Drilling Problems

Causes, Solutions & Prevention
DRILLING PROBLEMS
Drilling problems course
Stuck pipe; Causes, Warning, prevention & freeing
Hole cleaning
Well bore stability
Lost of circulation
Well control
Bit balling
1
STUCK PIPE
Introduction – Stuck pipe
Stuck pipe: An interruption in planned operations as

excessive drag forces prevent pulling the drillstring
out of 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.
Introduction – Stuck pipe
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.
Introduction – Stuck pipe Basic knowledge
Friction: The force resulting from the movement of

one element against another.
Direction of friction is opposite to the direction of

movement
Friction can be called Drag forces

Torque: The force to rotate the string in the well bore. Torque
is measured in unit of force by length (ft.lbf)
Drag: The axial resistance opposite to the pipe movement, it is

generated due to the interaction between the string (DS or
Csg) and formation.
The drag is normally measured in terms of pound force (lbf)
Rotating weight: The weight indicator reading which

includes the travelling equipment weight and the drag
free buoyed weight of the drill string suspended by
the blocks.
Off BTM torque: The torque required to rotate the

drill string at a standard RPM without drilling torque.
Recording off BTM torque & Rotating weight
1- Position the bit off BTM about 20 ft.

2- Stop the pump.
3- Slowly increase the RPM to a preselected standard RPM.
4- Record rotating weight & off BTM torque after stabilization.
Up weight: The weight indicator reading required to

raise the drillstring at a standard speed without
rotation and circulation
* Up weight – Rotating weight = Up drag
String tension limit: The maximum safe weight

indicator reading with no torque to avoid plastic yield
(Stretching) of the drillstring.
Recording Up weight
1- Stop rotation.
2- Stop the pump.
3- Raise the string with a preselected standard Speed.
4- Record up weight after stabilization.
Down weight: The weight indicator reading required

to lower the drillstring at a standard speed without
rotation and circulation
String set down limit: The minimum safe weight

indicator reading with no torque to avoid plastic
deformation (buckling) of the drillstring.
Recording Down weight
1- Stop rotation.
2- Stop the pump.
3- Lower the string with a preselected standard Speed.
4- Record down weight after stabilization.
Effect of circulating pressure
Effect of circulating pressure
Stop circulation when

recording string weight
data
Recording string weights

without circulation
provides actual string drag
information.
Stuck pipe - Mechanisms
Cause: The condition(s)
responsible for the sticking
mechanism.
There are +20 causes of stuck
pipe.
Mechanism: The mechanical

force sticking the drillstring in
the hole.
There are only 3 mechanisms of
stuck pipe.
Hole pack off/Bridge mechanism
Pack off: Small pieces of formation, cement or junk
settle around the drillstring preventing circulation
with no string movement likely.
Bridge: Medium to large

pieces of formation,
cement or junk settle
around the drillstring
allowing restricted
circulation with little to
no string movement.
Differential Sticking mechanism
Hydrostatic overbalance
pressure drives the static
drillstring into the thick
filter cake of a
permeable zone.
Well bore geometry mechanism
Sharp changes in hole

angle/direction; an
undergauge hole diameter
or
increase in assembly
stiffness will not allow
passage of the string.
Stuck pipe calculator

Stuck pipe mechanism determination
Exercises
Stuck pipe - Causes
Hole Pack off/Bridge
Inadequate hole cleaning Settled cuttings
Well bore instability Geo-pressurized shale

Hydro-charged shale
Reactive shale
Overburden/tectonic stresses
Unconsolidated /fractured
formations
Plastic formations
Cement related Cement failure

Soft cement
Special Junk in hole
Stuck pipe - Causes
The inability to efficiently remove formation solids

(cuttings, cavings) from the wellbore.
0 – 40 degree holes > 40 degree holes

Stuck pipe - Causes
Causes
0 – 40 degree holes
- High ROP: Cutting fast generation

- Rock mechanical failure: More cutting generation
- Low AV: Low pump speed/Hole enlargement
- Low mud reology: YP/Gel
- Circulation not maintained long enough
Stuck pipe - Causes
Warning
-Pack off/Bridge Most likely on drilling connections.
-Reduced cuttings size and volume over shakers.
-Increased torque , Drag & circulation pressure.
-Flow from drillstring while connection (Back flow).
-Hole fill after connection.
-Overpull, swabbing while POOH.
-Decreasing set down wt while RIH.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Prevention
-Limit ROP/hole cleaning efficiency (GPM=50*Hole size).

-Sufficient Mwt & Reology.
-Minimize low gravity solids.
-Pump Hi-Vis-Sweeps .
-Minimize connection time.
-Circulate hole clean before POOH.
Stuck pipe - Causes
General practices 0 – 40 degree holes
-Determine initial overpull limit prior to tripping out of

hole (0.5 of BHA Wt.).
•If the tight spot at the same depth (WB G-Back ream).
•If the tight spot moved up (Hole cleaning problem)
-Determine initial set down limit (0.25 of the drill string

overpull limit).
* 0.25 of (ST tension limit – ST Wt. – Up drag).
Stuck pipe - Causes
Causes
> 40 degree holes
-The same of the vertical hole.

Beside to
-RPM was too low or the string was not rotated
during hole cleaning operations.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Warning
> 40 degree holes
-The same of the vertical hole.

Except
-Hole Pack off/Bridge most likely to occur while
tripping out of hole.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Prevention
> 40 degree holes
-Limit ROP/Hole cleaning efficiency (GPM=70*hole size)

-Maintain sufficient Mwt., Reology.
-Minimize low gravity solids.
-Pump Hi-Density sweeps.
-Rotate at recommended RPM for hole size.
-Pump 4:6 bottoms up strokes.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Causes
A naturally pressured shale

formation is drilled with
insufficient Mwt.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Warning
As in adequate hole cleaning +
-ROP increased with depth
-Curved splintery caving becomes blocky
with the hole enlargement
-Connection & background gas likely
Stuck pipe - Causes
Prevention
-Plan and maintain Mwt. Schedule relative to

formation pressure increase.
-If warning signs are detected, increase Mwt. In -/+
0.2 ppg increments until well bore stabilization.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore instability Hydro-charged shale
Causes
-The pressurizing of the shale

porosity surrounding the well bore
by the hydrostatic overbalance
over several days of exposure.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Warning
-Coffee grind caving over the

shaker increasing to blocky caving
with longer exposure time.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Prevention
-If possible use OBM, if WBM use Polymer - glycol

mud system.
-Maintain minimum possible Mwt.
-If caving detected, increases poly-glycol content and
increase Mwt by -/+ 0.2 ppg.
-Minimize hole section exposure time.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore instability Reactive shale
Causes
-Drilling a water sensitive shale

with a non inhibited drilling fluid.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Warning
As inadequate hole cleaning +

-Funnel viscosity, YP & MPT increase.
-Soft cuttings and clay balls over the shakers.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Prevention
-If possible use OBM.

-Use inhibitors to WBM to prevent WTR adsorption to
shale.
-Maintain minimum possible Mwt to minimize
advection.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore instability Overburden stresses
Causes
Insufficient Mwt. To support

the overburden stress of
increasing hole angle and/or
depth.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Warning
-Increasing hole angle without increasing Mwt.

-Increasing size and volume of blocky cavings.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Prevention
-Pre-plan and maintain Mwt. Increase schedule

relative to hole angle.
-Observe shakers for blocky cavings. If cavings,
increase Mwt. In -/+ 0.2 ppg increments until well
bore stabilization.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore instability Tectonic stresses
Causes
A high magnitude horizontal

formation stress oriented in
only one direction.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Warning
As Overburden +
-Caliper log indicates an Oval shaped hole.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Prevention
-If possible, drill directional wells perpendicular to

the direction of tectonic stresses to help balance the
horizontal stresses around the well bore.
-If possible, increase Mwt.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore instability Unconsolidated formations
Causes
Uncontrolled fluid loss allows

overbalance pressure to
penetrate un-consolidated
formations reducing the
support of overbalance to
near zero.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore instability Unconsolidated formations
Prevention
-Control fluid loss.

-Maintain sufficient Mwt. To support the wall of the
hole.
-Minimize well bore pressure surges.
*Stop/start pumps slowly.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore instability Fractured formations
Causes
Uncontrolled fluid loss allows

overbalance pressure to
penetrate brittle formations
equalizing the differential
support of overbalance.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Warning
Normal warning +
-Small pieces of limestone/dolomite cavings on the
shaker.
-Partial/total losses.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Prevention
-Control fluid loss.

-Maintain sufficient Mwt. To support the wall of the
hole.
-Minimize well bore pressure surges.
*Stop/start pumps slowly.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore instability Plastic formations
Causes
While drilling pliable

formations, overburden
stresses squeezes the soft
material into the low
press. Well bore
(Deformation).
Stuck pipe - Causes
Warning
Plastic clay (Usually surface hole)

-Sudden torque & pump pressure increase.
-Sticking is likely @ pump stop.
-Flow line plugging & annulus mud ring-Gumbo attack
-Large clay pieces over the shaker.
Plastic salt (Intermediate/Deep hole)
-Sudden sticking.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Prevention
-If the plastic formation depth is known;
*Drill 1-2 ft into formation and pull above it to allow
sufficient time for the formation stress to release into
the well bore.
*Ream down to the depth and circulate.
*Continue to repeat this procedure until the zone is
drilled.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Prevention
-For salt formation;

We can drill it with salt saturated (Under
concentration).
Stuck pipe - Causes
Cement related causes Cement failure
Causes
-Long rathole below the casing

shoe allowing heavy CMT to
settle down.
- Open hole squeeze plugs & Kick
off plugs can break apart from
poor CMT.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Causes
-Loss of support as formation

below the CMT plug or the shoe
washed out.
- Impact damage from fast trip
speed and BHA rotation at plug
depth.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Warning
-Pack off/Bridge can occur any time after D/O CMT

shoe track or CMT plugs.
- Increasing volume of hard CMT over the shakers.
- Very erratic torque & Drag.
- Hole fill after connection.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Prevention
-Minimize casing rathole length.

- Allow sufficient CMT curing time (W.O.C.).
- Reduce trip speed before BHA enters the shoe, kick
off plugs, open hole plug depth.
- Minimize rotation/Circulation time with the BHA in
he plug/shoe area.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Cement related causes Soft cement
Causes
- A part of the drillstring is run

into the top of cement before
circulation.
- Just circulation started, APL
increased drives excess WTR
causing the CMT to flash set.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Warning
- Over estimated % hole enlargement.

- Unknown or incorrectly estimated top of CMT.
- Excess CMT volume pumped.
- Set down Wt. above the calculated top of CMT.
- Pack off occurred just a circulation is started.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Prevention
- Accurate calculation for the top of CMT.

- Washing & reaming 2 stand before the top of CMT.
- If set down Wt. observed above the calculated top of
CMT, Don’t Circ. Pull 1 or 2 stand then start washing &
reaming.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Special causes Junk in hole
Causes/Warning - Any foreign material, lost tool or

object in the well bore that prevent
POOH due to:
•Bad house keeping on the rig floor.
• Poor maintenance of rig floor eq.
• Not covering the hole.
• Improper M/U & inspection of down
hole tools.
•Tools not secured with a safety line to
prevent it from falling through rotary.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Special causes Junk in hole
Prevention
- Ensure the hole is protected with a hole cover.

- Closing blind rams BOP when the bit is pulled out of
the hole.
- Safe storage place for the floor tools/eq.
- Ensure safety lines on small tools to prevent them
from falling into the well.
Stuck pipe – Freeing procedure
See the sticking mechanism / first action worksheet.
-For soft CMT & Plastic formations.
1. Bleed all trapped pump pressure.
2. DO NOT apply torque.
3. Jar Up with maximum jar-trip load. Maintain overpull until the jar
trips or for +/-3 minutes. Continue jarring up for +/-15 minutes.
4. If no progress is made, stop jarring and attempt to break up the
cement by applying /releasing torque and working the pipe. Try to
establish circulation.
5. If the pipe does not work free, continue jarring up and working the
pipe down.
6. Continue repeating steps 1 through 5 while considering other
options. Pick up an up-jarring fishing assembly with an accelerator,
washing over the BHA or side tracking the well.
Stuck pipe – Freeing procedure
Why torque with Jarring down only not with Jarring up?
Stuck pipe - Causes
Differential sticking
The sticking force by the overbalance pressure driving the static
drillstring into the thick filter cake of a permeable formation
Hydrostatic overbalance pressure is exposed to a permeable
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.
A differential force is exerted against the pipe relative to the contact area and the
overbalance pressure.
Over time, the differential sticking force increases with growth of the low pressure
contact area.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Five basic conditions
must be present.
1-The string must be in
contact with the wall of
the hole and
2- static for some time.
3- Overbalance pressure
drives fluid into the
4- permeable zone and
develops
5- a thick static filter
cake
Stuck pipe - Warning
Differential sticking - Warning
Usually the sticking occurs in the unstabilized BHA
section but can also occur in the HWDP or drillpipe
sections 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).
While connection & surveying

- Long connection time with no string movement.
- Increasing trend of overpull off the slips after
connections, surveys, etc.
- Difficulty sliding and orienting the tool face.
Differential sticking - Warning
While 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.
Stuck pipe - Prevention
Differential sticking - Prevention
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.
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.
Static filter cake Dynamic filter cake

Minimize string contact area
Continuous pipe movement

Stuck pipe – Freeing Procedure

If the string can’t got free with jarring action, we

should try using mud releasing pills at the
differential sticking depth.
Stuck depth calculation

Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore geometry
Hole angle or direction change Key seating

Micro-doglegs
Ledges
Undergauge hole diameter Thick filter cake

Undergauge hole
Mobile formations
Ass’y stiffness Stiff BHA

Stiff CSG Ass’y
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore geometry
High drillstring side-forces during the drilling

operation wears a slot into side of the hole
giving the hole the appearance of a key seat.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore geometry
Causes
A dogleg of >3 per 100' forms in the upper
part of the open hole section in medium-soft
to medium-hard formations.
Heavy string tension produces a high side
force to the wall of the hole at the dogleg
depth.
String movement (rotation, reciprocation)
from a long-term drilling interval(s) wears a
slot into the formation.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore geometry
The potential to form a
key seat decreases
with very soft and very
hard
fm.
Medium-soft to
medium-hard fm have
the greatest potential.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore geometry
Slotting a CSG shoe Key seating a ledge

Well bore geometry
While drilling
- Sever dogleg in the shallow depths of the open hole
section.
- Tight spots at dogleg depth recorded on previous trips.
- Long rotating hours from last trip through the dogleg.
- Weight indicator spikes at +/-tool joint intervals when
picking up for connections.
- Increase metal volume and hard cement cavings in the
returns if the key seat is slotting the casing shoe.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore geometry
While tripping
Erratic overpulls on previous trip as the BHA was pulled through
the dogleg or casing shoe if the key seat is slotting the casing.
- Little to no indication of set-down weight while running the BHA
through the dogleg.
- Weight indicator overpull-spikes at tooljoint intervals while
pulling the stand.
- Weight indicator spikes may become more pronounced when
pulling the HWDP tooljoints through the key seat.
- Sudden string stop as the top of the BHA reaches the bottom o
the key seat.
Well bore geometry
- Design the directional plan with minimum possible dogleg severity.
- Plan frequent survey points through the turns to reduce the severity of the
angle/direction corrections.
- Plan kick-off points well below the shoe (>100’) to avoid slotting the casing.
- Design a mud system capable of minimizing hole enlargement to reduce the potential
of forming ledges.
- Maintain constant weight on bit while drilling hard /soft fm interfaces and fault
zones to avoid doglegs.
- Make a wiper /reamer trip if a key seat is indicated or suspected.
- Slow trip speed before the BHA approaches the suspected key seat depth.
- Do not force the BHA through tight spots. Be prepared to backream if overpull limits
are reached.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore geometry
Hole angle or direction change Micro doglegs
Drilling hard /soft interbedded formations with
>3O dip angle.
- When the bit reaches the 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.
The drill collar bends causing the bit to turn downdip.
*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
Well bore geometry
While drilling
Hard-soft interbedded formations being drilled.
- Increasing torque trend, intermittent erratic torque.
- Torque increases as bit weight is picked up.
Off-bottom torque approaching / exceeding on-bottom torque.
- Increasing overpull trend, becoming very erratic with less
severe down drag trend.
- No change in circulating pressure.
- Circulating the hole clean has little or no effect on reducing
torque and drag trends
Well bore geometry
Well bore geometry
- 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 WOB 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.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore geometry
Hole angle or direction change Ledges
Ledges can develop through:

- Hard /soft interbedded formations as the softer
formations break out of gauge.
- Formation layers that interact differently with
the
drilling fluid as the more reactive layers dissolve
out of gauge (Wash out).
Hole angle/direction changes through the

unstable zone causes the bit, stabilizers and
cross-overs to become jammed across the
ledges.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore geometry
Ledges mechanics
Well bore deviation Well bore instability Stuck in the hole

Well bore geometry
While drilling
Hard-soft interbedded formations drilled.
- Several closely spaced changes in hole angle and/or direction.
- Hole instability problems indicated by cavings, high MBT,
increasing mud salinity.
- Drilling a thick salt bed with layers of different salt types.
- Mud properties indicate salt is dissolving into the system.
Well bore geometry
While tripping
- Possible hole cleaning difficulties due to the hole being over
gauge.
- Sudden erratic overpulls when the BHA reaches the ledged hole
section.
- The drillstring suddenly becomes stuck.
- High erratic torque when backreaming. Eratic torque severity
decreases when reaming down.
- Circulating pressure is unrestricted.
Well bore geometry
During planning
Minimize dogleg severity in the directional plan when ever
possible.
- Plan frequent survey points through the turns to minimize
dogleg severity.
- Consider a rotary stearable assembly to drill the tangent hole
section.
- Design a mud capable of minimizing hole break-outs to reduce
the potential of forming ledges.
- Plan wiper /reamer trips in hole sections with the potential to
form doglegs and ledges
Well bore geometry
While drilling
- Avoid severe changes in hole angle or direction.
- Take frequent surveys through necessary sharp turns.
- Maintain constant weight on bit while drilling hard /soft
formation interfaces to avoid forming micro doglegs.
- Minimize circulating time with the BHA in a dogleg section of the
hole to avoid near-bit hydraulic erosion of unstable formations.
- Consider a wiper /reamer trip if micro doglegs are suspected.
Well bore geometry
While tripping
-Limit initial overpull to ½ BHA weight
-Monitor for weight indicator spikes while POOH.
- Slow trip speed before the BHA approaches the suspected
ledged depth.
- Be prepared to ream /backream if overpull /set-down limit is
reached
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore geometry
Under gauge hole diameter Thick filter cake
- 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.
Well bore geometry
While drilling
- High overbalance pressure. Heavy mud weights (>12.0 ppg)
adds barite to the filter cake.
- High content of low-gravity solids. High hole angle (>40O).
- Long term down hole operation without a trip.
- Large volume of hard filter cake deposits over the shaker.
Well bore geometry
While tripping
- 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.
Well bore geometry
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.
- Plan sufficient time for reaming and/or hole clean-up trips prior to running
casing.
Well bore geometry
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.
Well bore geometry
While Tripping
- Limit initial overpull to ½ BHA weight.
- 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.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore geometry
Under gauge hole diameter Under gauge hole
-Abrasive formations wear
away the bit's gauge protection
allowing the bit to drill a slowly
tapering (undergauge) hole
diameter.
- Core holes are usually

undergauged as core bits are
often re-run on several jobs
before being redressed or
discarded
Well bore geometry
While drilling
- Hard abrasive formations drilled.
- The bit has accumulated gauge protection wear from reaming
hours before drilling started.
- The bit is approaching the end of it's expected drilling life.
- Sharp decrease in penetration rate.
- Increasing erratic torque as the stabilizers attempt to keep the
hole in gauge.
- Off-bottom torque is normal. On-bottom torque is very high.
Well bore geometry
While tripping
- Pulled bit and stabilizers not gauged. New bit and stabilizers
not gauged.
- Not reaming the last 1 to 2 stands to bottom on the trip in.
- Sudden set-down weight 1 to 2 stands before reaching
bottom.
- Tagging the top of a core hole before starting the reaming
operation.
Well bore geometry
While planning
- Plan for maximum bit gauge protection if hard abrasive
formation are known or suspected.
-Plan more frequent bit trips when drilling hard abrasive hole
sections to keep the bit sharp and check for gauge ware.
- Make it a standard practice to wash and ream the last 1 or 2
stands to bottom.
Well bore geometry
While drilling
- Select a bit with sufficient gauge protection if hard abrasive
formations are encountered.
- Consider pulling the bit early if the bit has high accumulated
reaming hours, long rotating hours in a hard abrasive formation
or insufficient gauge protection for the formation being drilled.
Well bore geometry
While tripping
- Limit initial set-down weight to, i.e.,1/4 the drillstring overpull limit.
- Slow the trip speed before the BHA enters zones of suspected undergauge hole
problems.
- Do not force the bit through tight spots, be prepared to ream if the initial set-
down limit is reached.
- Consider pulling out of the hole to check for bit damage if the bit was jammed into
an undergauge hole.
- Do not tag the top of the core hole. Start washing /reaming 1 to 2 stands above
the top of a core hole section.
-Ream the last 1 to 2 stands to bottom as a standard practice.
Use the torque gauge (not the weight indicator) to determine the reaming rate.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore geometry
- Three stabilizers spaced 15‘ - 30' apart
produces a very stiff packed bottom
Contributing hole assembly.
causes - Bending the stiff BHA around the
doglegs increases Side Loading and
Thick filter cake down drag.
- Applying more set-down weight
Mobile formations
(compression) forces the drill collars to
Undergauge hole bend and conform to the shape of the
Ledges doglegs.
Micro-doglegs - Applying overpull (tension) makes the
collars stiff, which increases side loading
and the sticking force.
Well bore geometry
While drilling
- Drilling a kick-off with a limber /steerable assembly.
- Angle /direction changes with high dogleg severities.
- Possible development of Micro Doglegs, Ledges and/or a Thick Filter Cake.
- Mobile Formation(s) exposed.
While trip in
Possible tight spots detected when pulling the previous
limber BHA.
* Running in the hole with a stiffer BHA design.
- Sudden erratic set-down weight.
- BHA at a detected tight spot depth, kick-off point or mobile formation top.
- Low set-down weight into the tight spot requires very high overpull to free the
drillstring.
Well bore geometry
While Planning
- Plan for minimum possible dogleg severities.
- Plan a reamer trip with ½ BHA stiffness increase before running the full-packed BHA.
- Plan wiper /reamer trips in hole sections with the potential to form a thick,
compacted filter cake and/or when mobile formations will be exposed
While drilling
- Minimize dogleg severities.
- Take frequent surveys in the kick-off to maintain a smooth build section.
- Ream /backream hole sections of suspected micro doglegs /ledges.
- Make a reamer trip before running a fully-packed BHA.
- Consider a wiper trip if a thick filter cake is suspected and/or a mobile formation is
exposed.
Well bore geometry
While tripping
- Limit initial set-down weight to 1/4, for example, of the
drillstring overpull limit.
- Slow trip speed before the BHA enters the suspected zone.
- Be prepared to ream if set-down limit is reached.
Stuck pipe - Causes
Well bore geometry
Ass’y stiffness Stiff Casing Ass’y
Contributing causes - The stiff, consistent OD casing string

accumulates drag with each dogleg until
Thick filter cake the string becomes stuck before reaching
Mobile formations bottom.
Undergauge hole - Applying more set-down weight
Ledges (compression) forces the casing to bend
Micro-doglegs 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.
Well bore geometry
While condition trip

- Inadequate BHA design for reaming. Down reaming only.
- Tight spots that will not ream out.
- Thick filter cake deposits and cavings at the shaker.
- Swabbing and overpulls while tripping out.
Well bore geometry
While run with casing
- Did not run a hole reaming trip prior to running casing.
- The first few joints are designed very stiff (centralizers).
- The casing shoe has reached or is a few joints below a tight spot,
kick-off point, mobile formation top or a permeable 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
Well bore geometry
While run with casing

-Limit initial set-down weight to 1/4 of the lesser of casing
overpull limit.
Record casing slack-off /pick-up weights at each fill up.
If a problem, circ. Hole clean.
-Break circ. Min. 2 times to ensure hole clean before touch BTM.
Well bore geometry

Stuck pipe – Freeing Equipment
Jars & Accelerators Drilling Jar

A drillstring component
designed to deliver up or
down jar impact loads to the
pipe that is stuck below it's
string position.
Drilling Jar
Jars & Accelerators Mechanical jar operation
Drilling Jar
Jars & Accelerators Hydraulic jar operation
Drilling Jar
Jars & Accelerators Pump Open Force (P.O.F.)
Cocking from the Open Position: More

difficult to cock the jar.
Cocking From the Closed Position:
Easier to cock the jar.
Jarring Up: Intensifies the impact of the
up-jar blow.
Jarring Down: Dampens the impact of
the down-jar blow.
Bleed trapped pressure; stop or reduce

pump speed when cocking the jar from
the open position or when jarring
down.
Drilling Accelerator
Jars & Accelerators
A modified string
component designed to
store the overpull or
setdown energy directly
above the jar hammer to
achieve maximum impact
force.
Drilling jar calculations
Jars & Accelerators
Jars & Accelerators
-Use the largest possible size of drilling jar in the BHA ( will give
the biggest impact )
-Do not place any stabilizers above the drilling jar. ( You may
become stuck at a stabilizer rendering the jar useless )
- Do not place the jar next to a stabilizer. ( this is a point of higher
bending stress )
- Have the same diameter tubular above and below the jar; i.e.
the jar should not be at a transition between O.D. ‘s
-Have at least three drill collars or two stands of HWDP above the
jar to act as an anvil
-Do not place the jar at or close to the neutral zone
Jars & Accelerators
- Ensure that you and the driller know :

What kind of jars are in the string
The method of operation to jar up and down
How much pump open force to expect
- Consider the use of a jar intensifier ( accelerator ). It can

improve jar impact force and double impulse. Place the
intensifier one stand of HWDP above the jar
2
HOLE CLEANING
Hole Cleaning - Introduction
Hole cleaning
40 - 65 degree holes
> 40 degree holes

> 65 degree holes
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning
Hole cleaning contributors
-Mwt. (Mud weight)

- AV (Annular velocity)
- Mud reology (YP & Gel).
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning
Force of Fluid Buoyancy :

- The lifting force generated by the difference between cuttings density and Mwt..
- Heavier mud weight exhibits better hole cleaning efficiency due to greater
buoyancy.
- Buoyancy is the greatest contributor (40%>) to the total force pushing the
cuttings out of the hole.
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning
Force of Annular Velocity:

- The lifting force generated by the velocity of the fluid slipping by the cuttings (slip
velocity).
- Higher annular velocity exhibits better hole cleaning efficiency due to greater
pressure drop across the cutting.
- Annular velocity is the second greatest contributor to the total force pushing the
cuttings out of the hole.
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning
Carrying Capacity of Yield Point:

- The lifting force generated by over coming the electrical attraction of the active mud
solids(gel).
- Higher YP exhibits better hole cleaning efficiency (near vertical hole) due to the higher
attraction forces between the gel platelets.
Suspension Capacity of Gel Strength:

- The ability of mud to thicken when static and to become more fluid when agitated
(thixotropic).
- When circulation is stopped, the electrical strength of the gels reduces the settling
velocity of the solids.
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning Bad cleaning

possibilities
- 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 % sand and low gravity solids.
- Partial or intermittent loss of circulation.
- Long non-circulating time on connections.

-Little or no circulating time before connections.
- Insufficient or no circulating time to clean the hole before the trip.
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning Bad cleaning

possibilities
Sudden pack-off with little or

no warning may occur when
cuttings that have collected
in large cavities while drilling,
avalanche into the wellbore.
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning
> 40 degree holes
Assistance of Fluid Buoyancy is Lost :

In high angle holes, the force of buoyancy provides less assistance in
pushing the cutting out of the hole.
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning
> 40 degree holes
Force From Annular Velocity and YP (LSYP):

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).
In the horizontal section

Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning
> 40 degree holes

Force From Annular Velocity and YP (LSYP):
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 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. When circulation is
stopped, the bed of cuttings avalanche down hole, eventually
stabilizing at +/-65 hole angle.
40 : 65 degree section “Boycott effect”
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning Pills
Proper use of mud pills will improve hole cleaning and

the pill volume should be determined based on the
hole size and the calculated effect on hydrostatic head.
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning Pills
High viscosity pills
-A highly viscous pill will be effective at sweeping cuttings out of

a vertical hole
-The use of a viscous pill to clean deviated wells is not
recommended
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning Pills
Low viscosity pills
-A low viscosity pill will help to lift and remove a cuttings bed by
the effect of turbulent flow.
- It will not be able to carry the cuttings up a vertical section of
the hole or suspend the cuttings when the pumps are stopped
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning Pills
Low viscosity/High viscosity pills

“Tandem Pill”
The concept is that the low viscosity pill stirs up the cuttings
from the low side of the hole and the high viscosity pill sweeps
them out of the hole
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning Pills
Low viscosity/Weighted pills

“Tandem Pill”
The concept is that the low viscosity pill stirs up the cuttings
from the low side of the hole and the weighted pill sweeps
them out of the hole
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning Pills
Weighted pills
-2 to 3 ppg heavier than the mud

-This type of pill will aid hole cleaning by increasing the
buoyancy of cuttings slightly
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning
Drillstring rotation/Reciprocation
As flow rate alone cannot always remove a cuttings bed,

reciprocation and rotating of the drill pipe are advised
whenever the hole is being circulated clean. This action
will dramatically increase the erosion of cuttings beds in
highly deviated wells
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning
Drillstring rotation/Reciprocation
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning
Circulation prior to connection or

tripping out of hole
Before making a connection, the hole should be circulated at

the normal flow rate to clear the cuttings from around the BHA.
Depending upon the hole angle and the length of BHA, a
circulation time of 5 to 10 min is often necessary
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning
Circulation prior to connection or

tripping out of hole
Before tripping out , the hole should be circulated at the normal
flow rate until the shakers are clean, whilst at the same time the
drill pipe should be rotated at maximum speed / reciprocated.
This may require up to 3 * bottom-ups, depending upon the hole
angle and hole size
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning
0:40 degree holes

cleaning summery
Recommended practices
-High viscosity sweeps.

-High RPM required.
-High AV ( 50 * Hole diameter = GPM).
-Proper Mwt.
-Proper mud reology.
Hole Cleaning
Hole cleaning
> 40 degree holes

cleaning summery
Recommended practices
-High density sweeps (-/+ 3 ppg) above Mud wt. required.

-High RPM required.
-High AV ( 70 * Hole diameter = GPM).
-Move up & down (Reciprocation) for cutting grinding in 40:65

degree for better hole cleaning with lighter cuttings.
3
WELL BORE INSTABILITY
Well bore stability - introduction
The mechanics of hole stability is based on the

differential stresses imposed on the rock
surrounding the wellbore
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses O O
v v
e e
Natural sources of rock r r
stresses originated from b b
u u
overburden stresses,
r r
tectonic stresses & d d
formation fluid pressure. e e
n n
From here we can
understand the main
function of the drilling
fluids; Wellbore
stabilization.
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses
Overburden stresses:
Generated by the force of
gravity of the combined
weight of the rock and the
formation fluids overlaying a
depth of interest.
Tectonic stresses: Produced by
lateral forces (side by side) in
the formation.
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses
Formation pressure
The pressure of the native fluids
(Water , Oil, Gas) within the pore
space of the rock.
Normal formation pressure:
Equals to a full column (From surface
to depth of interest) of formation
water.
Normal FP (psi)=
0.465 (psi/ft) * TVD (ft)
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses
Formation pressure
Abnormal: Greater than normal
FP expected for depth of interest.
When permeability drops to near
zero, formation fluids becomes
trapped & any other compaction
will pressurize the formation
pressure over the normal.
Subnormal: Lower than normal.
May exist regarding production
depletion but naturally occurring
is rare.
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses
Formation pressure – Causes of abnormal pressure
Causes of abnormal
pressure
•Under compaction
• Faulting
• Sand lens
•Artesian effect
• Gas cap
• Leaks around casing
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses
= Dewatering
Under compaction
Soft
sediments
Increasing Depth
and Compaction
Compacted
Sedimentary Rock
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses
Under-compaction
Normal Pressure gradient
Normal
Pressure Abnormal
Pressure
gradient
Abnormal
Pressure
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses
Faulting
SAND A
0
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses
Faulting
0 SAND A
0
SAND A
0
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses
Sand lens
Normal
Pressure
Abnormal
Pressure
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses
Sand lens
Artesian Well
When talking about artesian wells,

we are normally talking about water
wells where we have a porous
sandstone which has communication
to higher laying areas creating
abnormal pressure below a cap rock.
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses Gas Cap effect
Gas cap effect Example
Pf @ 5000’ = 0.465*5000 =
2325 psi
Pf@3000’ = 0.465*3000 =
1395 psi
Gas gradient = 0.1 psi/ft

Gas column = 2000’
Ph= 2000*0.1=200 psi
So, Pressure @ anticline top=
2325-200=2125 psi
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses
Leaks around casing
It may cause underground

blow-out and charge shallower
low pressure formations
which will be abnormal at the
next well to be drilled at the
same region.
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses HP(psi) = Mwt (ppg)x .052 x TVD (ft)
Formation pressure
- Pressure Gradient (psi/ft) = Mwt

(ppg) x .052
Mud HP: The pressure exerted on the - Pressure Gradient (psi/ft) =Pressure
wellbore regarding the drilling fluid (psi ) TVD (ft)
column at a certain depth.
- Mwt (ppg) = Pressure Gradient  .052
The mud hydrostatic pressure value - Mwt (ppg) = HP (psi)  TVD (ft) 
should be between the formation .052
fracture pressure and the formation pore
pressure values. - TVD (ft) = HP (psi)  Mwt (ppg) 
0.052-
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses
Well bore stability
Well bore stresses
1-Well TVD = 8000 ft. Calculate Mud Hydrostatic pressure for each of the
following Mud Weights.
14 ppg 12 ppg 11 ppg
2-What Mud Weight is required to give a pressure gradient of 0.59 psi/ft?

3-Mud Hydrostatic = 3900 psi at the bottom of an 8000 ft. TVD well. What would be
the pressure gradient for the mud?
4-For question above what is the equivalent Mud Weight?
5-Pressure Gradient = 0.57 psi/ft. What is hydrostatic at 12000 ft. TVD?

Well bore stability
Well bore stresses
1-Well TVD = 8000 ft. Calculate Mud Hydrostatic pressure for each of the
following Mud Weights.
14 ppg 12 ppg 11 ppg
5824 psi 4992 psi 4576 psi
2-What Mud Weight is required to give a pressure gradient of 0.59 psi/ft? 11.4 ppg
3-Mud Hydrostatic = 3900 psi at the bottom of an 8000 ft. TVD well. What would be
the pressure gradient for the mud? 0.49 psi/ft
4-For question above what is the equivalent Mud Weight? 9.4 ppg
5-Pressure Gradient = 0.57 psi/ft. What is hydrostatic at 12000 ft. TVD? 6840 psi
4
WELL CONTROL
Well control – Basic knowledge
When Kicks Occur?
Over Balance:
Hydrostatic Pressure Greater
Mud Hydrostatic
Than Formation Pressure
Formation Pressure Balance:

Hydrostatic Pressure =
OR Formation Pressure
Under Balance:
Mud Hydrostatic Hydrostatic Pressure Less
Than Formation Pressure
Formation Pressure
Mud weight
reduction
Mud hydrostatic
reduction
Under-Balance
Drop in
mud level
Increase in formation
pressure
The Kick:
Is an intrusion of formation
fluid into the well bore
The Blowout:
An Uncontrolled Exit Of The

Formation Fluids At The
Surface
Primary Prevention How Can You

Prevent A Kick?
Take Kick
Kill Well
1- Know What Causes A

Kick.
2- Use the Correct Rig

Practices.
Shut In Well
Secondary
Well control – Kicks causes
Running Into Bubbles
What Is The Effect On BHP When Run Back To Bottom
Hole TVD 10,000 ft

Hole Cap. 0.0772 bbl/ft
Dc / hole Cap. 0.03 bbl/ft
Mud Wt. 11 ppg
Formation Gradient. 0.56 psi/ft
Influx Size 10 bbls
Gas Gradient 0.1 psi/ft
Swabbing
Main causes;
Swabbing is a temporary Pull pipe too fast 
drop in BHP as the Balled bit/BHA 
string is pulled upwards. Viscous mud 
Narrow annulus 
All these make it more difficult for

mud to move past the bit to fill space
created by pulling drill string.
Gas in the well bore while

drilling Gas bearing formations.
It can be called gas cut mud.
Drilled Gas
Gas expansion in the wellbore

Gas pressure @ 7000’
Gas expansion in the wellbore = 11*0.052*7000 = 4004 psi
Example Using Gas law: P1 V1 = P2 V2

Vol. of gas @ 6000’ = 1.17 cu.ft
Well depth: 7000 ft @ 5000’ = 1.39 cu.ft
Mud wt: 11 ppg @ 4000’ = 1.75 cu.ft
@ 3000’ = 2.33 cu.ft
Influx (Gas) Volume: 1 cu.ft @ 2000 ‘ = 3.5 cu.ft
@ 1000’ = 7 cu.ft
Calculate volume of gas @ 500’ = 14 cu.ft
@ 250’ = 28 cu.ft
@ 6000’, 5000’, 4000’, 3000’, @ 125’ = 56 cu.ft
2000’ , 1000’, 500’, 250’, 125’ @ surface = 272 cu.ft
& @ surface Or we can use
H1V1 = H2 V2 from the gas law
Pumping light mud
While pumping
light mud, the
BHP affected
when the mud
just exit the bit.
0
0 0
Losses
1- Bad cement job.

2- Formation breakdown.
3- Fracture and fissured
Formation.
Pull Out Without Filling
The Hole
Rig Floor
DRY
Flow line
* Lake of alertness of drilling

crew to monitoring of pipe
movement.
Pull Out Without Filling

The Hole
Rig Floor
WET
Flow line
Drill collar metal

displacement is higher than
drill pipes metal
displacement
Failure of float
RIG FLOOR
FLOWLINE
MUD LEVEL
FLOAT COLLAR
CASING SHOE
Failure of float
RIG FLOOR
FLOWLINE
MUD LEVEL
Well control – Kicks Warning
The warning sign tells The indicators tell you

you that: that:
The well is flowing

THE WELL MAY BE GOING
“UNDERBALANCED”
Well control – Kicks warning
Pressurized shale appeared.
Increased drill string
torque and drag As the formation pressure
gets closer to the mud
Big Cuttings size & weight, we will observe
splintered shape changes in:
ROP
Flowline temperature Hole condition
increased Mud data
Chloride content
increased as the salinity Increased drilling rate
is increased if the kick is
water Connection gas increased
Well control – Kicks indicators
* Increase in Flow Rate

* Increase in Pit Level
* Drop in pump pressure with an increase in spm
Well control – Shut the well in
Shut in methods:
Soft•
Hard•
Line up with remote chock opened

Soft method
Raise Kelly/Top drive until too joint is
Drilling above rotary table with pump on.
Shut down mud pumps
Open chock line valve (HCR)
Close BOP (Annular/Ram)
Close adjustable chock
Record shut in pressure and pit gain

Line up with remote chock opened

Soft method Make up FOSV in the drill string
Close the safety valve

Tripping Position drill string
Open HCR
Close BOP
M/u Kelly/Top drive & Open FOSV

Line up with remote chock Closed

Hard method
Raise Kelly/Top drive until too joint is
Drilling above rotary table with pump on.
Shut down mud pumps
Close BOP (Annular/Ram)
Open chock line valve (HCR)

Line up with remote chock Closed

Hard method Make up FOSV in the drill string
Close the safety valve

Tripping Position drill string
Close Bop
Open HCR
M/u Kelly/Top drive & Open FOSV

Well control – Kill methods
Drillpipe
Pressure
Casing 0 psi
Pressure
Mud Pump
0 psi
Wait and weight

Well control – Kill methods
Drillpipe
Pressure
21nd
st Circulation Casing 0 psi
Pressure
Mud Pump
psi
0
Drillers method
5
LOST OF CIRCULATION
Lost of circulation - Introduction
Definition
Measurable loss of
whole drilling fluid
(Liquid phase and
solid phase) to the
formation.
Lost of circulation - Mechanisms
Loss of circulation mechanisms
Pressure induced fracture PH exceeds fracture pressure

caused the rock to crack
opened
Naturally existing fractured Over-balanced well bore

/ High permeability pressure exposed to an
unsealed fractured formation
or a high permeability
formation.
Lost of circulation - Causes
Pressure induced fracture

Lost of circulation - Introduction

Naturally existing fractured
/ High permeability

Drilling Problems

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Drilling Problems

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Causes, Solutions & Prevention

Well bore stability

Stuck pipe: An interruption in planned operations as

Tight hole: A momentary interruption in planned

Stuck pipe statistics

Industry statistics gathered

Friction: The force resulting from the movement of

Direction of friction is opposite to the direction of

Friction can be called Drag forces

Drag: The axial resistance opposite to the pipe movement, it is

Rotating weight: The weight indicator reading which

Off BTM torque: The torque required to rotate the

Recording off BTM torque & Rotating weight

1- Position the bit off BTM about 20 ft.

Up weight: The weight indicator reading required to

String tension limit: The maximum safe weight

Down weight: The weight indicator reading required

String set down limit: The minimum safe weight

Stop circulation when

Recording string weights

Mechanism: The mechanical

Bridge: Medium to large

Sharp changes in hole

Stuck pipe calculator

Stuck pipe mechanism determination

Well bore instability Geo-pressurized shale

Cement related Cement failure

The inability to efficiently remove formation solids

0 – 40 degree holes > 40 degree holes

- High ROP: Cutting fast generation

-Limit ROP/hole cleaning efficiency (GPM=50*Hole size).

-Determine initial overpull limit prior to tripping out of

-Determine initial set down limit (0.25 of the drill string

> 40 degree holes

-The same of the vertical hole.

> 40 degree holes

-The same of the vertical hole.

-Limit ROP/Hole cleaning efficiency (GPM=70*hole size)

A naturally pressured shale

-Plan and maintain Mwt. Schedule relative to

-The pressurizing of the shale

-Coffee grind caving over the

-If possible use OBM, if WBM use Polymer - glycol

-Drilling a water sensitive shale

As inadequate hole cleaning +

-If possible use OBM.

Insufficient Mwt. To support

-Increasing hole angle without increasing Mwt.

-Pre-plan and maintain Mwt. Increase schedule

A high magnitude horizontal

-If possible, drill directional wells perpendicular to

Uncontrolled fluid loss allows

-Control fluid loss.

Uncontrolled fluid loss allows

-Control fluid loss.

While drilling pliable

Plastic clay (Usually surface hole)

-For salt formation;

-Long rathole below the casing

-Loss of support as formation

-Pack off/Bridge can occur any time after D/O CMT

-Minimize casing rathole length.

- A part of the drillstring is run

- Over estimated % hole enlargement.