Stuck Pipe and Hole Cleaning

Introduction to Stuck Pipe and Wellbore Stability

• What is stuck pipe and some of the causes of stuck pipe?
• Drilling geology
• Wellbore instability: causes and remedies

On the first day, participants will learn about the various causes of stuck pipe and the impact stuck pipe has on well drilling economics and project feasibility.  Geology as it relates to wellbore stability will be covered so that participants will understand how geology relates to stuck pipe potential.  Well bore instability from different causes will be discussed so participants can better understand why wells may become unstable and lead to stuck pipe problems.

Stuck Pipe Mechanisms – Causes, Occurrence and Prevention

• Solids buildup and pack offs
• Differential pressure sticking
• Wellbore geometry causes of stuck pipe

Day two will cover three mechanisms which cause stuck pipe. Participants will learn the conditions which are necessary for each mechanism, what are the warning signs, and how to respond to them.  The academic understanding of stuck pipe will be applied to practical exercises on case histories of real events.

Stuck Pipe Identification and Hole Conditions Monitoring

• Stuck pipe diagnosis and first response
• Drilling jar placement and jar operation
• Hole condition monitoring

Day three will emphasize the importance of correct identification of the stuck pipe mechanisms.  Participants will learn the appropriate first response actions which will lead to best stuck pipe outcomes.  Appropriate jar selection, placement operation will be discussed to enable participants to make good decisions related to jar use in drilling operations. Finally on day three participants will learn how to monitor downhole and surface indicators of hole conditions which will lead to early detection of stuck pipe potential.

Hole Cleaning

• Drilling fluids selection and rheology
• Solids control and hole cleaning

On day four, participants will learn the importance drilling fluid properties as it affects hole cleaning.  Specific topics that will be covered include drilling fluid selection and rheology, solids control, and hole cleaning.  Differences in hole cleaning in vertical, inclined, and horizontal wells, as well as strategies for effective hole cleaning will be discussed.  Numerous animations and videos will be used to assist with understanding hole cleaning.  Topics learned will be reinforced through class exercises and group discussions of real case histories.

Stuck Pipe Avoidance

• Stuck pipe prevention methods

The last day will focus on teaching participants methods to avoid stuck pipe incidents. Best practices and procedures which will help prevent stuck pipe events while conducting well drilling and servicing activities such as drilling, tripping, running casing, and well surveying. The day will conclude with exercises using actual stuck pipe case histories.