Hole Problems

Hole Problems
 Hole problems can be classified under three
major headings,

1, Pipe Sticking
2, Sloughing Shale
3, Lost Circulation
 Hole Problems
1, Pipe Sticking.
>This is the condition when part of the drill pipe or
collars are struck in the hole.

>In practice pipe sticking problems are

conveniently classified as,

A, Differential Pipe Sticking

B, Mechanical sticking
C, Key- Seating
 Hole Problems
 Differential Sticking.

 It is due to differential pressure (The difference

between hydrostatic pressure of mud and
formation pore pressure) which becomes
excessively large across a porous and permeable
formation such as sandstone or limestone.
 Hole Problems
 Mechanical Pipe Sticking.

The Mechanical Pipe Sticking occurs when,

A, Drill cuttings or sloughing formations pack off

the annular space around the drill string.

B, Drill string run too fast, such that it hits a bridge

or a tight spot or the bottom of the hole.
 Key – Seat.

>In a dog-legged hole containing soft formations, a

drill pipe tool joint can drill an extra hole or a key
seat in addition to the major hole created by the
bit .
 Hole Problems
 2, Sloughing Shale.
 Factors influencing shale sloughing are ,

1, Mechanical factors
2, Hydration factors
 Hole Problems
 Lost Circulation.

 Lost circulation is defined as the partial or

complete loss of drilling fluid during drilling,
circulating or running casing, or loss of cement
during cementing.

 Lost circulation occurs when HSP of mud exceeds

the formation pressure.
 Hole Problems
 All rock types are susceptible to lost circulation
but weak and cavernous formations are
particularly vulnerable.