BP - Stuck Pipe Manual

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Mechanisms
Intermediate Hole
Production Hole
Wellbore Geometry
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Great People – Creating Value
Immortelle A-24
Stuck Pipe Prevention
Top View
N
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.E
Target: 30B Sand
W
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W e llsite
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Eva
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io n & L e a r ni
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Wellsit e Evaluation & L e a r n i n g S y s t e m
STUCK PIPE
CAUSE, SOLUTIONS & PREVENTION
John W. Lee
.E.l.S. Ltd
W .
105 Montrachet Pkwy Ph (337) 989-0097
Lafayette, LA 70503 Fax (888) 453-0601
USA jwlee1wels@cs.com
The information contained herein is supplied without representation or warranty of any kind.
W.E.L.S. Ltd, the author and publisher assume no liability, inferred, consequential or otherwise
from the use or misuse of any material or recommendation contained herein.
Printed Oct, 2005
C Copyright 1999 John W. Lee All rights of reproduction and adaptation of the
text and illustrations are reserved for all countries and languages.
Stuck Pipe Mechanisms
Subject Page
Introduction ............................................................................................. 1
Sticking Mechanisms ............................................................................. 2
Sticking Mechanism / First Action Worksheet .......................................... 9

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STUCK PIPE
An interruption in planned operations as excessive drag forces prevent pulling
the drillstring out of the hole. The pipe is stuck in the hole.
Tight Hole
A momentary interruption in planned operations as high drag forces restrict
drillstring movement above normal operating conditions. The pipe is not stuck
in the hole as acceptable progress is still being made.
Stuck Pipe Statistics
Industry statistics gathered since 1989 show the relative cost of non-productive
time. Stuck pipe is still the drilling industry's most costly unscheduled event.
Stuck Pipe
Hole Problems
Lost Circ.
DS Failure
Running Csg
D/Hole Equip
Cementing
Weather
Well Control
Rig Repair
Well Head
0 25 50
$MM
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STICKING MECHANISMS & THEIR CAUSES

Although there are 20+ causes of stuck pipe, there are only 3 mechanisms capable
of producing sufficient mechanical force to stick the drillstring.
.
Mechanism - The mechanical force sticking the drillstring in the hole.

.
Cause - The condition(s) responsible for the sticking mechanism.

Pack-Off / Bridge Differential Wellbore Geometry
Settled Cuttings Differential Force Key Seat
Micro Doglegs
Geo-Pressured Shale Ledges
Thick Filter Cake
Hydro-Charged Shale Undergauge Hole

Mobile Formation
Stiff Bottom Hole Assembly
Reactive Shale
Stiff Casing Assembly
Overburden Stress
Example
"Cause" "Mechanism"
Inadequate Hole Cleaning Hole Pack-Off
Tectonic Stress
Unconsolidated Formation
Fractured Formation
Plastic Formation
Cement Failure
Soft Cement
Junk in Hole
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The Mechanism of Hole Pack-Off /Bridge

Hole Pack-Off - Small pieces of formation, cement or junk settle around the drillstring
preventing circulation with no string movement likely.
Hole Bridge - Medium to large pieces of formation, cement or junk settle around the
drillstring allowing restricted circulation with little to no string movement.
Hole Pack-Off Hole Bridge
String Motion Prior to Sticking?

Moving or Static
Circulating Pressure
After Sticking?
Impossible Restricted
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The Mechanism of Differential Sticking

Hydrostatic overbalance pressure drives the static
drillstring into the thick filter cake of a permeable zone.
Top View at
Sand Depth Dynamic
Fluid Loss Filter Cake
Contact
Formation 6000
Pressure
4"
5000 psi PSI
Static
Filter Cake
Low Pressure
Filter Cake
String Motion Prior to Sticking? 1600 sq in

Static x 1000 psi
4" = 1,600,000 lbs
Diff. Sticking Force
1 ,6
00 ,
Contact
Area
0 00
400"
Sand
Lb s
After Sticking?
Unrestricted
Page 4
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THE MECHANISM OF WELLBORE GEOMETRY

Sharp changes in hole angle/direction; an undergauge hole diameter;
or an increase in assembly stiffness will not allow passage of the string.
Wellbore Change Assembly Stiffness Change
Decrease in effective or actual hole Increase in assembly stiffness
diameter will not allow passage of the string. will not allow passage of the string.
KEY String Motion Prior

SEAT to Sticking?
POOH
Moving up or Down Flexible

Assembly POOH,
Normal Overpull
PO
OH
Top View
!!
Stuck
Top of
BHA
RIH
STIFF
BOTTOM HOLE
ASSEMBLY
STUC
K! !
After Sticking?
Unrestricted
Page 5
STICKING MECHANISM /FIRST ACTION WORKSHEET
STEP 1: DETERMINE THE STICKING MECHANISM
DESCRIBE THE STRING MOTION JUST BEFORE STICKING OCCURRED. PACK-OFF BRIDGE DIFFERENTIAL GEOMETRY
Moving Up 1 1 0 1
Circle the numbers in the row Back Reaming 1 1 0 1
with the best description. Rotating Only 1 1 0 0
Circle only 1 row of numbers. Moving Down 1 1 0 1
Pipe Static or Slide Drilling 1 1 1 0
Reaming Down or Rotary Drilling 1 1 0 1
DESCRIBE THE CHANGE IN CIRCULATING PRESSURE JUST AFTER STICKING OCCURRED.
No Change in Circulating Pressure 0 0 1 1
Circulation is Possible But Restricted and Possibly Fluctuating 0 1 0 0
Stalled Motor Pressure. Pressure Increases With Rotation 0 0 0 1
Circulation is Impossible 1 0 0 0
Add the columns of circled numbers. The column with
the sum of "2" determines the sticking mechanism. Totals =
STEP 2: SELECT THE CORRECT FIRST-ACTION TO FREE THE STRING
PACK-OFF / BRIDGE DIFFERENTIAL GEOMETRY
For hole angles <60O: 1. Circulate at maximum rate for +/- Stuck while moving up:
.
1. Bleed off all trapped pressure. 10 minutes (Kelly Drive) or while 1. (Top Drive) Work 80% of DP
(Top Drive) Work 80% of DP make- applying torque (Top Drive). make-up torque down to the stuck
up torque down to the stuck depth. .
.
2. (Top Drive) Work 80% of DP depth.
2. Apply low pump pressure (+/-200 make-up torque down to the stuck
.
psi). Maintain circulation if possible. 2. Jar down with maximum jar-trip

. depth. load. Hold torque & set-down
3. Jar down with max jar-trip load. .
.
3. Reduce pump spe (+/-1 bbl/min). weight until the jar trips or for +/-10
4. Do not jar up!! Continue jarring .
minutes.
down until the string is free and full 4. Jar down with maximum jar-trip .
circulation is established. load. Hold torque & set-down weight Stuck while moving down:
.
until the jar trips or for +/-10 min. .
For hole angles >60O: Maintain slow circulation and jar Do not apply torque. Jar up with
1. Bleed off all trapped pressure. down +/- 20 times. maximum jar-trip load. Hold the
(Top Drive) Work 80% of DP make- . overpull until the jar trips or for +/-5
up torque down to the stuck depth. 5. If the string does not jar free, minutes.
.
2. Jar down with max jar-trip load. release string torque, maintain slow .
.
circulation and jar up +/-10 times If the string does not jar free:
3. Do not jar up!! Work the pipe with maximum jar-trip load.
.
with light overpulls and max down .

Maintain slow circulation (+/-1
jarring until several feet of string 6. If the string does not jar free, bbl/min) and continue jarring until
movement is established. continue jarring procedure while the string jars free or an alternative
.
preparing a pipe releasing pill. decision is made.

4. Slowly attempt to re-establish
circulation.
STUCK WITH THE BIT ON OR NEAR BOTTOM

Do not jar up!! Apply low pump Do not apply toque!! Jar up with Stuck while moving up: Maintain
pressure (+/-200 psi). Apply/release maximum jar-trip load. Continue drilling torque and re-apply bit weight
torque & set-down weight in an jarring up while preparing a pipe to re-establish rotation. Slowly back-
attempt to establish circulation. releasing pill. ream off bottom.
STEP 3: COCK AND TRIP THE JAR
Cocking From Open Position Cocking From Closed Position Jar-Up Jar-Down
Bleed trapped pressure / slow down or Bleed trapped pressure / slow down
stop the pumps to make the jar easier or stop the pump when jarring down.
Last Last
to cock. ________________ Up Wt. ________________ Down Wt.
Last
________________ Last
Down Wt.
________________ Up Wt. _ BHA Wt.
_ BHA Wt.
________________ ________________
Below Jar Below Jar
_ _ BHA Wt. _
________________ BHA Wt. ________________
Below Jar Below Jar + ________________ Jar Trip
Load
________________ Jar Trip
Load
=________________ Wt Indicator
Load
=________________ Wt Indicator = ________________ Wt Indicator
Load
= ________________ Wt Indicator
Load
Load
The trip load of a hydraulic jar is selected by the operator
STEP 1: DETERMINE THE STICKING MECHANISM
DESCRIBE THE STRING MOTION JUST BEFORE STICKING OCCURRED. PACK-OFF BRIDGE DIFFERENTIAL GEOMETRY
bpTT
Moving Up 1 1 0 1
Circle the numbers in the row Back Reaming 1 1 0 1
with the best description. Rotating Only 1 1 0 0
Circle only 1 row of numbers. Moving Down 1 1 0 1
C
I
1 1 1 0
Great People
Pipe Static or Slide Drilling

A
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Reaming Down or Rotary Drilling 1 1 0 1

– Creating Value
DESCRIBE THE CHANGE IN CIRCULATING PRESSURE JUST AFTER STICKING OCCURRED.

No Change in Circulating Pressure 0 0 1 1
Circulation is Possible But Restricted and Possibly Fluctuating 0 1 0 0
Stalled Motor Pressure. Pressure Increases With Rotation 0 0 0 1
Circulation is Impossible 1 0 0 0
Add the columns of circled numbers. The column with
the sum of "2" determines the sticking mechanism. Totals =
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STICKING MECHANISM EXERCISE

1. The drillstring was found stuck when pulling off the slips after a survey.
The string is totally immobilized and circulation is impossible, what is the
sticking mechanism?
Pack-Off Bridge Differential Geometry
2. During a trip out of the hole, the string became stuck on the slips while
setting back stand #25. The string cannot be rotated or moved. The top
of the BHA is in the middle of the kick-off and the bit is in the tangent section.
Circulating pressure at drilling rate has not changed. What is the sticking
mechanism?
3. Erratic torque and string bouncing have increased over the last 2 stands
drilled. Increasing off-bottom torque trend. When picking up for a connection
the string became stuck 3 feet from bottom. The string is totally immobilized,
circulation is unrestricted. What is the sticking mechanism?
4. While pulling the BHA through a cement kick-off plug, overpull suddenly
increase to 80,000 lbs. The string can be worked 10 - 20 feet with rotation
possible at mid stroke (high erratic torque). Fluctuating, restricted circulating
pressure. What is the sticking mechanism?
5. While slowly rotating and reaming to bottom after a trip, the mud motor
stalled out and the string became stuck. The string cannot be moved up or
down. String rotation is free and standpipe pressure increases when the
string is rotated. Circulation pressure indicates a stalled motor and torque
increases with pump pressure. What is the sticking mechanism?
Page 8
14-3/4” x 17-1/2” hole section
13-5/8” liner
Subject Page
Hole Section Graphic .............................................................................. 1
IA-25 Offset Well Data ............................................................................. 2
Likely Sticking Mechanisms ..................................................................... 3
Differential Sticking Mechanics ............................................................... 4
Warning, Differential Sticking .................................................................. 10
Freeing, Differential Sticking ................................................................... 11
Pipe Torque Calculation .......................................................................... 14
Preventive Action, Differential Sticking .................................................... 17

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From the A-25 offset well data, 30 unscheduled events were reported. Of the 30 events,
stuck pipe was the problem 23 of the cases (77%).
The sticking mechanism in the 23 stuck pipe events:

.
Hole Pack-Off Differential Sticking Wellbore Geometry

.
9 events 10 events (drillstring) None reported

1 event (casing)
.
The casing became stuck on 3 other events, but the sticking mechanism was not clearly
determined.
Differential Sticking
From the 16” shoe (9300’ MD), the wellpath drills through 7 sand packages and the A4 fault
to reach hole section TD (13,550’). The 25N sand at the bottom 400’ of the hole is depleted
to 3.0 ppg. With the planned mud weights of 10.0 to 10.6 ppg, differential pressure across
the sand will be +/-4500 psi.
.
The differential sticking potential is greatly increased when running the 13-5/8” liner. The
larger OD increases the pipe-to-hole contact area. The consistant OD of the liner string
maintains the differential sticking potential through all the sands back to the 16” shoe depth.
Hole Pack-Off/Bridge
From the 16” shoe (9300’ MD) to 12,600’, hole angel is less than 35O and should not
present a hole cleaning problem. After 35O hole angle is reached (12,700’), sand and
shale cuttings settle to the low side of the hole and become very difficult to remove. Hole
angle is planned to increase to 56O by hole section TD (13,550’). The 55O hole angle is
considered the most difficult hole angle to clean.
.
Wellbore Geometry
Although wellbore geometry was never reported in the 23 sticking events of the A-25 offset
data, Micro Doglegs and a Stiff Casing Assembly was at least a contrubuting factor in the
10-3/4” liner sticking event (not yet in report). The planned A24 well angle will increase
from 26O at 11,990’ to 55O at hole section TD (13,550’) with 3O/100’ dogleg severty. Hole
direction will also change form 244O to 302O between these depths. Thick filter cake and
sand/silt beds (expected in this section) can reduce hole ID and contribute to Wellbore
Geometry sticking.
.
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THE CAUSE OF DIFFERENTIAL STICKING

DEFINITION:
.
The sticking force generated by the overbalance pressure

driving the static drillstring into the thick filter cake of a
permeable formation.
CAUSE:
.
Overbalance Hydrostatic overbalance pressure is exposed to a permeable

Pressure formation (sand or fractured limestone).
.
Pipe motion is stopped with the un-stabilized BHA section in
contact with the wall of the permeable zone.
.
High fluid loss allows a thick static filter cake to build quickly
after pipe motion is stopped.
.
The build-up of the static filter cake seals the hydrostatic
pressure from the contact area between the pipe and filter cake.
.
Fluid loss allows the filter cake in the contact area to drain
down to formation pressure.
.
Permeable A differential force is exerted against the pipe relative to the

Formation contact area and the overbalance pressure.
.
Over time, the differential sticking force increases with
growth of the low pressure contact area.
WARNING:
High overbalance pressure; High fluid loss; BHA
in permeable formations; Operation requiring
static drillstring time.
FREEING: Overpull, set-down weight or torque surge
Most likely to occur during the to start pipe motion after static time.
drilling operation when string
motion is stopped (i.e., connections, Static
survey, etc). Dynamic
. Filter Cake
Pipe motion prior to sticking: Static. Filter Cake
. 6000 PSI
Circulation after sticking: Unrestricted.
.
(Top Drive) Apply 80% of DP make-up torque.
.
Jar down with maximum jar-trip load.
PREVENTION:
4"
Minimize mud weight and fluid loss.
.
Use fine calcium carbonate to plug permeable zones.
.
Minimize the length drill collars, replace with HWDP. Low Pressure
.
Use spiraled/flex drill collars in the un-stabilized BHA filter cake
section. Formation Pressure
. 5000 psi
Maintain pipe motion when BHA is in potential sticking zones.
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DIFFERENTIAL STICKING MECHANICS

For differential sticking to occur, five basic conditions must be present. The string must be in
contact with the wall of the hole and static for some time. Overbalance pressure drives fluid
into the permeable zone and develops a thick static filter cake. Under these conditions, a
pressure differential develops across the string-to-formation contact area producing the
differential sticking force.
Filter Cake Development
No
Filter Cake
Uncontrolled
Fluid Loss
HYDROSTATIC
PRESSURE
6000 PSI
Formation Pressure
5000 psi
While the liquid phase of the mud can flow into the permeable zone, the much larger solid phase
(gel, barite, drill solids, etc.) is filtered out at the wall of the hole forming a filtered cake of mud
solids (filter cake or wall cake). The filter cake is necessary to control fluid loss and allow the
overbalance pressure to support the wall of the hole.
Filter Cake Controlled

Fluid Loss
HYDROSTATIC
PRESSURE
6000 PSI
Formation Pressure
5000 psi
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Dynamic Filter Cake

Under dynamic (moving) conditions, the thickness of the filter cake
decreases as the mechanical forces of pipe and fluid motion
washes the top layer of the cake off the wall of the hole.
Fluid loss
increases
as the filter
cake is
washed off
the wall of
the hole.
Static Filter Cake

Under static (non-moving) conditions, the thickness of the filter
cake increases with the loss of the mechanical forces.
Fluid loss
decreases
as the
Static Filter
Cake
developes.
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String In Contact
Dynamic Conditions
The forces of drillstring
movement and circulation
Dynamic
Dynamic
Filter
Filter Cake
Cake
6000 psi prevents the development
5000 PSI of the static filter cake.
HSP
Without the seal of the static
filter cake, hydrostatic
tation
Ro pressure is exerted equally
around the pipe.
The differential sticking force

cannot develop without a
pressure differential across
the pipe.
Formation Pressure Hydrostatic Pressure

5000 psi Equal Around the Pipe
Static Conditions
6000 psi After drillstring motion is stopped,
Static
Static 5000 PSI the static filter cake developments
Filter Cake
Filter Cake HSP and restricts the flow of fluid to the
filter cake in the pipe-to-wall
contact area.
Fluid loss drains the pressure of

the filter cake in the contact area
1" down to formation pressure.
Contact
A differential sticking force is
exerted against the pipe relative to
the size of the low pressure contact
area and the pressure differential
across the pipe.
Low Pressure
Filter Cake Formation Pressure Fluid Flow Restricted
By Static Filter Cake
5000 psi
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Time Dependent
As the static filter cake thickens with time, the hydrostatic pressure connection to the low pressure
filter cake is sealed off creating a pressure differential across the contact area.
The thickness of the static filter cake also increases the width of the contact area which greatly
increases the differential sticking force.
Dynamic Static
Filter Cake
Filter Cake
6000 PSI
HSP
4"
Contact
Fluid Flow Sealed Low Pressure

By Static Filter Cake
Filter Cake
Formation Pressure
5000 psi
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The Differential Sticking Force

Top View at
Sand Depth Dynamic
Filter Cake
Formation
Pressure
6000
4"
5000 psi PSI
Static
Filter Cake
Low Pressure
Filter Cake
The differential pressure applied across the contact area generates a substantial differential
sticking force driving the pipe against the wall of the hole.
1600 sq in
1,600,000 lbs x 1000 psi
x 0.2 Fric = 1,600,000 lbs
4"
= 320,000 lbs Diff. Sticking Force
Freeing Force 1,6
00,
Contact
Area
0 00
400"
SAND
Lb s
Efforts to pull the drillstring free would require

an overpull equal to the differential sticking force
times the frictional coefficient of the filter cake.
In most situations, this would exceed the over-
pull limit of the drillstring.
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WARNING, DIFFERENTIAL STICKING

OCCURRENCE
Differential sticking is most likely to occur during the drilling operation when drillstring motion
is stopped for connections, surveys, etc. Usually the sticking occurs in the unstabilized BHA
section but can also occur in the HWDP or drillpipe sections if conditions are favorable.
.
Also possible with slow reciprocation of the string (casing most likely) or with slow slide-drilling if
conditions are favorable.
WHILE DRILLING
High overbalance (1.0 ppg +). High fluid loss resulting in a thick static filter cake.
.
High % sand content and low gravity solids. BHA in a permeable formation (sand, limestone).
.
Slow slide-drilling (little pipe movement).
.
Hyd
Overrboastatic
lance
CONNECTIONS / SURVEYS
Long connection time with no string movement. Difficulty sliding and orienting the tool face.
..
Increasing trend of overpull off the slips after connections, surveys, etc.
TRIPPING
High overbalance (1.0 ppg +) to maintain wellbore stability.
.
High mud weights to control abnormal formation pressure increases overbalance to shallower sands.
.
High fluid loss. High % sand content and low gravity solids.
.
Little or no circulating and mud conditioning before the trip.
.
Long set-back time on stand connections.
.
Increasing trend of overpull off the slips after stand connections.
.
Drillstring is not rotated on connections with the BHA in a zone with high sticking potential.
.
Unnecessary back reaming with the BHA in a permeable zone removes the filter cake. The static filter
rebuilds during stand set-back time.
.
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FREEING, DIFFERENTIAL STICKING

Torque-up & Jar Down (first action):
Immediate action is most effective as the differential sticking force increases with time.
Torquing-up the string and jarring down is an effective technique that can be applied
quickly with little possibility of creating other problems. The torque and down-jarring
combined loads greatly increases the possiblity of freeing the string.
Circulate at maximum rate while applying string torque. Circulation washes
away the static filter cake; cleans the cuttings up and out of the hole to reduce the
overbalance; while the annulus friction pressure pressurizes the filter cake.
(Top Drive) Torque-up the string to +/- 80% of the drillpipe make-up torque.
Carefully reciprocate the string to ensure torque limit is applied at stuck depth.
Reduce the pump speed to +/-1 bbl/min: to relieve the annulus friction
pressure; to relieve pump-open force while jarring; and to keep the jar cool.
Jar down with maximum jar-trip load. Hold torque and set-down
weight until the jar trips or for +/-10 minutes.
If the string does not jar free, maintain torque, slow circulation
and continue jarring down +/-20 times.
.
If the string does not jar free, carefully release the string
torque and jar up with maximum jar-trip load +/-10 times.
If the string does not jar free, maintain slow

circulation, re-apply string torque and continue
jarring down while considering a second plan
of action.
TORQUE /TENSION COMBINED LOADS

String tension should not exceed the recommended value relative to the applied torque.
500
4-1/2” 16.60 lbs/ft Applied torque reduces the
tension capacity of the string.
400
Release the string torque to
Tension (1000 lbs.)
allow maximum overpull

S
when jarring up.
300
G
X
200
E
100
0
0 8 16 24 32 40
Reprinted with permission of Reference - Standard DS-1(TM)
T. H. Hill Associates, Inc.
Torsion (1000 ft-lbs.) Drill Stem Design & Inspection
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FREEING, DIFFERENTIAL STICKING

Pressurizing The Filter Cake (second action):
If pressure can be applied to the wellbore without the threat of lost circulation, fluid flow into
the filter cake can be increased by holding pressure on the well for 10 to 15 minutes. The filter cake
is recharged with fluid which effectively reduces the size of the contact area. Also, the formation
immediately surrounding the wellbore is pressurized to the higher pressure.
. Example: Note: If the stuck depth is below the Jar, pressurize
400 psi Applied Fluid Loss is
Pressure Increased Into the filter cake with the ECD of maximum circulating
Static Filter Cake rate (see previous page).
6400 PSI
5000 PSI (Top Drive) Torque-up the string to +/- 80% of
the drillpipe tooljoint make-up torque. Carefully
reciprocate while torquing the string to ensure
torque limit is applied at the stuck depth.
4” .
If stuck above the jar, apply maximum set-down

weight. If stuck below the jar, cock the jar for a
1"
2" down-jar blow.
.
Contact Close the BOP and apply 200 to 400 psi to the
wellbore. Hold the torque and pressure for 10
to 15 minutes.
The increased wellbore pressure increases fluid
Size of Low flow into the filter cake reducing the width of the
Formation Pressure Pressure Area contact area and charges the filter cake and
Reduced
5000 psi Over Time surrounding formation to a higher pressure.
.
When the 400 psi applied pressure is released,

wellbore pressure drops to 6000 psi hydrostatic. Open the choke to full-open to quickly bleed off
the applied pressure.
6000 PSI
5000 PSI When the applied pressure is released, the
pressurized filter cake and formation
momentarily discharges fluid back into
the wellbore.
Hold torque and set-down weight until the

pipe comes free or for +/-10 minutes.
1"
2" .
Contact If stuck above the jar, open the BOP and slack
off to maximum jar-trip load. Hold torque and
set-down weight until the jar trips or for +/-10
minutes.
If the string does not come free, consider

Formation Pressure
5000 psi
repeating this procedure or going to a third plan
of action.
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FREEING DIFFERENTIAL STICKING

Spot a Pipe Releasing Pill (third action):
.
If first attempts failed to free the string, a chemical agent should be placed as quickly as
possible and not disturbed until the string comes free or the recommended waiting time
has expired. Refer to the literature for the chemical agent for recommended waiting time.
Determine where to spot the pill. If the jar can be tripped, the
stuck depth is below the jar. If the jar cannot be tripped, sticking
occurred at some depth above the jar. Run a Free-Point Log or
perform a Pipe Torque Calculation (see next page) to determine
the stuck depth.
The pill density should be 1.0 to 2.0 ppg greater than the
mud weight to keep the pill on spot. Pill volume should be
sufficient to cover the stuck zone by at least 1.5 times.
Continue recommended jarring procedure until the pill
is ready to pump.
.
Pump the pill in place at maximum rate to wash off the

static filter cake. Stop the pumps when the top of the pill
reaches the top of the stuck depth. Pump +/- 1 bbl every
+/-30 minutes while waiting to replace the pill volume
lubricating down hole.
.
Continue recommended jarring operations while

waiting on the pill.
If pressure can be applied to the wellbore
without the threat of lost circulation, hold
pressure on the well for +/-15 minutes to
pressurize the filter cake and to drive
spotting fluid into the filter cake. (See
detailed procedure on previous page.)
(Top Drive) Apply torque and cock

the jar.
.
Close the BOP and apply 200 to 400 psi
to the wellbore. Hold torque and pressure
for 10 to 15 minutes.
.
Quickly Bleed off the pressure through the choke Spotting fluid
and open the BOP. lubricating
. down hole
Slack off maximum jar-trip load. Hold torque and set-
down weight until the jar trips or for +/-10 minutes.
If the string does not come free, consider repeating this
procedure while waiting on the pill. If the string is not free after
waiting the recommended time, consider picking up a Heavy
Down-Jaring Fishing Assembly. (See page 12)
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DETERMINE THE STUCK DEPTH

Note: If the jar can be tripped, the stuck point is below the jar.
Pipe Torque Calculation
Preparations:
1. (Kelly drive) space-out to place the kelly drive bushing in the rotary table.
.
2. To ensure all tooljoints are tight, torque the string to 80% of the drillpipe make-up torque.
.
(Make-up Torq x .8) Maintain the torque and work the pipe until the string stops rotating.
3. Carefully release the string torque. Work the pipe with high set-down weights and moderate
.
overpulls to work any trapped torque out of the drillstring.
4. Make four equally spaced vertical marks around the drillpipe or kelly with one long mark as
.
the starting point.
Torque Factor For Size and Weight of Drillpipe Four Marks
Drillpipe Lbs/Ft Torq Fac Drillpipe Lbs/Ft Torq Fac around Pipe
2-3/8” 6.65 2.058 4-1/2” 16.60 19.221
18.15 20.760 Starting
2-7/8” 8.35 3.848 5” 19.50 28.538 Mark
10.40 4.610 20.50 30.401
3-1/2” 13.30 9.002 5-1/2” 21.90 38.670
15.50 10.232 .
24.70 43.141
4” 14.00 12.915 .5-5/8”
15.70 14.314 6-5/8” 22.20 56.284
.
Count the Revolutions for the Applied Torque:
5. Calculate 30% of the drillpipe make-up torque (Make-up Torq x .3 = Applied Torq).
.
6. While applying the torque, count the string revolutions from the starting mark. Adjust the
torque limiter to the calculated torque and torque the string until the Applied Torq is reached.
.
7. Maintain the applied torque and work the pipe with high set-down weights and light overpulls
to work the torque down the drillstring. The string will continue to rotate until the torque is
uniformly applied down to the stuck point. When the string stops rotating, record the total
string revolutions (Wraps), i.e., 4.25 revolutions.
.
8. Select the torque factor (Torq Fac) for the size and weight of the drillpipe, i.e., 5” 19.5 lbs/ft.
. Calculate the Stuck Depth (StuckFT):

.
Wraps x Torq Fac x 501782 4.25 x 28.538 x 501782
StuckFT = = 10,143 ft
Applied Torq 6000 ft lbs
.
Verifying the Stuck Depth:
9. Repeat the procedure from step #3 using 50% of the drillstring make-up torque. The two
calculated stuck depths should be within 3% of the same value.
7 x 28.538 x 501782 = 10,024 ft

10,000 ft lbs
10. If Differential Sticking is the sticking mechanism, a permeable zone must be present at the
calculate stuck depth. If a sand or limestone formation is not present, repeat the procedure
or consider the possibility of Wellbore Geometry as the sticking mechanism.
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Heavy Down-Jaring Fishing Assembly: (Hole angle above fish, 70O or less)
.
If all other attempts failed to free the string, back-off the string below the drilling jar and
pick up a down-jaring fishing assembly with all the BHA weight available up to a maximum
of 80% of the hydraulic jar’s trip-load capacity.
Back-off the string below the jar. If possible, back-off at the top of the
drill collar section to avoid heavy jarring loads on the more flexible HWDP.
BHA Design: Pick-up a Heavy Down-Jarring Fishing Assemble with all the BHA
.
1 - Stab-in sub weight available up to 70% of the hydraulic jar’s max trip-load capacity.
1 - 8” Hydraulic jar Max trip loads: (6-1/2” jar, +/-170,000 lbs); (8” jar, +/-300,000 lbs).
.
14 - 8” Collars Trip Weight = (Cosine of Hole Angle) X BHA Weight
10 - 6-1/2” Collars (56 COS) X 138,840 lbs = 77,638 lbs
30 - 5” HWDP
. Wash the last stand to the top of the fish and circulate the
BHA weight: 138,840 lbs hole clean with rotation to avoid differential sticking.
Spot a high-concentration lubrication pill in the BHA
56
0 section. Rotate the string to ensure good lubrication around
Average hole the collars.
angle above fish. Stab into the fish and torque-up the connection.
Torque-up the string to +/- 80%

of the drillpipe make-up torque.
Carefully reciprocate the string to
ensure torque limit is applied at the
stuck depth.
Cock the jar and Jar down with
maximum jar-trip load. Hold torque
and set-down weight until the jar trips
or for +/-10 minutes.
If the string does not jar free, maintain
torque, slow circulation (+/-1 bbl/min) and
continue jarring down until the string jars
free.
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The U-Tubing Technique: Procedure taken from BP’s Stuck Pipe Preventiion Rigsite
Handbook. Caution: U-Tubing should not be used where there is any danger of inducing
a kick or with unstable formations exposed to the well.
.
This technique may result in a well control incident or hole collapse if the procedure is
pushed beyoud the pressure limits of the wellbore.
1. Perform all required calculations.

.
LightTVD - True vertical height of light fluid in choke line and annulus before U-Tubing.
.
Draw Dnppg - Desired EMW of draw-down pressure at the TVD of interest.

.
Liteppg - Density of the light fluid pumped.

.
ZoneTVD - True vertical depth of the zone of interest.

.
(Mudppg - Draw Dnppg)
LightTVD = X StuckTVD
(Mudppg - Liteppg)
Lightbbls - Volume of light fluid in choke line and annulus before U-Tubing.
.
LightMD - Measured depth of light fluid in annulus.

.
Lightbbls = (Ck Lineft X Ck Linebbls/ft) + ((LightMD - Ck Lineft) X Csg Annbbls/ft)
AirTVD - True vertical height of air in drillpipe or casing.

(Mudppg - Draw Dnppg)
AirTVD = X StuckTVD
Mudppg
Airbbls - Volume of air in drillpipe or casing.

.
AirMD - Measured depth of air in drillpipe or casing.
Airbbls = AirMD X Stringbbls/ft
Total Lightbbls - Total volume of light fluid to be pumped before U-Tubing nnb.
Total Lightbbls = Lightbbls + Airbbl
SICP - Shut-in casing pressure after pumping light fluid volume.
SICP = (Mudppg - Liteppg) X 0.052 X LightTVD
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2. Install a FOSV at the top of the drillstring or a circulating head with casing.
.
3. Apply +/-80 of DP tooljoint make torque and work pipe to ensure torque is applied at the
stuck depth. Do not apply torque with casing or non-rotating liners.
.
4. Apply maximum set down weight on the drillpipe or casing.

.
5. Close the annular preventer with minimum required closing pressure.

.
6. Pump the calculated Total Lightbbls down the annulus with returns from the drillpipe or
casing to the pits. If bbls pumped is greater than bbls returned, seepage loss is indicated.
.
7. Stop the pump and close the choke. The calculated SICP should be observed.
.
8. Vent the drillstring/casing to allow air to be drawn in while U-Tubing. Route returns to the
trip tank for accurate monitoring the volume of Light Fluid bled.
.
9. Bleed off casing pressure in 100 - 300 psi stages. Work the pipe vigorously at each stage.
.
10. If the pipe comes free before bleeding off all casing pressure, use the Driller’s Method to
circulate the light fluid out of the well. Maintain 10 RPM to prevent differential sticking.
.
If casing pressure is bled to 0-psi and the pipe does not come free, open the annular
preventor and continue working the pipe for at least 2 hours. If the pipe comes free,
maintain pipe motion and circulate the light fluid out of the well.
Choke Choke Choke

Manifold Manifold Manifold
Circulating 1500 Shut-in 1000 0
Pressure psi Pressure psi psi
To
Air
Pits
FOSV FOSV FOSV Light

Light Light Trip
Fluid
Fluid Fluid Tank
Trip Trip
Tank Tank
7000 6500 5500

psi psi psi
BHP BHP BHP
Page 16
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PREVENTIVE ACTION, DIFFERENTIAL STICKING

To prevent differential sticking, steps must be taken to interrupt as many of the
five conditions that favor the development of the area of low pressure filter cake
in contact with the drillstring.
(1)
Hydrostatic
Pressure
Overbalance 6000 PSI (2)
HSP Permeability of
the Formation
4" (4)
No Drillstring
(3) Contact Movement
Drillstring
Contact Area
(5) Low Pressure

Thick Static Formation Pressure
Filter Cake 5000 psi
Filter Cake
Minimize Overbalance Pressure:
Plan the casing setting depths to minimize high overbalance pressure at permeable zone depths.
.
Maintain the minimum mud weight required for well pressure control and wellbore stability.
Control the rate of penetration to minimize mud weight and use proper hole cleaning practices.
.
Take action to avoid kicks. Use recommended kick killing procedures to avoid unnecessary
pressure on the wellbore and to minimize total shut-in time for the kill operation.
.
Minimize Formation Permeability:
Use fine calcium carbonate to isolate wellbore pressure from low pressure permeable zones
until casing can be set. Add fine LCM to the mud system if seepage loss occurs.
.
Minimize Filter Cake Thickness:
Minimize fluid loss to decrease the rate of static filter cake build-up and the filter cake thickness.
Minimize drill solids and low gravity solids. For information on a closely related sticking cause,
see Wellbore Geometry, Thick Filter Cake, page 18.
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In most cases, the size of the contact area (square inches) plays the greatest role in producing
the differential sticking force. There are several recommended actions that can be taken to
reduce the drillstring contact area.
The Contact Area - The thickness of the permeable zone times the width of contact determines
square inches of contact area.
Smooth Collar Spiral Collar Spiral-Flex Collar
100% Contact 66% Contact 23% Contact
.
Minimize The Contact Area:
Reduce the length of un-stabilized drill collars by increasing the length of HWDP.
Use spiral-flex collars in the unstabilized BHA section.
Use spiral HWDP.
Maintain string movement (when possible) to minimize static filter cake build-up.
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Connection Procedures with Auto Track Survey
.
Driller, ensure all equipment/personnel are ready before starting the survey or connection.
After drilling the stand down:
1. Maintain drilling RPM and pump rate (1200 GPM). Slowly backream a double for a
minimum of 5 minutes to clear cuttings above the BHA.
.
2. Stop the drillstring and decrease rotation to +/-20 RPM to minimize filter cake removal.
Slowly ream down to +/-15 feet from bottom. Shut down pumps first, stop rotation.
.
3. Pick up 10 feet to put the BHA in tension with the bit 25 feet off bottom.
.
4. Hold pipe stationary without circulation for 15 seconds to ensure MWD will power-down.
.
5. Slowly increase circulation to 800 GPM to power-up the MWD and start the survey.
Drilling flow rate is not used to minimize the ECD and differential sticking effect.
.
6. Hold the pipe stationary and continue circulating at 800 GPM for 40 seconds while taking
the survey.
.
7. Increase rotation to 20 RPM and reciprocate slowly until the survey is received.
.
8. Stop circulation and rotation. Lower the drillstring to the connection depth (bit +/-4 feet
off bottom).
.
9. Set the manual slips while the pipe is moving down to put the BHA in compression.
Make the connection.
.
10. Pull out of the slips, increase rotation to +/-60 RPM while increasing pump speed to the
drilling rate (1200 GPM).
.
11. Increase rotation to drilling RPM. Ream to bottom and drill ahead.
Identifying Differential Sticking Versus Silt-Bed Bridging

.
· Static pipe motion prior to sticking (survey, connection, etc.).

.
· Circulating pump pressure after sticking has not changed.

.
Caution: A thin high density silt-bed can develop in hole angles greater than 35o. From 35o
to 65o, the silt-bed will slide down hole and can stick the pipe during a connection or survey.
The silt-bed may not be thick enough to cause an increase in circulating pressure. These
symptoms are identical to differential sticking and can be very confusing.
.
Fortunately, the recommended first action to free the pipe is the same for both differential
sticking and hole bridging. (1) Circulate at maximum rate while torquing-up the string. This
helps to remove the static filter cake or a silt-bed in the DC annulus. (2) Stop the pumps and
jar down. Silt-bed bridging will likely jar free with the first down-jar blow.
.
After freeing, the still present silt-bed would cause erratic, higher-than-normal torque and
drag with little to no pump pressure increase until the silt is circulated above the BHA.
.
After freeing differential sticking, torque and drag would return to normal values as differential
pressure across the pipe is equalized when the seal of the static filter cake is broken.
Page 19
9-1/2” x 10-1/4” production hole
7-5/8” liner
Subject Page
Hole Section Graphic .............................................................................. 1
Likely Sticking Mechanisms ..................................................................... 2
Causes of Hole Pack-Off/Bridge ............................................................. 3
Near Vertical Hole Cleaning ................................................................... 4
High Angle Hole Cleaning ....................................................................... 10
High Density Sweep Guidelines ............................................................... 15

9-1/2” X 10-1/4” Production Hole
7-5/8” Liner
bpTT
O
13-5/8” Liner 56
13,550’ MD 11,815’ TVD
FIT 11.9 ppge
30B Sand 14,564’ MD

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– Creating Value
EOB 88O
14,967’ MD TD 88O
16,730’ MD
12,251’ TVD
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Differential Sticking
From the 13-5/8” shoe (13,550’ MD), the wellpath drills through 1148’ of shale to the top of
the 30B sand at 14,564’ MD. The target 30B sand is depleted to 6.4 ppg. With the planned
mud weight of 10.9 ppg, differential pressure across the sand will be +/-2800 psi.
.
The differential sticking potential is greatly increased when running the 7-5/8” liner with the
larger OD increasing the pipe-to-hole contact area. The consistent OD of the liner string
increases the differential sticking potential as the liner is run into the 30B sand.
Hole Pack-Off/Bridge
From the 13-5/8” shoe (13,550’ MD), hole angle is building from 56O to 88O at 14,967’. The
88O is then maintained to TD (16,730 MD). After 35O hole angle is reached (12,700’), sand
and shale cuttings settle to the low side of the hole. The cuttings bed will slide down hole
O
to the angle of +/-65 (13,900’ MD) where it comes to rest and forms a thick cuttings pile.
While drilling, this is the likely depth of pack-off and will likely occur during pump shut-down.
In sever hole cleaning problems, pack-off can occur while circulating.
With the thick sand formations being drilled and the relatively low mud weight (10.9 ppg),
the high density sand and silt will quickly fall to the low side of the hole and form a thin “silt
bed”. When circulation is stopped, the silt bed slides down and bridges (jams) the stabilizer
blades (Silt Bed Bridging).
Wellbore Geometry
Although wellbore geometry was never reported in the 23 sticking events of the A-25 offset
data, Micro Doglegs and a Stiff Casing Assembly was at least a contributing factor in the
10-3/4” liner sticking event (not yet in report).
The planned production hole angle will increase from 56O (13,550’) to 88 (14,967’) and then
O
O
manitained to TD (16,730’) with 2.5 to 3 /100’ dogleg severity. Hole direction will not change
significantly between these depths. Thick filter cake and sand/silt beds (expected in this
section) can reduce hole ID and contribute to Wellbore Geometry sticking.
The limber drilling assembly is not likely to stick in this wellbore geometry problem. The
7-5/8” liner with is consistent OD and stiffness from shoe to hanger will accumulate drag at
each dogleg and is the more likely candidate for wellbore geometry sticking.
.
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THE CAUSES OF HOLE PACK-OFF /BRIDGE

Inadequate Hole Cleaning Wellbore Instability Cement Related Special
Settled Cuttings Geo-Pressured Shale Cement Failure Junk In Hole
Hydro-Charged Shale Soft Cement
Reactive Shale
Overburden Stress
Tectonic Stress
Unconsolidated Formation
Fractured Formation
Plastic Formation
Hole pack-off or hole bridging can occur from12 different causes. The mechanism is characterized by
the inability to circulate with hole pack-off or restricted circulating pressure with hole bridging (partial
pack-off). String motion prior to sticking could have been static or moving.
Hole Pack-off Hole Bridge
Small pieces of formation, cement or junk settle Medium to large pieces of formation, cement or
around the drillstring preventing circulation with junk settle around the string allowing restricted
no string movement likely. circulation with little to no string movement.
String Motion Prior to Sticking?
Moving or Static
After Sticking?
Impossible Restricted
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INADEQUATE HOLE CLEANING

(Vertical to 40o)
DEFINITION:
The inability to efficiently remove formation
solids (cuttings, cavings) from the wellbore.
CAUSE:
High ROP generates (cuttings) faster then they can
be removed from the wellbore.
.
The mechanical failure of the rock surrounding

the wellbore is causing the hole to cave in (cavings).
.
Annular velocity (AV) is too low due to slow pump

speed and/or hole enlargement.
.
The carrying capacity (YP) and/or suspension

capacity (gel strength) of the mud is too low.
.
Circulation was not maintained long enough to

remove the cuttings /cavings from the hole.
WARNING:
Pack-off/bridge most likely on drilling connections.
.
Reduced cutting size and volume over shakers.

.
Increased torque, drag, circulating pressure.

.
Back pressure before breaking connection. Flow

from drillstring on connection (no float valve).
.
Hole fill after connections.

.
Overpull, swabbing while POOH.

.
Decreasing set-down weight while RIH. Hole

bridging, hole fill on bottom.
Circulation .
Stopped FREEING:
String motion prior to sticking: Moving or Static.
.
Circulating pressure after sticking: Impossible
(pack-off) or Restricted (bridge).
.
Bleed off all trapped pump pressure. Apply torque
(Top Drive) and low pressure (+/-200 psi).
.
Jar down with maximum jar-trip load.
.
As circulation is re-established, continue jarring

and slowly increase circulation.
PREVENTION:
Limit ROP to hole cleaning efficiency. Circulate
at +/-50 GPM per inch of bit diameter.
.
Maintain sufficient mud weight, YP, gel strength.

Minimize low gravity solids.
.
Pump Hi-Vis sweeps as hole conditions dictate.

.
Maintain wellbore stability.

.
Circulate the hole clean before POOH.

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VERTICAL HOLE CLEANING MECHANICS o

(Vertical to 40 )
The mechanics of hole cleaning is based on the forces "pushing" the cuttings out of the hole
opposing the force holding the solids in the hole (gravity).
Force of Fluid Buoyancy: Cuttings With

Negative Buoyancy
The lifting force generated by the difference
between cuttings density and fluid density. 20.0
ppge
Heavier mud weight exhibits better hole
cleaning efficiency due to greater buoyancy.
Mud Wt.
Buoyancy is the greatest contributor (40%>) to 15.0 ppg
the total force pushing the cuttings out of the
75% of Cuttings Weight
hole. Supported By Buoyancy
Force of Annular Velocity: Low Pressure

Area
The lifting force generated by the velocity of the
fluid slipping by the cuttings (slip velocity).
Higher annular velocity exhibits better hole Cross

Sectional
cleaning efficiency due to greater pressure drop Area
across the cutting.
Annular velocity is the second greatest

contributor to the total force pushing the cuttings
out of the hole. Pressure XArea = Lifting
Differential Force
Carrying Capacity of Yield Point: Suspension Capacity of Gel Strength:

The lifting force generated by over coming the The ability of mud to thicken when static and to
electrical attraction of the active mud solids (gel). become more fluid when agitated (thixotropic).
. .
Higher YP exhibits better hole cleaning efficiency When circulation is stopped, the electrical
(near vertical hole) due to the higher attraction strength of the gels reduces the settling velocity
forces between the gel platelets. of the solids.
Electrically Bound Mud Thickens
Gel Platelets When Static
Cu Cu
tting tting
Electrical Cuttings
Attraction Forces Are Suspended
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WARNING, VERTICAL HOLE CLEANING (00 to 400)

OCCURRENCE
Hole pack-off or bridge in a near-vertical wellbore is most likely to occur during the drilling
operation when pumping is stopped. Cuttings settle down the hole and form a pack-off or
bridge at the top of the drill collars.
.
Possible while tripping if: the hole was not properly cleaned before the trip; an instability problem
causes wellbore collapse; or if cuttings collected in large cavities avalanche back into the hole.
WHILE DRILLING Inadequate Hole Cleaning Hole Packed Off
Large hole sizes (16">) most difficult to clean.
.
Insufficient mud properties for the conditions or
poorly maintained mud properties.
.
High ROP. Low circulating rate for hole size.
.
Increasing pressure, torque and drag trends.
.
Increasing % sand and low gravity solids.
.
Decreased cuttings volume over the shakers or
erratic cuttings return (indication of hole cavities).
.
Fluctuating circulating pressure, erratic torque.
.
Partial or intermittent loss of circulation.
WHILE MAKING CONNECTIONS
Little or no circulating time before connections.
.
.
High, possibly erratic overpull.
.
Increasing trend of back-pressure before
breaking connection.
.
Back-flow on connection (no float valve).
.
Long non-circulating time on connections.
.
Pump pressure surge to start circulation.
.
Possible overpull off the slips.
.
Hole fill after connections.
WHILE TRIPPING
Insufficient or no circulating time to clean the hole before the trip.
.
High, possibly erratic overpull. Overpull off bottom may be normal but
increase after pulling several stands as the top of the BHA reaches the
un-cleaned section of the annulus.
.
Swabbing when pulling through the un-cleaned section of the annulus.

.
Sudden pack-off with little or no warning may occur with wellbore

instability problems (hole collapse) or when cuttings that have collected
in large cavities while drilling, avalanche into the wellbore.
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FREEING, HOLE PACK-OFF /BRIDGE (00 to 400)

INDICATIONS
The mechanism of Pack-off /Bridge is identified by the inability to circulate with a total pack-off or
restricted circulating pressure with hole bridging (partial pack-off).
.
String motion prior to sticking may have been moving or static.
FIRST ACTION, TORQUE-UP & JAR DOWN

Immediate action is recommended as additional packing off is likely from solids settling
and /or differential sticking may occur if the drillstring is not moved.
1. Bleed off all trapped pump pressure.

.
2. (Top Drive) Torque-up the string to +/- 80% of the drillpipe
tooljoint make-up torque. Carefully reciprocate the string to
ensure torque limit is applied at stuck depth.
.
3. Apply low pump pressure (+/-200 psi). Maintain the
pressure if restricted circulation is possible.
.
4. Slack-off to maximum jar-trip load. Hold torque and set-
down weight until the jar trips or for +/- 10 minutes.
.
5. If drillstring pressure drops off, slowly increase pump
speed to maintain the applied pressure. Caution, pack-off
may re-seal with increased fluid flow. Circulation must be
re-established to remove the pack-off and free the string.
.
6. Maintain torque, low drillstring pressure and continue
jarring down while trying to re-establish circulation.
7. If the string does not jar free, bleed off the drillstring
pressure and carefully release the string torque.
.
8. Attempt to break up the pack-off by reciprocating the
string with light overpulls and heavy set-down weights
and applying/releasing torque until some string movement
is possible or for +/-30 minutes.
.
9. Apply low pump pressure (+/-200 psi) in an attempt to
re-establish circulation. Maintain the pressure if restricted
circulation is possible.
.
10. If no progress is made, re-apply torque, low drillstring
pressure and continue jarring down. 10+ hours of jarring
may be necessary.
Depending on the situation, other options may include: picking

up a Heavy Down-Jarring Assembly (see Differential Sticking
section); washing over the fish; jarring up; or side tracking the
well.
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VERTICAL HOLE CLEANING (00 to 400)

DRILLING
Maintain sufficient mud weight to stabilize the wellbore. Use a mud type that will inhibit
interaction with the formation.
.
Maintain sufficient YP and Gel Strength for the hole size. Minimize low gravity drill solids.
.
Circulate at maximum rate for the hole size limited by the ECD. (Rule-of-thumb) 50 GPM per
inch of bit diameter.
.
Limit the ROP to hole cleaning efficiency. (Rule-of-thumb) Mud-weight-out should not exceed
mud-weight-in by 0.5 ppg.
.
Pump Hi-Vis sweeps as hole conditions dictate. Do not stop circulation until all sweeps return.
.
Reduce the ROP or stop drilling and circulate until hole conditions improve.
CONNECTIONS
Prepare the drill crew and equipment to minimize non-circulating time on connections.
.
Maintain drilling circulation and rotation rates and slowly rase (i.e., 5 min/stand) the
drillstring to the last connection depth.
.
Slowly ream the stand down (i.e., 3 min/stand) to +/-20 feet above connection depth.
.
Maintain accurate Driller Handover Notes. Record on each connection or 93 feet of hole
drilled: on and off-bottom pump pressure and torque; rotating, up and down weights.
.
When pulling off the slips after the connection, slowly increase rotation first and then pump
speed while raising the drillstring to minimize wellbore pressure surges.
CIRCULATING THE HOLE CLEAN
Circulate at maximum pump rate limited by ECD. Rotate and reciprocate the drillstring to
improve hole cleaning.
.
If necessary, set-back 1 stand every +/-30 minutes of circulation to avoid dropping bottom
hole angle.
.
Pump recommended strokes for cuttings bottoms-up (1.5 - 2 times fluid bottoms-up minimum).
.
Pump Hi-Vis sweeps to ensure the hole is clean. Do not stop circulating until all sweeps return.
.
Circulate until the shakers are clean.

TRIPPING
Determine an Initial Overpull Limit prior to tripping out of the hole (i.e., ½ of the BHA weight).
.
Determine an Initial Set-Down Limit prior to tripping in the hole (i.e., ¼ of the drillstring overpull
limit).
.
Inform the Driller of: The measured depth and stand count when the top of the collars reach
severe doglegs, problematic formations, the casing shoe, tight spots recorded on previous trips,
etc. Stop the trip and notify the drilling team if the initial overpull or set-down limit is reached.
.
If initial overpull limit is reached, run in 1 stand and circulate for 30 minutes. Stop circulation
and rotation and pull 2 to 4 stands. If the tight spot is found at the same depth, the problem is
wellbore geometry. Backream through the tight spot and use the hole cleaning guidelines to
circulate the hole clean before continuing the trip. If the tight spot has moved up-hole, the
problem is hole cleaning, complete the hole cleaning operation before continuing the trip.
.
If set-down limit is reached, pull one stand and reaming through the tight spot. Use the hole
cleaning guidelines to circulate the hole clean before continuing the trip.
Page 8
HIGH ANGLE HOLE CLEANING 0
(>40 )
DEFINITION (1): CAUSE (2):
The inability to efficiently remove cuttings from High ROP generates cuttings faster than they
bpTT
the wellbore due to the effects of hole angle. can be removed from the wellbore.
.
WARNING (3): The mechanical failure of the rock

surrounding the wellbore is causing the hole
Hole pack-off /bridge most likely to occur while wall to break apart and produce cavings.
tripping out. .
.
Annular velocity (AV) is too low due to low
Reduced cuttings volume over shaker. Cutting circulation rate and/or hole enlargement.
size reduced to a fine “mush”. .
.
The carrying capacity (YP) and/or suspension
.. Increased torque and drag, problems sliding, capacity gel strength of the mud is not
motor stalling. Problems orienting tool face. optimum for hole size and angle.
.
.
Pressure surge to start circulation, overpull The drillstring was not rotated or RPM was
C
to start string motion. too Low during hole cleaning operations.

.
I
.
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Overpull, swabbing while tripping out. Circulation was not maintained long
.
A
Increasing set-down weight while enough to clean the cuttings out of the hole.
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tripping in. Hole bridges, hole fill on
GREATER CASSIA
FREEING (4):
– Creating Value
bottom.
. String motion prior to sticking: Moving or Static.
.
Cuttings bed pilling-up Circulating pressure after sticking: Impossible
above the BHA as the (pack-off) or Restricted (bridge).
.
string is pulled out. Bleed off all trapped pump pressure. .Apply torque
PREVENTION (5): (Top Drive) and Jar down with max Jar-trip load.
Limit ROP to hole cleaning .
efficiency. Circulate a minimum Continue working the pipe with light overpulls and
of 70 GPM per inch of bit diameter. down-jarring until sting movement is possible.
.
.
Maintain sufficient mud weight, YP, gel Slowly increase pump speed until circulation is
strength. Minimize low gravity solids. re-established.
.
Maintain wellbore stability.
.
Pump High-Density Sweeps every +/- 5 stands or as
hole conditions dictate.
.
Rotate at recommended RPM for hole size (180 RPM if possible).
.
Pump 4 to 6 bottoms up strokes to clean the hole.
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HIGH ANGLE HOLE CLEANING

0
MECHANICS
(>40 )
The mechanics of high angle hole cleaning must consider the separation of the forces pushing the
cuttings out of the hole coupled with the Boycott settling effect due to hole angle.
Cuttings Settle to Cuttings are Pushed
Assistance of Fluid Buoyancy is Lost: the Low Side of Out of the Hole
. the Hole By AV and YP Only
The lifting force generated by the difference Low Pressure
between cuttings density and fluid density. Area
. 20.0
In high angle holes, the force of buoyancy ppge Cross
provides less assistance in pushing the cutting Sectional
Area
out of the hole.
Mud Wt.
15.0 ppg
Circulation
Stopped
Drillstring
Force From Annular Velocity and YP:

.
The forces generated from AV and YP push the cuttings out of the hole in a "tumbling" motion
(much like wind blowing leaves across the yard). When circulation is stopped, the cuttings sink
to the low side of the hole forming a stable cuttings bed (does not slide back down hole).
.
The Boycott Settling Effect:
.
The tendency of the cuttings to settle to the low side of the hole and avalanche.
Circulation Solids /fluid separation rate is increased by 6 to 7 times as the cuttings slide
Stopped
down the low side of the hole while the lighter fluid is displaced to the high side
0
(+/- 55 most difficult hole angle to clean).
Force From Annular Velocity and YP:
.
The forces from AV and YP push the cuttings out of the hole in a "short
hopping" motion. Cuttings accumulate on the low side of the hole forming
+/-400 an unstable cuttings bed (slides down hole even while circulating).
.
Fluid circulation is displaced to the top side of the hole by the
higher density cuttings bed settling to the low side.
Be
When circulation is stopped, the bed of cuttings avalanche

d
va down hole, eventually stabilizing at +/-650 hole angle.

A
l an
ch e .
Cuttings Slide Down

Hole While Circulating 0
+/-65
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0
WARNING, HIGH ANGLE HOLE CLEANING (>40 )
OCCURRENCE
Hole pack-off or bridge due to Inadequate High Angle Hole Cleaning is most likely to occur while
pulling out of the hole as the cuttings bed is dragged up with the BHA. The accumulation of cuttings
form a pack-off or bridge at the top of the drill collars.
.
Possible while drilling if cuttings bed thickness is not minimized with proper hole cleaning guidelines.
The cuttings bed between +/-400 and 600 hole angle avalanche down hole, stabilize at 650 to 700 and
form a pack-off or bridge in the drillpipe section.
WHILE DRILLING
Incorrect mud rheology for hole size and angle. Poorly maintained mud properties.
.
High Rate of Penetration. Low circulating rate for hole size, hole angle and ROP.
.
Increasing trends of torque and drag. Difficulty sliding and orienting tool face.
.
Decreased cuttings volume. Rounded cutting edges. Increasing volume of fine cuttings “mush”.
.
Fluctuating circulating pressure, hole breathing, intermittent or partial loss of circulation.
.
The cuttings bed starts to build just above the steerable assembly as annular
velocity (AV) drops off in the drillpipe annulus. Cuttings bed build-up continues
until +/-400 hole angle where the hole wall is too steep to allow a bed to form.
.
From +/-400 to +/-600 hole angle, the Boycott settling effect causes the cuttings bed
to collect and slide back down hole until the bed stabilizes (+/-650). The stabilized
cuttings bed thickness decreases the hydraulic diameter of the annulus causing an
increase in annular velocity over the cuttings dune.
0
+/-40 Cuttings are washed off the top of the bed like sand blowing off the top of
sand dunes. As the AV decreases further up hole, however, the cuttings
are re-deposited and the bed slides back down hole.
.
The cuttings continue to make this circle until they are reduced to a
size small enough to be circulated out of the hole. The cuttings
appear over the shaker as a “fine mush”.
B
ed Cuttings washed of the top of
S li the dune with increased AV.
d in
Cuttings falling g
back to the bed
with decreased AV.
0
+/-65
WHILE MAKING CONNECTIONS

Little or no circulating time with fast string rotation before connections.
High erratic overpulls. Increasing off bottom torque trend. Fluctuating circulation pressure.
Partial loss of circulation possible as the hole
After the connection, overpull off the slips. Pump pressure surge to start circulation.
Page 11
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0
WARNING, HIGH ANGLE HOLE CLEANING (>40 )
PACK-OFF WHILE DRILLING
Pack-off during the drilling operation is possible if cuttings bed thickness is not
minimized with proper hole cleaning techniques.
.
Most likely to occur when circulation is stopped but can occur while circulating. The
thick cuttings bed avalanche down hole and form a pack-off or bridge at +/- 65O in
the drillpipe section.
.
While circulation is impossible or restricted, pipe rotation and some pipe movement
+/-400 is likely.
Be
d Av Pac
a la n c k
Off
he
0
+/-65
WARNING WHILE TRIPPING OUT

Improper or inadequate high-angle hole cleaning techniques applied before the trip.
.
Overpull off bottom may be normal but increases after pulling 2 to 3 stands as the cuttings are
dragged up the hole and accumulate at the top of the BHA.
.
Increase swabbing with overpulls.
.
Sudden pack-off with little or no warning may occur with cuttings bed avalanching.
The cuttings bed is dragged up with the BHA eventually forming a pack-off.
The pack-off is possible at any depth below the 600 hole angle depth but more
likely when pulling the BHA through the +/- 650 hole angle section where the
+/-40
0
thickest cuttings bed accumulate.
Pac
k
Off
0
+/-65
Page 12
0
FREEING, HOLE PACK-OFF /BRIDGE (>40 )
INDICATIONS
The mechanism is best recognized by the inability to circulate with total pack-off or restricted circulating pressure with
bridging (partial pack-off). String motion prior to sticking may have been moving or static.
bpTT
FIRST ACTION, TORQUE-UP & JAR DOWN TO RE-ESTABLISH CIRCULATION

Immediate action is recommended as additional packing off is likely from solids settling and bed sliding. Also,
differential sticking may occur if the drillstring is not moved.
1. Bleed off all trapped pump pressure.

.
2. (Top Drive)Torque-up the string to +/- 80% of the drillpipe tooljoint make-up torque.
Carefully reciprocate the string to ensure torque limit is applied at stuck depth.
.
3. Slack-off maximum jar-trip load, hold torque and set-down weight until the jar trips or for
+/- 10 minutes.
.
C
4. Work the pipe with light overpulls and heavy down jarring until some pipe movement is
I
established.
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Jar .
A
5. Apply low pump pressure (+/-200 psi). Maintain the pressure if restricted circulation is
possible. If drillstring pressure drops off, slowly increase pump speed. Caution, pack-off
K
GREATER CASSIA
may re-seal with increased fluid flow.
Page 13
– Creating Value
.
6. If circulation cannot be established, repeat the procedure from step #4. Repeating this
procedure for 10+ hours may be necessary to establish circulation and free the string.
Depending on the situation, other options may include: picking up a Heavy Down-Jarring Assembly
0
(hole angle above fish <70 . See Differential Sticking section); jarring up; or side tracking the well.
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0
HIGH ANGLE HOLE CLEANING (>40 )
DRILLING
Use a mud type that inhibits interaction with the formations. Maintain sufficient mud weight to
stabilize the wellbore.
.
Maintain sufficient mud rheology for hole size and angle. Minimize low gravity solids.
.
Circulate at maximum rate for the hole size and angle limited by ECD and down-hole equipment.
(Rule-of-Thumb) Circulate at 70 GPM per inch of bit diameter.
.
Limit the ROP to hole cleaning efficiency. Use an annulus pressure tool and/or torque/drag plots
to determine if a thick cuttings bed is developing.
.
Pump 2 to 4 High-Density sweeps (3.0 to 5.0 ppg greater than the mud weight) every +/-7 hours
or +/-800’ drilled or as hole conditions dictate to maintain adequate hole cleaning (see next page).
.
Reduce the ROP or stop drilling and circulate the hole clean if conditions do not improve.
.
CONNECTIONS
Prepare the drill crew and equipment to minimize non-circulating time on connections.
.
Maintain drilling circulation rate and slowly pick-up and rotate off bottom (i.e., 5 min/stand,
120 RPM) to the last connection depth.
.
Slowly ream the stand down (i.e., 3 min/stand, 120 RPM) to +/-20 feet above connection depth.
.
Maintain accurate Driller Handover Notes. Record on each connection or 93 feet of hole drilled:
on and off-bottom pump pressure and torque; rotating, up and down weights.
.
After the connection, slowly increase rotation first and then pump speed while rasing the string.
Carefully lower the bit to bottom and continue with the operation.
. CIRCULATING THE HOLE CLEAN
Circulate at maximum pump rate limited by ECD and down hole equipment.
.
Optimize drillstring motion. Reciprocate slowly and rotate at the recommended RPM.
6-1/8” - 80+ RPM 8-1/2” hole - 120+ RPM 9-7/8” - 130+ RPM 12-1/4” hole - 140+ RPM
Higher rotational speeds will improve hole cleaning. Rotate as fast as the equipment will allow.
.
Begin hole cleaning operation with the bit near bottom. Set-back 1 stand every +/-30 minutes of
circulation to avoid dropping bottom hole angle.
.
Pump 3 to 6 High-Density sweeps (3.0 to 5.0 ppg greater than mud wt) with recommended pipe
rotation. Do not stop circulation until all sweeps return to surface. (See next page)
.
Ensure recommended strokes for hole size and angle are pumped (4 to 6 times bottoms-up may
be required). Continue circulating until the shakers are clean.
TRIPPING
Determine an Initial Overpull Limit (i.e., ½ BHA weight or 30,000 lbs with stearable assemblies).
.
Determine an Initial Set-Down Limit (i.e., ¼ of the drillstring overpull limit).

.
Inform the Driller: The measured depth and stand count when the top of the BHA reaches the
thickest anticipated cuttings bed (likely 60O to 70O ); severe doglegs; problematic formations; the
casing shoe; tight spots recorded on previous trips; etc. Stop the trip and notify the drilling team
if the initial overpull or set-down limit is reached
.
If initial overpull limit is reached, run in 1 stand and circulate for 30 minutes using the hole
cleaning guidelines. Stop circulation and rotation and pull 3 to 4 stands. If the tight spot is found
at the same depth, the problem is wellbore geometry. Backream through the tight spot and circulate
the hole clean. If the tight spot has moved up-hole, the problem is cuttings bed. Continue with the
hole cleaning operation and when the shakers are clean, continue tripping out.
.
It is not recommended to pump or backream out of the hole with a thick cuttings bed problem.
Be patient, several hole cleaning cycles may be required to safely pull the string out of the hole.
.
If initial set-down limit is reached, pull 1 stand and ream through the tight spot. Use the hole
cleaning guidelines to circulate the hole clean and continue tripping in.
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0
HIGH ANGLE HOLE CLEANING (>40 )
HIGH-DENSITY SWEEP GUIDELINES
Sweep Design:
A high-density sweep is usually 3 to 4 ppg heavier than the mud weight and covers 200’ to 400’
of the annulus. This will produce a 30 to 100 psi increase in hydrostatic pressure with the cuttings
laden sweep in the vertical section of the hole. Higher sweep densities (4.0 to 5.0 ppg heavier)
may be required to achieve results with high viscosity mud systems (50 sec/qt+).
.
The yield point of the high density sweep should not be increased above the planned drilling value.
Minimal viscosity increase due to barite addition (PV) is expected. The mud volume used to build
the sweep must have good rheological and fluid loss properties to effectively sweep the hole.
Cuttings laden sweep Select the height of the sweep (SweepFT) and
in the vertical section
calculate the required sweep volume (SweepBBLS).
(13-3/8” csg). 2 2
(CsgID - DPOD ) x SweepFT
SweepBBLS =
1029.4
2 2
(12.615 - 5 ) x 300’
= 39 bbls
1029.4
Calculate the hydrostatic pressure increase (HSPINC)

produced by the high-density sweep.
HSPINC = (SweepPPG - MudPPG) x .052 x SweepFT
(13.5PPG - 10.0PPG) x .052 x 300’ = 55 psi
Pumping the Sweep:

Pump the high-density sweep at normal drilling rate with at least minimum rotational speed for
the hole size: (6-1/8” - 80 RPM); (8-1/2” - 120 RPM); (9-7/8” - 130 RPM); (12-1/4” - 140 RPM).
Higher rotational speeds will improve hole cleaning and reduce the circulating time required to
clean the hole (150 to 180 RPM recommended). Rotate as fast as the equipment will allow.
Continue circulation and rotation until all sweeps return to surface.
.
A 210 mesh or finer shaker screen is required to show evidence of silt removed by the sweep.
If a significant increase in silt/cuttings is not observed, the sweep was likely too small and/or too
light. With a thick cuttings/slit bed problem, 2 to 4 sweeps may be required before hole
conditions improve.
.
Sweep Precautions:
Avoid slide-drilling or stopping rotation with the high-density sweep in the high angle hole section
(>40o). Silt and barite will fall out of the sweep and re-deposit on the low side of the hole.
.
If circulation is stopped with the high-density sweep in the drillstring, maintain slow rotation to
agitate the sweep and keep the barite suspended.
.
Avoid flow-checking the well with the high-density sweep in the drillstring. The sweep will U-tube
to the annulus and show a false indication of flow.
.
If the well is shut-in on a kick with the high-density sweep in the drillstring, the additional
hydrostatic pressure of the sweep will decrease shut-in drillpipe pressure and increase shut-in
casing pressure. Use the Driller’s Method to circulate the sweep into the annulus before
recording shut-in drill pipe pressure. Literature sited: www.worldoil.com/magazine Oct-2002
Page 15
Wellbore geometry sticking
Subject Page
Causes of Wellbore Geometry Sticking ................................................... 1
Micro Doglegs .......................................................................................... 2
Thick Filter Cake Deposit ........................................................................ 7
Stiff Casing Assembly ............................................................................. 12

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THE CAUSES OF WELLBORE GEOMETRY

Sharp changes in hole angle/direction and/or an undergauge hole diameter
will not allow passage of the BHA or casing string.
Hole Angle or Direction Change Assembly Stiffness Increase
Key Seat Stiff Bottom Hole Assembly
Micro Doglegs Stiff Casing Assembly
Ledges
Undergauge Hole Diameter
Thick Filter Cake
Undergauge Hole
Mobile Formation
Wellbore Geometry sticking can develop from 8 different causes. The mechanism is characterized by
up or down string motion just prior to sticking (one possible exception). Circulating pressure would
not be affected due to no change in the hydraulic diameter of the annulus (one possible exception).
Wellbore Change Assembly Change
Decrease in effective or actual hole Increase in assembly stiffness
diameter will not allow passage of the string will not allow passage of the string
MICRO
PO
DOGLEGS Steerable
OH
Assembly,
Top View Normal
Overpulls
Act
ual
ID
ill Colla
Dr
r
Effective ID
STIFF
RI
CASING
H
ASSENBLY
Stuck!!
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MICRO DOGLEGS
DEFINITION:
Several small, closely spaced changes in hole angle
and/or direction reduces the effective hole diameter.
CAUSE:
Drilling hard /soft interbedded formations with
Soft >3O dip angle. When the bit reaches the hard
Hard formation, more weight is distributed to the up-dip
side of the bit as the down-dip side more easily
drills the softer formation. The drill collar bends
causing the bit to turn up-dip.
.
When the bit reaches the soft formation, more

weight is distributed to the down-dip side of the bit
as the up-dip side drills into the softer formation.
Hard The drill collar bends causing the bit to turn down-
dip.
.
Soft
O
An angled-well drilling hard /soft interbedded
formations at 0 dip angle will also produce micro doglegs.
.
Several closely spaced, sharp turns and/or angle changes while drilling
with a motor assembly will also produce micro doglegs.
WARNING:
(Rotary Assembly) increasing erratic torque trend. High erratic overpull
with normal down drag. Off-bottom torque approaching /exceeding on-
bottom torque.
.
Sticking is most likely to occur when picking up for a drilling connection,

often occurring just as bit weight is picked up.
.
(Motor Assembly) two or more sharp turns and/or angle changes in less
than 100' of hole drilled. Bit stalling, difficulty sliding. High erratic overpull
with normal down drag.
.
Sticking is most likely to occur when running the casing due to the
consistent size and stiffness of the casing string.
FREEING:
String motion prior to sticking: Moving Up.
.
Circulating pressure after sticking: Unrestricted.

.
Re-apply drilling torque and bit weight in an attempt to establish rotation.

Increase bit weight if necessary. Jar down at the risk of bit damage.
.
Slowly backream off bottom if the string starts rotating.

PREVENTION:
Run full-gauge near-bit stabilizer(s) with large body OD. Consider a large
OD DC in the bottom 15' to 30' of the BHA.
.
Maintain or reduce bit weight and increase rotary speed when drilling
through the hard/soft formation interfaces.
.
Avoid closely spaced, sever angle /direction changes.

.
Backream frequently when micro doglegs are suspected.

.
Slow trip speed before the BHA enters the suspected zone.
Page 2
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MICRO DOGLEG MECHANICS

HARD/SOFT INTERBEDDED FORMATIONS: Micro doglegs are likely to occur when drilling
through closely spaced formations (<30’ spacing) with different hardness. The degree of hole
deflection is effected by the difference in hardness between the hard and soft formations, the
WOB and the approach angle of the bit to the formation.
Straight Hole with Angled Hole with Straight Hole with
Dipping Beds Flat Beds Flat Beds (<3O)
Soft
O
Hole
Dip
O No Tendencies
to Develop
Soft Hard Micro Doglegs
Hard
DipO
Hard
Hard O
Hole
Soft
Soft
DRILLED MICRO DOGLEGS:

Micro doglegs can be produced by accidently or intentionally drilling sharp changes in hole
angle and/or direction. If the micro doglegs do not stick the drillstring, they become a major
contributing factor for sticking the casing off bottom.
Shale Formation
with Consistent
Plotted Well Path
Hardness
From
Directional Plan
Micro Doglegs
Produced By Angle /
Direction Changes
Page 3
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WARNING, MICRO DOGLEGS

OCCURRENCE
With rotary assemblies, wellbore geometry sticking with Micro Doglegs always occurs
while drilling. The drillstring becomes stuck just as bit weight is picked up or with the bit a
few feet from bottom. The stiff BHA is jammed in the crooked hole at the largest OD points,
the stabilizers and bit.
.
With motor assemblies, sticking is most likely while running a Stiff BHA or Casing String.
WHILE ROTARY DRILLING
Hard-soft interbedded formations
Overpull!!
Bit Wt
Neutral Point being drilled.

.
Increasing torque trend,

intermittent erratic torque.
.
Compressive Torque increases as bit weight is Tension Load
Load of Bit Wt picked up. From Picking
Makes the BHA . up Makes the
More Flexible Off-bottom torque approaching / BHA More
and Conform exceeding on-bottom torque. Rigid, Jamming
.
to the Shape the Stabilizers
Increasing overpull trend,
of the Hole. and Bit.
becoming very erratic with less
Decreasing Increasing
severe down drag trend. Off-bottom
On-bottom .
Torque. No change in circulating Torque.
pressure.
.
Circulating the hole clean has

little or no effect on reducing
torque and drag trends.
WHILE SLIDE DRILLING

Several closely spaced corrections in hole angle and/or direction.
Possibly drilling hard /soft interbedded formations but not necessary.
Difficulty sliding, erratic weight on bit. Increasing torque, motor stalling.
Bi Increasing overpull, becoming very erratic with less severe down drag.
tW
t High erratic torque that increases when back
reaming and decreases when reaming down.
No change in Circulating pressure trend.
Circulating the hole clean has little or
no effect on torque and drag reduction.
The limber steerable assembly is not likely to get stuck. If

a stiff reaming assembly trip was not made, the larger OD,
more ridged casing is likely to become stuck off bottom.
Page 4
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FREEING, MICRO DOGLEGS

INDICATIONS
Wellbore Geometry sticking caused by Micro Doglegs occurs when picking up to make a
connection. The string usually sticks with the bit on bottom or just a few feet from bottom.
.
Circulating pressure after sticking would not be effected.

FIRST ACTION, RE-APPLY BIT WEIGHT AND DRILLING TORQUE
Do not apply overpull!! Do not jar up!!
.
Maintain maximum circulating rate to prevent jarring down.

Caution: With the bit stuck on or near bottom, bit damage will
occur if the string is freed with a down-jar blow.
.
Maintain drilling torque.

.
Re-applied weight-on-bit. The string should break free and JAR

start rotating as bit weight is applied.
.
e
If the string starts rotating, slowly backream off bottom. To r q u
.
If the drillstring does not rotate free, carefully increase the

torque and bit weight until the string starts rotating or maximum
set-down weight and 80% of maximum torque are applied.
Bit We
.
If the string does not rotate free, the bit must be sacrificed to
free the string. (Hydraulic jar) maintain torque, apply minimum
set-down weight (i.e., 5,000 lbs) to trip the jar with a light down-
jar blow. (Mechanical jar) apply minimum set-down weight to ig
th
trip the jar latch.
.
Stop circulation to allow the jar to trip.

.
If the string does not rotate free, maintain torque and continue
to jar down with increasing set-down weight until the string starts
rotating.
.
If the string starts rotating, slowly backream off bottom.

Circulate the hole clean and trip out to check /change the bit. If
the bit is damaged, a junk basket trip is required before drilling
ahead.
Other options include:

If stuck in limestone or dolomite, spot acid across the BHA.
Side track the well.
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PREVENTIVE ACTION, MICRO DOGLEGS

HARD /SOFT INTERBEDDED FORMATIONS
PREVENTIVE PLANNING
If hard /soft interbedded formations are known or
suspected, run a stiff BHA design with large OD collars
in the bottom 15' to 30' to resist the bending load.
.
Run full-gauge near-bit stabilizer with large OD body.
Two near bit stabilizers may be required in very hard
formations.
.
Plan for extra trips to keep the bit sharp.
.
Consider installing an Automatic Driller to maintain
consistent bit weight while drilling.
WHILE DRILLING
Inform the Driller of the problem zone depth(s).
.
Maintain constant bit weight while drilling through the
hard/soft formation interfaces and allow the ROP to
vary.
.
Slowly backream /ream suspected micro doglegs.
DRILLED MICRO DOGLEGS

PREVENTIVE PLANNING
If possible, plan the surface location to take advantage of the area's natural
drift tendencies.
.
Minimize sharp angle/direction changes in the kick off section. Pull the kick-
off assembly to straighten the motor bend before drilling the tangent section.
.
. Avoid aggressive motor steerable assemblies when drilling the

tangent section(s). Run +/-1o motor bend when possible.
.
Plotted Well
Path From Consider using a Rotary Steerable Assembly to
Directional Plan drill the tangent section of the hole.
.
WHILE DRILLING Plan for additional survey time

If possible, do not "chase" the when the wellbore must
plotted line of the directional plan. follow the directional
.
plan.
If the well path must follow the line, take
more surveys and make less severe corrections.
.
Maintain constant bit weight while drilling through the hard/

soft formation interfaces.
.
Anticipate hole deflections at known hard/soft interfaces and faults.

.
Slowly backream /ream suspected micro doglegs.

. Well Path
Run a Stiff Reamer trip before running casing if micro doglegs are Allowed to
suspected. Drift
Page 6
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THICK FILTER CAKE

DEFINITION:
A thick, compacted filter cake that forms on permeable
zones producing an undergauge hole diameter.
CAUSE:
POOH
High fluid loss to a permeable zone allows a thick layer of

mud solids to build on the wall of the hole.
.
After a few days without a trip through the zone, the filter
cake compacts with high overbalance pressure producing
a very tough filter cake.
.
The wellbore becomes under gauge at the sand zone
depth jamming the BHA during trips.
WARNING:
High overbalance with heavy mud weights (>12.0 ppg).
Thick Filter High content of low gravity solids and/or fine calcium
Cake on a carbonate. Lime base mud in use.
Permeable .
Sand Several days between trips through a hole section with

zones of high permeability.
.
Sudden overpull as the stabilizers enter the suspected
zone. High torque while reaming.
.
Thick, tough filter cake deposits on shakers at
bottoms up from the reaming operation.
.
Possible tight spot at the same depth on next trip.
.
Sticking more likely to occur while pulling out of the hole,
possible while tripping in.
FREEING:
String motion before sticking: Moving up or Down.
.
Circulating pressure after sticking: Unrestricted.
.
If the string was moving up when sticking occurred,
apply torque (Top Drive) and jar down with maximum
jar-trip load.
.
If the string was moving down when sticking occurred, do
not apply torque and jar up with maximum jar-trip load.
PREVENTION:
Control fluid loss. Minimize overbalance and low gravity
solids.
.
Consider short trips and reaming trips.
.
Reduce trip speed before the BHA enters the suspected
zone. Be prepared to backream /ream through the
suspected zone.
Page 7
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THICK FILTER CAKE MECHANICS

In today's drilling of more in-gauge holes, the potential for sticking the BHA in a thick filter cake
increases. Consider filter cake thickness as a contributing factor to all Wellbore Geometry
sticking causes.
High Fluid
Loss
High fluid loss to a permeable

zone builds a thick layer of mud
solids on the wall of the hole.
Thick Filter
Cake Over a few days, the un-
disturbed filter cake compacts
Days, with overbalance pressure
No Trips producing a very tough cake.
The wellbore becomes under

Over gauge at the sand zone depth
Compacted jamming the BHA during trips.
Filter Cake
Balance
After the open hole has been static for a day or more, a wiper/clean-up trip may be necessary to
remove tough filter cake deposits and to condition the mud system.
O
In high angle holes (>40 ), barite and other fine
grain solids settle to the low side of the hole and
become part of the filter cake.
The thick filter cake deposits forms a Ramp on

the low side of the hole that can stop the casing
RIH from going to bottom or stick the string.
R am
p An
gl e
Compacted
Filter Cake
Forming A
Ramp
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WARNING, THICK FILTER CAKE

OCCURRENCE
The development of a Thick, Compacted Filter Cake requires a permeable hole section to be
undisturbed for several days with high overbalance pressure. Wellbore Geometry sticking caused
by a thick filter cake will most likely occur while tripping in after a long stay out of the hole.
Possible while tripping out after a long term operation without a trip through the zone.
.
A Thick Filter Cake is often the cause or a contributing factor for not getting the casing to bottom
as the actual hole diameter is reduced by the filter cake thickness.
WHILE DRILLING
High overbalance pressure. Heavy mud weights (>12.0 ppg) adds
barite to the filter cake.
.
Fine calcium carbonate added to the mud system. Lime base mud in
use (reacts with methane gas to form fine calcium carbonate).
.
O
High content of low-gravity solids. High hole angle (>40 ).
.
RIH Long term down hole operation without a trip.

.
Large volume of hard filter cake deposits over the shaker.
Compacted
Filter Cake
Forming A
Ramp
WHILE TRIPPING
Long term surface operation (several days) without a trip.
.
Sudden set-down /overpull that quickly increases with further string motion until the
string becomes stuck. Caution: A Thick Filter Cake greatly increases the potential
for Differential Sticking.
.
High reaming torque, usually not erratic. Possible pump pressure surge to start
circulation.
.
Indications of the problem disappear after reaming the section.
.
Large volume of thick filter cake deposits over the shaker with bottoms up
from reaming depth.
.
Tight spot at the same depth on following trips.
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FREEING, THICK FILTER CAKE

INDICATIONS
Wellbore Geometry sticking caused by a Thick, Compacted Filter Cake always occurs during
tripping operations but most likely to occur when tripping in the hole.
.
Sticking occurs when the string is moving in or out of the hole. A pump pressure surge may
occur to start circulation, however, circulating pressure after sticking would not be effected.
FIRST ACTION, JAR THE STRING FREE
STUCK WHILE TRIPPING IN STUCK WHILE TRIPPING OUT
1. Maintain slow circulation (+/-1 1. Maintain slow circulation (+/-1
e
bbl/min). bbl/min). To r q u
.
.
2. Do Not Apply torque!! 2. (Top Drive) Torque-up the

.
string to +/- 80% of drillpipe
3. Jar up with maximum jar-trip
load. Allow sufficient time for a
make-up torque. Carefully JAR
JAR reciprocate to ensure torque limit
hydraulic jar to trip (+/- 3 is applied at stuck depth.
minutes). .
.
3. Set down maximum jar-trip
4. If the string does not jar free, load. Allow sufficient time for a
maintain slow circulation and hydraulic jar to trip (+/-10 min).
continue jarring up. .
Do Not Jar Down!! 4. If the string does not jar free,

.
continue jarring down with and
without applied torque.
Do Not Jar Up!!
OTHER OPTIONS
If stuck in limestone or dolomite, spot acid across the BHA. Other options may include:
backing off and picking up a fishing jar assembly; wash over the BHA; or side tracking the
well.
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PREVENTIVE ACTION, THICK FILTER CAKE

WHILE PLANNING
Plan a minimum mud weight schedule and low fluid loss mud
specifications.
Ensure proper pit arrangement, equipment and procedures are
available to control drill solids.
Plan wiper /reamer trips in hole sections with the potential to form
thick, compacted filter cakes.
R
IH Plan sufficient time for reaming and/or hole clean-up trips prior to
running casing.
WHILE DRILLING
Control fluid loss. Minimize the overbalance pressure by
controlling the rate of penetration.
Maintain sufficient gel strength to control barite sag.
Minimize low gravity solids.
Use only fine LCM to control seepage loss. Limit the
volume of LCM to only what is necessary.
Consider a wiper trip if a thick filter cake is suspected.
WHILE TRIPPING
Limit initial overpull to ½ BHA weight (<60O wellbores) or
30,000 lbs, for example, in high angle wellbores.
.
Limit initial set-down weight to, for example, 1/4 the
drillstring overpull limit.
.
Slow trip speed before the BHA enters the suspected
zone.
.
Be prepared to ream /backream if set-down /overpull
limits are reached.
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STIFF CASING ASSEMBLY

DEFINITION:
The stiff, consistent OD casing string accumulates drag with each
dogleg until the string becomes stuck before reaching bottom.
CAUSE:
Hole angle /direction changes with high dogleg severity.
.
Effective hole diameter is too small for the casing OD.

.
Excessive equipment on the casing (centralizers, etc.).

Re
am
WARNING:
ing
Sharp angle /direction changes.

.
Small clearance between casing OD and hole,

excessive equipment on the casing.
.
Excessive increase in down-drag.

.
String will move down but cannot be moved up.

Down Reaming
forces BHA to
Conform to The
Shape of The Hole
FREEING:
Always occurs while running casing.
.
String motion before sticking: Moving Down.

.
Circulating pressure after sticking: Possible. (no pressure data)

.
Attempt to work the casing free with high overpulls and low set-
down weights. Slowly increase circulation and pump lubricates.
PREVENTION:
Minimize dogleg severity. Backream throughly with a stiff
reaming assembly.
.
Circulate the hole clean and pump a lubricate before running

casing.
.
Plot a casing drag versus depth chart.

.
Begin recording pick-up /slack-off weights at casing fill-ups

before the casing reaches suspected problem depth(s).
.
Circulate the hole clean before casing pick-up /slack-off

.
weights become excessive.
Consider laying down the casing and running a reamer
trip before casing pick-up weight reaches critical limits.
Casing Sticks
Before Reaching
Bottom
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STIFF CASING MECHANICS

The stiff casing string can not negociate the severity of the dogleg(s) and/or a reduced
hole diameter.
Set-Down
Overpull
Running The
Stiff Casing Assembly
The stiff, consistent OD casing string
accumulates drag with each dogleg
Side
until the string becomes stuck before
Loads reaching bottom.
.
Applying more set-down weight

(compression) forces the casing to
bend and conform to the shape of the
doglegs. This allows the string to slide
deeper into the doglegs until down
motion is impossible.
.
Applying overpull (tension) makes the

casing string stiff, which increases side
loading and the sticking force.
Contributing Causes
Thick Filter Cake Micro Doglegs
RIH
Thick filter cake deposits reduce Closely spaced angle /direction

the actual diameter of the hole. changes decreases the effective
.
diameter of the hole.
The stiff casing string requires
more in-gauge+ hole diameters
The stiff casing string requires
for free passage.
less severe doglegs spaced
Mobile Formations further apart for free passage.
Formations that squeeze in reduce

the actual diameter of the hole.
.
The stiff casing string requires more Ledges

in-gauge+ hole diameters for free
passage. Closely spaced ledges decreases
the effective diameter of the hole
and produce a "shouldered" hole
Casing Accessaries surface.
Casing stiffness and effective OD of
the casing is increased with the The stiff casing string requires a
addition of centralizers, turbolizers, smooth, more in-gauge+ hole
and other accessaries. diameter for free passage.
Page 13
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WARNING, STIFF CASING ASSEMBLY

OCCURRENCE
Wellbore Geometry sticking caused by a Stiff Casing Assembly always occurs while running
the casing.
WHILE DRILLING
Angle /direction changes with high dogleg severities.
.
Possible development of Micro Doglegs, Ledges and/or a Thick Filter
Cake.
.
Mobile Formation(s) exposed.
Re
HOLE CONDITIONING TRIP

am
Inadequate BHA design for reaming. Down reaming only.

i ng
.
Tight spots that will not ream out.
.
Thick filter cake deposits and cavings at the shaker.
.
Swabbing and overpulls while tripping out.
Down Reaming Refer to the Backreaming Practices
(compression)
forces the BHA to section, page 4 for recommended
conform to the reaming practices.
shape of the hole Backreaming (tension)
stiffens the BHA for
more effective reaming
WHILE RUNNING CASING

Did not run a hole reaming trip prior to running casing.
.
The first few joints are designed very stiff (centralizers) and
with an increased effective OD (turbolizers, scratchers, etc.).
.
The casing shoe has reached or is a few joints below a tight
Set-D
spot, kick-off point, mobile formation top or a permeable

own
zone that forms a thick filter cake.

.
Increasing set-down weight trend. Pick-up weight trend
increasing at a much faster rate.
.
Low set-down weight into the tight spot requires high over
pull to free the casing string.
.
Circulation brings back thick filter cake deposits and cavings.
The Casing Sticks

Before Reaching
Bottom
Page 14
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FREEING, STIFF CASING ASSEMBLY

INDICATIONS
The casing string becomes stuck while moving down as the stiff, large OD casing enters a hole
section too crooked and/or too small to allow free passage. Also possible during a connection
as tighter pipe-to-hole contact increases differential sticking potential.
.
Circulation after sticking is likely but may pack-off with thick filter cake deposits and cavings as
circulation is increased.
FIRST ACTION, SLOW CIRCULATION AND PICK-UP
STUCK WHILE RUNNING CASING
Overpull
Set-Down
1. Maintain slow circulation (1 - 3 bbls/min). Be pre-

pared to stop the pump in the event of sudden
pack-off.
.
2. Do not apply torque unless the casing string was
designed for rotation.
.
3. Apply moderate overpulls and low set-down
weights with slow circulation in an attempt to work
the string free.
Side .
Loads 4. Circulate /spot lubricants.
5. Slowly increase the circulation rate while working

the casing string. Slowly increase applied overpull
(do not increase applied set-down weight).
6. If the casing pulls free, circulate the hole clean

and condition the mud. Add a lubricant to the
mud system.
Consider laying the casing down and thoroughly

reaming the hole.
OTHER OPTIONS
If stuck in limestone or dolomite, spot acid at the
suspected zone depth.
If stuck in a permeable formation and the filter

cake contains calcium carbonate, spot acid at the
suspected zone.
Cement the casing in place and set a liner to

hole section TD.
Side track the well.
Page 15
PREVENTIVE ACTION, STIFF CASING ASSEMBLY
WHILE PLANNING WHILE DRILLING
Plan adequate clearance between hole ID and casing OD. Minimize dogleg severities.
.
.
Plan for minimum possible dogleg severities. Take frequent surveys in the kick-off to maintain a
.
Minimize casing stiffness at the shoe joint. If possible, smooth build/turn section.
.
centralize above the shoe joint. Ream/backream hole sections of suspected micro
.
Plan wiper /reamer trips in hole sections with: thick, doglegs and/or ledges (directional assembly is not
compacted filter cakes; mobile formations; moderate to an effective reaming assembly).
severe directional work; micro doglegs.
.
Provide a predicted casing drag chart of set-down and pick-
up weights for the casing running operation.
Plan for sufficient circulating time before running casing.
Consider spotting lubricants.
Page 16
– Creating Value
GREATER CASSIA
K
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I
WHILE RUNNING CASING

C
CLEAN-OUT TRIP Limit initial set-down weight to 1/4 the lesser of casing
Make a hole-conditioning/reaming trip with a BHA stiffness overpull limit or rig hoisting limit.
of 1.5 times the centrilized casing stiffness. Two reaming .
runs may be required with increasing BHA stifness. Record casing slack-off /pick-up weights at each fill-up.
.
If the actual casing drag is considerably different from the
Use a bullnose assembly to avoid sidetracking the well. predicted casing drag chart, circulate the hole clean.
Jet for 60%+ hydraulics at the bullnose to wash away .
debris and help prevent nozzle plugging. Consider circulating the hole clean at 2 or more depths
.
before the casing reaches bottom.
RIH with no pumps or rotary to make tight spots obvious. .
Ream/backream section until tight spots are not observed Slow trip speed before the casing enters a suspected
with no pumps or rotary. Circulate the hole clean. tight zone, kick-offs, faults, etc.
.
bpTT
Record pick-up weight before entering suspected tight

At TD, circulate the hole clean. Use high-density sweeps zone for a baseline. Record pick-up weight every 1 to 3
0
and high RPM in high angle holes (>35 ). Reduce mud to joints.
minimum safe density and viscosity. Consider spotting .
lubricants. Be prepared to spot lubricants and/or lay down casing in
the event of criticial pick-up weights.

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BP - Stuck Pipe Manual

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Sticking Mechanisms ............................................................................. 2

Sticking Mechanism / First Action Worksheet .......................................... 9

STICKING MECHANISMS & THEIR CAUSES

Mechanism - The mechanical force sticking the drillstring in the hole.

Cause - The condition(s) responsible for the sticking mechanism.

Hydro-Charged Shale Undergauge Hole

The Mechanism of Hole Pack-Off /Bridge

String Motion Prior to Sticking?

The Mechanism of Differential Sticking

String Motion Prior to Sticking? 1600 sq in

THE MECHANISM OF WELLBORE GEOMETRY

KEY String Motion Prior

Moving up or Down Flexible

psi). Maintain circulation if possible. 2. Jar down with maximum jar-trip

with light overpulls and max down .

preparing a pipe releasing pill. decision is made.

STUCK WITH THE BIT ON OR NEAR BOTTOM

Pipe Static or Slide Drilling

Reaming Down or Rotary Drilling 1 1 0 1

DESCRIBE THE CHANGE IN CIRCULATING PRESSURE JUST AFTER STICKING OCCURRED.

STICKING MECHANISM EXERCISE

Hole Section Graphic .............................................................................. 1

IA-25 Offset Well Data ............................................................................. 2

Likely Sticking Mechanisms ..................................................................... 3

Differential Sticking Mechanics ............................................................... 4

Warning, Differential Sticking .................................................................. 10

Freeing, Differential Sticking ................................................................... 11

Pipe Torque Calculation .......................................................................... 14

Preventive Action, Differential Sticking .................................................... 17

The sticking mechanism in the 23 stuck pipe events:

Hole Pack-Off Differential Sticking Wellbore Geometry

9 events 10 events (drillstring) None reported

THE CAUSE OF DIFFERENTIAL STICKING

The sticking force generated by the overbalance pressure

Overbalance Hydrostatic overbalance pressure is exposed to a permeable

Permeable A differential force is exerted against the pipe relative to the

DIFFERENTIAL STICKING MECHANICS

Filter Cake Controlled

Dynamic Filter Cake

Static Filter Cake

The differential sticking force

Formation Pressure Hydrostatic Pressure

Fluid loss drains the pressure of

Fluid Flow Sealed Low Pressure

The Differential Sticking Force

Efforts to pull the drillstring free would require

WARNING, DIFFERENTIAL STICKING

FREEING, DIFFERENTIAL STICKING

If the string does not jar free, maintain slow

TORQUE /TENSION COMBINED LOADS

allow maximum overpull

FREEING, DIFFERENTIAL STICKING

If stuck above the jar, apply maximum set-down

When the 400 psi applied pressure is released,

Hold torque and set-down weight until the

If the string does not come free, consider

FREEING DIFFERENTIAL STICKING

Pump the pill in place at maximum rate to wash off the

Continue recommended jarring operations while

(Top Drive) Apply torque and cock

DETERMINE THE STUCK DEPTH

. Calculate the Stuck Depth (StuckFT):

7 x 28.538 x 501782 = 10,024 ft