically agitate and remove cuttings bed.
9. Pump a sweep (pill) if hole conditions do not improve. Consider low- vis / high-density
tandem sweeps.
10. Optimize sweep type, volume and frequency pumped.
11. Consider reducing ROP or stop drilling and circulate until hole conditions improve.
High Angle Hole
Guidelines (>35˚).
Connections
1. Start and shop drill string slowly. Ensure adequate back reaming at full
circulation rate prior to connections.
2. Prepare crew and equipment to minimize connections time.
3. Record free rotating weight, pick-up weight, slack-off weight,off-bottom torque,
and circulating pressure for trend indications of inadequate hole cleaning.
4. Pull the slips and slowly rotate the drill string first, then increase pump speed
slowly. Carefully lower the drill string to bottom.
High Angle Hole
Guidelines (>35˚).
Tripping.
1. Circulate 1 to 3 joints off bottom while cleaning the hole to avoid dropping bottom hole
angle. Consider sweeps (pills) to aid hole cleaning.
2. Rotate at high RPM (160+) while cleaning the hole. Raise the drill string slowly
(i.e.,5min/stand), lower the drill string at a safe but fast rate (i.e.,1min/stand)
3. Ensure recommended minimum circulation strokes for hole size and angle are
pumped, 2 to 4 times normal bottoms-up may be required. Circulate until the shakers are
clean.
4. Consider pumping a sweep (pill) to determine if additional circulation time is required.
5. Inform the Driller of the measured depth and stand count when the top of the BHA
reaches the deepest anticipated cuttings bed. Maximum cuttings bed thickness is likely
between 45 and 65 hole angle.Determine an over pull limit prior to pulling out of the hole
(the lesser of ½ BHA weight or 30,000 lbs)
6. If over pull limit occurs, run in 1 stand and repeat hole cleaning guidelines from
present bit depth. When the shakers are clean, continue pulling out the hole. If the over
pull limit is again reached, repeat procedure CAUTIOUSLY BACKREAM OR PUMP-
OUT STANDS WHEN A CUTTINGS BED IS PRESENT.
7. Be patient, several hole cleaning cycles may be required to safely pull the drill string
out of the hole. Record depths and stand count of high pick-up weights during the trip.
Compare these to the drilling pick-up weights for the same depths to determine value of
over pull.
B. Shale Instability
 The shale formation becomes unstable, breaks
apart and falls into the well bore

CHEMICHALLY STRESSED
Reactive shale

MECHANICALLY STRESSED
Geo-pressured shale
Hydro-pressured shale
Overburden stress
Tectonic stress
 REACTIVE SHALE
CAUSE: Water sensitive shale drilled with little or no mud inhibition.
Shale absorbs water and swells into the well bore.
Reaction is time depend.
WARNING: Funnel viscosity, PV, YP, CEC increase.
Torque and drag increase.
Pump pressure increase.
Clay balls and/or soft “mushy” cuttings at shaker.
Over pull and swabbing. BHA balling (mud rings).
INDICATIONS: Generally occurs while POOH, possible while
drilling. Circulation impossible or highly restricted.
FIRST ACTION:Apply low pump pressure (200-400 psi).
If POOH, torque up and jar down with maximum trip load .
If RIH, jar up with maximum trip load, do not apply torque.
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Use an inhibited mud.
Maintain mud properties .
Plan wiper trips.
Minimize hole exposure time.
 Indications Of
Reactive Cuttings
 DRILLER DRAG TORQUE PRESSURE OTHER
TRENDS
Increasing Increasing Increasing Pressure surges. Gradual
Smooth Smooth decrease in ROP
DRILLING
Mud loss possible
CONNECTION Over pull off Surge to start Back pressure before
slips circulation connection. Back flow

TRIPPING OUT Increasing, Swabbing

smooth.Overpull
off slips
Increasing set Begins at depth of
down weight problem formation Mud
TRIPPING IN
Over pull off loss possible.
slips
BACK Over pull off Increasing Increasing Surge to start circulation.
REAMING slips Smooth String pistoning.
Loss of mud.
Increasing, Increasing Surge to start circulation.
smooth overpull String pistoning.
PUMPING OUT
off slips. Loss of f Mud.
 Rig Team
Indications Of
Reactive Cuttings
SHAKER Soft clay balls. Wet “mushy” clay (gumbo). Flow
TRENDS line plugging.

LOGGER Large quanty of hydrated shale cuttings.

TRENDS High value on shale swelling test.

MUD TRENDS High funnel vis. & YP. Increasing PV, low gravity
solids & CE. Possible mud weight increase. Low
inhibitor content.
Preventive Action
Of Reactive
Shale.
1. Addition of various salts (potassium, sodium, calcium, etc.) to the chemical
attraction of water to the shale.
2. Addition of various encapsulating ( coating) polymers to reduce water
contact with the sale.
3. Use of and synthetic base muds to exclude water contact with the sale.
4. Minimize open hole time.
5. Plan regular wiper / reaming trips based on time, footage drilled or the
warning signs of reactive shale.
6. Ensure adequate hydraulics for bit and hole cleaning.
7. Maintain required mud properties and minimize low gravity solids.
 GEO-PRESSURED SHALE
CAUSE: Drilling pressured shale with insufficient mud weight.
The stressed shale fractures and caves into the hole.
WARNING: Signs begin to occur as shale id drilled.
Mud logger trends indicate increasing pore pressure.
ROP increase when first drilled.
Torque increase and drag on connections.
Hole fill on connections, bridges on trips, splintery shale cavings.
Possible background gas increase.
INDICATIONS: Likely to occur while tripping, possible while drilling.
Complete pack off likely, hole bridging possible.
Circualtion restricted or impossible.
FIRST ACTION:Apply low pump pressure (200-400 psi).
Apply torque, jar down with maximum trip load.
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Adjust mud weight before drilling known
pressure shale.
Slowly increase mud weight to stabilize shale.
Minimize swab / surge pressures. Minimize open hole exposure time.
 HYDRO-PRESSURED SHALE
CAUSE: Over time, shale pore pressure becomes charged by
hydrostatic overbalance.
Drill string motion and well bore pressure surges stress-cracks the
unstabilized shale.
The shale falls into the well bore and jams the drill string.
WARNING: Generally follows a mud weight reduction.Torque and
drag increase. Shale cavings at shaker.
INDICATIONS: Possible while drilling or tripping.
Hole bridging or complete pack off possible.
Circualtion restricted or impossible.
FIRST ACTION:Apply low pump pressure (200-400 psi).
Apply torque, jar down with maximum trip load .
Circulate at maximum rate once circulation is established
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Use OBM, SBM or glycol base mud if
problem is suspected.
If a mud weight reduction is necessary, reduce gradually over several
circulations.
Minimize well bore pressures surges.
 OVERBURDEN STRESS
CAUSE: Mud weight is insufficient to support the over burden.
Mud weight is not adjusted as hole angle increases.
Stressed shale fractures and falls into the wellbore.
WARNING: Hole cleaning problems.
Increase Torque & Drag
Shale cavings at shaker.
INDICATIONS: Can occur while drilling or tripping.
Hole bridging or pack-Off possible.
Restricted circulation or no circulation possible.
FIRST ACTION:Apply low pump pressure
(200-400 psi)
Apply torque, jar down with Maximun trip load.
PREVENTIVE ACTION:Use mud weight needed to stabilize the over
burden.
Increase mud weight as hole angle increases.
 TECTONIC STRESS
CAUSE: Naturally occurring lateral forces in the formations.
Stressed shale fractures, falls into the well bore and jams the drill
string.
Sandstone squeezes in causing under gauge hole.
WARNING: Mountainous location.
Prognosed tectonics.
Erratic torque & Drag
Blocky shale cavings
Creates elliptical well bore
INDICATIONS: Possible while drilling or tripping
Circulation restricted or impossible.
FIRST ACTION: Apply low pump pressure (200-400psi)
Apply torque, jar down with Maximum trip load.
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Increase mud weight if possible.
Circulate high Density sweeps.
Minimize well bore pressure surges
Minimize open hole exposure time.
 Indications Of
Mechanically Stressed
Shale
 DRILLER DRAG TORQUE PRESSURE OTHER
TRENDS
DRILLING Increasing Erratic Increasing Increasing Increase ROP followed by
Erratic gradual decrease,
pressure surges.
CONNECTION Over pull off slips Surge to start Hole fill.
circulation

TRIPPING Increasing Erratic Swabbing

OUT Over pull off slips

TRIPPING IN Increasing set Beginsat depth of

down weight problem formation.
Hole fill on bottom.
BACK Over pull off slips Increasing Increasing Surge to start circulation.
REAMING Erratic String pistoning. Loss of
fluid possible
PUMPING OUT Increasing, erratic Increasing Surge to start circulation.
Over pull off slips. String pistoning.
Loss of fluid is possible
Rig Team Indications Of
Mechanically Stressed
Shale
SHAKER Large, splintery or blocky shale cavings. Large
TRENDS volume os cavings.

LOGGER Large quantity of splintery or blocky cavings with

TRENDS striations.
Possible indications of increase in formation
pressure.
Prognosed mechanically stressed shale.
MUD TRENDS Possible slight increase in mud weight and plastic
viscosity.
 Preventive Action Of
Mechanically Stressed
Shale
1. Consider offset well data and / or computer models which simulate shale failure
limits when planning the mud weight for each hole section.
2. Mud weight increase with hole angle and TDV specific to the area to maintain hole
stability.
3. Exploration wells, consult the Mud Logger for changes in formation pressure.
Increase the mud weight cautiously until symptoms are no longer observed.
4. If possible, increase mud weight slowly ( 0.1 to 0.2 ppg per day) until the desired
density for a given depth is reached. This will maintain an overbalance against
hydrostatically sensitive shales.
5. AVIOD MUD WEIGTH REDUCTION after 1 + day exposure to hydrostatically
sensitive shale. If mud weight reduction is necessary reduce the mud weight gradually
over a time frame equal to the time of exposure.
6. Use the Shaker Handover Notes to determine trends of cuttings volume, size and
shape.
7. Maintain mud properties to ensure hole cleaning. Use sweeps to help clean the hole.
8. Stop drilling until the hole is circulated clean. Minimize open hole exposure time.
9. Plan contingency to case – off the problem.
C. Unconsolidated
Formations
 UNCONSOLIDATED FORMATION
CAUSE: Little or no filter cake.
Unbonded formation ( sand, pea gravel, ETC.) Can not be supported
by hydrostatic overbalance.
Sand/ pea gravel falls into the hole and packs off the drill string.
WARNING: Likely to occur as the formation is drilled.
Seepage loss likely.Increase torque & Drag, pump pressure
fluctuations.
Hole fill on connections & trips. Shaker & desander over load.
INDICATIONS: Generally occurs in surface hole
Can occurs while drilling or tripping
Sudden pack-Off without warning.
Circulation impossible.
FIRST ACTION: Apply low pump pressure (200-400 psi)
Jar down with Maximun trip load, apply torque with caution.
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Control fluid loss to provide an adequate
filter cake.
Control drill suspected zone. Use high vis sweeps
Spot a gel pill before pooh. Minimize trip speed.
 Indications Of
Unconsolidated
Formation
 DRILLER DRAG TORQUE PRESSURE OTHER
TRENDS
DRILLING Increasing Erratic Increasing Increasing Pressure surges.
Erratic

CONNECTION Over pull off slips Surge to start Hole fill.

circulation

TRIPPING Increasing Erratic Swabbing

OUT Over pull off slips
TRIPPING IN Increasing set Begins at depth of
down weight problem formation.
Hole fill on bottom.
BACK Over pull off slips Increasing Increasing Surge to start circulation.
REAMING Erratic String pistoning.
Loss of fluid possible
PUMPING OUT Increasing, erratic Increasing Surge to start circulation.
Over pull off slips. String pistoning.
Loss of fluid possible
Rig Team Indications
Of Unconsolidated
Formation
SHAKER Large volume of sand over shakers. Sand trap and
TRENDS desander overload.

LOGGER Large quantity of sand in samples.

TRENDS Prognosed unconsolidated formation.

MUD TRENDS Increasing in mud weight and plastic viscosity.

High % sand content.
Preventive Action Of
Unconsolidated
Formation
1. Provide an effective filter cake for the hydrostatic overbalance to “push against” and
stabilize the formation.
2. If possible, avoid excessive circulating time with the BHA opposite unconsolidated
formations to reduce hydraulic erosion.
3. Slow down tripping speed when the BHA is opposite unconsolidated formations to
avoid mechanical damage.
4. Start and stop the drill string slowly to avoid pressure surges to unconsolidated
formations.
5. Control – drill the suspected zone to allow time for filter cake build up, minimize
annulus loading and to minimize annulus friction pressure.
6. Use sweeps to help keep the hole clean.
7. Be prepared for shaker, desilter, desander overloads.
8. Minimize seepage loss with fine lost circulation material through these intervals.
D. Fractured
Formations
 FRACTURED FORMATION
CAUSE: Naturally fractured formations.
Pieces of formation fall into the wellbore and jam the drill string.
WARNING: Prognosed fractured limestone, shale and/or, faults.
Likely to occur as formation is drilled.
Mud logger formation evaluation.
Blocky cavings at shaker.
Hole fill on connections and trips.
INDICATIONS: Likely during trips, possible while drilling.
Sudden and erratic torque and drag likely just before stricking
Circulation may be restricted.
FIRST ACTION: Do not apply torque, jar down with Maximum trip
load.
Circulate high density high viscosity sweeps.
Spot acid if stuck in limestone.
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Circulate hole clean before drilling ahead.
Minimize seepage losses.
Slow trip speed before BHA enters suspected zone.
Indications Of
Fractured
Formation
 DRILLER DRAG TORQUE PRESSURE OTHER
TRENDS
DRILLING Sudden, Sudden No change.
increasing, erratic. Erratic

CONNECTION Over pull off slips No change Hole fill

TRIPPING Increasing Erratic

OUT Over pull off slips

TRIPPING IN Increasing set Begins at depth of

down weight problem formation.
Hole fill on bottom.
BACK Over pull off slips Increasing No change Drag decreases when
REAMING Increasing erratic. Erratic pumpimg.

PUMPING OUT Over pull off slips No change Drag decreases when
Increasing Erratic pumping.
 Rig Team
Indications Of
Fractured
Formation
SHAKER Blocky or angular rock fragments.
TRENDS

LOGGER Same as shaker trends.

TRENDS Possible offset well data clues.
Prognosed fractured formation.

MUD TRENDS No change.

Preventive Action
Of Fractured
Formation
NOTE: With fractured formations, maintaining a good quality filter cake can
help to support the formation in some cases. Generally fractured is require
time to stabilize. Prior to this, the problem must be controlled with adequate
mud properties, sweeps and sufficient circulation time to keep the hole clean,
Other recommendations:
1. Circulate the hole before drilling ahead.
2. Restrict tripping speed when BHA is opposite fractured formations and
fault zone.
3. Start / stop the drill string slowly to avoid pressure surges to the wellbore.
4. Anticipate reaming during trips. Ream fractured zone cautiously.
5. Be prepared for the potential of lost circulation when drilling fractured
formations.
6. Problem likely to stabilize with time.
E. Cement Blocks
Soft Cement
 CEMENT BLOCKS
CAUSE: Cements becomes unstable around casing shoe, open hole
squeeze plug or kick-Off plug.
Hard cement chunks fall into the wellbore and jams the drill string.
.WARNING: Excessive casing rathole.
Cement squeeze job. Cement kick-Off plug.
Cement cavings at shaker and/or in mud logger samples.
INDICATIONS: Problem can occur anytime.
Sudden, erratic torque and drag just before sticking.
Circulation possible.
FIRST ACTION: Attempt to break chunks with jarring & torque.
Jar in the opposite direction of string movement prior to sticking.
Apply jarring force&torque gradually.
Circulate high density, high viscosity sweeps.
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Minimize casing rathole. Allow sufficient
curing time.
Ream casing shoe and open hole plugs thoroughly before drilling
ahead.
Slow trip speed before BHA enters casing shoe or plug depth.
 SOFT CEMENT
CAUSE: Circulation is attempted with the bottom of the drill string in
soft cement.
Pump pressure causes the cement to flash set.
High penetration rate when cleaning out soft cement.
WARNING: Tripping in hole after setting an open hole cement plug or
after a cement job.
Set down weight occurs above the theoretical top of cement.
INDICATIONS: Occurs as pump pressure is applied.
Circulation highly restricted or impossible.
FIRST ACTION: Bleed trapped pump pressure.
Jar up with Maximum trip load.
PREVENTIVE ACTION:Know cement set time.
If set down weight is observed while rih, pull 2 stands before
circulating.
Start circulating 2 stands above top of cement.
Control drill when cleaning out cement.
Preventive Action
Of Cement Blocks
1. Limit casing rathole to minimize a source of cement blocks.
2. Several squeeze jobs at the casing shoe increases the potential for cement
blocks.
3. Allow sufficient cement curing time before drilling out.
4. Ream casing ratholes and open hole cement plugs slowly and thoroughly
before drilling ahead.
5. Maintain sufficient distance between the paths of platform wells to reduce
the possibility of cement blocks.
6. Reduce tripping speed when BHA is entering the casing shoe or opposite
open hole cement plugs.
7. Start and stop the drill string slowly to avoid pressure surges to the
wellbore.
Preventive Action Of
Soft Cement
1. Know the calculated top of cement ( TOC) before tripping in hole.
2. Do not rely on the weight indicator to find the top of the cement.
3. Begin washing down 2 stands above the theoretical top of the cement.
4. If set down weight is observed when tripping in hole after a cement
operation, set black 2 stands before attempting circulation.
5. Pre – treat the mud system with chemical prior to drilling out cement.
6. Verify cement compressive strength with cement company before drilling
out.
7. Control drill when cleaning out soft cement.
F. Junk
 JUNK
CAUSE: Poor house keeping on the floor, hole cover not installed.
Down hole equipment failure.
Junk falls into wellbore and jams the drill string.
WARNING: Junk sticking can occur at any time during any
operation.
Metal shavings at shaker.
INDICATIONS: Generally occurs when BHA is in hard formation or
inside the casing.
Sudden and erratic torque and drag likely just before stricking.
Missing floor tool or equipment.
Circulation unrestricted, depending on type of junk.
FIRST ACTION: If moving up when sticking occurred jar down with
Maximun trip load.
Apply torque if progress is made.
If moving down, jar up with Maximun trip load, do not apply torque.
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Good house keeping on floor.
Inspect handling equipment. Keep hole covered.
Inspect down hole equipment.
Preventive Action
Of Junk
1. Inspect slip and tong dies regularly.
2. Use good house keeping practices on the rig floor.
3. Install drill string wiper rubber as quickly as possible.
4. Keep hole covered when out of the hole.
5. Maintain rig floor equipment in good operating condition.
2. Differential
Sticking
A sticking force developed when
differential pressure (overbalance)
forces a stationary drill string into the
thick filter cake of a permeable zone.
 ?
SANDSTONE
PERMEABLE
4000 psi
FORMATION
FILTER
NO FILTER CAKE Sandstone/fractured
CAKE limestone
HYDROSTATIC
PRESSURE OVERBALANCE

5000 psi Wellbore pressure

CONTROLED greater than formation
HIGH FLUID LOSS pressure
FLUID
LOSS
FILTER CAKE
A cake of mud solids
High fluid loss increase filter cake thickness. develops on the hole wall
due to fluid loss
Thick filter cake increase sticking potential
 STATIC FILTER CAKE STRING CONTACTS
FILTER CAKE
DYNAMIC Angled wellbore /
FILTER CAKE HSP IS unstabilized BHA
BLOCKED
increase potential

` STRING MOTION
STOPPED

LOW PRESSURE No string motion or

AREA DEVELOPS circulation develops
BEHIND PIPE
static cake
STATIC FILTER CAKE

Static filter cake increase cake thickness. The static filter cake seals HSP
from the back side of pipe. Differential force begins to develop.
 LOW PRESSURE
AREA
An area of low pressure
develops between the
pipe and filter cake.
Overbalance pressure
across the contact area
determines the
LOW PRESSURE
AREA differential force

DIFFERENTIAL FORCE TIME DEPENDENT

With time, the area of
pipe sealed in the filter cake increases.Immediate action is required to free
the drill string
 DIFFERENTIAL
STICKING
STATIC
FILTER TOP VIEW
CAKE CAUSE: Drill string con-
tacts a permeable zone.
When string movement
stops, a static filter cake
develops.
High overbalance applies a
differential sticking force to
the drill string contact area
WARNING: Prognosed low
pressure sands.
LOW PRESSURE AREA Long / unstabilized BHA
sections.
INDICATIONS: Occurs after a period of no string
movement. String cant not be rotate or moved. Increasing over pull, slack
off weight or torque to
Circulation unrestricted.
string movement.
SIDE VIEW
DIFFERENTIAL
STICKING
FIRST ACTION: Apply torque
and jar down with maximum
1 trip load. Spot a pipe releasing
2
0 pill if the string does not jar
0
S
free
q
I PREVENTIVE ACTION:
C
O
Maintain minimum required
N
T
mud weight .
A
C
T
Keep string moving when BHA
A is opposite suspected zones.
R
E
A Minimize seepage loss in low
pressures zones.
Minimize unstabilizied.
Spiral DC. Control drill
suspected zones.
 INDICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIAL STICKING
DRILLER DRAG TORQUE PRESSURE OTHER
TRENDS
DRILLING Possible increase. No change. No change.

CONNECTION Increasing over No change.

pull off slips.

TRIPPING Increasing Over Swabbing

OUT pull off slips.

TRIPPING IN Increasing Over Begins with BHA below

pull off slips. depths of 35˚ hole angle

BACK Increasing over No change. No change

REAMING pull off slips.

PUMPING OUT Increasing over No change.

pull off slips.
RIG TEAM INDICATIONS OF DIFFERENTIAL STICKING

SHAKER No change.
TRENDS

LOGGER High overbalance. Permeable formation depth.

TRENDS Permeability data to estimate stricking potential.

MUD TRENDS Increasing mud weight. Increasing plastic viscosity

and low gravity solids. High API water loss, thick
filter cake.
 PREVENTIVE ACTION OF DIFFERENTIAL STICKING
Design the casing program to minimize overbalance to shallower open hole
formations.
Limit mud weight to minimum required for hole stability and well control.
Maintain fluid loss within specifications.
Minimize BHA length when possible.
Limit the length of unstabilized BHA. Use spiral drill collars.
KEEP THE STRING MOVING. Consider rotating the string during drilling
and tripping connections while BHA is opposite potential sticking zones.
Preplan to minimize the down time for operations that require the sticking
remaining static ( surveys, minor, repairs, etc.).
In zones with high sticking potential, minimize seepage loss with plugging
agents.
Keep a pipe releasing pill ready at the well site when differential sticking
potential is high.
3. Wellbore
Geometry
Hole diameter and/or angle relative to BHA geometry
and/or stiffness will not allow passage of the drill string

BHA CHANGE:
STIFF ASSEMBLY

DIRECTION / ANGLE CHANGE / HOLE

ID DECREASE:
KEY SEAT
MICRO DOGLEGS
LEDGES
MOBILE FORMATION
UNDER GAUGE HOLE
 STIFF ASSEMBLY
CAUSES: The stiff BHA can not negotiate hole angle / direction
POOH WITH
changes and becomes jammed.
LIMBER BHA
WARNING: Doglegs present.
Pulled stabilizers out of gauge.
A new BHA design is picked up.
Sudden set down weight.
INDICATIONS: Most likely to occur when RIH
BHA at direction / angle change depth
Unrestricted circulation.
FIRST ACTION:If moving down when sticking occurred, jar up with
maximum trip load , do not apply torque.
RIH WITH If moving up, torque up and jar down with maximum trip load
STIFF BHA
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Minimize BHA changes, consider a reaming
trip.
Limit dogleg severity.
Slow trip speed before BHA enters suspected zone, plan to ream.
Limit set down weight.
 KEY SEAT
TOOL JOINT
OD CAUSES: Abrupt change in angle or direction in medium soft to
medium hard formation.
High string tension and pipe rotation wear a slot into the formation
While POOH, the drill collars jam into the slot.
WARNING: High angle dogleg in upper hole section
Long drilling hours with no wiper trips through the dogleg section
SLOT WORN INTO Cyclic over pull at tool joint intervals on trips.
FORMATION
INDICATIONS: Occurs only while POOH.
Sudden over pull as BHA reaches dogleg depth.
Unrestricted circulation.
Free string movement below key seat depth possible if not stuck.
FIRST ACTION:Apply torque and jar down with maximum trip load
Attempt to rotate with low over pull to work through dogleg.
BHA
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Minimize dogleg severity to 3˚/100 ft or less
Limit over pull through suspected intervals.
Plan reamer and/or wiper trips if a dogleg is present
Run string reamer or key seat wiper if suspected.
 MICRO DOGLEGS
CAUSES: Hard/soft interbedded formations
Frequent corrections in hole angle or direction
BHA becomes jammed in the successive micro doglegs
WARNING: Prognosed hard/soft interbedded formation
Frequent angle/direction changes
Drilling/sliding with down hole motor
Erratic torque and drag on connection
INDICATIONS:Likely when pick up for a connection,
Possible on trips. Circulation unrestricted.
FIRST ACTION:If moving up when sticking occurred,
apply torque and jar down with the maximum trip load.
If moving down, jar up with maximum trip load. Do not apply torque.
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Minimize BHA changes.
Minimize direction/angles changes
Back ream frequently when drilling hard/soft formation
Slow trip speed before BHA enters suspected zone.
 LEDGES
CAUSES: Interbedded – Formations.
Soft rocks – Wash out. Hard rocks – In gauge
Fractured / Faulted formations.
Stabilizer blades and tool upsets become stuck under ledges.
WARNING: Prognosed hard / soft interbedded formations.
Prognosed fractured / faulted formations.
Sudden, erratic over pull.
INDICATIONS:Generally occurs when tripping.
Possible when picking up for a connection.
Generally associated with micro doglegs.
Circulation unrestricted.
FIRST ACTION: If moving up when sticking occurred, apply torque
and jar down with Maximum trip load.
If moving down, jar up whit Maximum trip load. Do not apply torque.
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Minimize direction / Angle Changes.
Minimize BHA changes. Plan reaming trips, ream with caution.
Slow trip speed before BHA enters suspected zone.
 MOBILE FORMATION
CAUSES: Over burden weight squeezes plastic salt or shale into the
well bore. The BHA becomes jammed in the under gauge hole.
WARNING:Prognosed salt or plastic shale.
Sudden increase in over pull or set down weight.
Sudden torque increase with fast moving plastic formation.
INDICATIONS:Generally occurs while pooh.
Possible when rih after a long period out of the hole.
Possible while drilling if formation moves fast.
Sticking occurs with BHA at plastic zone depth.
Circulation unrestricted or slight restriction possible.
FIRST ACTION: Is moving up, apply torque and jar down with
Maximum trip load.
If moving down, jar up with Maximum Trip load. Do not apply torque.
Spot fresh water if in salt ( consider well control)
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Select the correct mud system.
Maintain sufficient mud weight. Plan frequent reaming / wiper trips.
Consider eccentric PDC bits. Slow trip speed before BHA enters
suspected zone. Minimize open hole exposure time.
 UNDERGAUGE HOLE
CAUSES: Drilling hard abrasive rock wears bit gauge protection.
Cored hole section under gauge.
New bit jammed into the under gauge hole section.
WARNING: Prognosed abrasive sands.
Pulled bit and stabilizer are under gauge.
When PDC bit follows roller cone bit run.
Running in hole after coring.
INDICATIONS: Occurs only when rih.
Sudden set down weight.
Bit stuck near bottom or at top of core hole section.
Circulation unrestricted or slightly restricted.
FIRST ACTION: Jar up whit Maximun trip load. Do not Apply
torque.
PREVENTIVE ACTION: Gauge pulled bit and stabilizers.
Never force bit through tight spots.
Ream the last 3 joints to bottom begin reaming 3 joints above core
hole section.
Slow trip speed before BHA enters suspected zone.
 Indications Of
Wellbore Geometry
Problems
 DRILLER DRAG TORQUE PRESSURE OTHER
TRENDS
DRILLING Increasing, Increasing, No change. Momentary over pull
Erratic Erratic & set down.

CONNECTION Increasing, Surge to start Momentary over pull &

erratic. circulation set down.

TRIPPING Increasing Erratic Momentary over pull &

OUT Over pull with set down.
BHA at problem
zone.
TRIPPING IN Increasing, erratic Begins at depth of
set down weight. problem formation.

BACK Erratic. Increasing No change. Momentary over pull.

REAMING Erratic

PUMPING OUT Increasing, erratic No change. Momentary over pull.

over pull.
Rig Team Indications Of
Wellbore Geometry
Problems
SHAKER TRENDS No change.

LOGGER TRENDS No change.

MUD TRENDS No change.

Preventive Action Of
Wellbore Geometry
Problems
1. Optimize BHA design ( run only what is required) and when
possible, minimize BHA stiffness.
2. Plan a reaming trip if the new BHA is locked up and /or a hole
geometry problem is suspected.
3. Slow down trip speed before BHA enters kick off or doglegs depth,
depth of micro dogleg and / or ledges, mobile formation depth.
4. Minimize dogleg severity to 3 / 100 or less. Minimize rotating hours
below a sharp dogleg without a wiper or reaming trip.
5. Consider using key seat wipers or drill string reamers if a key seat is
suspected.
6. Limit the length of casing rathole to avoid key seating the bottom of
the casing. Do not start angle building operations too close to the shoe.
7. Minimize sharp, frequent wellbore course changes.
8. Avoid prolonged circulation in suspected micro dogleg section to
prevent hole wash out and forming ledges.
9. With mobile salts consider using a slightly under saturated mud
system to allow a controlled washout. If necessary, increase the mud
weight to help slow down salt intrusion.
10. Consider drilling mobile salts with eccentric PDC bits. Plan regular
wiper trips to keep the hole section open.
11. Use hard faced stabilizers and select bits with extra gauge
protection if abrasive formations are drilled.
12. Gauge the old bit and stabilizers as well as the bit and stabilizers
picked up.
13. Begin reaming 1 joint above a cored hole section. As standard
practice, ream the last stand or 3 joints back to bottom on all trip.
Exercise
 STUCK PIPE FREEING WORKSHEET
STUCK PIPE MECHANISM
PIPE MOTION PRIOR TO STICKING? PACKOFF/BRIDGE DIFFERENTIAL WELL GEOMETRY
MOVING UP 2 0 2
ROTATING UP 0 0 2
MOVING DOWN 1 0 2
ROTATING DOWN 0 0 2
STATIC 2 2 0
PIPE MOTION AFTER STICKING?
DOWN FREE 0 0 2
DOWN RESTRICTED 1 0 2
DOWN IMPOSSIBLE 0 0 0
PIPE ROTATION AFTER STICKING?
ROTATE FREE 0 0 2
ROTATE RESTRICTED 2 0 2
ROTATE IMPOSSIBLE 0 0 0
CIRC PRESSURE AFTER STICKING?
CIRCULATION FREE 0 2 2
CIRCULATION RESTRICTED 2 0 0
CIRCULATION IMPOSSIBLE 2 0 0
TOTALS
 EXERCISE
QUESTION ANSWER RESULTS
Pipe motion prior to Moving up The three numbers 2,0,2 are circled in
sticking? the moving up row

Pipe motion after to Down The three numbers 0,0,0 are circled in
sticking? impossible the down impossible row

Pipe rotation after to Rotation The three numbers 0,0,0 are circled in
sticking? impossible the rotation impossible row

Circulation pressure Circulation The three numbers 2,0,0 are circled in

after sticking? impossible the circulation impossible row

Add the numbers in the columns TOTALS = 4, 0, 2.

The probable sticking mechanism is the column with the highest total number
( 4 ) , Pack off / bridge.
Freeing
 FREEING PACK-OFF / BRIDGE
STUCK WHILE MOVING UP OR DRILL STRING STATIC
ACTION TO ESTABLISH CIRCULATION:
1. Apply low pump pressure (200-400 psi). Maintain pressure if restricted circulation
is possible.
2. DO NOT JAR UP!! APPLY TORQUE!!. Slack off to MAXIMUM set down
weight. Allow sufficient time for a hydraulic jar to trip (4-6 min for long cycle, see
jar manual).
3. If the string does not come free, DO NOT JAR UP!! JAR DOWN until the drill
string comes free or an alternative decision is made. Jarring down for 10+ hours
may be necessary.
WHEN CIRCULATION IS ESTABLISHED:
1. Slowly increase pump speed to maximum rate. When possible, work the string and
circulate the hole clean from bit depth.
2. Ream the section until the hole is clean.
3. If POOH to log and /or run casing, return to bottom and circulate the hole clean
 FREEING PACK-OFF / BRIDGE
STUCK WHILE MOVING DOWN
ACTION TO ESTABLISH CIRCULATION:
1. Apply low pump pressure (200-400 psi). Maintain pressure if restricted circulation
is possible.
2. DO NOT JAR UP!! APPLY TORQUE!!. Slack off to MAXIMUM set down
weight. Allow sufficient time for a hydraulic jar to trip (4-6 min for long cycle, see
jar manual).
3. If the string does not come free, DO NOT JAR DOWN . Jar up until the drill
string comes free or an alternative decision is made. Jarring up for 10+ hours may
be required.
WHEN CIRCULATION IS ESTABLISHED:
1. Slowly increase pump speed to maximum rate. When possible, work the string and
circulate the hole clean from bit depth.
2. Ream the section until the hole is clean.
3. Continue RIH until excessive set down weight is observed, circulate the hole clean
 FREEING DIFFERENTIAL STICKING
INITIAL ACTION :
1. Circulate at maximum allowable rate
2. Work MAXIMUM limit torque down to the stuck depth and hold the torque in the
string.
3. Stop or reduce pump speed to minimum.
4. Slack off to MAXIMUM set-down limit.
5. Allow sufficient time for a hydraulic jar to trip (4-6 min for long cycle, see jar
manual).
6. If the string does not free, hold torque in the string and continue jarring down
with maximum trip load.
SECONDARY ACTION:
If the drill string does not come free after 5 to 10 jar blows, continue jarring while
preparing a pipe releasing pill.
WHEN THE STRING IS FREE:
Rotate and work the string. Circulate at maximum rate to clean the hole. Check
the proper mud specifications.
 FREEING WELLBORE GEOMETRY
INITIAL ACTION:
1. If sticking occurred while moving up apply torque and jar DOWN with
maximum trip load. If sticking occurred while moving down, do not apply torque
and jar UP with the maximum trip load.
2. Stop or reduce circulation when cocking the jar and when jarring down.
NOTE: Pump pressure will increase the hydraulic jar up-blow, DECREASE the down-
blow.
3. Continue jarring until the string is free or an alternative decision is made. Jarring
for 10+ hours may be necessary.
SECONDARY ACTION:
Spot acid if stuck in limestone or chalk. Spot fresh water with mobile salt.
WHEN THE STRING COMES FREE:
1. Increase circulation to maximum rate, rotate and work the string.
2. Ream / backream the hole section thoroughly
3. Circulate the hole clean.