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Pipe Sticking
Pipe Sticking
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May 18, 2016
Differential pressure pipe sticking and mechanical pipe sticking are addressed in this section.
Preventing stuck pipe can require close monitoring of early warning signs, such as:
Differential sticking is one of the most common problems that occur during drilling as a result of
differential pressure between the hydrostatic pressure of mud and formation pressure of mud while the
hydrostatic pressure is greater than the formation pressure which causes pushing a drill string into a
filter cake of permeable formation. When the differential sticking occurs, running the pipe string in the
upward and downward direction is impossible, but free circulation is easily established.
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May 18, 2016
Initial Actions:
Secondary Actions:
Mud-hydrostatic-pressure reduction in the annulus, consider all aspects of well control before
lowering hydrostatic pressure
Oil spotting around the stuck portion of the drill string
Washing over the stuck pipe
Some of the methods used to reduce the hydrostatic pressure in the annulus include:
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May 18, 2016
The causes of mechanical pipe sticking are the inadequate removal of drilled cutting from the annulus;
borehole instabilities, such as hole caving, sloughing, or collapse, plastic shale or salt sections squeezing
(creeping), and key seating.
If hole narrowing as a result of plastic shale is the cause, then an increase in mud weight may release the
pipe. If circulation is not possible, attempt to restore with maximum pressure. If necessary, pressure up
the annulus to push back shales.
If hole narrowing as a result of salt is the cause, then circulating fresh water can free the pipe.
If the pipe is stuck in a key-seat area, never pull sharply; try moving down with torque. Jar down. Spot a
highly lubricating slog. If unsuccessful, back off as close to the stuck point as possible. Run in while in
with jarring outside diameter small enough to enter the key seat on running in. If 2 to 3 hours of jarring
is unsuccessful, spot lubricant and continue jarring.
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May 18, 2016
For the freeing stuck pipe and to reduce overall costs, it is necessary to have the most accurate
information available and a very high level of competency when it comes to firing up jars.
Initial Actions:
If sticking occurred while moving up apply torque and jar, down with maximum trip load
Stop or reduce circulation when cocking the jar and when jarring down
Continue jarring until the string is free or alternative decision is made
Secondary Action
Spot acid if stuck in limestone or chalk. Place fresh water with mobile salt
When the string is free
Increase circulation to maximum rate, rotate and work the string
Ream and backream the hole section thoroughly
Circulate the hole clean
Stuck while moving up or with string static, we need to follow these actions to establish
circulation:
Stuck while moving down we need to follow these actions to establish circulation:
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