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STUCK PIPE PREVENTION WHILE DRILLING WELLS to LIMESTONE & SANDSTONE RESERVOIRS-SOUTHERN IRAQ

September 2013
Conference: Second International Conference on Water, Energy and the Environment · At: Turkey

Authors:

Mohammed Azeez
B A Tawfeeq Tuna Eren
TDD International For Geothermal Projects

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Citations (2) References (16) Figures (1)

Abstract and Figures

Stuck pipe occurrences are observed to be a common trouble during the increased drilling
operations in the Southern Iraq Oilfields. At the time of the preparation of this paper there Discover the 25+
were more than 12 rigs actively working in the Field. This paper is giving the information world's research million
about the case studies encountered while drilling wells in an Oilfield in Southern Iraq. members
Examples of differential and mechanical stuck pipe occurrences are detailed; providing all
160+
necessary information to understand whether how the stuck pipes had occurred, and how
million
the problem had been overcome if successful. Most of the stuckpipe occurrences are Join for free
attributed to the sloughing and high permeability shale formations, overpressured drilling publication
fluid hydrostatic and depleted reservoirs. As per industry literature it is widely known that pages
recovering from a stuck pipe situation is time consuming, costly, with the high risk of losing 2.3+
the wellbore itself if not to re-drill it from the beginning. Damages occurring during the billion
drilling course due to the stuckpipe occurrences may also create a poor quality well that is citations
not up to the standard that it has been designed in the first place. In this study a number of
stuck pipe occurrences are given and analyzed as per why the workstring got stuck. It is
observed that the most important aspect in order to prevent the occurrence of stuck pipes
is considering how situations as such could happen and make sure the step-wise drilling
practices in effect are prepared appropriately that stuck occurrences are prevented and
made possible to be dealt with. The golden rule is to make the planning and dealing with
stuck pipe occurrences in the simplest way possible.

WELL-A
Stuckpipe…

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Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Water, Energy and the Environment
Kusadası, Turkey September 21-24, 2013, paper#313

STUCK PIPE PREVENTION WHILE DRILLING WELLS to LIMESTONE &

SANDSTONE RESERVOIRS – SOUTHERN IRAQ

T. Eren M. H. Azeez B. A. Tawfeeq

 Batman University South Oil Company South Oil Company
Petroleum and Natural Gas Basra Basra
Engineering Department, Iraq Iraq
Batman Turkey

tuna.eren@batman.edu.tr elhussainy2001@gmail.com batoolalmyahe@gmail.co

[3]. This paper is analyzing the stuck pipe events encount

ABSTRACT during the development drilling campaign from the Sout
Fields in Iraq.
Stuck pipe occurrences are observed to be a common trouble
during the increased drilling operations in the Southern Iraq
Complications related to stuck pipe can account for nearly ha
Oilfields. At the ti me of the preparation of this paper there were
total well cost, making stuck pipe one of the most expen
more than 12 rigs ac tively working in the Field. This paper is
problems that can occur during a drilling operation. Stuck
giving the information about the case studies encountered while
often is associated with well control and lost circulation eve
drilling wells in an Oilfield in Southern Iraq. Examples of
the two other costly disruptions to drilling operations and
differential and mechanical stuck pipe occurrences are detailed;
significant risk in high-angle and horizontal wells [4].
providing all necessary information to understand whether how
consequences of a stuck pipe event not only is related with
the stuck pipes had occurred, and how the problem had been
elevated drilling costs, but also with the time lost due to not b
overcome if successful. Most of the stuckpipe occurrences are
able to produce the hydrocarbons within the projected time fra
attributed to the sloughing and high permeability shale
The stuck pipe events given in this publication are the stuck p
formations, overpressured drilling fluid hydrostatic and depleted
encountered in drilling vertically planned wells.
reservoirs. As per industry literature it is widely known that
recovering from a stuck pipe situation is time consuming, costly,
The subsurface formations of the oil and gas field in Southern
with the high risk of losing the wellbore itself if not to re-drill it
are consisted of sloughing shales, and high permeab
from the beginning. Damages occurring during the drilling course
formations drilling through which is required with relatively d
due to the stuckpipe occurrences may also create a poor quality
drilling fluids; preparing the recipe for the stuck pipe events
well that is not up to the standard that it has been designed in the
brown fields in the area are also with reservoir pay s u
first place. In this study a number of stuck pipe occurrences are
depleted states. In some Fields the depletion pressure is al
given and analyzed as per why the workstring got stuck. It is
35% le ss than the reference reservoir pressures at the time o
observed that the most important aspect in order to prevent the
preparation of this document.
occurrence of stuck pipe s is considering how situations as such
could happen and make sure the step-wise drilling practices in
effect are prepared appropriately that stuck occurrences are 2. CALCULATIONS FOR DIFFERENTIAL PRESSU
prevented and made possible to be dealt with. The golden rule is AND HOLE CLEANING
to make the planning and dealing with stuck pipe occurrences in
the simplest way possible. Drilling in the depleted zones, where usually the pressure in
hole exceeds the pressure within the formation, may cause
1. INTRODUCTION drillstring to be stuck on the borehole and be embedded in
filter cake deposited across the well. The force to pull the pip
some occasions could get extremely high. Figure 1 gives
The main objective of drilling oil, gas or a geothermal well is to
drawing of the differential sticking mechanism. Mitchell
ensure that a safe and economically cheapest well is drilled at the
defined the projected width of the contact area is given
earliest. A bore hole must be large enough for the casing to pass
Equation 1 as follows:
freely with the little chance of getting stuck [1]. Troubles those of
which occur in the course of drilling activities are mostly due to   2r  2 hm 2  2r dc 2  2rh  2rdc 2  (1
the times based on stuck pipe problems if not a well control W  2rdc sina cos h

 2 2 r h 2 r dc 2r dc 

operations [2]. In drilling industry the stuck pipe events are still
the main reason of Non Productive Time (NPT) even though they whereas the differential pressure is calculated using Equation
are largely preventable by effective planning and following
practices. The key is to read the downhole conditions and T
understand early indicative signs. The role of driller is at utmost Pd  (2
importance for the implementations of the trouble free drilling, CLW

ICWEE’13-1

Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Water, Energy and the Environment
Kusadası, Turkey September 21-24, 2013, paper#313

The drilling parameters acquired through mud logging unit

very useful when analyzing the stuck pipe events not only
the pipe has stuck, but al so an indication of a stuck pipe eve
encountered. In this paper the parameters b eing given are acq
through the mud logging units. The data from spe
equipment/machinery is transmitted after being measured
means of sophisticated transducers/sensors [9].
1400

1200
nular Velocity (gpm)

1000

Figure 1. Differential sticking drawing. 800


The major aims of an effective hydraulics program are: to clean
the cuttings from the hole effectively, and to use most of the
hydraulics power available to drill the hole. Failure of cleaning
the wellbore when using conventional drilling fluids could result
in accumulation of the cuttings in the annulus of the workstring
and the wellbore, which may result in occurrence of a stuck pipe
incident. Ozbayoglu et al. introduced a model for minimum
liquid- and gas-flow rates which can be identified for having an
acceptable cuttings concentration inside the wellbore as well as a
preferably low frictional pressure drop for gasified drilling fluids
[6], [7]. Annular velocity (AV) is one of the most important
factors to achieve a feasible hole cleaning in vertical wells. The
velocity of the drilling fluid shall exceed the velocity of the
cuttings slipping back to the bottom of the wellbore due to the
force of gravity pulling the cuttings. One rule of thumb on finding
the right AV for vertical wells is as follows: “the AV has to be at
least twice the slip velocity of the cuttings.”
The slip velocity for natural settling of solid particles under
laminar conditions is defined in Equation 3:
 
 󰇛  󰇜
(3)

A field application method for estimating the minimum annular
velocity to ensure appropriate wellbore cleaning is being fulfilled
is based on Fullerton’s approach, [8]. This method assumes that
the diameter of the cuttings is 0.25 in, the cuttings density is 2.5 sg
and that the annular fluid velocity should be not less than twice
the cuttings settling velocity. The approach is based on the density
of the drilling fluid, i.e.: if df≤ 12 ppg (or 1.43 sg) then the
minimum annular velocity is calculated using Equation 4:

   
(4)
If df > 12 ppg (or 1.43 sg) then use of the chart given in Figure 2
is suggested.
Most of the stuck pipe problems occurred in the Southern Iraq Oil
Fields occurred due to marl and sloughing shales, together with
excessive drilling fluid density in borehole which resulted in stuck
pipe incidents. The representative PPFG chart belonging to the
Southern Oil Fields in Iraq is given in Appendix-A. Accurate
PPFG charts are very important for the planning requirements of
the wells and interventions in case of stuck pipe incidents.
ICWEE’13-2
Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Water, Energy and the Environment
Kusadası, Turkey September 21-24, 2013, paper#313
The stuck pipe events are preventable if the filter cake of the mud
is thin and impermeable, filtercakes otherwise could be damaging
in addition to the sticky behaviour which may cause differential
stuck pipe events. Other two main groups of stuck pipe events are
Solids Induced Packs Offs and Wellbore Geometry Related stuck
pipe events. Figure 3 gives the mechanisms of pipe sticking.
Figure 3. The mechanisms of stuck pipe occurrences.
Flow Rate for Minimum A
600
400
200
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Hole Size (in)
Figure 2. Flow rate vs hole size for minimum annular
velocity if df > 12 ppg.
The Southern Oilfields of Iraq consists of lithologies forme
clay and plastic marl formations with high reservoir permeab
in which stuck pipe incidents may be encountered. The dep
reservoir formations may result in encountering circulation lo
whereas the naturally fractured vuggy dolomite texture lime
formations may cause complete losses while the dri
campaigns.
The stuck pipe events which led to the sidetrack operation
given wells located in Southern Iraq are analyzed in this paper
of the remedial attempts such as pumping acid a nd lubr
materials to free the stuck pipes were unsuccessful. At the tim
the occurrence of stuck pipe events the use of diesel plugs
not allowed as per regulations in the scope of environm
concerns.
3. LITERATURE SURVEY
In literature the stuck pipe is defined as the situation in w
drillpipe, collars, casing or tubing which cannot be pulled
from the wellbore. The wellbore diameter shall be large in si
accommodate the casing string designed to be set in place.
Most of the time drillstrings shall be designed to have a marg
overpull magnitude which may be in the range of 50,000-100
lbs to account for the extra pull force in case of stuck pipe ev
[10], [11].
cuttings fallout and the complications imposed on well co
management.
Bradley et al. [17] stated that establishing a task force c
reduce the costs associated with stuck pipe events up to
Influence of drilling crew was found to be the most impo
factor as compared to introduction of new technologies. Pr
handover practice whilst the shift changes were one of
significant reasons of the stuck pipe incidents among
outcomes of the study performed, which also resulted to give
importance of using top drive systems in reducing the tim
reduce freeing the stuck pipes.
Yarim et al. [18] observed that the majority of the tra
material available in the industry is providing information on
to free the stuck pipe, rather than on how to prevent
occurrence of the incidents.
Guzman et al. [19] found that most of the hole-cleaning stuck
incidents were directly related to getting stuck while pumping
of the hole and while back reaming tight spots. They stated
when the annulus is loaded with cuttings and the string attem
to be pulled upwards the risk of getting stuck is higher. It
suggested that the project-specific stuck pipe risks and mitig
Devereux [12 ] stated that most of the cases of stuck pipe events;
i.e. over 90%, are avoidable with good planning and listening to
the hole. The most important factors in the prevention of stuck
pipe occurrences are the training and crew awareness.
Azar and Robello [13] mentioned that use of a top drive system
would give the ability of reaming and back reaming in full stands
while tripping in or out which minimizes the potential occurrence
of stuck pipe events.
Hopkins and Leicksenring [14] stated that real-time drilling data
management systems could reduce stuck pipe occurrences by
continuous monitoring of all the important drilling data trends via
mudlogger’s computer. They suggested that the torque and d rag
trends of the hole will indicate for a possible stuck event, and the
hole will provide more reliable information if the parameters are
registered in a status of non-rotating string and no pumps on. The
literature suggests that if a hole is dril led in the direction of the
maximum horizontal stress then hole instability is minimized.
Explaining this in other words would mean that; where the
overburden stress is greater than the horizontal stress then a
vertical borehole is more stable than a horizontal one.
Aadnoy et al. [15] presented a mechanistic analysis of
differentially stuck pipe in deviated wells. They derived equations
to estimate the depth of the stuck point in deviated wellbores
based on pull and rotation data register. The differential pressure
across the stuck interval is the dominating factor, which stated as
to be reduced, which can be done by displacing the well with a
lighter fluid.
Niznik et al. [16] stated that concentration if would be high
enough while drilling then pack-offs and potential stuck pipes can
occur in the Qatar's North Field. They mentioned tha t drilling an
entire section length with total losses had not been attempted due
to the higher risk of mechanically sticking the drill string from
ICWEE’13-3
Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Water, Energy and the Environment
Kusadası, Turkey September 21-24, 2013, paper#313
POOH to 2407 m. Attempted to pump out, however SPP increased
to 2500 psi. POOH with 40 tons over pull up to 2265 m. Jarred up
and down without success. Lost the flow while back reaming.
Workstring stuck at 2265 m.
Figure 4 shows the drilling parameters and sketch of the BHA at
the moment of drilling at 2453 m. The Q indicates that the Q was
reduced at the depth of 2235 m, the depth at which losses
occurred. The Mishrif Formation is in depletion and loss
circulations are expected. It is observed that at the moment of
drilling prior to the stuck pipe event; Q was at a magnitude that is
approximately equal to providing minimum annular velocity. It is
important to remember that the 19 hours drilling process (between
the 2324-2453 m interval) continued with partial losses, 20-90
bbl/h.
The losses resulted in reduction in the Q across the Mishrif, even
though the HI-VIS pills and LCM pills were being pumped at
regular interval, the accumulation of cuttings in the annulus was
not able to be prevented. Following the Fullerton’s approach the
minimum flow rate is ca lculated to be approximately 1940 lpm if
the hole diameter was 12 ¼ in in diameter, dcuttings = 0.25 in, MW
= 1.15 sg, whereas the Q through the pump was as low as
approximately 2000 lpm. If the actual hole diameter is taken to be
non-cylindrical; approximately 13.5 in in diameter, the minimum
flow rate would then be approximately 2200 lpm. The drilling
continued across formations consisti ng of limestone impeded with
shale layers.
measures are distributed and updated as the project is exec
and risks cha nged. The innovative approaches suggested in
study resulted in a 37% reduction of stuck-pipe occurre
during a year in comparison to the previous year.
The wells which had the stuck in pipe penetrated formation
marl and limestone with impeded sloughing shale or laye
sloughing shale formations. However in the early stages o
development campaign it noted that the stuck pipe incidents
inevitable due to lack of field knowledge and competent
staff.
4. STUCK PIPE OCCURENCES
Some stuck pipe events occurred in the Southern Iraq Oil Fiel
summarized together with the BHA, and drilling param
details. The Lithology of the Southern Iraq Oil Fields are sim
to that of the given in Appendix-B, after Al-Saeedi et al. [2
which the stratigraphy/lithology of Kuwait is highlighted g
the troublesome formations. The main drilling problems b
encountered in the area are not limited to the Major Loss Zon
Dammam and Hartha Formations, Sulphurous wate r
Tayarat/Radhuma Formations, and Wellbore Instability prob
in Burgan Formation.
4.1. Well-A Stuck Pipe Incident
The first stuck pipe event is given for Well-A. The drilling
continuing in 12 ¼ in hole section at the depth of 2235 m, wit
following parameters: Q = 3200 lpm, SPP = 3104 psi, MW =
sg. Observed partial losses at this depth, decreased Q step by
from 3300 lpm to 2500 lpm, drilled to 2247 m, lost 285 bbl m
Continued drilling with 2000 lpm down to the bottom of Mi
(interval: 2214 – 2378 m). Increased the Q to 2400 lpm and dr
ahead to 2453 m, SPP = 2000 psi , the lost rate ranged betwee
and 50 bbl/h. Circulated the hole and spot 130 bbl LCM
well was sidetracked by means of a back off at 2168 m; follo
all of the fishing attempts, including acid pumping.
The stuck pipe event that happened in Well -A would have
prevented should more attention had been put in place. Pr
hole cleaning practices must have been applied and minim
annular flow rate must have been attained. The circulation pri
the pull out must have been kept longer.
4.2. Well-B-ST-1 Stuck Pipe Incident
The second stuck pipe event is given for Well -B. Figure 5 s
the drilling parameters and sketch of the BHA at the mome
drilling at 3276 m. The ROP is observed to have incre
following a change in the major drilling parameters at the dep
3200 m. While drilling 12 ¼ in hole section at 3276 m, the dri
stopped, and without any circulation at the end of almost 60 h
of continuous drilling from 3180 m; the string was pulled o
3245 m, the tight spot was over pulled 20 tons. Back reame
3139 m. Serviced the top drive for approximately one hour.
to 3167 m, slacked off 15 tons and reamed to 3276 m. Circu
for one hour and half. Pumped out to 3249 m, and back ream
2943 m. Attempted to circulate, however annulus packed off,
stuck.

Figure 4. WELL-A Stuckpipe information.
The calculations reveal that the insufficient flow rate accompanied
with relatively high rate of penetration; resulted in accumulation
of excessive cuttings in the annulus, and the stuck pipe event is
observed to have been expected. Even though the bottom up time
was 70 mins, and the hole was circulated for two bottoms up, and
whenever the string pulled out, the stuck pipe event occurred at
the moment the top of the upper stabilizer came in contact with
the accumulation of cuttings across the Mishrif Formation. The
string was pulled to 2294 m by 40 ton overpull, beyond the 2268
m depth the overpull attempts were unsuccessful. The circulation
was also lost due to the accumulated cuttings and LCM inside the
string and annulus. The stuck pipe incident occurred was reported
to be a solids related pack-off with inadequate hole cleaning. The
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Kusadası, Turkey September 21-24, 2013, paper#313
4.3. Well-B-ST-2 Stuck Pipe Incident
The second stuck pipe occurred in Well-B took place along the
deeper sections of the well; after having cored from 3749 m to
3777 m in 15 hours. Figure 6 shows the drilling parameters and
sketch of the BHA at the moment of coring at 3777 m. When
attempted to pump out of hole, after having circulated for two
hours only, noted that the string was differentially stuck at 3775
m. The circulation was performed with a flow rate of 880 lpm.
However the Fullerton’s approach indicates that the minimum
flow rate must have been at a rate of 1020 lpm, which reveals that
the hole cleaning was not at the desired rate. The drilling fluid
density was reduced from 1.77 sg to 1.74 sg to have less
differential pre ssure across the stuck interval. Attempts to release
the string by pulling and slacking off 60 tons did not provide
enough pull to free the string. The stuck pipe incident occurred
was reported to be a differential sticking in kind with permeable
zone exposed to high overbalance. Successive attempts of
pumping fluid spots also proved to be unsuccessful. Backed off
the string and continued operations performing a sidetrack.
Figure 6. WELL-B Stuckpipe-2 information.
The grade of the DP limited the maximum overpull of 100 tons
only. The free point indication tools revealed that the bottom hole
assembly was stuck for a length of approximately 100 m, which
indicated that the freeing pull force is high above the limits of the
Figure 5. WELL-B Stuckpipe-1 information.
As contrary to the case explained in Well-A, in Well-B the dri
parameters especially the flow rate was rather constant. The s
pipe had taken place following the long duration of dri
without any pumping of HI-VIS pill or adequate circulation.
annulus has been filled in with cuttings, and the string having
stopped in the open hole, maintenance of the rig machinery
been performed. The circulation that has been performed
duration of 1.5 hours is observed not to be enough considerin
fact that the hole is from a practical point of view not in ga
The circulation should have been kept longer for at least
bottoms up as per best petroleum industry practices
experience in the Oil Fields of Sothern Iraq. The stuck
incident occurred was reported to be a solids related pack-off
inadequate hole cleaning.
The stuck pipe event that happened in Well-B-ST-1 would
also been prevented should more attention had been put in
and maintenance of the rig machinery not performed whil
BHA was across the open hole interval.
shear rate viscosity may assist hole cleaning. Properties of
drilling flui d must be closely monitored; the API fluid loss m
be kept as low as possible to prevent the excessive filter
creation across the permeable levels.
The following best practices are the recommended to pre
occurrence of stuck pipes while drilling in the Southern Field
Iraq:
a. Periodical High Viscosity pills are suggested to be pum
at regular intervals (e.g. 15 m or every two hours) to en
efficient hole cleaning. The pills will be incorporated
the mud system and eventually build up a good rheol
The drilling fluid rheology may be supplemented w
addition of polymer to maintain effective hole-cleaning.
b. While across open hole never keep the workstring station
always ensure the string is reciprocating, rotating
circulation in progress if drilling is not continuing.
c. It is suggested that the drilling fluid density is increase
1.20 sg prior to entering the Tanuma and Nahr U
Formations. Prior to 50 m or while entering to Nahr U
bridging pills (48 sec/qt) inclusive of sealing and CaC
materials are suggested to be pumped not only while dril
but also when pulling out of hole for any operation in o
hole without bit under rotary table.
d. Equivalent Circulating Density (ECD) shall be monito
The following ECD management practices are
practices: Slow pump start-up and breaking of gels,
flow rates only as required for good hole cleaning – red
flow rates when drill collars are in front of shales, contro
drilling fluid, minimized surge/swab pressures.
e. Use of two roller reamer in BHA at optimum distance
reduce the sloughing and prevent tight spots during ream
back-reaming and wiper trips.
f. After having drilled each stand the fresh interval mus
reamed good enough after ample circulation.
g. In the event of stuck pipe across a limestone forma
pumping 22% HCl/HF acid to cover the annulus area f
the bit the top of the carbonate formation and make sure
the acid pill soaks for duration of two hours w
attempting to rotate the string.
workstring.
5. RECOMMENDATIONS
The string shall be kept in motion whenever applicable at all
times if hole cleaning is calculated to be a problem. The loss zone
shall be determined at the earliest convenience and to the accurate
level possible for correct mitigation action.
LCM particles of mean size greater than 1/3 size of the smallest
bit nozzles shall not be used when curing the losses. Rule of
thumb states that the LCM concentrations greater than 50 ppb for
losses upto 50 bbl/h shall be pumped. Denser concentrations may
not be effective and though result in having excessive filter cakes.
It is observed that correctly sized LCM concentrations work
efficiently.
In case the flow rate is reduced due to the loss ci rculation, the
hole may become dirtier, for this reason elongated periods of
circulation may be established. Increasing the yield point and low
ICWEE’13-5
Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Water, Energy and the Environment
Kusadası, Turkey September 21-24, 2013, paper#313
earliest and the key findings must be distributed to all parties
involved in the Field development.
The well should be treated accordingly, and the indications being
given by the well shall be well understood in a timely and
practical manner. The response of the driller is going to be the key
whether to face the stuck pipe event or not, unless the event was
inevitable due to a well design issue or other technical reason.
Stuck pipe events are evitable with continuous efforts including
conducting meetings with crew prior to the commencements of
the shifts, studying the offset wells in detail, understand sticking
mechanisms, and taking the actual stuck-pipe events as lessons
learnt.
The hydraulic parameters must be more effective ensuring the
hole cleaning is not an issue together with preventing the
circulation loss occurrence. One of the solutions to prevent
drilling through the fractured/depleted reservoirs is the application
of Managed Pressure Drilling, which may be studied in a separete
dedicated study to understand the feasibility.
7. NOMENCLATURE
C = coefficient of friction
dc = largest cutting diameter (ft)
dcuttings = cuttings diameter (in
dh = wellbore diameter (in)
hm = mud cake thickness (in)
g = acceleration due to gravity (ft/sec2)
MW, df = drilling fluid density (sg)
L = Contact length of pipe with the cake (ft)
Pd = differential pressure (psi)
rh = radius of the borehole (in)
rdc = radius of the workstring (in)
Vmin = minimum annular velocity (ft/min)
Vs = slip velocity (ft/sec)
T = tension (klbs)
W = projected width of the contact area (in)
s = cuttings density (lb/ft2)
m or df= mud density (lb/ft2)
 = mud viscosity (cps)
8. ABBREVIATIONS
AV = Annular Velocity
BHA = Bottom Hole Assembly
ECD = Equivalent Circulating Density
HI-VIS = High Viscosity
6. CONCLUSIONS
One of the important findings of this paper is the fact tha
wells shall be time li mited to open-hole exposure and
troublesome formations shall be cased off as early as practic
possible. The drilling crew shall be very much attentive to a
the indications the well could give, and read carefully
meanings and take the necessary actions in a timely mann
prevent occurrence of stuck pipe events. In order to avoid fa
costly and long fishing/remedial operations preventing
occurrence of stuck pipes is to share the experience that
common acceptance not only among the drilling contractor
also the operators. It is very important to know that it
requires small cuttings volume, to get stuck and packed off w
pulling upwards.
Each stuck pipe incident or event must be analyzed in detail
the root cause must be put on the table by drilling engine
experts. The necessary recommendations must be issued a
9. REFERENCES
[1] G.T. Byrom, “Casing Depth and Size Determination
Casing and Liners for Drilling and Completion, Houston,
Gulf Publishing Company, 2007, ch. 3, sec. 3.2, pp. 97-10
[2] A.T. Bourgoyne, M.E. Chenevert, and K.K. Millheim, “R
Drilling Process,” in Applied Drilling Enginee
Richardson, TX: Society of Petroleum Engineers, 1986, c
sec. 1.10, pp. 32-37.
[3] W.B. Reinhold, and D.A. Close, “Drilling Optimization
Driller’s Role,” SPE Drill & Compl, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 5
Mar. 1997.
[4] Petroleum Engineering Handbook, Volume II: Dri
Engineering, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Richard
TX, 2007, pp. 89-118.
[5] B. Mitchell, “Fishing,” in Advanced Oilwell Dri
Engineering Handbook & Computer Programs, 10th
Lakewood, CO: Mitchell Engineering, 1995, ch. 7, pp.
564.
[6] E. Ozbayoglu, O. R. Ettehadi, M. Ozbayoglu, and E. Yu
“Hole-Cleaning Performance of Gasified Drilling Fluid
Horizontal Well Sections,” SPE Journal, vol. 17, no. 3
912-923, Sep. 2012.
[7] R.O. Ettehadi, "’Determination of Cutting Transport Prope
of Gasified Drilling Fluids," Ph.D dissertation, Pet. &
Gas Eng., Middle East Tech. Univ., Ankara, Turkey, 2010
[8] The Drilling Engineering Distance Learning Package, O
Training material.
[9] T. Ere n, "Real-time-optimization of drilling parameters du
drilling operations," Ph.D dissertation, Pet. & Nat. Gas E
Middle East Tech. Univ., Ankara, Turkey, 2010.
[10] Drilling Engineer, Petroleum Engineering Departm
Heriot Watt University, UK, 2005, pp. 25.
[11] S. Miska ed. , “Dynamic Loading of Drill Pipe Du
Tripping,” in Developments in Petroleum Engi ne
Developments in Petroleum Engineering (Vol. 2), Hou
TX: Gulf Publishing Company, 1988, ch. 11, pp. 339.
[12] S. Devereux, “Drilling Problems-Avoidance Planning
Practical Well Planning and Drilling Manual, Tulsa,
PennWell Corporation, 1998, ch. 2, sec. 2.9.2, pp. 302-307
[13] J. J.Azar, and G. R. Samuel, “Rotary Drilling for Oil
Natural Gas,” in Drilling Engineering, Tulsa, OK, Penn
Corporation, 2007, ch. 1, pp. 1-18.
[14] C. J. Hopkins and R. A. Leicksenring, “Reducing the ri
stuck pipe in the Netherlands,” SPE/IADC Dri
Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1995, pp. 757-765.
[15] B.S. Aadnøy, , K. Larsen, and P. C. Berg, “Analysis of
pipe in deviated boreholes,” J. of Pet. Sci. and Eng., vol
no. 3, pp. 195-212, Mar. 2003.
 [16] M. Niznik, W. Elks, and S. Zeilinger, Pressurized Mud
LCM = Lost Circulation Material Drilling in Qatar's North Field,” IADC/SPE Man
MW = Mud Weight Pressure Drilling and Underbalanced Operations Confer
NPT = Non Productive Time
& Exhibition, San Antonio, TX, 2009, pp. 1-11.
POOH = Pull Out of Hole
[17] W. B. Bradley, R. S. P.D. Jarman, , R. D. Wood, T
PPFG = Pore Pressure Fracture Gradient
SPP = Stand Pipe Pressure Schofield, R. A. Auflick, and D. Cocking, “A task f
approach to reducing stuck pipe costs,” SPE/IADC Dri
Q = Flow Rate
Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1991, pp. 1-6.
WOB = Weight on Bit
[18] G. Yarim, U. Rodney, M. Richard, T. Alejandro, an
Church, “Stuck Pipe Prevention--A Proactive Solution t
Old Problem,” SPE Annual Technical Conference
Exhibition, Anaheim, CA, 2007, pp. 1-12.

ICWEE’13-6

Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Water, Energy and the Environment
Kusadası, Turkey September 21-24, 2013, paper#313

[19] J. M. Guzman, M. E. Khalil, N. Orban, M. A. Mohiuddin, J. APPENDIX-A: PPFG (Pore Pressure Fracture Gradient) Cha
Verma, and S. Ganda, “Stuck-Pipe Prevention Solutions in Southern Iraq
Deep Gas Drilling; New Approaches,” SPE Saudi Arabia
Section Technical Symposium and Exhibition, Al-Khobar, PPFG Graph

Saudi Arabia, 2012, pp. 1-9. Pore Gradient, sg MW_Actual _Zb-202 (Time Anal ysis ) Fracture Gradient Calculated (n=0.25

[20] M. B. Al-Sae edi,. Al-Mutairi, M. Al-Khaldy, and T. Sheeran,

Overburden Gradient Reservoir Pressure Gradients , sg

0 RT TOC 0 m
Upper Fars -Di bdiba (Sd,Grv,Cl)

“Fastest Deep Well in North Kuwait: Case History of 30 in. CP @

Raudhatain 206,” SPE/IADC Middle East Drilling Technology 250 TOC 250 m

Conference and Exhibition, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2003, pp. 20- Lower Fars (Ls,Sh)

22. 500
Ghar (Sd,Grv,Ls,Sd)

Dammam (Ls)
A
750

20 in. CSG @
Rus (Anhy,Dol)
Ummer-Radh (Dol)
1000

1250

Tayarat (Dol)

1500

Shiranish (Dol,M arl)

Hartha (Dol,Anhy)
1750
C
Depth (m TVD)

Sadi (Ls) D A
B
A 13 3/8in. CSG @
2000 C
D

Tanuma (Sh,Marl) C
Khasib (Ls ,Silt)
Mishrif (Ls)
2250

Rumalia (Ls)

Ahmadi (Sh,Ls)
2500

Mauddud (Ls,Chlk )

2750 Nahr-Umr (Sh,Sst,Ls,Si lt,Dol)

3000
Shuaiba (Ls,Marl,S h,)

Zubair (Sh,Sst,Sil t)
B
U-S-St-Mbr(3rdPay)
3250

M-Sh-Mbr
L-S-St-Mbr(4thPay)
L-Sh-Mbr TOC 3452 m
3500 Ratawi (Ls,Sh) B
9 5/8 in. CSG @

Yamama (Ls,Marl)

3750

0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1 .2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3
7 in. Liner @
Pressure Gradient (kgf/cm2/10 m)
 ICWEE’13-7

Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Water, Energy and the Environment
Kusadası, Turkey September 21-24, 2013, paper#313

APPENDIX-B: Lithology and Drilling Problems in Middle East,

after Al-Saeedi et al. [20]

ICWEE’13-8
Citations (2) References (16)

... Their study introduced a new method in response to the type of wells such as extended reach wells, in terms of
introducing a numerical method taking into account downhole friction, tool joints, upset end of drillpies, tubular materials
and sizes to determine the stuck point in extended reach wells. Eren et al. [5] stated that stuck pipe events are evitable
with continuous efforts including conducting meetings with crew prior to the commencements of the shifts, studying the
offset wells in detail, understand sticking mechanisms, and taking the actual stuck-pipe events as lessons learnt. Their
study revealed the importance of the crew and drillers role in understanding the indications being given by the well. ...
... Well-B ST-2 stuck incident graphical representation after Eren et al. [5] . The second stuck pipe occurred in Well-B
took place after having cored from 3749 m to 3777 m in 17 hours. ...
... PPFG (Pore Pressure Fracture Gradient) Chart of Southern Iraq, after Eren et al. [5] ...

Stuck Pipe Incidents in Middle East Wells Drilled to Limestone and Sandstone Reservoirs
Article Full-text available
Jan 2018
Tuna Eren

View Show abstract

... This formation is highly porous, leading to considerable mud losses and drilling difficulty (Owen and Nasr, 1958). The
low flow rate accompanied by a relatively high drilling rate for soft carbonates resulted in excessive cuttings in the
annulus and led to stuck pipe events (T Eren et al., 2013) . Besides that, the presence of hydrogen sulfide in Radhuma
and Tayarat formations may also affect the drilling rate as higher mud density is applied to avoid kick occurrences,
mostly if a blind drilling method is used (Alkinani et al., 2018). ...

Development of a modified Bourgoyne and Young model for predicting drilling rate
Article
May 2021 · J PETROL SCI ENG
Arina Sauki · Putri Nadzrul Faizura Megat Khamaruddin · Sonny Irawan · Aswade Ali

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