DETERMINING THE FREE POINT

Two techniques are commonly used to determine the free point of a stuck drilling
assembly.

The first technique simply involves the measurement of pipe stretch for a given
over-pull and then calculation of the length of free pipe.
The second technique requires the use of an electronic free point indicating system
run on electric line. When possible, the free point tool and back off shot should be
run in combination.

In general, all Red Baron back-off's will be performed based on the free point
established using the electronic free point indicator. However, the calculated free
point from pipe stretch data is useful in planning fishing and subsequent operations
since the actual free point will typically be within +/- 500'.

a) Determining Free Point Based on Pipe Stretch Data

Free point calculations using pipe stretch data are most accurate in vertical holes
where the impact of hole drag is minimal. This method may also be used in
directional wells, but will probably underestimate the length of free pipe due to the
effects of hole drag.
The following procedure is to be followed when using this technique:-
i) Pickup the drill string to the normal pickup weight and mark the pipe at a
convenient reference point.
ii) Take an overpull on the pipe of +/- 50,000 lbs (but do not exceed 80% of the
minimum ield strength of the pipe) and set the brake.
a) Determining Free Point Based on Pipe Stretch Data
iii) Measure and record the amount of stretch (in inches) that resulted from the
over-pull.
iv) Calculate the length of free pipe using the following equation:-
Lf = (L x Ap x E ) / (12 x P)
where:
Lf = length of free pipe, feet
L = length change due to over-pull, inches
Ap = cross-sectional areas of pipe tube, sq.in.
E = modulus of elasticity, psi (=30,000,000 psi for steel)
P = applied over-pull force, pounds

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v) The amount of over-pull can be increased if desired, to check the free pipe
length calculated in (iv) however, it must be remembered to measure the amount of
stretch from the initial reference point.
b) Determining Free Point Using Electronic Free Point Indicator.
The most accurate and commonly used technique for determining the free point is
through the use of an electronic free point indicator. Schlumberger and Atlas, as
well as a number of other electric logging companies offer electronic free point
services. The technology involves measurement of the axial and torsional strain in
the pipe body through application of tension and torque to the drill string. Provided
the pipe is completely free, a fixed and measurable degree of strain will be
recorded by the system's electronics. Once the degree of strain diminishes, or
reduces to zero, the pipe is stuck. To achieve a successful back-off, the pipe must
be 100% free.
The following procedures and guidelines are to be followed determining the free
point using electronic instruments. In general, a combination free point tool back
off shot should be run unless tool limitations necessitate performing two separate
runs.
i) When using a bow spring anchored free point tool, be certain a wireline
swivel/expansion joint has been fitted to isolate possible cable movement from the
measuring device. This is critical, particularly in directional wells, where the cable
will tend to move upward as the pipe is stretched. The expansion joint is most
effectively used by lowering the free point tool on depth and then picking up on the
logging cable to open the tool to mid-stroke. If the strain indicating needle jerks
when the pipe is tensioned, then the expansion joint will have to be collapsed
slightly until the correct space-out is achieved for the amount of pipe tension that is
applied.
If an expanding arm free point tool is used, the expansion joint can still be used,
however it is not so critical since these tools firmly anchor the free point tool inside
the pipe and are less prone to slippage. Generally the cable is slackened to provide
the necessary allowance for pipe movement.
2. DETERMINING THE FREE POINT - Continued
b) Determining Free Point Using Electronic Free Point Indicator.
ii) When free point readings are being taken, the Drilling Supervisor should be
present in the logging unit to witness and supervise the operation. Be certain to
maintain a written record of all tool readings as well as tension and torque applied
to the drill string.
iii) The free point instrument is to be run into the drill string to 1000' below the
surface and reference free point readings taken in both tension and torque. These
figures will then be used to indicate the degree of free pipe for readings taken close

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to the stuck point. With the spring bow free point tool used by Schlumberger and
Atlas, 100% free pipe is generally taken to be 80 units of meter deflection.
iv) Once calibrated, the free point tool is run in to 500 ft above the estimated free
point depth calculated using the pipe stretch technique discussed earlier. Once on
bottom, tension readings are to be taken first at each measurement point. With the
pipe tensioned on surface to the estimated pick-up weight at the stuck point, apply
over-pull to the pipe in even load increments (+/- 50,000 lbf) until pipe movement
is noted at the free point tool. Smooth deflection of the strain indicating needle
should be noted if the tool is functioning properly. If the needle jerks erratically,
the cable has probably moved or the springs have slipped causing interference with
the instrument reading.
v) Repeat readings as required until a consistent deflection of the free point
indicating needle is noted. The repeatability of the reading may not be precisely
consistent and, in these cases, the average of the measured readings should be
used.
vi) The degree of free pipe at any survey point is then taken as a percentage of the
free pipe meter deflection measured previously. Half scale deflection would be
50% free, 3/4 scale deflection 75% free, etc.
vii) If the pipe is found to be 100% free at a given survey point, drop down the
pipe in +/- 100ft. increments repeating the procedure given in step (iv) until the
meter deflection reduces to zero.
viii) Once the free point in tension has been located, repeat the procedure working
up the hole taking torque measurements. Be certain to apply the same amount of
torque at each depth, taking note of the number of turns required to achieve the
desired torque. Once a reading has been taken at a given depth, completely release
the torque prior to taking the next reading.
2. DETERMINING THE FREE POINT - Continued
b) Determining Free Point Using Electronic Free Point Indicator.
ix) The depth where both the torque and tension readings indicate 100% free pipe
is taken as the free point. This is the depth above which the pipe should be backed-
off. When analysing stuck point readings, the following guidelines will prove
useful:-
a) In a highly deviated well with a significant degree of hole drag, a wide
discrepancy between the degree of axial and torsional deflection of the free point
meter may be noted. This will likely be due to an inability to work sufficient torque
down the hole to achieve full scale deflection. In this case attempt to work the
torque down and repeat the readings. If the torque cannot be worked down to the
right, it will also be difficult to work torque down to the left, therefore, a shallower
back-off point should be selected.

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b) In cases where the bottom-hole assembly is differentially stuck, a sharp
distinction between free pipe and stuck pipe will generally be noted. The length of
partially stuck pipe will be short, however the pipe should still be backed off at the
point where the pipe is 100% free.
c) In those cases where the formation has progressively fallen in behind the drilling
assembly, a very gradual transition between 100% free and 100% stuck will be
noted. The tendency here is to try for a deeper back-off however, this should not be
attempted, as the time wasted trying to back-off below the 100% free depth will
generally result in more of the pipe becoming stuck.
x) Once the free point is located, pickup to the tool joint that will be backed off and
mark the wireline cable for later reference while running in with the string shot.