Oxy Stuck Pipe Prevention Best Practices - Final)

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Section Page
1.0 Introduction to Stuck Pipe Prevention 2
2.0 Mechanisms of Stuck Pipe 2
2.1 Differential Sticking 3
2.2 Mechanical – Packoffs / Bridges 8
2.2.1 Inadequate Hole Cleaning – Settled Cuttings 8
2.2.2 Unconsolidated Formations 13
2.2.3 Reactive Formations – Clay / Shale 14
2.2.4 Overpressured Formations 17
2.2.5 Fractured and Faulted Formations 19
2.2.6 Tectonic Stressed Formations 21
2.3 Mechanical – Wellbore Geometry 23
2.3.1 Mobile Formations 23
2.3.2 Key Seating 25
2.3.3 Undergauge Hole 26
2.3.4 Doglegs and Ledges – Stiff BHA 27
2.3.5 Green Cement 29

2.3.6 Cement Blocks and Junk in the Hole 31
3.0 First Action Freeing Procedures 32
3.1 Differential Sticking 32
3.2 Packing Off and Bridges 33
3.3 Wellbore Geometry 34
4.0 Summary of Stuck Pipe Prevention 35
4.1 Quick Reference Tables 35
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1.0 Introduction to Stuck Pipe Prevention
Stuck pipe is one of the more common and serious drilling

problems. Stuck pipe prevention and remedy are
dependent on the cause of the problem. Therefore, to
avoid stuck pipe and correct it efficiently, it is important to
understand the various causes and symptoms so that the
proper preventive measures and actions can be executed.
This purpose of this document is to present a “Best
Practices” and to provide a stuck pipe prevention tool that
can be referenced throughout the Oxy Global Drilling
Community. This document provides insight into the
mechanisms of stuck pipe and preventive measures used
during the planning and drilling phases. Every well should
be planned and designed based on its specific
characteristics to achieve the best results. It is understood
that each well is different and the preferred “Best Practice”
may not achieve the optimum result.
2.0 Mechanisms of Stuck Pipe
In general, pipe becomes stuck either mechanically or

differentially. Differential sticking is caused by different
pressures forces from an overbalanced mud column acting
on the drillstring against a filter cake deposited on a
permeable formation. Differential sticking usually occurs
while the pipe is stationary, such as when connections are
being made or when a survey is being taken. It is indicated
by full circulation and no up / down mobility or rotary
freedom other than pipe stretch and torque. Differentially
stuck pipe usually occurs because of one of the following
causes / high risk conditions: high overbalance pressures,
thick filter cakes, high-solids or high-density mud.
Mechanical sticking is caused by a physical obstruction or
restriction. Mechanical sticking usually occurs when the
drillstring is moving. It also is indicated by obstructed
circulation. Occasionally, however a limited amount of up /
down mobility or rotary freedom is evident, even when the
pipe is mechanically stuck. Mechanically stuck pipe can be
grouped into two major categories: Hole Packoffs and
Formation Bridges, and Wellbore Geometry Interferences.
Packoffs and bridges are caused by: inadequate hole
cleaning,
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settled cuttings, clay reactivity, shale instability and

unconsolidated formations. Wellbore geometry
interferences are caused by: key seats, mobile formations,
undergauge hole, stiff BHA, doglegs and ledges, green
cement and blocks and junk in the hole.
2.1 Differential Sticking
Differential sticking is one of the causes of pipe sticking. It

is due to a higher pressure in the mud than in the
formation fluid. Differential sticking happens when the drill
string rest against the borehole wall, sinking into the
mudcake. The area of the drill string that is embedded into
the mudcake has a pressure equal to the formation
pressure acting on it. The area of the drill string that is not
embedded has pressure acting on it that is equal to the
hydrostatic pressure in the drilling mud (Fig. 1). When the
hydrostatic pressure (Ph) in the wellbore is higher than the
formation pressure (Pf) there will be a net force pushing
the drill string towards the borehole wall.
Figure 1: Differential sticking Ph is hydrostatic pressure and Pf is formation
pressure.
The thickness of the filter cake is critical in differential

sticking. The thicker the filter cake, the bigger the cross
sectional area is that the formation pressure acts on (Fig.
2). Thus, the differential sticking force is higher when the
filter cake is thicker. When the wellbore pressure is higher
than the formation pressure, some of the mud filtrate
(“mud filtrate” is the liquid phase of the drilling mud) will
invade the formation if it is permeable and porous. Thus, a
filter
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cake will build up on the surface of the wellbore. The

thickness of the filter cake depends on the mud properties
and the porosity of the formation. At a certain point the
filter cake will become thick enough to act as a barrier to
stop further seeping of the mud filtrate into the formation
and the filter cake will then stop growing. If the mud has a
lot of drill solids then the filter cake will be more porous
and permeable resulting in a thicker filter cake and faster
growth. The ideal situation would be a thin, hard filter cake
made up of mud solids only. The danger of differential
sticking is usually in sand. Sand formations have usually
high porosity and permeability and therefore a thick filter
cake tends to build up. Excessive drill solids and high fluid
loss increase filter-cake thickness and the coefficient of
friction, making it more difficult to pull or jar the drill string
free.
Figure 2: Hydrostatic force and formation force that are acting on the
drill collar.
If the drill pipe is not moved for a period of time

(stationary pipe) the filter cake tends to build up around it
and then add to the differential sticking force that is
holding the drill string (Fig. 3). The filter cake forms a
bridge between the drill string and the filter cake in the
hole.
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Figure 3: Bridging occurs when the drill collar is left stationary.
Filter cake erosion happens when the drill pipe rubs

against the borehole wall. This only affects a small portion
of the circumference of the wellbore. Wiper trip erosion
happens when the stabilizers and the bit are pulled
through the filter cake and a significant amount of it is
scraped off. Most of the filter cake is removed when the
hole is reamed. Filter cake erosion is shown in (Fig. 4).
Figure 4: Three types of filter cake erosion: Drill pipe, wiper trip, and
reaming.
Root Causes and Identification of Differential

Sticking
• Overbalance conditions, the hydrostatic pressure of

the mud exceeds the adjacent formation pressure.
• The formation is permeable at the point where the

pipe is stuck.
• The combination of differential pressure and a

permeable formation results in fluid loss to the
formation and the deposition of a filter cake.
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• Stationary pipe or slow moving string before it got

stuck.
• Wall contact exists between the drill string and

wellbore.
• Thick filter cake caused by excessive drill solids and

a high fluid loss.
• An improper stabilized Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA)

adjacent to a thick sand or permeable formation.
• Full circulation around the stuck zone is possible (i.e.

no packoff).
Preventive Actions to Minimize Differential Sticking
All of the conditions associated with differential sticking

can not be eliminated; however, the risk can be reduced by
following good drilling practices. These include:
• Identify high risk zones during well planning and

execution phases.
• Mud Properties: reduce the overbalance by keeping

the mud weight under control and at the minimum
weight required for hole stability and well control.
• When possible, use Synthetic Based Mud (SBM) and

maintain a low concentration of Low Gravity Solids
(LGS) for specific hole sizes (Fig. 5).
• Run the Gel Strengths low and maintain a low fluid

loss monitored at downhole temperatures and
differential pressures (HTHP FL Temp).
• Reduce the filter-cake thickness by lowering the

filtration rate and the drill solids content (i.e. lower
the fluid loss).
o Always have the Mud Engineer show you the

filter cake after each mud check.
o The ideal filter cake will look like a thin “tire

patch” when it is removed from the filter
press.
o If the filter cake is soft and “fluffy” when

removed from the filter press, take action!
• Fast ROP: circulate at maximum allowable GPM to

limit the concentration of drill solids and an increase
in mud weight in the annulus (ECD Management).
This affects the differential pressure and filter-cake
composition.
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Figure 5, Recommended % LGS for hole sizes.
• Keep the pipe moving (ideally, a sufficient length is

to pass the tool joints).
• Pre-plan to minimize the down time for operations

that require the string to remain static (i.e. surveys,
connections, sliding, repairs, know position of BHA
relative to known loss zones).
• Consider rotating the string during connections while

the BHA is opposite high risk sticking zones.
• Consider proper placement of the drilling jar relative

to the high risk zone.
• Reduce the wall sticking tendencies by running a
short BHA.
• Use spiral drill collars and maximize stand-off with

stabilizers to reduce the area of contact.
• Minimize the amount of drill collars and supplement

with HWDP to achieve the required bit weight.
• Wipe the hole as required.
• Watch for depleted zones and keep track of

differential pressures in sands.
• Balance the depleted zones with mud weight to the

normal pressure gradient of the open hole.
• Seepage-loss materials such as black carbons,

asphalt, gilsonite, plugging fibers and bridging
agents such as sized-calcium carbonate should be
used to drill the depleted zones with high differential
pressures.
• Contingency liner applications should be considered

if unanticipated higher/lower pressures are
encountered while drilling.
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2.2 Mechanical – Packoffs and Bridging
One of the major categories of mechanically stuck pipe is

caused by hole pack offs and formation bridging. If
cuttings are not removed from the borehole, they
accumulate in the well; eventually causing the hole to pack
off, often around the BHA and sticking the drill string (Fig.
6). This problem is encountered often in over-gauge
sections, where annular velocities are reduced. In deviated
wells, cuttings will settle on the low side of the hole and
may eventually slump down the hole, causing packoff.
Figure 6: Cuttings bed and settled cuttings.
2.2.1 Inadequate Hole Cleaning – Settled Cuttings
Removal of cuttings from the wellbore is an essential part

of the drilling operation. Efficient hole cleaning must be
maintained in all wells. Failure to effectively transport the
cuttings can result in a number of drilling problems (i.e.
tight hole, increase in rotary torque, drag, and pump
pressure, stuck pipe, hole packoff, formation break down,
slow ROP, lost circulation, fill on bottom, increases in LGS,
mud weight, and viscosity, etc.). The driller has control
over a number of drilling parameters which influence the
hole cleaning process (i.e. pumping pills, tripping methods,
reaming speeds, ROP, pipe movement, flow rate, mud
properties, etc.) The annular flow rate is very important.
The annular velocity required to clean the hole increases
with inclination (Fig. 7).
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Figure7: Flow pattern of cuttings in deviated wells.
Successful hole cleaning relies upon integrating optimum

mud properties with the best drilling practices. As
mentioned, the driller has control over some of the best
practices, others are pre-determined in the planning phase
and by the constraints of the drilling operation. When
difficulties are encountered, it is essential to understand
the nature and cause of the problem.
Root Causes and Identification of Inadequate Hole

Cleaning
• Drilling at high ROP’s with low annular flow rates.

This generates cuttings faster than they can be
circulated mechanically from the annulus.
• Inadequate annular hydraulics.
• Failure to suspend and transport the cuttings with

adequate mud rheology. As a rule of thumb, 6 RPM
readings = 1.5 x hole diameter.
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• All deviated wells (especially above 30˚): cuttings

tend to settle on the low side of the hole to form
cutting beds, which are not easily removed.
• Formation sloughing and packing off around the drill

string.
• Failure to circulate the hole clean before tripping.
• Inadequate circulation prior to connections.
• Drilling blind (no returns) and not adequately

sweeping the hole.
• Backreaming with inadequate flow rate (less than

drilling A/V).
• A large amount of fill on bottom after connections or

trips.
• Few cuttings returning at the shakers relative to the

ROP and hole size.
• An increase in torque, drag and pump pressure.
• Overpull on connections and while tripping out.
• Any notable change in pickup or slack off weight

while drilling.
• An increase in LGS, mud weight and/or viscosity.
Preventive Actions for Inadequate Hole Cleaning
The two most important factors relating to hole cleaning

are annular velocity and mud rheology. Annular velocity is
determined by hole size, combined drill pipe / BHA size
and recommended flow rates (Fig. 8). The flow rate
provides a lifting force on cuttings to carry them out of the
well.
• In highly deviated wells, flow rate and rheology

combined with mechanical agitation are important
factors for hole cleaning.
• It is important that mud pumps are adequately sized

to achieve the desired flow rates.
• Higher circulation rates generally provide improved

hole cleaning.
• Circulate the hole clean (1.5 – 2X bottoms up or until

clean) before tripping out and, when necessary,
make a wiper trip (e.g. after long mud motor runs /
excessive sliding).
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Figure 8: Recommended minimum flow rates for hole

sizes.
Maintain proper mud rheology in accordance with hole

size, ROP and hole inclination. The effect of mud rheology
on hole cleaning depends on the annular flow regime.
• When laminar flow exists, increasing the mud

viscosity will improve hole cleaning. This is
particularly effective if the low shear rheology and
YP/PV ratio is high. However, a more viscous mud
has difficulty in lifting cuttings off the bottom of a
high angle well.
• When turbulent flow exists, reducing the mud

viscosity will help remove cuttings. However,
reducing the viscosity will increase the likelihood of
avalanching in a deviated well.
• The mud rheology should be designed to avoid the

transitional flow regime and the importance of
mechanical agitation should be recognized. The
transition zone between the two is the worst region
in which to operate with intermediate mud
properties.
• Please reference the Drilling Fluids Best Practices for

additional details on mud rheology and flow regimes.
The mud weight influences hole cleaning by affecting the

buoyancy of the drilled cuttings. As mud weight increases,
the cuttings will tend to "float" out of the well making hole
cleaning easier. In practice the mud weight will be
determined by drilling factors other than hole cleaning (i.e.
wellbore stability, ECD, differential sticking, etc.). Hole
cleaning is dependent upon the cuttings properties (i.e.
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size and density). Increasing size and density both tend to

increase the slip velocity, which makes transport more
difficult. The effects of higher slip velocity can be combated
by appropriate rheology.
Use aggressive drillstring motion (i.e. rotate and

reciprocate) for improved hole cleaning.
• In deviated wells high drill pipe rotation speeds

provide an effective means of mechanically
disturbing cuttings beds and lifting them from the
low side into the flow stream.
• Higher rotary speeds will increase removal of

cuttings.
Drill string rotation has less effect on hole cleaning in near

vertical wells. In the smaller hole sections of HTHP wells,
string rotation can cause an increase in pump pressure and
ECD.
Use optimized hydraulics compatible with the respective

hole size, inclination and ROP. Conventional hydraulics
relies upon optimizing HHP and HSI at the bit. This
requires approximately 60-70% of the system pressure
loss at the bit.
• For horizontal or extended reach wells, higher flow

rates are required for effective hole cleaning.
• If it is necessary to reach a compromise and reduce

the energy spent at the bit, this is achieved by
selecting larger nozzle diameters.
Pump mud sweeps to improve hole cleaning.
• Programmed sweeps are effective.
o High viscosity / weighted sweeps are often

effective and low viscosity sweeps are
beneficial.
o When pumping a low viscosity sweep, it is

important to maintain a high flow rate and
follow with a high viscosity / weighted sweep in
order to ensure adequate hole cleaning in the
larger diameter vertical hole section.
• Always circulate until the sweeps have returned to

the surface and the shakers are clean.
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2.2.2 Unconsolidated Formations
Loosely compacted sands and gravel can sometimes

collapse into the wellbore forming a bridge (Fig. 9).
Highly fractured formations or formations located at a
fault zone can break off in pieces and fall into the hole
thus jamming the BHA. These types of formations are
encountered at shallow depths or when drilling the
production zones and can not be supported by
hydrostatic overbalance alone.
Figure 9: Unconsolidated formation.

Root Causes and Identification of Unconsolidated
Formations
The collapse of the formation is caused by removing

the supporting rock as the well is drilled. This problem
can be caused by insufficient or no filter cake present
in the wellbore. The un-consolidated formation (i.e.
sand, gravel, small bed boulders, etc.) can not be
supported by hydrostatic overbalance as the fluid
simply flows into the formation. Sand or gravel then
falls into the hole and packs off the drill string.
• Torque, drag, and fill on connections are common

indicators.
• An increase in pump pressure and large

overpulls on connections are observed.
• The solids-control equipment will be overloaded

with quantities of solids that do not correspond
to the ROP. This mechanism is normally, but not
always, associated with shallow formations.
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Preventive Actions for Unconsolidated Formations
• A good-quality filter cake to help consolidate the

formation so that hydrostatic pressure can “push
against” and stabilize the formation.
• Treatments with seepage-loss material can help seal

these formations and provide a base for the filter
cake.
• To minimize erosion, avoid excessive flow rates and

unnecessary reaming or circulating with the BHA
opposite unconsolidated formations.
• The hole should be swept with viscous gel sweeps to

ensure good hole-cleaning, and filter-cake building.
Maintain a high gel mud in the slug tank.
• Monitor the pump pressure and drill cuttings. Pick up

off bottom and circulate clean as required.
• Slowly rotate the drill string, then start and stop the
pumps slowly to avoid pressure surges being applied
to unconsolidated formations. (Use caution when
using a mud motor).
• Control-drill the suspected zone to allow the filter

cake to build up, minimizing annulus loading and
controlling ECD.
• Dump the sand trap and correctly size the shaker

screens.
• Avoid working the pipe or work it slowly to minimize

swabbing and surging.
2.2.3 Reactive Formations – Clay / Shale
Different formations have different characteristics for

absorbing water. It is important to understand the
characteristics of the formations being drilled. Some high
clay-content rocks absorb water and swell. The amount of
swelling varies from highly reactive “gumbo” clay (fast
absorption rate) to shale, which absorbs water very slowly.
When drilling with Water Based Mud (WBM), the water is
absorbed into these types of formations, causing them to
swell and weaken. As a result, chunks of shale will break-
off and fall into the borehole. The water-absorbed
(hydrated) shale tends to stick to the drill string and
accumulate in sufficient quantities to fill the
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entire annulus around the BHA, causing it to packoff and

become stuck (Fig. 10).
Figure 1O: Migration of water into the formation, causing the reactive
formation to swell, become unstable, and accumulate
around the BHA.
Root Causes and Identification of Reactive

Formations
The primary cause is a water sensitive formation being

drilled with insufficient inhibition. The shale absorbs the
water and swells into the wellbore. The reaction is time
dependent, as the chemical reaction takes time to occur.
This can range from hours to days.
Additional problems are caused from:
• Using WBM in shale and clays in geologically young

formations.
• Drilling with incorrect mud properties.
• Insufficient concentrations of inhibition additives

such as salts (KCl, CaCL), glycol and polymer.
The main indications that reactive shale has been drilled

are increases in the:
• Funnel Viscosity
• Yield Point
• Gel Strengths
• Methylene Blue Test (MBT)
• Low Gravity Solids (LGS)
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• Filter Cake Thickness
• Thick Mud
• Torque, drag and pump pressure as the hole size

reduces due to swelling.
Additional indications are:
• Large clumps of hydrated clay coming out of the

hole.
• Shaker screens blinding off with clay cuttings.
• Slow ROP, BHA is packed off with clay, and can not
circulate.
• Increased ECD as monitored by a PWD tool.
Preventive Actions to Avoid Problems caused by

Reactive Formations
• Use an inhibited mud system and maintain the mud

properties as planned.
• The addition of various salts (potassium, sodium,
calcium, etc.) will reduce the chemical attraction of
the water to the shale.
• Various encapsulating (coating) polymers can be

added to WBM mud to reduce water contact with the
shale.
• Monitoring mud properties is the key to detection of

this problem.
• Minimize the time in the open hole.
• Regular wiper trips or reaming trips may help if shale

begins to swell. The frequency should be based on
exposure time or warning signs of reactive shale.
• Ensure hole cleaning is adequate.
• Consider a bi-center bit / reamer to enlarge the

original hole while drilling and minimize the length of
the BHA.
• Avoid additional open hole operations such as

wireline logging, coring and survey runs, etc.
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2.2.4 Overpressured Formations
An over-pressured formation is one with a pore

pressure greater than the normal hydrostatic
pressure gradient. These formations are pressured by
the weight of overburden and in-situ stresses. The
drilling process effectively replaces the rock with
mud. Usually, the mud weight is balanced to the pore
pressure of the formation. In this case the rock is
able to support the extra stresses when being drilled.
In some instances the pore pressure exceeds the mud
hydrostatic pressure; then additional stress is applied
to the rock if the hydrostatic pressure is less than the
pore pressure. The formation in this case will tend to
“pop” or “heave” into the wellbore. The shale pieces
can sufficiently accumulate to pack off the BHA and
cause sticking (Fig. 11).
Figure 11: Heaving shale due to pressure in the formation being higher than
hydrostatic.
Root Causes and Identification of Overpressured

Formations
Overpressured shale is most commonly caused by

geological phenomena such as under-compaction,
naturally removed overburden (i.e. weathering) and
uplift.
• Large quantities of splintery, blocky shale,

brittle or concave shaped cuttings will be
encountered when pressured shale are drilled
underbalanced or when fractured formations
slough.
• Pump pressure, torque and drag will increase

when the hole becomes overloaded with caving
shale.
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• Insufficient mud weight in these formations will

cause the hole to become unstable and collapse.
• A recently drilled fault, increasing gas levels and

ROP, pulling tight on connections, and hole fill are
additional indications.
Preventive Actions for Overpressured Formations
Control of formation instability should start during the

planning phase of the well. The following recommendations
should be considered:
• Identify high risk zones during the planning and

execution phases of the well.
• Plan to shut in and monitor offset injector wells days

ahead of spud.
• A contingency liner should be planned for

exploration and outbound development wells.
• An inhibited mud system, matched to the formation

with the proper mud weight, will minimize shale
instability.
• To balance mechanical stresses, highly deviated wells
require higher mud weights than vertical wells.
• Although the first priority of a casing design is to

ensure that the well can be drilled safely, casing
points may need to be adjusted for troublesome
formations.
• Suitable mud properties should be maintained.
• Follow the recommended hole cleaning procedures.
• Monitor the ROP and gas levels to detect pore

pressure trends.
• Monitor all cuttings, watch for large concave shale

pieces.
• If sloughing shale is detected, respond immediately:
1. Stop drilling.
2. Sweep the hole.
3. Adjust the rheology to improve the carrying

capacity.
4. Increase the mud weight as required.
5. Implement the Best Drilling Practices to

improve cuttings transport and to reduce the
possibility of pipe sticking.
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2.2.5 Fractured and Faulted Formations
These are fragile formations which are mechanically

incompetent. A natural fracture system in the rock
(rubble zone) can often be found near faults. Rock
near faults can be broken into large or small pieces. If
they are loose they can fall into the wellbore and
wedge the string in the hole (Fig. 12). There is a risk
of sticking in fractured / faulted formation when
drilling through a fault and when drilling through
fractured formations (Fig 13).
Figure 12: Fractured Shale Figure 13: Fractured and Faulted
Limestone
In a formation where there is little or no dip, the clay

platelets lie horizontally. The shear directions for
these platelets are also on a horizontal plane. Gravity
and mud flow will act in a perpendicular direction to
the shear plane, which means that these platelets are
less likely to break free and slough into the hole.
With a high dip (>60°), the forces of gravity and mud

flow will have a significant component in the shear
direction. In areas where the shale is not very strong,
these forces can be large enough to cause significant
sloughing. They are particularly unstable when the
bedding planes dip at high angles (Fig 14).
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Figure 14: Comparison of high and low dip with regard to hole
sloughing.
Root Causes and Identification of Faulted and

Fractured
Formations
Highly fractured shale in areas with steeply dipping beds

can cause sloughing problems. Even if the pieces are
bonded together, impacts from the BHA due to
mechanical / hydraulic actions can cause the formation to
fall into the wellbore. This type of sticking is particularly
unusual in that stuck pipe can occur while drilling. When
this occurs, the first sign of a problem is an increase in
torque and pump pressure. Additional drilling indications to
consider are:
• Increase in overpull with the pumps off.
• Hole fill after trips and connections.
• Large and blocky shaped cuttings.
• Can not circulate.
Preventive Actions Drilling Faulted and Fractured

Formations
• Pre-plan with the geologist to determine the dip

angle and fault zones. Consider a geomechanical
study.
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• The angle of approach should be considered in the

directional plan.
• Minimize the length of the BHA and time in the

open hole section.
• Reduce drill sting vibration by adjusting the RPM’s.

If high shock vibrations are observed, run a shock
sub in the BHA.
• Do not stack out in the fractured/faulted zone, slow

down when tripping, and ream fractured zones with
caution.
• Do not allow the annulus to pack off.
o Shale instability will be increased if the

annulus packs off and the well is pressured
up below the packed off interval.
• Circulate the hole clean with programmed sweeps.
• Generally, fractured formations require time to

stabilize. Be prepared to spend time when initially
drilling and reaming.
• Increase the mud weight as required.

2.2.6 Tectonically Stressed Formations
These formations are mechanically stressed by the angle of

bedding planes and tectonic stresses. Tectonic stresses
build up in areas where rock is being compressed or
stretched due to movement of the earth’s crust. The rock
in these areas has been / is being buckled by the pressure
of moving tectonic plates.
Before the drill bit enters a section of the hole, the rock
supports three unequal stresses in four different directions.
These are:
1. Vertical Stresses: At depths greater than 1,500 feet, the

largest stress on a rock formation is usually the stress
imposed on it from the weight of all material above it,
which acts in the vertical direction. Typical values of these
stresses are 1.0 psi/ft.
2. Side Stresses: The side stresses which act in the

horizontal component in both directions. A typical value of
these stresses is 0.75 psi/ft. (Fig 15).
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Figure 15: Minimum and maximum tectonic stresses.
When a hole is drilled the rock is replaced with drilling

fluid. Usually, the mud weight is balanced to the pore
pressure of the formation; however in some instances the
mud weight can not totally support the borehole pressure.
The rock around the borehole is forced to act as extra
support. The hydrostatic pressure required to stabilize the
wellbore may be much higher than the fracture pressure of
the exposed formation. If the formation is strong, then
there will be no problem. However, in younger formations,
where the rock is not strong, the rock will not be able to
support this extra stress. The rock will deform and the
wellbore will begin to contract and possibly breakout.
Root Causes and Identification of Tectonic Stress

Formations
Wellbore instability is caused when:
• Highly stressed formations are drilled and there

exists a significant difference between the near
wellbore stress and the restraining pressure provided
by the drilling fluid density.
• The hydrostatic pressure required to stabilize the

wellbore may be much higher than the fracture
pressure of the other exposed formations.
Drilling indications can be:
• Large splintery cuttings at the shale shakers and an

increase in pump pressure due to packoff and
bridges.
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• Using insufficient mud weight and poor hole cleaning

will cause the hole to become unstable and collapse.
• Pulling tight on connections, hole fill and increases in

torque are additional indicators.
Preventive Actions for Tectonically Stressed

Formations
• Consider a geomechanical study to identify wellbore

stress orientations and mud weight windows during
the planning phase of the well.
• Complete each hole section fast, minimize time in

the hole and plan to run casing as soon as possible.
• Increase the mud weight and follow the weight up

schedule.
• Use adequate hole cleaning procedures. Wellbore

instability shows itself as a hole cleaning problem.
• Use offset data to establish optimum inclination and

azimuth as these are key factors in reducing the
extent of the problem.
• Do not rule out the possibility of reactive formations.
2.3 Mechanical – Wellbore Geometry
A second category of mechanically stuck pipe is related to

wellbore geometry. Hole diameter and/or angle relative to
the BHA geometry and stiffness will not allow passage of
the drillstring. Generally, the higher the change in well
angle or direction, the higher the risk of mechanically
sticking the pipe. “S”-shaped wells are even worse and put
an additional risk of pipe sticking due to increases in
friction and drag.
2.3.1 Mobile Formations
The overburden weight or tectonic forces can squeeze

plastic salt or soft shale into the well-bore, sticking or
jamming the BHA in the undergauge hole. The magnitude
of the stresses — and hence the rate of movement — will
vary from region to region, but generally is greater for
formations below 6,500 ft (2,000 m) and for salt
formations with temperatures above 250°F (121°C).
Mobile
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formations behave in a plastic manner, deforming under

pressure (Fig. 16). Salt or wet shale can extrude or “flow”
into the wellbore and bridges off the annulus causing a
stuck drillstring.
Figure 16: Mobile formation due to overburden pressure.
Root Causes and Identification of Mobile Formations
The mobile formation squeezes into the wellbore because it

is being compressed by the overburden forces. A
deformation occurs because the mud weight is not
sufficient to prevent the formation from squeezing into the
wellbore. The deformation results in a decrease in the
wellbore size, causing problems running BHA’s, logging
tools and casing. This normally occurs when drilling salt.
Indications are:
• Increase in mud chlorides.
• Pulling tight on connections.
• Increase in pump pressure.
Preventive Action for Mobile Formations
• Pre-plan and identify salt domes or beds.
• Maintain sufficient mud weight and properties.
• Select an appropriate mud system that will not

aggravate the mobile formation.
• Plan frequent reaming and wiper trips.
• Consider bi-center bits and slow trip speed before

BHA enters the suspected area.
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• Minimize the open hole exposure time of these

formations.
• Monitor the mud chlorides and resistivity.
2.3.2 Key Seating
Key seats occur when the drill pipe rubs against the
formation on the inside of a dogleg or ledge. The drillstring
is held against the wellbore by tension as pipe rotation and
movement wear a narrow groove in the side of the hole.
When the drillstring is tripped, the tool joints or the BHA
are pulled into the key seat and become jammed. The
longer the interval below the dogleg and the more severe
the dogleg, the greater the side load and the faster the
development of a key seat (Fig. 16). Key seat sticking
occurs only when the pipe is moving. Key seating can also
occur at the casing shoe if a groove is worn in the casing.
The pipe may become differentially stuck after being key
seat stuck.
Figure 16: Examples of key seating and severe dogleg
Root Causes and Identification of Key Seats
The primary root causes are:
• Abrupt changes in angle or direction in medium-soft

to medium-hard formation in wells where high side
wall forces and string rotation exist.
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• Long drilling hours with no wiper trips through the

dogleg section.
• Severe doglegs and cyclic overpull at tool joints

intervals during trips.
Preventive Actions for Key Seats
• Avoid and minimize excessive Dogleg Severity (DLS).
• Ream and wipe out the DLS after directional runs.
• Run string reamers or a key seat wiper in the BHA.
• Do not rotate in one spot for a long time.
2.3.3 Undergauge Hole
Drilling hard abrasive rock wears the bit and the stabilizer
gauge and results in a smaller than gauge hole. When a
subsequent full-gauge bit is run, it encounters resistance
due to the undergauge section of hole. If the string is run
into the hole quickly without reaming, the bit can wedge in
the undergauge hole section. Running a full-gauge
assembly into an undergauge hole can stick the BHA. Core
heads are often slightly smaller than bit sizes and cored
sections should be reamed when running in with a bit.
Failure to ream can result in the bit jamming in the
undergauge section of cored hole.
Figure 17: Undergauge hole and full-gauge BHA
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Root Causes and Identification of Undergauge Hole
The primary root causes for getting stuck in an

undergauge hole section are a failure to ream the
undergauge interval and tripping in the hole too fast. This
can occur after:
• Conventional coring with an undergauge corehead
• Pulling undergauge bits and stabilizers
Preventive Actions to avoid creating and then

getting stuck in Undergauge Hole
• Identify abrasive and hard formations from offset

wells and bit records.
• Use suitably gauge-protected bits and stabilizers.
• Consider the use of reamers in abrasive hole

sections.
• Always gauge BHA components both when running in

and pulling out of the hole. Keep a ring gauge on
location.
• Precautionary ream suspected undergauge hole
sections.
• Slow the trip speed down before the BHA enters a

suspected undergauge zone.
• Constant monitoring of torque trends.
2.3.4 Doglegs and Ledges – Stiff BHA
While drilling a wellbore, the characteristics of the rock

cause the bit to be deflected and can result in a change in
direction. Likewise when drilling with a directional BHA,
sudden changes in angle can cause a kink in the wellbore
direction. Sharp deviations in wellbore direction are called
doglegs. The wellbore passes through rock of varying types
and ledges develop at the interfaces between layers of
differing hardness. A flexible BHA can “snake” around
doglegs that present obstructions to stiff assemblies. A stiff
BHA can not negotiate sharp hole angle/direction changes
and can become stuck (Fig. 18).
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Figure 18: POOH with limber BHA and stuck with a stiff BHA
Root Causes and Identification of Doglegs and

Ledges
Doglegs and ledges are formed when successive hard/soft

interbedded formations are encountered. The soft
formations become washed out for various reasons (i.e.
excessive hydraulics, lack of inhibition), while the hard
rocks remain in gauge. This situation is aggravated by
dipping formations and frequent changes in angle and
direction. (Fig. 19).
Indicators are:
• Drillstring sits down on ledges while running in hole.
• Able to work by obstruction with small amounts of

rotation.
• Inability to get wireline logs down – and then do

not find an obstruction at the depth the wireline
tools set down on subsequent clean out run.
Figure 19: Ledges and stabilizers hanging up.
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Preventive Actions for Doglegs and Ledges
• Ledges can be reduced by running a packed hole

assembly.
• Minimize the directional changes in the wellbore.
• Minimize BHA mechanical and configuration

changes when in formations likely to produce
ledges.
• Consider reaming and clean-out runs.
• Keep track of the ledges and doglegs with the

mudloggers and directional drillers and
communicate with driller for trips.
• Survey with sufficient frequency. Increase the

survey frequency to assist in
evaluating/reducing wellbore tortuosity.
• Run torque and drag calculations.
• Utilize SBM or lubricants in the mud.
• Slow trip speeds before the BHA enters the ledge or

dogleg.
• Reduce circulation time across soft interbedded
formations.
• Avoid rotating motors for prolonged periods in a

given interval.
• Limit initial setdown weight to minimize

momentum effects when running into a tight
zone.
• Maximize kick off point below the casing shoe.
• Optimize the BHA design and stiffness.
2.3.5 Green Cement
After pumping cement, the top of the cement (TOC)

may be higher than theoretical. If care is not
exercised, the BHA may be inadvertently run into the
green cement. Attempting to circulate with the
bottom of the drill string in soft cement can cause a
packoff, flash set the cement due to squeezing the
water from the cement into the formation, and
sticking the BHA (Fig. 20).
Figure 20: BHA imbedded in green cement and stuck.
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Root Causes and Identification of sticking the

drillstring due to Green Cement
The two main causes are not allowing sufficient time for
the cement to set up and running the drill string below the
top of cement with out circulating.
Additional causes may be:
• A failure to check the theoretical TOC.
• Over displacing the cement.
• Wrong pipe tally.
• Getting in a hurry.
The indicators are:
• Increases in pump pressure leading to the inability to

circulate.
• A loss of string weight.

• Green cement in the mud returns.
Preventive Actions for Green Cement
• Do not rely solely on surface samples.
• Know the cement setting time, but do not assume it

will be set when you trip in the hole.
• Know the calculated TOC, before tripping in the hole,

but always expect it to be higher.
• Do not rely on the weight indicator to find the top of

the cement. If the cement is not set you may not see
any indication on the weight indicator when you run
into it.
• Break circulation a safe distance (i.e. 200 feet)

above the theoretical TOC.
• If set down weight is observed when tripping in the

hole after a cement operation, pull back a safe
distance before attempting circulation.
• Pre-treat the mud system with the appropriate

chemicals prior to drilling out the cement.
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2.3.6 Cement Blocks and Junk in the Hole
When cement blocks or junk falls into the wellbore, they

can act as a wedge and jam the drillstring. Metal junk can
fall from the rig floor or come from failed downhole
equipment or pieces of milled iron and equipment (Fig.
21).
Figure 21: Cement blocks and junk in the hole.
Root Causes and Identification of Cement Blocks and

Junk
The root causes of cement blocks and junk are:
• The cement becomes unstable around the casing

shoe or from open-hole plugs and kickoff plugs.
• A change in hole size and the subsequent “cement

ring” left in the rathole below the casing shoe.
• Debris is dropped into the hole from surface.
• Downhole equipment failure.
• Poor housekeeping on the rig floor.
• The hole cover not being installed.
Early indicators of cement blocks and junk on bottom are:
• Sudden erratic torque.
• Cement fragments.
• Metal shavings at the shale shaker.
• The inability to make hole.
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Preventive Actions for Cement Blocks and Junk
• If required, allow sufficient curing time for cement

before attempting to kick off or drill out.
• Ream the casing shoe and open hole plugs

thoroughly before drilling ahead.
• Limit casing rathole length to minimize a source of

cement blocks.
• Slow the trip speed down before the BHA enters the
casing shoe or the plug depth.
• Enforce good housekeeping on the rig floor and

regular inspection of handling equipment.
• Keep the hole covered at all times.
• Inspect downhole equipment before it is run in the

hole and again as it is being run through the rotary
table.
• Inspect slip, tong dies, and collar clamp dies

regularly.
• Check the keeper pins of collar clamp connecting

links.
• Install a drill string wiper rubber during trips (both

directions).
3.1 First Action Freeing Procedures
As soon as any indication of sticking occurs, the first action

to free the stuck pipe must be taken. As soon as possible,
driller should delegate someone to notify the RM and DSM.
The DSM will contact the DS. The recommended first
actions to take for each mechanism are outlined below.
3.1 Differential Sticking
• First attempt to free pipe is down.
• Apply torque and work torque down to the stuck

point.
• Circulate at the maximum allowable rate. This should

be done simultaneously while working the torque.
• Slack off to the maximum set down weight while

holding torque in the string.
• Jar down; remember to reduce the pump pressure

while jarring down to minimize the “pump open”
effect on the jars.
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3.2 Packing Off and Bridges
• At the first signs of increasing drill string torque and

packoff (Fig. 22), the pump rate should be reduced.
This will minimize pressure trapped below the
packoff. Excessive pressure applied to a packoff will
aggravate the situation. If the hole cleans up, return
flow to the normal rate.
Figure 22: Increasing pump pressure – early packoff sign
• If packoff occurs, immediately stop the pumps and

bleed down the standpipe pressure. When bleeding
pressure down from under a packoff, control the rate
to avoid a "U" tube effect, which will pull solids into
the bit and plug off the drill string.
• Continue cycling the torque, watching for pressure

bleed off and returns at the shakers. If bleed off or
partial circulation occurs, slowly increase pump rate.
If circulation improves continue to increase the pump
rate.
• If circulation can not be regained, work the pipe

between free up and free down weight. Do not apply
excessive pulls and set down weights as this will
aggravate the situation. While working the string
continue to cycle the torque and attempt to regain
rotation and circulation.
• If full circulation, then attempt to work the pipe.
• If the pipe is not free, and no circulation, jar down.
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• If unable to the move pipe, then commence jarring

operations in the opposite direction to the last pipe
movement prior to packoff.
• Once the pipe is free, rotate and circulate the hole

clean prior to continuing operations. Consider a
wiper trip.
3.3 Wellbore Geometry
• Jar in the opposite direction the pipe was moving

prior to sticking (Fig. 23). Apply torque while jarring
down but never apply torque when jarring up.
Figure 23: Jar opposite the direction to last pipe movement.
• Jarring operations should start with light loading and

then systematically be increased to maximum load.
Stop or reduce circulation when cocking the jars to
fire up and / or jarring down. Pump pressure will
increase jar blow when jarring up, so full circulation
is beneficial (know the maximum load).
• Do not forget to take the “pump open” force into

account while cocking / firing the jars. Pump
pressure increases the jar blow up and decrease the
jar blow down. It also resists cocking the jars for an
up blow and helps cock the jar for a down blow.
• If jarring is unsuccessful, refer to Drilling Fluids Best

Practice for spotting pills.
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4.0 Summary of Stuck
Pipe Prevention 4.1
Quick Reference
Tables 4.1.1
Differential Sticking
WARNING SIGNS/CONDITIONS PREVENTION
-increasing overpull at connections -proper mud properties
-circulation possible -wiper trips as/if required
-increase in torque -controlled mud weight
-decreasing overpull after reaming -minimal length BHA’s
-overbalanced conditions
-stationary pipe before sticking
-BHA adjacent to a thick sand
4.1.2 Inadequate Hole Cleaning
-increase in pump pressure/ spikes -ensure proper mud propert

-increase in ECD (as per PWD tools) are being used
-reduced overall pull when pumping -proper annular velocity /
-insufficient cuttings on shaker pumping rates for hole size
-excessive overpull on connections are being utilized
and trips -rotate drillstring while
-lost circulation circulating prior to trips
-stuck shortly after pumps off -if measured ECD is excessiv
it may be necessary to redu
ROP or circulated hole clean
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4.1.3 Unconsolidated Formations
-increased overpull at connections -identify the formation
-increase in pump pressure -monitor circulating pressu
-stuck shortly after pumps off and the cuttings volumes
-unconsolidated, un-cemented sands -use mud with a high Yield
in samples -pick-up off bottom and
-no circulation circulate
4.1.4 Reactive Formations Clay/Shale
-large clumps of gumbo at surface -minimize time in the hole
-slower drilling due to less WOB -use inhibited mud
-BHA packed off with gumbo -minimal length BHA’s
-pump pressure increases -minimal open hole sections
-torque increase due to smaller -avoid other open hole
hole size as a result of swelling operations (i.e., logging)
-circulation not possible
4.1.5 Overpressured Formations

-large, brittle, concave cuttings -monitor cuttings and ROP
-large overpulls at connections -maintain mud weight at
-restricted/no circulation planned values
-torque may increase -review GM data for tectonic
-increase in connection gas stress identification as
-stuck shortly after pumps are off well as “MW window”
-maintain proper hole clean
procedures
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4.1.6 Fractured and Faulted Formations

-large cuttings, low shale strength -gradually increase the
-tight hole over a long section mud weight, if required
-large overpull due to sloughing -proper hole cleaning proced
-pump pressure increases -minimize time in open hole
-slower drilling rates
-no circulation
4.1.7 Tectonic Stressed Formations
-hole fill after trips -minimal BHA length
-increase in overpull when pumps off -obtain formation dip angle
-large, fat cuttings for the well
-increase in pump pressure -maintain mud weight within
-torque may increase window identified in the GM
-no circulation -minimal open hole sections
-stuck shortly after pumps are off -minimal time in the hole
4.1.8 Mobile Formations
-mud chlorides increase -identify salt domes
-large overpulls at connections -monitor mud chlorides
-pump pressure increases -monitor mud resistivity
-rotation possible, but high torque -slow trips and reaming
-stuck shortly after pumps are off -identify on mud log / LWD
-tight hole at the same spot on trips

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4.1.9 Key Seating
-large doglegs -avoid severe hole deviation
-tight hole while pulling out of hole -install key seat wipers
when the top of the BHA reaches in the BHA
the base of a large doglegs -plan for additional surveilla

-erratic overpull during trips when the top o
-stuck while tripping in BHA nears the base of dog
-highly deviated wells
-circulation possible
4.1.10 Undergauge Hole
-undergauge bit -identify abrasive and hard
-undergauge stabilizers formations
-low ROP, circulation possible -slow trips
-stuck while tripping in -ream the suspected underga
portion of the hole after seei
undergauge bits / stabilizers
the surface
References
1. OOGC, GDC, Drilling Superintendents Network F2F,

April 2010
2. OOGC, GDC, Drilling Fluids Best Practices, July

2007
3. Mitchell, John, Drilbert Engineering Inc.,

Trouble-Free Drilling, Stuck Pipe Prevention,
2001
4. Eni - Agip, Drilling Procedures Manual, Chapter 16,

June 1999
5. Sedco Forex, Drillers Stuck Pipe Handbook, 1997
6. Schlumberger – Anadrill, Stuck Pipe Prevention,

Feb 1997
7. Baker Hughes Inteq, Drilling Engineering

Workbook, 1995
8. Randy Smith – Exxon, Stuck Pipe Prevention

School, 1994
9. BP Research, Guidelines For the Prevention

and Cure of Stuck Pipe, Sudbury Research
Centre, Aug 1989
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Oxy Stuck Pipe Prevention Best Practices - Final)

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Revision No.

Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation

Global Drilling Community Page No. 1 of 38

Drilling Superintendents Network

Stuck Pipe Prevention Best Practices Endorsed By:

Last Review Date: 15 Apr 2010

1.0 Introduction to Stuck Pipe Prevention 2

2.0 Mechanisms of Stuck Pipe 2

2.1 Differential Sticking 3

2.2 Mechanical – Packoffs / Bridges 8

2.2.1 Inadequate Hole Cleaning – Settled Cuttings 8

2.2.2 Unconsolidated Formations 13

2.2.3 Reactive Formations – Clay / Shale 14

2.2.4 Overpressured Formations 17

2.2.5 Fractured and Faulted Formations 19

2.2.6 Tectonic Stressed Formations 21

2.3 Mechanical – Wellbore Geometry 23

2.3.1 Mobile Formations 23

2.3.2 Key Seating 25

2.3.3 Undergauge Hole 26

2.3.4 Doglegs and Ledges – Stiff BHA 27

2.3.5 Green Cement 29

3.0 First Action Freeing Procedures 32

3.1 Differential Sticking 32

3.2 Packing Off and Bridges 33

3.3 Wellbore Geometry 34

4.0 Summary of Stuck Pipe Prevention 35

4.1 Quick Reference Tables 35

Stuck Pipe Prevention 1

Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation

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Stuck Pipe Prevention Best Practices

Last Review Date: 15 Apr 2010

1.0 Introduction to Stuck Pipe Prevention

Stuck pipe is one of the more common and serious drilling

2.0 Mechanisms of Stuck Pipe

In general, pipe becomes stuck either mechanically or

Stuck Pipe Prevention 2

Occidental Oil and Gas Corporation

Global Drilling Community

Stuck Pipe Prevention Best Practices

Last Review Date: 15 Apr 2010

settled cuttings, clay reactivity, shale instability and

2.1 Differential Sticking

Differential sticking is one of the causes of pipe sticking. It

The thickness of the filter cake is critical in differential

Stuck Pipe Prevention 3

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Stuck Pipe Prevention Best Practices

Last Review Date: 15 Apr 2010

cake will build up on the surface of the wellbore. The

If the drill pipe is not moved for a period of time

Stuck Pipe Prevention 4

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Stuck Pipe Prevention Best Practices

Last Review Date: 15 Apr 2010

Figure 3: Bridging occurs when the drill collar is left stationary.

Filter cake erosion happens when the drill pipe rubs

Root Causes and Identification of Differential

• Overbalance conditions, the hydrostatic pressure of

• The formation is permeable at the point where the